Have a 16 hour layover in AMS, land at 4pm on WED, July 23rd and leave on the 24th at 10am, would like to take the train into city center look at some sites-museums-walk along the canal and have a nice dinner before taking train back to Citizen M hotel at airport.
Given my limited time, what couple of sites would u all recommend? Anne Frank House, walk thru Red L Dist, along the canals. dont know when i will be back in AMS, not in foreseeable future.
Would appreciate any suggestions/thoughts.
Do you land at 3 or 4PM?
Either way, by the time you check into the hotel, dump your stuff and make it to town, I cannot help but wonder what museums etc would still be open. (I didn't research that).
Later in the day flights are more likely to be running late as the 'few minutes here and there' pile up. I would be careful about buying any timed entry ticket to an attraction.
Anne Frank House requires advance, timed tickets. You can find out more about how to get them by doing a search of this site. I know they have late time slots. My friends went at 7:30pm. I'm not sure that's the #1 thing to do. Certainly, walking around and taking in the architecture, stopping for some delicious fries and a beer. Maybe an evening canal tour. Those book up, too.
I agree with Joe that there most likely won’t be any museums open and since it’s July and should be good weather, I would head to the Vondelpark and walk all over it. It’s a lovely in city park.
Two things I would NOT do are the Red Light District-yes, it’s very different for us, but it really isn’t that interesting. However, it is a very small area and you could be there and out in 5 minutes! There was talk of moving the district but I don’t know if that has happened.
And the other is walk down the Damrak to the center. Pickpocket central, kind of dirty and very crowded. I always chose the street to the right of there-Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Quieter, still interesting. You will pass by the back of the palace.
IF you are interested in good, different chocolate then try to get to Puccini Bomboni at Singel 184 before 7pm. Excellent and wonderful flavors. It’s just off the aforementioned street to the right-not out of the way.
Also, research how to walk by the Begijnhof. It is private housing for retired nuns, but very beautiful and on the way.
Then, just about any street you take to the Vondelpark will be interesting. I used to like walking down the Leidsegracht, veering to the left past the casino and into the park.
I rarely took the opportunity to eat out but one restaurant I do remember is Restaurant de Struisvogel at Keizergracht 312. You will need a reservation.
Good luck and enjoy.
Maybe think about an evening canal cruise. That would give you a nice introduction to the city. I enjoyed the “Drift Away” cruise with Captain Jack last year — he has since purchased a second boat and changed the name of his business to Bow’s Journeys. Here’s a link to his new website:
https://www.bowsjourneys.com/
Check the website to know exactly when the tickets for Anne Frank go on sale for your specific date. They sell out quickly, so set your alarm. I'd tour Anne Frank, (if you successfully get tickets); a canal cruise and dinner.
Amsterdam’s magic is found by walking its canal-strewn streets and seeing its historic architecture as you walk. Be sure to walk Amsterdam’s oldest streets near the Old Church. (“Oude Kerk”) This is the oldest neighborhood in Amsterdam which also happens to be located in the red light district.
The Anne Frank House is open until 10 pm, so you can reserve a ticket before your trip. Another big museum is Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum. It is
open until 20:00 ( 8 pm).
I usually walk everywhere when visiting European cities. In Amsterdam, the canal boats at night.and the trams during the day are the best way to see the city.
Have a great trip!
thank you ALL for the responses been very helpful.
Will take an evening cruise and visit the AF House.
Anne Frank House requires advance, timed tickets. You can find out
more about how to get them by doing a search of this site.
Make sure you make your ticket purchase for Anne Frank House following the instructions very carefully as you are traveling at a busy time of year and they could well sell out the day they go on sale (really). The museum is open until 22:00 every day, last ticket is 20:45. When picking an entry time, allow time to disembark at airport, and if you are coming from a non-Schengen country also allow time for immigration (can take a long while). About 25 minutes to central AMS from the airport train station. You might consider a cab for efficiency if you're cutting it close.
PS good choice on Citizen M. I've stayed twice and enjoyed it. Quick and easy check in process and the iPad mood lighting is a trip!
In order to get tickets for the Ann Frank house, you need to be on line when a batch is released at 10:00 Amsterdam time. I woke up at 4:00 EST to get tickets. The process took over an hour and I had several days to work with. Check the webpage to see when your date will be released.
Another vote for a canal cruise with Jack! He is excellent and very engaging.
If you can get a reservation, dinner at The Pantry would be good. Super casual, but very good food.
While waiting to get into the Anne Frank house, you can get a bite to eat just 900 feet away and a 5-minute walk from the Anne Frank House in a historic Amsterdam Brown cafe called “CAFE t’SMALLE.” Originally a distillery started in 1780, this blast-from-the-past wood-interior cafe looks much as it did 250 years ago and serves light meals and beverages. A historic place that you won’t even have to go out of your way to experience, CAFE t’SMALLE is located on the corner of two canals at Egelantiersgracht 12.
The cafe is open daily from 2 pm until midnight.
