Tips for visiting Amsterdam

Tips for visiting Amsterdam

I am Amsterdam sign, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Here are some tips for visiting Amsterdam. Let me know your thoughts and if I need to add anything here.

TRANSPORT
Amsterdam transport map

Amsterdam transport map – CLICK TO SEE LARGER MAP

Getting from the Airport 

  • Get 2nd class train ticket to Amsterdam Centraal (Amsterdam Central Station)
  • Get a weekend return ticket if going back on Sunday
  • Ticket machines only accept coins and credit cards otherwise go to a ticket booth (this could have changed recently let me know)
  • It takes 15 mins to get to Central Station
Other transport tips
  • Use 9292.nl to find out all transport listings for the tram, metro & train.
  • Trains between Utrecht & Amsterdam run all night i.e. technically you can go clubbing in Utrecht and get night train back to Amsterdam and visa versa
  • Get train to Central station from Schiphol Airport 15 mins – (try and get a weekend return its cheaper, in english the machines may encourage you to get a first class ticket ignore)
  • Expect to get ripped off if you get a taxi anywhere
  • Rent a bike or take a hop-on hop-off canal tour

DO

Amsterdam Canal at Sunrise

Amsterdam Canal at Sunrise

  • Canal boat tour- loads near central station
  • Visit the Amsterdam Brewery – a pub in a windmill beside a canal !!
  • On a sunny day chill out in Vondel Park with a few beers
  • Hire a bike if you are brave – well its actually safer to cycle than walk in the centre I have been told – just don’t forget where you parked your bike! Its easier than you think 🙂
  • The Tuschinski Art Deco Cinema in the main hall is pretty spectacular it looks like an opera house and most movies are in english.
MUSEUMS
  • If you really feel like going to a museum go to the Science museum called Nemo (crazy building near central) nice cafe terrace with view from top.
  • Van Gogh museum & Rijks museum are way too expensive and crowded during summer.

CLUBS & VENUES
Paradiso -Leidseplein, – converted church, live music venue/nightclub
Melkweg – Leidseplein – multiple rooms chill out area (similar to pod style)
Korsakoff – just offLeidseplein – trance, drum n bass
Winston Kingdom –  smaller nightclub/bar good atmosphere cheely mondays good dnb night
Cafe alto – Leidseplein, jazz bar great atmosphere,
Bitterzoet – Spuistraat (close to central)

BARS

Gollem Beer Café Amsterdam

Rast & cat enjoying Gollem Beer Café , Pijp, Amsterdam

Cost of beer in Amsterdam

Cost of beer in Amsterdam – well worth the investment!

Gollem, –  – Craft beer mecca. In the Pijp area on Danielstalperstraat its beside the Suriname Moksi cafe, there is also the beer cafe at Raamsteg 4 which is very central near Spuistraat. It’s a favourite spot
T’arendsnest – Herengract 90, Jordaan, – Great Dutch beer cafe
Brouwerij het IJ – If you go nowhere else go here – Amsterdam Brewery in a windmill !!!
Kashmir Lounge – worth a trip its a very *special* bar
Cafe Alto – Jazz bar near Leidseplein
Kashmir lounge coffee shop Amsterdam

Kashmir Lounge Amsterdam

[Image source: Jessieonajourney.com]


FOODIE STUFF

  • 1er Klas In central station its a Grand Cafe on platform 2b great chill out spot with good food before airport (check out the parrot)
  • Try getting a Suriname Roti ( like a spicy curry stew) YUM, best ones are found outside the city but ask around
  • Pijp area ( near Heineken brewery) is good for food
  • Funky bar restaurant middle eastern food in old church http://bazaramsterdam.com/
  • Try an indonesian Ris Tafel ( rice table) – http://www.kantjil.nl/en/
  • Try FEBO at your own risk = machine food
  • Ask for Patatje Oorlog – ‘fries of war’ literally translated, satay sauce, mayo & onion
  • Pizza Bakkers – exquisite pizza
  • 24 hour beer delivery – just in case!
  • Festina Lente – Cafe bar overlooking canal in quieter district
Terrace cafes in the Pijp, Amsterdam

Terrace cafes in the Pijp, Amsterdam

OTHER TIPS FOR VISITING AMSTERDAM

  • Don’t walk on the cycle path, it pisses off the locals!
  • Watch out for cars, trams, bikes, motorbikes, seriously just look both ways
  • Don’t fall into a canal  ~:)
 LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING I HAVE MISSED AND I WILL ADD IT TO THE LIST!
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