Hi everyone
We are planning a trip to Europe (thanks to those who helped with the Bruges leg, that is now booked!). From Belgium we are planning to to the Netherlands and base ourselves in Amsterdam. We were planning 4 full days there but by the looks the timing our preferred onward flight (to Dubrovnik) we will be in the Netherlands for 6 full days. This would mean we can get a convenient direct flight to Dubrovnik.
If we did choose this option, we would obviously have an extra 2 days in Amsterdam. We would look at day trips to see some countryside, maybe hiring a car for a couple of days to explore. I have been reading Rick's guidebook and there are several options that look interesting, like Delft, Vollendam, Edam and Marken. I was wondering if anyone could suggest if we are better to drive or use public transport, and which places might be interesting to visit. we like photography, walking and would like to see some 'cute' traditional picture postcard type places. We would like to get the traditional windmill shot, too :-)
Another question re accommodation in Amsterdam... to be central but not right in the middle of the tourist crush, is the Jordaan district a decent choice, or are there other alternatives?
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
It would help alot to know when u plan to be in amstrdam and your lodging daily budget and level of amenities. . Ams can be quite expensive in general, more in summer and convention season.
U should definately take public transit for ams and your daytrips.
Posted by
OP
Australia
111 posts
Hi, sorry.... there I was really trying to get all the details in, haha.
We will be there early September. We know Amsterdam is expensive but hoping to find something that's central and clean / nice for around $300AU a night. That is around 190 euros. We are fine with paying more for accommodation in Amsterdam as other places we are going will be cheaper and it all balances out in the end.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
3849 posts
We spent 9 days in Amsterdam with no shortage of things to do. So many wonderful museums, sights and day trips. We used public transport with no problem. We day tripped to Haarlem and Delft by train then Edam/Markem/Volendam by local bus, described in Rick's book. If you, go on a Wednesday for the cheese market in Edam - get there early for a seat. The local bus has other options but we didn't have enough time to do another day. We purchased the Museumkaart card and a transit card. A few tips (if any of these places interest you)
Pre-book Anne Frank house
Pre-book with both ticket and timed entrance Van Gogh
Try and see the hidden Church, Our Lord in the Attic in the red light district, amazing
In Haarlem pre-book Corrie Ten Boom house tour
Everything can be done on-line
Have fun, you will love Amsterdam
Posted by
OP
Australia
111 posts
Thank you so much for these brilliant suggestions!!! Thank you so much :-)
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15585 posts
You would probably find cheaper rooms in another city, so maybe split your time with 3/3 or 4/2 nights in A'dam and Utrecht or Haarlem, or Delft or Leiden. Any of these are a 20-40 minute train ride from Schiphol.
Trains are great in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Posted by
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
3207 posts
As you are going to be in Amsterdam for 6 days, I suggest you look into the museumkaart. It will save you money in the long run, but most important, it allows you to go in and out of museums so you don't have to absorb one total museum in a day; i.e., Rijksmuseum. I know a lot of people love to stay outside Amsterdam, but I like to wander back to my hotel on occasion or at least feel like I can. I like to be centrally located. We recently stayed at Hotel Fita in the Museum Quarter. Depending on the time of year, this hotel might fit in your budget...and it includes a delicious breakfast. With the museumkaart we did not have to pre-book Van Gogh. There is a reservation office that you go to and pick up your ticket for entrance so you don't have to plan ahead.
We didn't have time for day trips and there remains much to be seen. However, if you do take day trips, just take the train. There are too many charming towns in The Netherlands to name, but Volendam was one of my favorites, and Amersfoort, but it might be I got there before most tourists. Hoorn is interesting for different reasons, IMO. I think you could decide your day trips last minute.
Posted by
OP
Australia
111 posts
Thanks once again for these suggestions everyone, I am enjoying planning our Netherlands vacation :-)
Posted by
OP
Australia
111 posts
Hi Andrew!
Thank you for your suggestions. We are definitely planning some day trips! In Belgium we are concentrating on Bruges, Ghent and hopefully Antwerp :-)
Posted by
Illinois, USA
64 posts
We just returned from the Netherlands/Belgium. We stayed at Max Brown - Canal District in Amsterdam which is on the north side of Jordaan area. It was a quick walk (10-15 minutes) to Amsterdam Centraal station and about the same amount of time to Anne Frank. Our room was on the top floor so you must be prepared to walk up a fair amount of steps... no elevator. It faced the canal which gave us a wonderful view, plus in quiet area. Just a matter of blocks before you enter the bustle of Amsterdam. Not the most spacious room we've been in but definitely served our needs. They did have a nice breakfast and the staff was quite friendly and helpful.
I agree about pre-booking Anne Frank. They are undergoing some renovations and only do online reservations 2 months in advance. I believe this may end by the time of your trip, but I would definitely look at the website if that is a must-see for you.
We did enjoy going to the Royal Floraholland flower auction in Aalsmeer. (Travel time about an hour from Amsterdam Centraal) It was quite fascinating. Facility sells about 30 million flowers and plants per day. Very important to arrive early because pretty much all of the activity is done by 11:00 am.
Safe travels