Amsterdam for 3 nights

Jed,

Your pacing sounds OK to me (then again, I tend to pack in a lot, a la Rick's style).

If it were me, I would skip the Heinekin brewery tour (as much as I love beer, I'm not sure I would invest that prescious time in a brewery tour anywhere -- tour one back home!). I'd rent a bike for a 1/2 day and just go riding around. We did that and it felt really good to get out of the tourist center (as much fun as it is). Also helped us get over the jet lag. Maybe also a quick breeze through the Rijksmuseum (if that's possible).

http://hilton.org.uk/amsterdam.phtml

Hi Jed,
... the above link may be helpful, particularly on the subject of Amsterdam cafés...
... Have a great stay! P

Thanks David! We have talked a bit about the Rijksmuseum and may try to fit it in when we go to the Van Gogh museum. We'll see how we're feeling that day and how energetic we feel. Biking sounds like a nice option too, as a bit of exercise may help with the jet lag.

Perry-thanks for the website! Looks like some good places to eat. I'll have to look some of them up on the map and see where they are. I can't wait to get going!

Very relaxed pace. I did both the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh in the same morning - the Rijks is under construction so the collection has been pared down to a very manageble size. You could do one, picnic, then do the other - they're just blocks apart.

Re: Anne Frank house - the entry door for the pre-purchased timed entry passes is SEPARATE from the long line - when facing the museum, it's to the left of the entrance for the masses. Push the buzzer and they'll let you in. Also, I did the Blue Boat canal tour and wasn't very impressed - not sure about the other one (Holland, I think it is), but others with opinions will likely post.

The train into the city is easy to catch from the airport (train station is under airport). I bought my return tickets at the TI in the airport (easier than dealing with ticket machines). Don't forget to validate ticket before going down the stairs to the train platform (unless you like backtracking).

Thanks CL! Can we buy our tickets for Brugges at the airport TI, or should we wait until we get to Amsterdam Cenrtraal? I figure we'll just buy them the day we arrive and then we won't have to worry when we leave in 3 days.

Good info on the Rijksmuseum. Good to squeeze in the picnic between the two. I think I'm most excited about all the eating opportunities! :-)

I enjoyed the Heinekin tour, but do not spend too much time there, it can easily be done in about an hour or so. The free samples are quite nice.

I think your pacing is quite good.

Make sure to do the canal tour, well worth it.

Cheers
Troy

Thanks Troy! I've checked again a few days ago and the Heinekin Brewery site says it's still closed for renovation. No date yet on the website for when it will be open. I'm sure in Amsterdam we'll be able to find other places to sample fine beers!

On a side note, I noticed REM is playing at Westerpark one of the days we're there. That could be fun! We've never seen them here, so it could be a good experience to see them in Amsterdam! We'll play it by ear though. Our hotel is only a few miles from the location, so it could be an easy trip.

You might consider seeing the Dutch Resistance Museum also. You'd only need about an hour and it's very well-presented.

We were in Amsterdam in April and had the most wonderful walking tour, best of all it was FREE !
check our www.newamsterdamtours.com for info
Our guide was a college student from NJ and very knowledgable. Tour lasted approx 3 1/2 hours, and we saw so much. We did it the first day and was able to decide where we wanted to go back to and where just seeing it as we past by was enough. there were only six people on the tour so w were able to move around rather quickly .The guides do work for tips and we gave 5 Euros per person. In hindsight that was probably was too little.
We did take a canal cruise but was not nearly as good as the walking tour.
Good luck and happy travels

I am currently in Amsterdam and think you will have no trouble with your agenda. If you decide to go to the Rijk's then between there and the Van Gogh museum is a cafe kind of place called Cobra. They will give you a discount on your food if you show them your museum ticket.