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Central European Time (CET)
Buy a one-hour or multi-day card at any metro or train station (or on the trams). Alternatively, rent a bike and join the locals as they speed about on two wheels (just watch out for trams if you’ve been coffeeshopping). Ride around Vondelpark, head out to the Amsterdamse Bos, or just get lost touring the pretty sidestreets. No one wears helmets, and scooters use the cycle lanes too, so be careful!
It’s pretty rainy and windy in Amsterdam from October to March, thanks to the flatness of these lowlands. Those are particularly good ‘museum months’. May through September often has blue skies and sunshine, and the vibe of the city changes completely. It seems that everyone is in shorts and summer dresses, cruising the canals or having a park BBQ. Plus, it stays light until 10 or 11pm. Join the party!
What’s actually in a kroket or bitterballen is a mystery – but think meaty, creamy, beef broth inside a breadcrumbed suit and you’re close. You’ll find the same selection in most bars as they taste great with beer. Also, most coffees are served with a (small) biscuit on the side. PROTIP: Eat lots of kaas (cheese); the Dutch have been making cheese since 800 BC, so by now they’re pretty good at it.
Visit the Rijksmuseum and be astonished, not only by the museum’s enormous collection, but also by the architecture of the building. Get drawn in by the beautiful stained windows and gothic like ceiling structures. Once inside the large collection of paintings dating from the 16th to the 21st century will amaze you. The top piece of the collection is without a doubt “The Night Watch”. Thus, all the more reason to make your stay in Amsterdam complete with a visit to the Rijksmuseum.
If you are visiting Amsterdam you will want to spend some time exploring the history of the canals. The 165 canals define the city’s landscape and were recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2010. The best way to explore the canals is by taking a scenic sightseeing cruise, which will take you through the heart of the city. Listen to the audio commentary and learn about the rich heritage while admiring Amsterdam’s highlights including the royal palace and the Anne Frank House.
Amsterdam is much more than a city chock-full of museums, souvenir shops, the red light district and coffee shops. After a day of visiting museums, enjoying concerts or comedy shows, walk through the city and broaden your cultural view of Amsterdam. Venture into the Nine Streets or Jordaan to see some cute boutiques or go to the largest park in Amsterdam, the Vondelpark, and enjoy the relaxing scenery. Finish your day with a visit to De Pijp, a vibrant neighborhood with lots of cafes and terraces where you can enjoy a bite or drink.
While you are at De Pijp, find your way to the Heineken Experience, in the former brewery of Heineken. Learn everything there is to know about this world famous beer brewery, watch the brewing process of this delicious beer and enjoy a small beer tasting lesson. After being educated in the production of Heineken beer go to the bar, where you will get a free Heineken beer to finish your Heineken Experience visit. It is advisable to go in the morning, as it will get really busy during the day.
