I have been given a very last minute gift of 2 1/2 days in Amsterdam - leaving in 10 days! (Usually I spend several months planning a trip to Europe.) Any ideas on what to see, where to stay, where to eat? My husband and I like to stay where we can walk to most everything - we like nice places, but location is more important than star level. I know I'd like to see the Anne Frank house and the Van Gogh Museum, but otherwise we don't want to spend a lot of time in museums, unless there's another must-see. Thanks!
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
I am leaving on Friday (8/10) for Amsterdam and have done lots of pre-trip planning mostly using Rick Steves' Amsterdam/Bruges/Brussels - 2007 book.
Found it most helpful. Recommend it if you don't already have it. It certainly will answer all of the questions you have listed.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
I wouldn't want to miss the Rijkmuseum for the Rembrandts and Vermeers.
Be sure to rent a bike for half a day and tool around the city. The Vondelpark is a great place to ride.
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
I would suggest you take the canal taxi either from or to Ann Frank's home to the Rijksmuseum. From the Rijksmuseum you can walk to the Van Gogh Museum if I recall.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Amsterdam is a lot of fun and easy to walk to all of the sights. You can easily do Anne Frank, Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum in one day. Then after all of those sights are closed for the day, take a relaxing canal ride. Taking a train or bus up to Edam or Volendam would be fun--they're very quaint, quiet towns. We rented bikes in Volendam and rode on top of the dikes. Something really different to do.
Posted by
irvine
112 posts
Better start looking for a room asap.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
473 posts
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is a lot of fun.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
The Madame Tussuad's folks have also opened the "Amsterdam Dungeon" down the street. It's big budget haunted house type experience. It's a bit pricey, but if you and your group are in a "gitty" mood it can be a lot of fun.
Posted by
Clarkston, USA
192 posts
The VanGogh and Rijksmuseums are easy walking distance of each other.
Anne Frank--if you can do this after supper, you won't have huge long lines to wait in. Figure an hour for this tour.
You could easily do both those museums, and Anne's house, in one day.
We went to the Dutch Resistance Museum (allow about an hour) and found it fascinating.
We stayed at the Hotel Washington and found it just fine. Not fancy but close to tram stops, quiet neighborhood.
Check on getting the IAMsterdam cards. They are good for several hours and can get you into some things for free or at reduced rates.
For a good dinner, go to the Taj Mahal restaurant.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
Hello, I'm currently in Amsterdam right now and have been here for 3 days or so. I have found Amsterdam to be "two cities" - the peaceful beautiful parts around the canals like the Jordaan and Vondelpark etc, and the big squares like Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein, and the whole Dam Square/RLD/Flower market area where the young drunk high groups hang out. I would say try to experience both parts - wander the Jordaan. I quite enjoyed the De Hortus botanical gardens near Waterlooplein yesterday if you like pretty plants and greenhouses (there is a big flea market there in the mornings too, if that's your thing). if you like steak I had a fantastic meal at the TER Steakhouse right by Dam Square last night, very reasonably priced and delicious. As for accommodation, good luck, I heard someone at the TI office yesterday tell some young girls mostly everything is booked this time of year. But I would say if you don't like museums (I don't!) just wander. Also I really enjoyed the boat tour :)