Amsterdam, Holland.
The Dam. I have been here three times. The first two times I encountered the Amsterdam that everyone knows. Coffee shops, wandering the red light district. You know the drill. The third time I visited, I saw a different side of Amsterdam. I did still go to a coffee shop (where some random guy proceeded to steal a half smoked joint..) but that is part of the overall experience, right?
Stay Here.
There is such a range of accommodation options in Amsterdam and areas to stay. My friend booked an Air BnB apartment in Jordaan, also known as the bohemian district. You will be in walking distance to everything (the Anne Frank House is on that side of town as a reference point) so it was perfect for wandering around the narrow streets, gazing at the amazing architecture.
Visit Here.
Keukenhof.
I love tulips! They are one of my favourite flowers so this time I went full tourist and visited the "kitchen garden" where its history dates back to the 15th century. It's an easy bus ride out to these beautiful gardens so I do recommend going if you have a few days in Amsterdam. It does have set opening months so just check the website before heading to make sure it is open. You can also wander the tulip fields which you have probably seen all over Instagram.
The City Centre.
The "I Amsterdam" sign is right near the Van Gogh museum. Go earlier rather than later otherwise you'll have so many tourists in your shot. I had this one lady just sitting in the 'd' for ages hence why in my photo I look like I am giving her a snarky look (which, to be honest, I most probably was).
I Amsterdam stare off.
Vondelpark.
This park is worth wandering through. The same guy who designed the gardens at Keukenhof, designed this. The weather wasn't great for us unfortunately so we probably didn't see it in all of its glory. It would be lovely to cycle through, eating a packed lunch if the sun was out but alas, it was not to be.
Markets.
There are a whole load of markets in Amsterdam.
The first time I came with my sister we went to the Waterlooplein Markt and found some fantastic vintage clothes for super cheap. I highly recommend browsing plus it is the oldest of the flea markets in town.
The last time I went, I visited Noordermarkt which is diverse with its range of bric-a-brac, food and textiles open on Saturdays. Walking there and eating some of the food on offer did manage to cure the banging hangover I was carrying.
The Bloemenmarkt - floating flower market - is a great little street to wander down and see all the fresh blooms. It dates back to 1862 with all of the flowers on floating barges. Looks like flower seeds are not all they sell these days for your garden...
Coffee shops.
Ok so something you may want to try when in Amsterdam are the coffee shops. Two places I went to that I would recommend include Dampkring Coffeeshop (where a scene from Ocean's 12 is filmed) and Amnesia where you can sit outside whilst smoking, over-looking a canal. This map is also handy so you can find a coffeeshop that is open and serving tourists.
Eat Here.
Bakers and Roasters
This Kiwi place does a great brunch with good coffee.
Little Collins
We had dinner here and it was small plates of pure deliciousness. The cocktails are good as is the service.
Hot potatjes in a cone!
You gotta eat it. It's traditional right? Although perhaps not for this country. The chips from Vleminckx (Voetboogstraat 31) are delicious.
If you do happen to be looking for food after a few drinks, then I highly recommend New York Pizza - they do pizza by the slice and it is seriously so good. I remembered it from the first time I came to visit so I dragged a friend of mine around trying to find it, even though it was a bit of a trek from where we were actually drinking. There are a few of them dotted around.
You can do plenty with a long weekend in Amsterdam and each time it would show you a different side to its multi-dimensional personality. I look forward to what it may show me the next time I visit.
Flights from London can be pretty cheap. It is easy enough to get from the airport to the city as trains run every 10 minutes and it isn't a long journey. Compare flight prices on Skyscanner or Kayak.
Eurostar now operate direct trains from London Kings Cross which is exciting! If you book early enough with Eurostar, tickets can be ridiculously cheap.
Food and booze is relative in price to London. We self-catered a bit in our apartment to keep costs down.
There are loads of accommodation options on Air BnB and Booking.com.
It is easy to just walk everywhere or alternatively, you could hire a bike to use for your stay. Be safe and be aware of other people on the road.
