Wanderlust Series #2 - Amsterdam
Hello!
Welcome to the second part of the Wanderlust Series. This post is about my experience in the popular city of Amsterdam, located in the Netherlands. My last trip here was in December 2013 and was intended as a short city break.
We actually travelled midweek and honestly, it made no difference (other than it saved us some cash!). We stayed 3 nights in a small B&B near Vondelpark, just a short walk from the Hard Rock Café and just a 10 minute walk from 9 Straatjes which is an array of shops, cafés, bars and cultural wonders. Some amazing artwork and graffiti is tucked behind some of these streets and according to my other half...some great coffee too.
Don't get the cafés and coffee shops confused...they are naughtily different.
There's so much exploring to do in the city, if you go in the summer you will be able to do lots; we travelled in the winter and it was definitely cold but a little magical too. The Christmas decorations were up and there were small Christmas markets around, mainly selling yummy hot food like pretzels and crepes.
I would recommend at least 3 days to do your exploring if you can. There's a lot of different museums, notably the Anne Frank Museum which is a must-see. The Reiksmuseum is one that was intended for us, however we ran out of time! It looks huge and absolutely packed with interesting bits & bobs.
A river cruise is a great idea. Saves on the walking and gets you seeing more of the city. We did a river cruise tour one evening which took in the sights of the red light district, there are tours available that avoid this area if you don't wish to go/see it, especially not recommended with young children!
On you're first day, it might be a good idea to jump on a Hop On/ Hop Off sightseeing bus. We did this on our last day and completely back to front! It takes you all around the city and literally does what it says on the tin...you get on and off where you like and explore the area. There's a stop at the Heineken Brewery, a stop for some of the museums and it even takes you a little further. In the spring, definitely visit the tulips! I must go back and do this.
We actually travelled midweek and honestly, it made no difference (other than it saved us some cash!). We stayed 3 nights in a small B&B near Vondelpark, just a short walk from the Hard Rock Café and just a 10 minute walk from 9 Straatjes which is an array of shops, cafés, bars and cultural wonders. Some amazing artwork and graffiti is tucked behind some of these streets and according to my other half...some great coffee too.
Don't get the cafés and coffee shops confused...they are naughtily different.
There's so much exploring to do in the city, if you go in the summer you will be able to do lots; we travelled in the winter and it was definitely cold but a little magical too. The Christmas decorations were up and there were small Christmas markets around, mainly selling yummy hot food like pretzels and crepes.
I would recommend at least 3 days to do your exploring if you can. There's a lot of different museums, notably the Anne Frank Museum which is a must-see. The Reiksmuseum is one that was intended for us, however we ran out of time! It looks huge and absolutely packed with interesting bits & bobs.
A river cruise is a great idea. Saves on the walking and gets you seeing more of the city. We did a river cruise tour one evening which took in the sights of the red light district, there are tours available that avoid this area if you don't wish to go/see it, especially not recommended with young children!
On you're first day, it might be a good idea to jump on a Hop On/ Hop Off sightseeing bus. We did this on our last day and completely back to front! It takes you all around the city and literally does what it says on the tin...you get on and off where you like and explore the area. There's a stop at the Heineken Brewery, a stop for some of the museums and it even takes you a little further. In the spring, definitely visit the tulips! I must go back and do this.
Have you been? Would you like to go?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below
Stacey
XO
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