Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday 01:21 - Dec 6 with 5340 views | The_Romford_Blue | Anyone been? Things to do? Places to visit? A decent boozer is all we realistically need to keep me and her happy but would be nice if one of the days was spent doing something else abit different. We plan to go to the Christmas market and will almost certainly have a walk through the red light district (for the lolz) at some point but what else can we do? Only Monday (8am arrival) to Wednesday (9pm) so not too long. Still cost me £880 though which feels abit much! Nice hotel though. Recommendations please folks |  |
| |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 07:15 - Dec 6 with 3500 views | davblue | If you want to see a football ground the Amsterdam arena used to do tours and was reachable via the underground. Anne Frank’s gaff would be worth it. |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 07:44 - Dec 6 with 3450 views | Churchman | Amsterdam is lovely. One of the best cities. I haven’t been for a lot of years now so can’t recommend any bars, but when I went there were plenty of them. If you are into museums, the Rijksmuseum is a must. Lots of different stuff in there. If you are into art, there’s the Van Gogh museum. And of course Anne Frank’s house is a must. To get a really stunning view of the place, a boat cruise is a great way to do it. Saves on legs too! Given your limited time I’d certainly consider doing this to ‘see’ the city and learning a bit about it from the commentary. The nice thing about the famous canal bit of Amsterdam is that it isn’t too large and is very walkable, including the Red Light district which was a laugh. Even the train station is close by - and when I went their transport system was clean and efficient, unlike the over priced shambles in this country. The cost? I think you’ll find Amsterdam worth it. Have a great time |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 08:03 - Dec 6 with 3419 views | hype313 | Last time I went I can't remember a single thing about it. |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 08:16 - Dec 6 with 3374 views | WeWereZombies |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 07:44 - Dec 6 by Churchman | Amsterdam is lovely. One of the best cities. I haven’t been for a lot of years now so can’t recommend any bars, but when I went there were plenty of them. If you are into museums, the Rijksmuseum is a must. Lots of different stuff in there. If you are into art, there’s the Van Gogh museum. And of course Anne Frank’s house is a must. To get a really stunning view of the place, a boat cruise is a great way to do it. Saves on legs too! Given your limited time I’d certainly consider doing this to ‘see’ the city and learning a bit about it from the commentary. The nice thing about the famous canal bit of Amsterdam is that it isn’t too large and is very walkable, including the Red Light district which was a laugh. Even the train station is close by - and when I went their transport system was clean and efficient, unlike the over priced shambles in this country. The cost? I think you’ll find Amsterdam worth it. Have a great time |
Don't forget to check the weather forecast and wrap up warm if necessary for the boat cruise (very touristy but also a decent way to get a view from a different perspective.) As Churchers has said, Anne Frank's House is a must ~ even if you already know all the history it still brings it home. As well as the Red Light district you can also 'experience' a coffee house (without toking) if that is still an option for non~residents. And if you need to fill the belly up then a pancake house is an affordable option. |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 08:36 - Dec 6 with 3342 views | oldbeardy | I second the Rijksmuseum as definitely worth a visit - easy to walk there as it's pretty central (Amsterdam very walkable as a city generally). Worth hunting out some of the Brown cafes/bars for a beer. There's quite a decent craft beer place just round the corner from the Rijksmuseum if that's your thing. It's a lovely city, relaxed but somehow quite sophisticated (though maybe not the Grasshopper and/or Bulldog.....). The Oude Kerk right in the centre is worth a few minutes. And you can't avoid the red light district though it's been tidied up quite a bit over recent years |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 08:49 - Dec 6 with 3305 views | StokieBlue | The Van Gogh museum is incredible. If you decide to go there book tickets now and preferably early as it gets very busy. SB |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 08:49 - Dec 6 with 3304 views | Kievthegreat |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 07:44 - Dec 6 by Churchman | Amsterdam is lovely. One of the best cities. I haven’t been for a lot of years now so can’t recommend any bars, but when I went there were plenty of them. If you are into museums, the Rijksmuseum is a must. Lots of different stuff in there. If you are into art, there’s the Van Gogh museum. And of course Anne Frank’s house is a must. To get a really stunning view of the place, a boat cruise is a great way to do it. Saves on legs too! Given your limited time I’d certainly consider doing this to ‘see’ the city and learning a bit about it from the commentary. The nice thing about the famous canal bit of Amsterdam is that it isn’t too large and is very walkable, including the Red Light district which was a laugh. Even the train station is close by - and when I went their transport system was clean and efficient, unlike the over priced shambles in this country. The cost? I think you’ll find Amsterdam worth it. Have a great time |
Can recommend the Rijksmuseum and canal tour. I did one with unlimited drinks and cheese (better for wine drinkers, only beer was Heineken). Beer, cheese and history really hits the spot for me though. |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 08:54 - Dec 6 with 3296 views | NederlandseBlue | For some alternative drinking experiences in the center try: Proeflokaal Arendsnest - a lovely old fashioned bar serving over 50 Dutch beers. It's also close to the De Negen Straatjes, which is full of interesting shops for last minute Christmas shopping. Wynand Fockink - a tiny bar serving their own liqueurs that they've been making since 1679. Even if you don't typically drink spirits, there will surely be 1 of their huge range that you will enjoy. Remember to take your first sip with both hands behind your back. Bar TwentySeven - If you want to splash out on nice cocktails, try this fancy cocktail lounge. Despite being on Dam Square, it's rather hidden so not frequented by as many tourists. Still gets busy with ITK locals so avoid peak times. The Christmas markets are deliberately kept in the most touristy parts of the city. But if you go to the one on Rembrandtplein, there's a nice darts bar called Oche which does good beer and bar snacks if you get cold. Tourists tend to stay on the square and so miss out on plenty of much nicer bars and good restaurants nearby, which you can find by walking down Utrechtsestraat. And don't just stay in the center. Take the free ferries from Amsterdam Centraal to explore the Noord district. The short Bulksloterweg route takes you across to the Eye Filmmuseum, A'DAM Lookout with the best views of the city, and the great burger bar/club The Butcher. The longer free ferry ride on the NDSM route takes you to the old docks which have been transformed into great bars like Pllek or IJver and restaurants like Cannibale Royale. There is a lot of interesting street art and, depending on when you go, there may be Europe's largest flea market happening called IJ-Hallen. The Amsterdam Light Festival should be on too. This is a series of installations by artists from all over the world which light up at night over the canals. There are boat tours but it's just as good to walk (part of) the route for free. Others have mentioned the canal boat tours. I would wrap up extra warm but choose the open top boats. You get to see much better. Some, although not sure if this is only in the summer, do unlimited drinks. |  | |  | Login to get fewer ads
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 08:54 - Dec 6 with 3303 views | blueasfook | Last time I was there i visited the Ann Frank house. It's easy to see how the Germans found her. It actually says "Ann Frank House" on the front. |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 09:03 - Dec 6 with 3210 views | NederlandseBlue |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 08:54 - Dec 6 by blueasfook | Last time I was there i visited the Ann Frank house. It's easy to see how the Germans found her. It actually says "Ann Frank House" on the front. |
There's a story about the theatre production of Anne Frank's life that it was so boring that part way through the show an audience member stood up and shouted "She's in the attic" before storming out. May be an urban legend. |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 09:07 - Dec 6 with 3186 views | TractorCam |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 07:15 - Dec 6 by davblue | If you want to see a football ground the Amsterdam arena used to do tours and was reachable via the underground. Anne Frank’s gaff would be worth it. |
The Anne Frank house may be sold out, it was sold out 6 weeks in advance when I went! I did do a walking tour which was good and lasted a couple of hours. I checked out the Olympic Stadium where we won the UEFA Cup as another footy option. |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 09:10 - Dec 6 with 3170 views | Lord_Lucan | I've been over 60 times. My advice is to do your own thing - although I'll send you a PM Where are you staying. |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 09:12 - Dec 6 with 3162 views | _clive_baker_ | I used to live in the Dam, great city and a good choice for a few days break. You won't be short of good places to drink although prepare yourself for expensive pints, similar to London prices. The Heineken museum is actually very good if that's your thing. Weather looks good for you, chilly but dry and maybe a bit of sun so it should be nice to be out and about in. There used to be a free (normally tip 10 EUR at the end or something) c.2 hour walking which I would always recommend to visitors, especially early into your trip as a) its a great way to learn about the city and see the sights with a guide who knows what they're talking about, and b) you'll see things you'll think 'we should come back and see that tomorrow'. All my friends who came out to see me and did it enjoyed it so I'd recommend booking on to that. Anne Frank's house is a must as others have said, that's very close to where I used to live on Egelantiersstraat. There used to be a fantastic pancake place near there if that's your thing. The Dutch love a pancake, sweet and savoury. I never really vibed savoury pancakes myself, rather have a pizza but I was partial to a sweet one. I've never actually been to the Christmas market there, but no doubt that'll be worth a look. Christmas markets in Europe hit different, especially on a really cold dry night. |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:26 - Dec 6 with 2999 views | leitrimblue | UK Cheese ( the UK,s greatest export), chips with Mayo, waffles and pancakes, MDMA, Gabba and other poor technos |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:42 - Dec 6 with 2954 views | The_Romford_Blue |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 09:10 - Dec 6 by Lord_Lucan | I've been over 60 times. My advice is to do your own thing - although I'll send you a PM Where are you staying. |
Eden hotel. Upgraded to the best room there. Location was the main thing with it being 350 yards from the centre. Cheers |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:43 - Dec 6 with 2943 views | blueasfook |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:26 - Dec 6 by leitrimblue | UK Cheese ( the UK,s greatest export), chips with Mayo, waffles and pancakes, MDMA, Gabba and other poor technos |
And of course, the err.. "coffee" shops |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:43 - Dec 6 with 2943 views | giant_stow |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 09:12 - Dec 6 by _clive_baker_ | I used to live in the Dam, great city and a good choice for a few days break. You won't be short of good places to drink although prepare yourself for expensive pints, similar to London prices. The Heineken museum is actually very good if that's your thing. Weather looks good for you, chilly but dry and maybe a bit of sun so it should be nice to be out and about in. There used to be a free (normally tip 10 EUR at the end or something) c.2 hour walking which I would always recommend to visitors, especially early into your trip as a) its a great way to learn about the city and see the sights with a guide who knows what they're talking about, and b) you'll see things you'll think 'we should come back and see that tomorrow'. All my friends who came out to see me and did it enjoyed it so I'd recommend booking on to that. Anne Frank's house is a must as others have said, that's very close to where I used to live on Egelantiersstraat. There used to be a fantastic pancake place near there if that's your thing. The Dutch love a pancake, sweet and savoury. I never really vibed savoury pancakes myself, rather have a pizza but I was partial to a sweet one. I've never actually been to the Christmas market there, but no doubt that'll be worth a look. Christmas markets in Europe hit different, especially on a really cold dry night. |
You lived there?! Jammy sod. I went recentlybut couldn't get in to Anne Frank's house - gets booked up way ahead, so if you want to do it, book online now. We did the ajax stadium tour, which was nice. We also hired bikes and did a boat tour - consider an evening cruise. Also, if you're a puffer, they have 'smoking boats' (I couldn't do this as I was there with my little one). Also, as someone says above, exploor the outer bits. We loved Java Island - not loads there, just nice. Or NDSM which is a ferry ride away fro some culture and sh1t. Have fun. |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:44 - Dec 6 with 2939 views | The_Romford_Blue |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 09:12 - Dec 6 by _clive_baker_ | I used to live in the Dam, great city and a good choice for a few days break. You won't be short of good places to drink although prepare yourself for expensive pints, similar to London prices. The Heineken museum is actually very good if that's your thing. Weather looks good for you, chilly but dry and maybe a bit of sun so it should be nice to be out and about in. There used to be a free (normally tip 10 EUR at the end or something) c.2 hour walking which I would always recommend to visitors, especially early into your trip as a) its a great way to learn about the city and see the sights with a guide who knows what they're talking about, and b) you'll see things you'll think 'we should come back and see that tomorrow'. All my friends who came out to see me and did it enjoyed it so I'd recommend booking on to that. Anne Frank's house is a must as others have said, that's very close to where I used to live on Egelantiersstraat. There used to be a fantastic pancake place near there if that's your thing. The Dutch love a pancake, sweet and savoury. I never really vibed savoury pancakes myself, rather have a pizza but I was partial to a sweet one. I've never actually been to the Christmas market there, but no doubt that'll be worth a look. Christmas markets in Europe hit different, especially on a really cold dry night. |
I’m led to believe Amsterdam & Berlin are the two most famous Christmas markets in the world. No idea myself as can’t say I’ve ever been to one but should be decent enough. Currency wise.. is it worth just keeping to my card or should I get some of their money out in cash (is it euros I’m guessing?) I love a pancake so I’ll definitely get one of those. Of the suggestions so far in the thread, I think the Van Gogh museum is the unlikeliest. Neither of us are really into art to be honest. Only way it would be a maybe is if we do an edible beforehand just for the experience of art in that state. [Post edited 6 Dec 2024 10:46]
|  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:46 - Dec 6 with 2934 views | blueasfook |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:42 - Dec 6 by The_Romford_Blue | Eden hotel. Upgraded to the best room there. Location was the main thing with it being 350 yards from the centre. Cheers |
Back in my student days when we didnt have much money, we used to go over and stay in hostels, which was about 8 Euros a night or something. You'd be in a dorm with about 20 beds and loads of random strangers. Can honestly say though, of all my visits to Amsterdam over the years staying in hostels was by the far the best laugh. |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:52 - Dec 6 with 2877 views | leitrimblue |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:43 - Dec 6 by blueasfook | And of course, the err.. "coffee" shops |
Be the best place to procure your UK Cheese alright. If not available try the Girl Scout Cookies. Probably more common and easier to track down |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:53 - Dec 6 with 2876 views | giant_stow |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:46 - Dec 6 by blueasfook | Back in my student days when we didnt have much money, we used to go over and stay in hostels, which was about 8 Euros a night or something. You'd be in a dorm with about 20 beds and loads of random strangers. Can honestly say though, of all my visits to Amsterdam over the years staying in hostels was by the far the best laugh. |
I stayed in a big dorm there years back. Not happy memories though - blood in the showers, a bad trip in the living area and a couple screwing in the bunk beds next to me. |  |
|  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:56 - Dec 6 with 2861 views | Cotty | Boat tours are pretty good. |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:58 - Dec 6 with 2860 views | leitrimblue |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:46 - Dec 6 by blueasfook | Back in my student days when we didnt have much money, we used to go over and stay in hostels, which was about 8 Euros a night or something. You'd be in a dorm with about 20 beds and loads of random strangers. Can honestly say though, of all my visits to Amsterdam over the years staying in hostels was by the far the best laugh. |
Was the way to go in the 90,s. Ferry over on a Friday evening, slaughtered all day Saturday and then hope someone had arranged, or at least had a plan for accommodation that evening. Though the idea of spending a night in a feck1n hostel now horrifies me. I don't even like hotels that much any more, to many people to close together |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 11:02 - Dec 6 with 2828 views | leitrimblue |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 10:53 - Dec 6 by giant_stow | I stayed in a big dorm there years back. Not happy memories though - blood in the showers, a bad trip in the living area and a couple screwing in the bunk beds next to me. |
We're you born a miserable old man GS? Perhaos Norfolks incestuous rumours are untrue? Otherwise id have thought you woulda been overjoyed by the sight of someone you wasn't related to having sex |  | |  |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 11:08 - Dec 6 with 2810 views | giant_stow |
Just booked three days in Amsterdam for Monday on 11:02 - Dec 6 by leitrimblue | We're you born a miserable old man GS? Perhaos Norfolks incestuous rumours are untrue? Otherwise id have thought you woulda been overjoyed by the sight of someone you wasn't related to having sex |
Brute!!! All I could hear that night was the sound of cheap rubber mattresses squeaking and gentle groans... I could hardly believe it. f'cking barbarians. |  |
|  |
| |