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Amsterdam for 2.5 days

Hubby and I will be in AMS from August 20-21 and then again on September 3 before our flight home to the states. What are some of the top things to do while in AMS? We have already decided on the 3rd we are going to drive to the countryside to see the windmills and such, but on the 20th and 21st we really do not know other than the Van Gough museum. After having flown in from LAX on the 19th, I am sure we will be somewhat slow moving on the 20th. We are NOT big museum people at all and have traveled through the Eastern Med (this trip is a drive trip through several countries).

Any ideas would be awesome!

Thanks.

Kim

Posted by
787 posts

My favorite thing to do in Amsterdam is to wander around the canals, particularly in the Jordaan.

Our entire family found the Resistance Museum to be fascinating; the area around there was pretty, too.

Posted by
70 posts

Hi Kim,

I also highly recommend the Jordann. If you have the RS guidebook, check out the three walks (Red Light District, Amsterdam City Walk, and Jordann Walk (I believe these are the three - I am relying on memory). This should be more than plenty for 2 full days in Amsterdam without going to museums. Don't forgot the wandering, eating/drinking, and people watching :-)

I am going back to Amsterdam myself for 8 nights this year, just to hang out. It is that much of a great city and a great country to explore.

Peace,
Joseph.

Posted by
26 posts

we just returned. One of my top things I wanted to do was a bike ride, but it can be kind of scary there. So we booked a bike tour with Joy Ride. So happy we did. Small groups, great bikes and wonderful tour leader. Do it, I felt like a "real" Amdsterdamer!

Posted by
56 posts

The audio walking tours (free download on your phone from the Rick Steves App) are great! The walking tours point you in the right direction to see many things...and you can pause and sample what you like. I agree with those that recommend spending time in the Jordaan neighborhood. You indicated you are not museum people...but if the weather is foul and you need to get inside, I highly recommend the Rijksmuseum. The Rijks likewise offers a free audio tour that you can download on your phone. You can do a quick 45 minute "highlights" tour.

Posted by
228 posts

SAIL Amsterdam is going on at that time. From august 19 -23 .This event is held every 5 years. Google it and you realize that seeing Tall Ships from around the world is quite spectacular !