Trip Alertz For Jetsetters, By Jetsetters
Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The city is brimming with canals, tulips, museums and beautiful parks. Visit the Netherlands for a taste of Dutch culture and be prepared to hop on a bike. Millions visit Amsterdam every year, and it makes the perfect long weekend break.
Here are some of the best things you can do in Amsterdam.
Popular attractions
As one of Europe’s hit destinations, it’s no surprise that Amsterdam is filled with popular tourist attractions. Spend an afternoon in Vondel Park on the grass fields or enjoy one of the restaurants and bars situated in the park. There are over 10 million visitors to Vondel Park every year! Visit the Bloemenmarket and pick up some fresh flowers for your loved one, or take a trip to the Heineken beer museum.
You can go shopping in ‘de 9 straatjes’, translated to the nine streets. Enjoy the vast range of boutique shops, jewellery stores and cafes running along the three main canals Prinsengracht, Keizergracht and Herengracht. These are also the best canals to join in huge street festivals such as Kings Day and Pride.
Museums
Amsterdam is known for its museums. Go to the Anne Frank House, The Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum to learn something new about Dutch culture. The Rijksmuseum is one of the best in the Netherlands and is worth a visit. In this museum, there are over one million objects, and 8,000 of them are on display.
Or you could visit the Van Gogh museum to see more than 600 of his drawings and paintings, including the infamous sunflowers.
Transport
There are many ways to get to Amsterdam. Get a train to London St. Pancras and then catch the Eurostar to Amsterdam – easy!
Or you can travel by ferry or plane to get to the city and then rent a bike for exploring. You can also use the canal boats to travel throughout the city or rent a tandem with your travelling partner. There are various passes on offer for the metro and tram systems so you can control how much you’re spending.
Food
Amsterdam has some of the best food in Europe. If you’re interrailing and tight on money, use the supermarkets, Albert Heijn, across the city to make your own food. Or, if you enjoy eating out, there are some brilliant restaurants to indulge in.
Amsterdam is home to some of the best patisseries and pancake houses, in particular Pannenkoekenhuis. It’s also tradition to visit the Dutch cheese shops – which are allocated all over the city.
De Pijp is one of the most Instagram-worthy neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. You can find all sorts of vegan restaurants, brunch spots and trendy bars. De Pijp is towards the south of the city, however, it’s super-accessible from the centre as well.
Some other excellent restaurants include Sumo and Café George – delicious!
Visit Amsterdam in the Spring so you can see the iconic Dutch tulips and avoid the crowds of the peak summer season.
