We have 27 hours in Amsterdam in May before flying home. We have to sleep at least a few hours (already have a room reserved in the center) but want to make the most of our time. Don't care that much about the coffeeshops, we live in Oregon. We may or may not be museum'd out after 22 days in Italy. Really just want a quick taste of Amsterdam. What would you do with 27 hrs?
Posted by
Chicago
8165 posts
it is one of the great walking cities visually stunning and
so since you are in the center and say you might be all museum'd out
just hang out wander the streets and stop and drop in wherever
and ask the local host of your lodging where to go eat
Posted by
North Carolina
318 posts
I agree with the previous reply - just do lots of walking. Rick's three audio tours (central, Jordaan, and Red Light district) would give you the big picture if you want some structure to your wanderings. While you're in the Jordaan neighborhood (incidentally, a good place for a bike ride), you could visit the Anne Frank House; be sure to reserve a time in advance for greatest efficiency. Take a canal boat ride--it's touristy but fun. If the weather allows, have a drink at an outdoor table at a cafe and watch all the people (and bikes) go by. Ride a tram at least once and marvel at the efficiency of their transit system. Have some fries with mayonnaise, and maybe a nutella crepe. If it's a nice day, wander up to the Vondelpark.
That's a lot for one day, but if you have the energy it would be a great "slice of Amsterdam" day.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Don't forget the south-east corner of the centre around the Waterlooplein. The impressive seventeenth-century Portuguese synagogue. The no less impressive Amstelhof, a retirement home of the same era, now used for the Hermitage Museum. Both monuments of the liberal climate of those days.
Posted by
Florida
1450 posts
Even if you've had your fill of museums, which I totally understand, you should summon the energy to visit the van Gogh museum. It's a nice contrast to all the renaissance/baroque art in Italy. Or just walk around town and lounge in Vondel park if the weather is nice.