A Little Four Days Amsterdam Itinerary - How To Spend A Summer's Getaway In Amsterdam, The City That Will Leave You Wanting More
Amsterdam was the final destination of our (me and Mr Chan's) 12 Days Europe sojourn that happened in the summer of 2019. I couldn't have picked a better place to wrap up the trip. Rather than feeling exhausted by the end of the trip, Amsterdam rejuvenates you and makes you hunger for more.
A city abound with beautiful canals and bicycles, coffee shops and quaint houses. There is absolutely no lack of activities to pursue while in Amsterdam!
So you have four days in Amsterdam, what do you do? This post shows the places we visited during our four days trip. We didn't have a clear plan for our Amsterdam trip, choosing instead to wander around and explore once we got there.
While I do enjoy a free and easy itinerary, it really makes the whole itinerary appear completely erratic and haphazard (trust me, it was a nightmare for me to write this post particularly - half the time I don't even know where we had wandered).
But worry not. I will sort them out and help rearrange them into a more effective itinerary by the end of the post. I hope it will help you in your own planning!
Accommodation
If you want to be close to the action and bustle of Amsterdam, opt to stay around the city center area. But remember to plan and book your accommodations way in advance! Amsterdam is a popular travel destination especially in the summer. Even with 4 months into our trip, most of the good plus affordable ones were taken.
We had no choice but to book a rather costly Airbnb. It did suit us quite well located close to the Jordaan neighbourhood and just a short fifteen minutes walk into the heart of Amsterdam.
Our modest room |
That being said though you could also live a little further out from the city center and that would be much cheaper. Sure, you will have to spend more on transport that way but the cost offset will more than make up for it.
Getting around Amsterdam
There wasn't really a need to travel around the city by transport. A lot of the attractions are within walking distance and we spent most of the day strolling. It is easy enough to get around by bus or metro if you require. You could purchase the OV-chipkaart rechargeable card (card itself cost 7.50€) which can be used on the bus, metro and train. Or get the disposable cards for durations of 1 hour (3.20€) or 24 hours (8€).
Day 1 - A Little Haphazard Exploration really
Schuttersgalerij (Civic Guards Gallery)
Managed by Amsterdam Museum and located just two minutes away from it, the Civic Guards Gallery showcases old portraits of the wealthy in Amsterdam, who were also civil guards (Schutterij), a militia company that protected the city.
Here are some of the paintings and art pieces from the gallery...
There are also more modern art pieces of contemporary Dutch celebrities. But perhaps the most distinguished feature of the gallery is the giant wooden figure of Goliath that is hard to miss. Giant Goliath is flanked by the more normal sized figures of his shield-bearer and David.
Incidentally the giant figure of Goliath was never specifically created for the gallery. It was part of the Old Maze, a pleasure garden of old filled with statues, fountains and a labyrinth.
Address is Kalverstraat 92, 1012PH Amsterdam. Opening hours is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.
Begijnhof
Right around the corner from the Civic Guards Gallery is Begijnhof, one of Amsterdam's oldest hofjes (almshouses) consisting of a group of houses surrounding a secluded courtyard and garden.
This was once the place of residence of the Beguines, pious Catholic single women who performed good deeds but did not want to live in a convent nor take their vows, the last of whom died in 1971. These days the houses are occupied but still only by single women.
Be sure to check out the hidden chapel, Begijnhof Chapel. Between 1578 to 1795, Roman Catholics in Amsterdam were disallowed to practice their religion openly. This chapel was the 'official' hidden church set up in two connected houses (no. 31) in the year 1671.
Address is Begijnhof 30, 1012WT Amsterdam. Opening hours is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.
Noordermarkt in Jordaan
Next stop for us was Noordermarkt, a square in the Jordaan neighbourhood. We took our time strolling along the narrow canals and charming streets. The whole neighbourhood gave off a very trendy vibe and was picturesque enough that we stopped to take pictures a couple of times.
If like us you happen to be in Amsterdam on a Saturday, yippee for you. There are several markets set up on that particular day like Lindengracht markt and Noordermarkt (both within Jordaan) and Boerenmarkt (located at Nieuwmarkt).
We decided to head over to Noordermarkt (an organic farmer's market) set up in Noordermarkt (a square in Jordaan). We saw stalls upon stalls selling a wide range of products from fresh fruits and vegetables to cheese, dried goods, even non-edibles like ceramic, flowers, linens, etc.
Feeling decidedly hungry, we got ourselves some delicious fries (Authentic Frites, they called themselves), a bit of raspberry crumble and some flavored soft-serve ice cream.
Operating hours is usually 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Managed by Amsterdam Museum and located just two minutes away from it, the Civic Guards Gallery showcases old portraits of the wealthy in Amsterdam, who were also civil guards (Schutterij), a militia company that protected the city.
Here are some of the paintings and art pieces from the gallery...
There are also more modern art pieces of contemporary Dutch celebrities. But perhaps the most distinguished feature of the gallery is the giant wooden figure of Goliath that is hard to miss. Giant Goliath is flanked by the more normal sized figures of his shield-bearer and David.
The head and eyes of giant Goliath actually moves! |
Incidentally the giant figure of Goliath was never specifically created for the gallery. It was part of the Old Maze, a pleasure garden of old filled with statues, fountains and a labyrinth.
Address is Kalverstraat 92, 1012PH Amsterdam. Opening hours is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.
Begijnhof
Right around the corner from the Civic Guards Gallery is Begijnhof, one of Amsterdam's oldest hofjes (almshouses) consisting of a group of houses surrounding a secluded courtyard and garden.
Yes I am supposed to be in shadows so you can see the statue behind |
This was once the place of residence of the Beguines, pious Catholic single women who performed good deeds but did not want to live in a convent nor take their vows, the last of whom died in 1971. These days the houses are occupied but still only by single women.
Be sure to check out the hidden chapel, Begijnhof Chapel. Between 1578 to 1795, Roman Catholics in Amsterdam were disallowed to practice their religion openly. This chapel was the 'official' hidden church set up in two connected houses (no. 31) in the year 1671.
Inside of the chapel |
The stained window |
Address is Begijnhof 30, 1012WT Amsterdam. Opening hours is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.
Noordermarkt in Jordaan
Next stop for us was Noordermarkt, a square in the Jordaan neighbourhood. We took our time strolling along the narrow canals and charming streets. The whole neighbourhood gave off a very trendy vibe and was picturesque enough that we stopped to take pictures a couple of times.
Beautiful canal views with Munt Tower in the distance |
If like us you happen to be in Amsterdam on a Saturday, yippee for you. There are several markets set up on that particular day like Lindengracht markt and Noordermarkt (both within Jordaan) and Boerenmarkt (located at Nieuwmarkt).
We decided to head over to Noordermarkt (an organic farmer's market) set up in Noordermarkt (a square in Jordaan). We saw stalls upon stalls selling a wide range of products from fresh fruits and vegetables to cheese, dried goods, even non-edibles like ceramic, flowers, linens, etc.
Feeling decidedly hungry, we got ourselves some delicious fries (Authentic Frites, they called themselves), a bit of raspberry crumble and some flavored soft-serve ice cream.
Raspberry crumble! |
Operating hours is usually 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shopping Streets
Interested in doing a spot of shopping, we next ventured to Nieuwendijk followed by Kalverstraat, two major shopping streets in Amsterdam. Leidsestraat is another grand shopping street that is located nearby as well (which we covered on Day 3).
Loads of stores line both sides of the streets that are accessible only by foot. Fashion brands such as H&M, Forever21, Zara and Espirit, makeup brands like MAC, NYX and Kiko plus others like Fossil, Pandora, LUSH, The Body Shop can all be found in these not-to-be-missed-streets-if-you-want-to-shop! Lots of shoe shops as well.
While meandering in and out of the shops, you might wish for a little something to munch on so why not try some vanilla soft serve ice cream with fresh whipped cream. Well not so much munch on as lick away at but this ice cream is definitely worth a taste. Get them at Banketbakkerij Van Der Linde along Nieuwendijk.
Just on the street adjacent to Nieuwendijk is Damrak which is the location of the City Sightseeing Amsterdam office and where I got my free map of the city center.
You could check out PC Hooftstraat too, the main shopping street for luxury brands.
Interested in doing a spot of shopping, we next ventured to Nieuwendijk followed by Kalverstraat, two major shopping streets in Amsterdam. Leidsestraat is another grand shopping street that is located nearby as well (which we covered on Day 3).
Loads of stores line both sides of the streets that are accessible only by foot. Fashion brands such as H&M, Forever21, Zara and Espirit, makeup brands like MAC, NYX and Kiko plus others like Fossil, Pandora, LUSH, The Body Shop can all be found in these not-to-be-missed-streets-if-you-want-to-shop! Lots of shoe shops as well.
While meandering in and out of the shops, you might wish for a little something to munch on so why not try some vanilla soft serve ice cream with fresh whipped cream. Well not so much munch on as lick away at but this ice cream is definitely worth a taste. Get them at Banketbakkerij Van Der Linde along Nieuwendijk.
Just on the street adjacent to Nieuwendijk is Damrak which is the location of the City Sightseeing Amsterdam office and where I got my free map of the city center.
You could check out PC Hooftstraat too, the main shopping street for luxury brands.
Take a Stroll to Stopera
Stopera is a building complex comprising of both Amsterdam's City Hall and the Dutch National Opera (and Ballet) located at Waterlooplein. On Tuesdays at 12.30 p.m. you can catch free concerts here organised by the National Opera and Ballet.
We weren't able to catch the free concert and truly it wasn't a miss if we hadn't come here. Enjoyed the view of the building and canals nearby but there are lots of beautiful canals elsewhere anyway.
Here you could see the statue of Benedictus Spinoza (or Baruch Spinoza as he was known by earlier), a 17th century Dutch philosopher born to Jewish refugees. He became known for his ideas of freedom of speech, tolerance and democracy.
The Spinoza sculpture |
Notice the birds and roses on the statue. The birds are parakeets, exotic birds that settled in Amsterdam in the last few decades, symbolizing the immigrant nature of the city of Amsterdam in the 17th century and even today. The roses, on the other hand, is a reference to his name Spinoza derived from the Spanish word for 'thorn'.
Takeaway Dinner along the Canals
In the late evening when our stomachs started to rumble, we decided to grab a takeaway to eat along one of the canals. Came across Wok To Walk at Reguliersbreestraat 45 and ordered 2 takeaway noodles. The noodles wasn't too bad really.
A little way from the restaurant, we found ourselves at Rokin canal where we settled to eat, enjoying the view of the waters and the bobbing boats, with the splendid Dutch architecture in the background.
And then it was back to our room to rest for Day 2...
Day 2 - Two Museums and a Late Evening Stroll near Dam Square
Today was kind of Museum Day for us even though we covered only a measly count of two museums. But first...
Kickstart your day with some breakfast at Toussaint Cafe, which usually remains open for lunch and dinner as well.
Kickstart your day with some breakfast at Toussaint Cafe, which usually remains open for lunch and dinner as well.
A word of warning: Some people hate seeing half eaten food. Unfortunately, I sometimes forget to take the pictures before digging in so I thought I should warn you peeps who fall into this category. 2 half-eaten/drank pictures alert!! The ones after this picture below..
Got ourselves a pulled chicken sandwich and scrambled eggs on sour dough bread. They were really good!!
We also ordered Tony's chocolonely milk but that tasted really disgusting. It is actually yoghurt or something, not really milk. So be warned.
You will find this cafe at Bosboom Toussaintstraat 26.
De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets)
With our bellies full, we made our way to The 9 Streets for a quick look-see. A collection of 9 shopping alleyways filled with vintage and designer boutiques, specialty stores and plenty of stylish cafes.
We didn't have lots of time to explore the streets as we had to rush off to our next attraction but this quaint little area is definitely worth a visit even if you don't intend to make any purchase.
Van Gogh Museum
A museum dedicated largely to the life and work of famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. There are a few art pieces by his contemporaries in Amsterdam as well.
Undoubtedly Van Gogh's work has been much appreciated, being one of the most famous artist with works such as Sunflowers and The Starry Night known to many. In addition to his work, you will discover much about his personal life as well, which was tragic especially in his final few years, ultimately ending in suicide.
It was a big surprise to me but I found that I was thoroughly fascinated exploring this museum. There was much to appreciate... Reading the many letter exchanges with his family and discovering his great interest in observing and capturing the working classes in his art. Understanding his personal interpretation of nature and being made aware of his troubled life.
I honestly can't say I enjoyed art museums before but in this case, I did enjoy myself. The man himself was intriguing and I can't recommend this museum enough!
Tickets don't need to be bought too far in advanced (unlike the Anne Frank museum we visited later in the day). We did purchase our tickets online a few days before though. Admission price is 19€ per pax.
Take note that you will have to select a time slot when purchasing the tickets and access to the museum is only granted up to 30 minutes after the booked start time.
Photo taking of the artworks was prohibited so I can't really show much of the inside except for one picture.
Got ourselves a pulled chicken sandwich and scrambled eggs on sour dough bread. They were really good!!
Completely forgot to take a pic at the start of the meal |
We also ordered Tony's chocolonely milk but that tasted really disgusting. It is actually yoghurt or something, not really milk. So be warned.
I couldn't finish this drink. Guess who did? |
You will find this cafe at Bosboom Toussaintstraat 26.
De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets)
With our bellies full, we made our way to The 9 Streets for a quick look-see. A collection of 9 shopping alleyways filled with vintage and designer boutiques, specialty stores and plenty of stylish cafes.
We didn't have lots of time to explore the streets as we had to rush off to our next attraction but this quaint little area is definitely worth a visit even if you don't intend to make any purchase.
Van Gogh Museum
A museum dedicated largely to the life and work of famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. There are a few art pieces by his contemporaries in Amsterdam as well.
Undoubtedly Van Gogh's work has been much appreciated, being one of the most famous artist with works such as Sunflowers and The Starry Night known to many. In addition to his work, you will discover much about his personal life as well, which was tragic especially in his final few years, ultimately ending in suicide.
It was a big surprise to me but I found that I was thoroughly fascinated exploring this museum. There was much to appreciate... Reading the many letter exchanges with his family and discovering his great interest in observing and capturing the working classes in his art. Understanding his personal interpretation of nature and being made aware of his troubled life.
I honestly can't say I enjoyed art museums before but in this case, I did enjoy myself. The man himself was intriguing and I can't recommend this museum enough!
Tickets don't need to be bought too far in advanced (unlike the Anne Frank museum we visited later in the day). We did purchase our tickets online a few days before though. Admission price is 19€ per pax.
Take note that you will have to select a time slot when purchasing the tickets and access to the museum is only granted up to 30 minutes after the booked start time.
Photo taking of the artworks was prohibited so I can't really show much of the inside except for one picture.
Opening hours of the museum is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. We easily spent two hours here. Don't forget to check out the temporary exhibitions as well at the Exhibition Wing on top of the permanent ones.
If you happen to be free on Friday evening, you could pop by the museum from 7 p.m. onwards to enjoy cocktails, music and free tours. That's the only day the museum closes at 9 a.m.
Relax at Vondelpark and Visit Rijksmuseum
Admittedly we didn't do either of these but they come highly recommended. And both are close to Van Gogh Museum.
Vondelpark is a beautiful public park where you could just sit around and relax in or cycle around. There is a lake within where people can canoe and row their boats leisurely in. There are cafes that sell food and drinks.
My biggest regret though was NOT visiting Rijksmuseum, a museum that showcases Dutch history and art from the Middle Ages to present day and is one of the top museums to visit in the world. Here you will find the most famous and largest of Rembrandt's paintings, The Night Watch proudly housed in the Gallery of Honour.
Rijksmuseum is a huge museum and it is said to require four to five hours to explore the whole museum. Admission fee is 19€ per pax. Free entrance for those aged 18 and below.
Anne Frank Huis
A museum that was the former hideout of Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis during World War II. The German-born Jewish family had to go into hiding to escape Nazi's persecution of European Jews during their occupation of the Netherlands. They did so in the "Secret Annex", a hidden portion in the annex of his place of business.
Outside Anne Frank Huis |
The museum showcases not just the cramped hiding quarters of Anne and seven others but also her original writings and drawings, photographs and multimedia and interactive exhibits (the latter two added only after 1999).
The brave girl whose thoughts were brilliantly penned in "The Diary of a Young Girl" |
It is really important to book tickets to Anne Frank House online and months before your intended travel date. Tickets are high in demand (especially if you wish to include the introductory program) and gets sold out really fast!
We booked ours about a month and a half before. There are time slots for you to choose from between 9 a.m. all the way to 6 p.m.
Usually there is a long queue to enter the museum even during your time slot as you can only enter the house by batches which makes sense as the space inside is quite cramped.
To be honest, the whole visit felt a little rushed as we were in a line and felt like we had to move along when the line moves. But I wouldn't have replaced the trip here with anything else. This is one of those places you just have to visit in Amsterdam if only for the grim reminder of the cruelty of discrimination and racial hatred.
In fact, the Jewish Historical Museum provides a more comprehensive account of the terrible ordeal of Jewish people during World War II if you are interested in learning more about it.
Adult admission fee to Anne Frank Huis is 12.50€ per pax. Prices are cheaper for those aged 17 and below.
Adult admission fee to Anne Frank Huis is 12.50€ per pax. Prices are cheaper for those aged 17 and below.
Dinner at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal Street
We had dinner at Casa Del Toro but you could do much better than their steak, which was so-so. The service and vibe was really good though. The staff very polite and friendly, meeting our request promptly. There are many other restaurants along the streets to dine in as well if you are more particular about the taste of your food.
Steak and fries |
Dam Square
Just a short walk away, we reached Dam Square, a town square with distinguished buildings all around like the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Amsterdam's biggest department store - De Bijenkorf (The Beehive) and Beurs van Berlage, the hundreds year old former building of the Stock Exchange.
The Royal Palace at Dam Square |
And rising up from amongst these building is the National Memorial Statue, built in memory of Dutch soldiers and members of the resistance who died in World War II.
At all time of the day, Dam Square tends to be packed with people. You could shop at De Bijenkorf which closes at 9 a.m. everyday except Saturdays (7 p.m.). Or simply sit around people watching and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
The popular tourist attraction, Madame Tussauds is also located at this square above Peek & Clopenburg department store. Its opening hours are 10 a.m. to 8 a.m.
The National Memorial Statue |
At all time of the day, Dam Square tends to be packed with people. You could shop at De Bijenkorf which closes at 9 a.m. everyday except Saturdays (7 p.m.). Or simply sit around people watching and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
The popular tourist attraction, Madame Tussauds is also located at this square above Peek & Clopenburg department store. Its opening hours are 10 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Madame Tussauds |
And then as we were heading back to our accommodation to call it a night, we came across the bronze sculptures of famous Dutch musicians and singers in the Johnny Jordaanplein square (close to Prinsengracht canal).
Day 3 - A spot of shopping, Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Amsterdam North
Partake in some lovely pancakes and eggs benedict with turkey and hollandaise sauce at The Breakfast Club. Truly great stuff especially the eggs benedict!
The store we went to is located at Bellamystraat 2-H 1053 BL Amsterdam but there are other branches all over Amsterdam as well.
Breakfast in one of these cafes really sets me in the right mood to take on the day with much vigour and enthusiasm. And so on we went to...
Shopping at Leidsestraat and further
To do a spot of shoe shopping. More out of necessity than anything. We had booked a tour to Zaanse Schans and Volendam at 3 p.m. and Mr Chan needed better shoes for what we thought was going to be quite a bit of walking.
And then it was heading over to Amsterdam Centraal, where we were to meet up with the tour group, through many more shopping streets.
VIP Tour Countryside & Windmills
We booked this tour online just a day or two before with Tours & Tickets. Initially we were thinking of venturing out to the neighbouring town of Zaandam, where Zaanse Schans is located on our own.
This can easily be done by taking the train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station (17 mins, direct) then walking over in ten minutes. Or take bus 891 or 391 again from Amsterdam Centraal.
In the end, we decided we wanted to visit Volendam and Marken as well as have a guide to highlight significant details on the trip. Price per pax was 69€. Commentary was given in English and Spanish.
Zaanse Schans
A open air museum intended to be reminescent of a Dutch village from the late 19th century. During those times the Zaan region was an important industrial area lined with hundreds of windmills used in the production of oil, paint, spices and mustard, to saw logs and much more.
Today, the windmills are still here, some of which were relocated to this museum from their original sites.
Pancakes! |
Delicious Egg Benedict!! Must try! |
Iced Tea |
The store we went to is located at Bellamystraat 2-H 1053 BL Amsterdam but there are other branches all over Amsterdam as well.
Breakfast in one of these cafes really sets me in the right mood to take on the day with much vigour and enthusiasm. And so on we went to...
Shopping at Leidsestraat and further
To do a spot of shoe shopping. More out of necessity than anything. We had booked a tour to Zaanse Schans and Volendam at 3 p.m. and Mr Chan needed better shoes for what we thought was going to be quite a bit of walking.
Shoes, shoes, shoes! |
And then it was heading over to Amsterdam Centraal, where we were to meet up with the tour group, through many more shopping streets.
VIP Tour Countryside & Windmills
We booked this tour online just a day or two before with Tours & Tickets. Initially we were thinking of venturing out to the neighbouring town of Zaandam, where Zaanse Schans is located on our own.
This can easily be done by taking the train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station (17 mins, direct) then walking over in ten minutes. Or take bus 891 or 391 again from Amsterdam Centraal.
In the end, we decided we wanted to visit Volendam and Marken as well as have a guide to highlight significant details on the trip. Price per pax was 69€. Commentary was given in English and Spanish.
Zaanse Schans
A open air museum intended to be reminescent of a Dutch village from the late 19th century. During those times the Zaan region was an important industrial area lined with hundreds of windmills used in the production of oil, paint, spices and mustard, to saw logs and much more.
Today, the windmills are still here, some of which were relocated to this museum from their original sites.
Taking a short boat ride, we reached on of the windmills and entered it for a demonstration by the miller.
Onboard the boat |
If you are visiting on your own, entrance fee into each windmill is 4€. With an I amsterdam city card, you could gain free entrance into the windmills.
Inside the windmill...
9 Seconds Video of a log getting sawed
9-Seconds Video of grinding of spice
We were allowed to explore the area on our own for awhile after. There are stalls selling spices, cheese, coffee, wooden clogs and more. An interesting visit is the Zaanse Schans clog workshop where you could learn how the iconic clogs are made.
Pressed for time within the bounds of the tour, we headed to the next stop...
Volendam
A charming fishing village.
Volendam Museum was our first stop point.
Volendam Museum |
Here we got a peek into the past and history of the village. The life-sized art work provides an interesting retelling of the stories of its people, with some fascinating artefacts on display too.
The inside of the museum...
Opening hours is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with entrance fee of 4€ per adult.
Heading over to the Volendam Cheese Factory next, we learnt where cheese comes from, how it was first made and how it is produced today.
Cheese, cheese and more cheese |
You could purchase from a wide variety of cheese available. There is a cheese-tasting section that helps you decide which cheese you would like to make home with!
A taste of the cheese |
And then we were off to the main harbour strip of Volendam, De Dijk where you can see the working trawlers and fishing boats that is still the lifeblood of many in the region.
De Dijk, Volendam |
We had lunch along this harbour at Restaurant de Lunch.
Us at Restaurant de Lunch! |
Ordered some haddock and cod fish with chips.
Fish and chips |
The demonstration room of the Old Dutch Bakery |
Why not attempt to make the Dutch wafer cookie, Stroopwafel |
And the bakery was the last stop in the tour. We headed back to the bus that drove us over to Amsterdam Centraal once again.
Amsterdam Noord (Amsterdam North)
Just across the IJ River from Amsterdam Centraal, you could go Amsterdam Noord easily aboard the free ferries, run by the transport company GVB. You could take your bicycles aboard the ferry if you intend to do a bit of cycling. These ferries usually run 'til late and journey to some stops even happen 24 hours.
Ferry to cross the IJ River |
Take note of the stop you wish to get to. We boarded the wrong ferry which took us much further than we intended to NDSM wharf!
To be honest, we didn't have much time to explore the area. But I would definitely explore the region more thoroughly on my next visit (fingers crossed!). In fact, it might be a good idea to look at accommodations here if you are keen to live near the city center! It might be a less costlier option and only a short FREE ferry ride away.
The first thing you usually notice about Amsterdam Noord is the towering building of A'DAM Toren. From the top of the 22-floor building, you could see swings often with a few people on it!
You can see the swing atop A'DAM Toren |
Otherwise, there are a number of bars and restaurants within the building from which you could dine with stunning views of nearby Amsterdam. Or at the very least, get yourself up to the rooftop observation deck!
Just beside the ferry terminal, you will find the I amsterdam sign, which we had been looking for the past couple days! The sign used to be at Museumplein, in front of Rijksmuseum but it was unfortunately removed.
Anyway we finally got our picture with it!
Finally found the sign at Amsterdam Noord! |
That was about all we did at Amsterdam Noord, making our way back to Amsterdam Centraal via the ferry. Took advantage of some great photo-taking opportunities.
Day 4 - A Canal Boat Tour, an Awesome Dessert Place, a Late Evening Stroll along De Wallen and One Museum
Had an English breakfast and sandwiches. Pretty simple fare.
Then on to our first activity of the day...
Then on to our first activity of the day...
Canal Boat Tour
There are many good canal boat tours available. Afterall it is one of the most popular tourist activity to engage it. With canals being so ubiquitous in Amsterdam. It will be much more enjoyable to engage one of those smaller boat where your view will not get hampered by fellow passengers like in one of those bigger covered boats. But it does get more costly.
We decided to go with Flagship Amsterdam, a company we discovered on Day 2 when it was taking on passengers from the canal near Anne Frank Huis. Unfortunately it was too late to take the right after our visit to the museum with their last departure being at 7 p.m.
You should definitely try and fit these two activities in one day when doing your own planning! At the end of this post, I will put together a more ordered suggested itinerary for your perusal.
Anyway the canal boat tour by Flagship Amsterdam is around an hour long and cost 18€ per pax (yeah, it is a little pricey). Drinks are provided onboard the boat at extra prices. We didn't get any so not sure of the price. You are welcome to bring your own snacks.
Saw the famous Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) while cruising the canals. This is an Old Dutch design wooden bridge known as a double-swipe (balanced) bridge, which can be raise to allow taller boats to pass under.
There are two stories circulating about the origin of the bridge's name. One has got to do with the Mager sisters who lived on opposite sides of the canal and had the bridge built so it is easier for them to visit the other (personally I preferred this story). The more likely story however, is that the original bridge was so narrow that two pedestrians couldn't cross the bridge at the same time hence the name skinny. Now, which of the two stories do you prefer?
Legend also has it that if couples kiss under the Skinny Bridge or touch the underside of it, they will be in love forever!
Other interesting things we learned include:
Why the houses in Amsterdam are so narrow on the front?
Because a long time ago homeowners had to pay taxes based on the width of the home rather than the area. Also explains why they tend to be tall and long on the inside.
Why do the houses have hooks on the front close to the roof?
We decided to go with Flagship Amsterdam, a company we discovered on Day 2 when it was taking on passengers from the canal near Anne Frank Huis. Unfortunately it was too late to take the right after our visit to the museum with their last departure being at 7 p.m.
You should definitely try and fit these two activities in one day when doing your own planning! At the end of this post, I will put together a more ordered suggested itinerary for your perusal.
Awaiting our boat by the canal |
Anyway the canal boat tour by Flagship Amsterdam is around an hour long and cost 18€ per pax (yeah, it is a little pricey). Drinks are provided onboard the boat at extra prices. We didn't get any so not sure of the price. You are welcome to bring your own snacks.
First come, first serve. Getting on the boat earlier allows you to choose your seat |
Saw the famous Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) while cruising the canals. This is an Old Dutch design wooden bridge known as a double-swipe (balanced) bridge, which can be raise to allow taller boats to pass under.
The skinny bridge from a distance |
Close view of a double-swipe balanced bridge |
There are two stories circulating about the origin of the bridge's name. One has got to do with the Mager sisters who lived on opposite sides of the canal and had the bridge built so it is easier for them to visit the other (personally I preferred this story). The more likely story however, is that the original bridge was so narrow that two pedestrians couldn't cross the bridge at the same time hence the name skinny. Now, which of the two stories do you prefer?
Legend also has it that if couples kiss under the Skinny Bridge or touch the underside of it, they will be in love forever!
Other interesting things we learned include:
Why the houses in Amsterdam are so narrow on the front?
Because a long time ago homeowners had to pay taxes based on the width of the home rather than the area. Also explains why they tend to be tall and long on the inside.
Why do the houses have hooks on the front close to the roof?
Because of the narrow frames of the homes, it much more convenient to move bigger and bulkier furniture to the top floors via the windows. The hooks are meant to help lift these furniture from the outside and then in through the windows.
The end of the tour brought us back to Anne Frank Huis and from there we headed over to...
Narrow houses at hooks at the top |
You can see the hooks more clearly here |
The guide helping us take a picture! |
The end of the tour brought us back to Anne Frank Huis and from there we headed over to...
Cafe Winkel 43
Located on the corner of Westerstraat. Exact address is Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands.
And here we had the tastiest apple pie I ever tasted! With whipped cream on it. Absolutely delicious! Oishii! Whatever you do in Amsterdam, you don't want to miss this!!
Do try their bitterballen as well. These are fried snacks filled with ragout from beef / veal with cheese or vegetarian. Biting into its crispy exterior and then encountering its soft gooey filling, I swear I went to Food Heaven. Really if I had discovered bitterballen much earlier, I would have had it for every meal! Truly it's that good.
A plate of bitterballen cost 5.50€ |
Inside the bitterballen |
Stroll along De Wallen
The largest and best-known Red Light District in Amsterdam. As you might be aware, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands (since 2000), on the condition that it is between two agreeable adults.
Strolling along this street in the late evening/night was an experience on its own even if you have no intentions of partaking in any of the activities going on. During the day, the street is real quiet and rather nondescript. At night though, the red-lighted street was packed with hundreds of tourists like ourselves, gawking at windows featuring scantily clad sex workers hoping to attract their next customer.
Do keep a close watch on your belongings! Though ours remained safe, the chance of getting pickpocketed here is rather high. The crowd also meant that photo-taking opportunities were scarce to none. But it would have been a little awkward and not to mention rather offensive to have taken any pictures.
Tucked away in the heart of the Red Light District is the ...
And then to satisfy our hunger, we went to Rembrantplein, a square with many restaurants that we were quite spoilt for choice. St. James's Gate Irish Pub was the Restaurant we settled for. The ambience was very lively with a match being screened on the huge television sets.
We ordered the Beef and Guinness stew and another lamb stew. The Beef and Guinness stew was really good! The other stew not too bad. And because it was probably the last meal of our trip, we rounded off the meal with bitterballen again, truly my favourite Dutch snack!
And then a nostalgic stroll back to the accommodations where we took some beautiful pictures of the canals.
Before finally calling it a night. Early flight to catch out of Amsterdam. Boo-hoo.
Getting to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport
We planned to catch the Amsterdam Airport Express, bus 397 to the airport which was just five minutes away from where we lived but before that...
Couldn't help but make a quick stop at The Breakfast Club for a bit of breakfast. Pancakes and eggs benedict! We tried the chocolate pancakes this time and the same eggs benedict as Day 3 since it was too good. Yum yum!
We were enjoying our meal so much that we ended up running late in getting to the airport and with tax refunds to do, we very nearly missed our flight!! Had to make a run for it all the way!
But really, the food was too good. I couldn't even find it in me to regret it at all even while I was panting and heaving from the exertion of sprinting with my heavy baggage.
And finally as I promised, here it is...
Suggested Itinerary (Order of Day can be Shuffled Around):
Summer time is definitely the best period to explore Amsterdam as the days tend to be longer. Sunsets were as late as 9 p.m. during out time there! Could easily pack more stuff within a day. But this is it! Our four days in Amsterdam, concluding our 12-Days of Summer in Europe. Hope this post helps you in planning a memorable trip to Amsterdam!
**If you have more days in the Netherlands, why not get out of Amsterdam altogether. Keukenhof in Lisse is just a short journey away while Giethoorn is a cute little town also known as the 'Dutch Venice' that's waiting to be explored. The Hague, a cosmopolitan city and Haarlem both deserves at least a day's visit.
The Netherlands is much more than just Amsterdam and I hope there will be another chance for me to explore its beautiful country!
If you are interested in traveling to either the German city of Cologne or Luxembourg, both just a short trip away, be sure to read my One Day in Cologne and How To Spend 2 Days in Luxembourg posts.
The largest and best-known Red Light District in Amsterdam. As you might be aware, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands (since 2000), on the condition that it is between two agreeable adults.
Strolling along this street in the late evening/night was an experience on its own even if you have no intentions of partaking in any of the activities going on. During the day, the street is real quiet and rather nondescript. At night though, the red-lighted street was packed with hundreds of tourists like ourselves, gawking at windows featuring scantily clad sex workers hoping to attract their next customer.
Do keep a close watch on your belongings! Though ours remained safe, the chance of getting pickpocketed here is rather high. The crowd also meant that photo-taking opportunities were scarce to none. But it would have been a little awkward and not to mention rather offensive to have taken any pictures.
Tucked away in the heart of the Red Light District is the ...
Red Light Secrets - Museum of Prostitution
Honestly, we had no expectations at all visiting this museum which we decided upon on the spur of the moment. For a bit of mindless fun and it does boast to be the world's first museum of such.
Opening hours is 1 to 11 p.m. with last admission at 10 p.m. Ticket prices were 12.50€ per pax and there is further student discount.
It is a rather small place that provides a behind-the-scenes look at prostitution with true accounts and stories of the sex workers themselves. Then you could stand behind one of the famous windows overlooking the street just for the experience of it.
Just before the exit, you have the chance to take two pictures (included with ticket purchase). We enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity!
Dinner at RembrandtpleinOpening hours is 1 to 11 p.m. with last admission at 10 p.m. Ticket prices were 12.50€ per pax and there is further student discount.
It is a rather small place that provides a behind-the-scenes look at prostitution with true accounts and stories of the sex workers themselves. Then you could stand behind one of the famous windows overlooking the street just for the experience of it.
One of the rooms in the museum for a bit of photo-taking. |
Just before the exit, you have the chance to take two pictures (included with ticket purchase). We enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity!
And then to satisfy our hunger, we went to Rembrantplein, a square with many restaurants that we were quite spoilt for choice. St. James's Gate Irish Pub was the Restaurant we settled for. The ambience was very lively with a match being screened on the huge television sets.
We ordered the Beef and Guinness stew and another lamb stew. The Beef and Guinness stew was really good! The other stew not too bad. And because it was probably the last meal of our trip, we rounded off the meal with bitterballen again, truly my favourite Dutch snack!
The Beef and Guinness stew is the one at the bottom |
And then a nostalgic stroll back to the accommodations where we took some beautiful pictures of the canals.
Before finally calling it a night. Early flight to catch out of Amsterdam. Boo-hoo.
Getting to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport
We planned to catch the Amsterdam Airport Express, bus 397 to the airport which was just five minutes away from where we lived but before that...
Couldn't help but make a quick stop at The Breakfast Club for a bit of breakfast. Pancakes and eggs benedict! We tried the chocolate pancakes this time and the same eggs benedict as Day 3 since it was too good. Yum yum!
I just can't get enough of the egg benedict! |
Chocolate pancakes this time |
We were enjoying our meal so much that we ended up running late in getting to the airport and with tax refunds to do, we very nearly missed our flight!! Had to make a run for it all the way!
But really, the food was too good. I couldn't even find it in me to regret it at all even while I was panting and heaving from the exertion of sprinting with my heavy baggage.
And finally as I promised, here it is...
Suggested Itinerary (Order of Day can be Shuffled Around):
- Day 1 - Amsterdam North (around a half day exploration), Dam Square (Madame Tussauds and Ripley's Believe It or Not, etc), Shopping at Kalverstraat and Nieuwdijk
- Day 2 - Noordermarkt, Anne Frank Huis, Canal Boat Ride, Nine Streets shopping, Cafe Winkel43
- Day 3 - Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Bloemenmarkt (Flower market), Stopera, Rembrandtplein
- Day 4 - Civics Guard Gallery, Begijnhof, Zaanse Schans, Red Light District, Museum of Prostitution (optional)
Summer time is definitely the best period to explore Amsterdam as the days tend to be longer. Sunsets were as late as 9 p.m. during out time there! Could easily pack more stuff within a day. But this is it! Our four days in Amsterdam, concluding our 12-Days of Summer in Europe. Hope this post helps you in planning a memorable trip to Amsterdam!
**If you have more days in the Netherlands, why not get out of Amsterdam altogether. Keukenhof in Lisse is just a short journey away while Giethoorn is a cute little town also known as the 'Dutch Venice' that's waiting to be explored. The Hague, a cosmopolitan city and Haarlem both deserves at least a day's visit.
The Netherlands is much more than just Amsterdam and I hope there will be another chance for me to explore its beautiful country!
If you are interested in traveling to either the German city of Cologne or Luxembourg, both just a short trip away, be sure to read my One Day in Cologne and How To Spend 2 Days in Luxembourg posts.
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