Amsterdam suggestions?

[rudebhoy]

Got a 3 night break booked next week, looking for recommendations.

Have been once before, 35 years ago on a end of season football tour, less said about that the better

Taking the missus this time, so please don't suggest the red light district or the hash cafes (are they still a thing?). Staying pretty central, about 1.5km from Dam Square.

 

[Burnsey]

I'd say do a hop on - hop off canal boat first, which takes you around the city, pointing out the 'attractions', things to do etc. From that, you can plan your few days after noting the things you fancy.

Loads of places to eat and there's places you'll recognise like Gaucho etc.

We go at least once a year and love the city, finding new things every time. You can be cultural with museums and tours like Carlsberg factory, Jewish quarter, Van Gogh museum, even windmills and tulip tours, or walk round the designer shops, visit the student quarter and of course the red light district (it's so close to Dam Square, to get to or avoid).

For us, it's like any city, where you can explore, or just play by ear, blend in and wander.

 

[KenL]

Went there about 20 years ago. The boats, as already suggested, are good fun. Anne Franks house is a very moving thing to visit and pay respect.
The Van Gogh museum was good too.
Some great bars, brown cafes I think they call them.
Really easy city to walk about. We went in a cold January when it was quiet.

 

[Beezerk]

Van Gough musuem but get there early as the queues can be looooong.

 

[Billysboots]

Have been once before, 35 years ago on a end of season football tour, less said about that the better

We last went at a similar time. Virtually every bloke who came up and introduced themselves to us appeared to have been called Charlie.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Is it tulip time? If so, get a trip out to one of the fields/tours. They are pretty spectacular.

 

[Bazz]

We went last year, got the kids some Tony's Chocolonley with their own names on the wrappers, that went down well if you've got kids or grandchildren.
The boat tour as mentioned previously was pretty good, a nice way to take the weight off for an hour.
Also, we did Anne Frank's house, really interesting, hopefully you don't get a bunch of loud Americans like we did.

 

[KenL]

No matter where you are from, you absolutely need to be quiet and respectful in there.

 

[chico]

We last went at a similar time. Virtually every bloke who came up and introduced themselves to us appeared to have been called Charlie.

Because that's my name all my mates thought it was funny pointing to me when "Charlie " was offered.

 

[3 jabber]

Bols museum and a slurping bar (not sure if there's more than one)

 

[GreiginFife]

You won’t find a Carlsberg factory in the Dam but you will find a Heineken brewery and the tour is pretty good/interesting.

I normally head over for music events at the RAI, although not been for a couple of years as most have moved to Jaarbeurs near Utrecht.

 

[rudebhoy]

Thanks for the suggestions, they are a good starting point for a bit of research this week.

 

[Red scorpion]

Ice bar at Heineken.

 

[backwoodsman]

I'd put the Van Gogh museum and the Rijksmuseum as 'must-see's' ...(

 

[Lord Tyrion]

We are looking at going next spring. Any suggestions with regards to hotels, bnb's, areas to stay, area to avoid?

We have plenty of ideas of what to do when we are there, it's where to stay that doesn't cost a small fortune.

 

[Bazz]

We are looking at going next spring. Any suggestions with regards to hotels, bnb's, areas to stay, area to avoid?

We have plenty of ideas of what to do when we are there, it's where to stay that doesn't cost a small fortune.

We stayed in the Ibis by the train station, well located and I think it was about £300 for 2 nights. Was quite small but it'll be alright for you I guess.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

We stayed in the Ibis by the train station, well located and I think it was about £300 for 2 nights. Was quite small but it'll be alright for you I guess.

Was that pre covid? It's more like £500-550 for 2 nights now. We are going at a weekend which probably doesn't help.

 

[rudebhoy]

We stayed at the West Cord Fashion hotel. 10 minute cab ride to/from the airport, so great if you are flying. It's a bit of a hike from the city centre (it took us an hour to walk back from near the central train station), but the the tram stops right outside, takes about 20 minutes to get to the centre. Lovely big park next to the hotel which was good for g a nice walk on our last morning before heading to the airport.

Hotel itself was very good, great rooftop bar, had dinner there one night which was excellent as well.

 

[Bazz]

Was that pre covid? It's more like £500-550 for 2 nights now. We are going at a weekend which probably doesn't help.

This was last year over a weekend in September. Mental increase and not worth it.

 

[Tashyboy]

We stayed in the Hotel intel Zaandam. Google the pictures it’s gorgeous.

However it is not in Amsterdam, just north of Amsterdam.

When we landed at the airport, the train station is in the airport. We jumped on a train, got off at the hotel stop, up the escalators and the hotel was 50 yards away. To get into Amsterdam is a short train ride to get there, ( 6 mins).

However the hotel is at the top end of a shopping centre. First thing we did when we got there. Shopping missis T couldn’t resist.