I am really glad I included Amsterdam on my itinerary. So many people have talked about it and I have finally crossed it off my list. But, do I really cross things OFF my list? More like a checkmark with a pencil. I don’t think there is any place I have been to I wouldn’t go back to. In fact, there are a few that I already want to return to! Having said that, so many destinations to see first. Anyway…
My first day there started off a bit slow. I had traveled from Munich and been to Oktoberfest the day prior (blog post on that here), therefore I was quite tired. I checked in, dropped my bags, and ventured out into the city. The cobbled streets and endless canals were calling my name, begging to be seen. I am really glad I asked for some recommendations on Facebook. Not because I couldn’t figure it out myself, but it was enjoyable to get personal recommendations from people who had been. Which, of course, is one of the big reasons for my trip in effort to build my travel agency.
I grabbed lunch at a burger place next to the hostel. It was close, I was craving a burger, and I was hungry. Win-win. Pretty good! From there I went to Van Staepele for a cookie, a Lindsey Kaskowitz recommendation. She had sent a picture of it and as I was walking there I wondered whether the shop would have it in stock, or if I would recognize it by the photo. Turns out this is the only cookie they bake. Let me tell you, it was incredible! So glad I got 2. A chocolate cookie with white chocolate inside – yummy!
From here I walked around and explored a bit, had to burn off some calories from the cookie experience. Whenever I get to a new city, I love to just walk around and get lost. Exploring without a map is wonderful, I find that I quickly acclimate myself with the city while also seeing things I might not otherwise see. Up this street, down that street, new canal here, constantly taking photos. And the weather was incredible. Not hot, still jacket weather but the sun was out and the air was crisp.
Come nightfall I explored the red light district (no pictures allowed, of course). Street upon street of gently lit red windows with ladies standing inside them, wearing what you would likely see in a sexy Victoria’s Secret ad. Researching in advance, I wasn’t sure if the area would be safe to walk around by yourself. To ease anybody’s concerns who may be interested in exploring, you should feel very safe here. Having said that, as a tourist in every city you should keep an eye on your belongings, pickpockets are ever prevalent in any areas where there are more people. However, people would walk through the streets with their children, if that gives you any indication.
On my second day, I woke up early, and of course had to go and see the ‘I amsterdam’ sign. Getting a picture was a bit difficult with all the people, and there is no way to get a front facing picture and get the full sign in, as there is a fountain in front. So, you have to stand to one side. Right next to this is the Moco museum which is currently featuring a Banksy exhibit so I went here – super cool! If you happen to go through Amsterdam while the exhibit is still in place I highly recommend it. Regular price €13.50 but if you go before 11 PM or after 7 PM its only €11.00. Gives you a bit of background of some of the pieces and history of the artist.
I ventured around a bit exploring the streets before heading to the main square in the city for a walking tour, which I have come to love on my trip. Walking tours allow you to see the city from a local’s perspective, while providing historical information and insight into the city and also some insider recommendations on things to do. After my walking tour I had the opportunity to see the Anne Frank House, which I will be writing a separate post about, but is an absolute must do on your trip to Amsterdam. You have to book tickets online (the only way), and they book up months in advance. They release some tickets the day prior and day of, so recommend to keep checking online. I got lucky 3 hours before my time slot and booked it online while on my walking tour.
Also while I was there, I took the ferry behind Amsterdam Central Station across the river (free ferry service), and walked to A’DAM Lookout in the A’DAM tower. Recommend buying tickets online in advance as you save a couple of Euro, and they have some package deals to save you a few more here and there if you know you will want to eat and/or drink. They also have Europe’s tallest swing here, (€5.00), which stands around 100 meters over the ground. Of course I had to see what this was all about. It was fun. Work the money? Eh, maybe. But hey, I can say I did it! I spent a few hours here with my laptop and enjoyed my office with a view for the day. After this did a canal tour which is probably one of the best ways to see the city, and how it was meant to be seen! There are so many options in Amsterdam, but I’d recommend a smaller boat for a more intimate tour. The larger ones will provide you with a headset however so you can hear the captain or guide explaining the different sites.
But, most importantly. Who rule the world? Cyclists. At least thats the case in Amsterdam. Regardless of what any traffic signs say, bikes rule the road. Cars will stop at green lights to let bikes pass through because THEY WILL NOT STOP. You can cross the street and be much more likely to get hit by a cyclist than by a car. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. The city has more bikes than people. They are EVERYHWHERE. It’s such a problem that, while it is safe to swim in the canals from a water safety perspective, they recommend you are up on your tetanus shots as there are many bikes in the water. The city pulls out 12-15,000 bikes annually. Separately, on average, each bike gets stolen 3.4 times. So, don’t bring your nice bike with you to Amsterdam. It may end up stolen, or in the bottom of the canal. Darn drunk college kids…
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