Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Venice of the North

Currency: Euro

Language: Dutch, English

Tax Refund: Can be done together on your final departure from European Union

From Airport / Train Station to the City

From the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, trains run approximately every 10 minutes between 5:00AM and 1:00AM and hourly during other hours. There are several train stations in Amsterdam and not every train stops at every station. The main station is known as Amsterdam Centraal Station. The journey to Amsterdam takes 20 minutes and costs €4.20. Tickets can be bought from yellow ticket machines or from the ticket counter, although purchases from the ticket counter incur a €1.00 surcharge.

For those arriving by train, the Centraal Station is located right in the heart of the city and from here you can practically walk to any attraction as well as connect to the Tram or Metro.

Attractions

I Amsterdam Sign

Hobbemastraat 19, 1071 XZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

The iconic picture spot that everyone has to come for that instragramable picture. This sign is located right in front of the Rijksmuseum. As expected the place should be full of tourists.

Amsterdam Centraal Station

Located right smack at the middle of the city layout and also the beginning of the city centre. This is also the place where all trains arrive and depart. Besides being the station, it is also an attraction by itself with architecture in Gothic-Renaissance style. It was built in 1889 and unaffected by the world war. The way Centraal was spelt is also correct.

Medieval Wooden Houses

A great part of the charisma of Amsterdam would be its historic houses and idyllic canals. Simply walking around the streets randomly would be a great way already. However few medieval buildings have survived since they are made of wood. Currently there are two places that remains and worth visiting, they are located at Begijnhof 34 and Zeedijk 1.

Zaanse Schans

Amsterdam, Netherlands and Windmills. It always goes hand in hand. This place is actually located a short train ride out of the city where you can see great windmills. The views are scenic and gorgeous. The location is perfect for a half day trip away from all the city and buildings. Enjoy the windmills, the bakery and also the cheese factory. The grounds are free to visit, although some attractions would be payable. The nearest train station here would be Koog-Zaandijk.

Magere Brug

A typical example of traditional draw bridges in Amsterdam. The best one to visit would of course be the Magere Brug. The bridge is well maintained in its original state and is over 300 years. This is also a great place to view the river and take in a typical Dutch architecture with your naked eye.

De Gooyer

In comparison this windmill is located just out of the city centre of Amsterdam. It may not be as beautiful as the one in Magere Brug but the distance is an advantage. It is also the tallest wooden windmill in the whole of Netherlands. The place also housed a brewery.

Rijksmuseum

One of the top class museum in the world, this place is famed and famous with the many tourists every day. The place have a large collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age. Famous paintings includes Milkmaid and The Night Watch. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Tickets cost 17.50 Euros and can be bought online. Even when not going inside, the exterior of the museum is definitely gorgeous.

Royal Coster Diamond

Paulus Potterstraat 2, 1071 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

The oldest diamond polishing factory in the world, Amsterdam is famous for its processing of raw gems in the world and you wouldn’t want to miss up the opportunity to see it first-hand. Coster Diamonds offers a free diamond tour in its main branch in Amsterdam. Booking are necessary online and they are open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Begijnhof

An old district in Amsterdam that is full of history. The vibes here are calm and peaceful with great houses and greens. A group of medieval private housing it is great for a stroll across it. The scene is pretty beautiful.

Vodelpark

The main park in this city, on weekends you will see family and couples enjoying their time on the grass and spending some quality time together. If park is your thing, this is the place you should be, enjoying the high Dutch quality of living and also some people watching.

Heineken Experience

Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands

The haven for all the beer drinkers around the world. Here is the museum dedicated to one of the most famous beer brands in the world. Made and brewed in Amsterdam, at the museum here you will be able to try out first handed to see the brewing process as well as learning how to draw a cup of beer perfectly. The tickets cost 16 Euros and includes two beer. In addition you could also get the combination ticket which get you access to the A’dam Tower and also a canal cruise. They are open daily from 10.30am to 7.30pm from Mon to Thurs and till 9pm on Fri to Sun.

Dam Square

The famous square in the centre of the town. This place is a nice ground lined with many shops and cafes. Along the square is also the Royal Palace. This square has many notable buildings and frequently there would also be events and fair happening here. It is also a place for local gathering.

Royal Palace of Amsterdam

This is an example of an ornate palace from the Dutch Golden Age. It is opulent and use for official royal reception since 1808. When there is nothing going on, it will be open to the public. It lies on the Dam Square. The exterior façade is gorgeous. It is usually open from 10am to 5pm and the exact dates can be found on their website. Tickets cost 9 Euros.

Anne Frank House

Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam

Dedicated to Anne Frank, the jewish girl who kept a diary and live in the shadows to prevent the watchful eyes of Nazis. The place tell the life of her as well as the forms of persecution and discrimination. It is a highly popular place and expects lines to form. The museum is open from 9am till 7pm in the winter months and till 3pm only online tickets holder can enter. Tickets cost 9 Euros.

Red Light District

Also known as a tourist attractions itself. The vibes and feeling is really indescribable unless you go there and feel for yourself. Do not that they are legal workers here. Always remember and remember to see only and not take any photographs. If not you might find some unwanted attention on yourself.

Shopping

Albert Cuyp

Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD Amsterdam, Netherlands

The largest and most famous street market in Amsterdam. It is located outside of the city ring and nearby the Heineken Experience. It is a whole stretch of stalls and shops selling a wide range of items, from food to clothes. It is very crowded and always be mindful of pickpockets. It is open from 9am to 5pm from Mon to Sat. Remember to come here hungry.

Bloemenmarkt

Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam, Netherlands

Also known as flower market, this is the best place to get those gorgeous tulips flowers that Netherlands is so famous for. Dating from 1862, the sellers have been selling them from these floating barges. It is open from 9am till 5.30pm.

Restaurants

Cafe Winkel

Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands

A typical European café expect grand and opulent décor. However the hype here is really the apple pie which can be said as the best in town. You just got to come here and give it a try. It is open daily with varied timings.

Pancakes! Amsterdam

Berenstraat 38, 1016 GH Amsterdams, Netherlands

A bright modern outlet selling pancakes. There is a nice selection of creations that they serves. Prices are reasonable. There is a couple outlets in town, the most convenient one would be just across the central station.

The Pancake Bakery

Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located in a converted warehouse it is situated right beside a canal serving up massive pancakes and crepes. One of the favourite includes the Caprese pancakes with tomato and pesto. They are open daily from 9am to 9.30pm. The menu consists a wide ranges of items. You could also get the famous Poffertjes here.

Manneken Pis

Damrak 41, 1012 LK Amsterdam, Netherlands

Probably the most famous fries in Amsterdam, this place is always right for some fried potatoes. They offer them in three different sizes and a tons of accompanying sauces to choose from. One of the popular one would be the Joppiesaus. A short stroll from the central station it is open from 11am till 11pm daily.

Foodism

Hugo de Grootplein 10, 1052 KW Amsterdam, Netherlands

A new style of cooking and restaurant. It is known for its impressive and forward looking cuisine. They serves food tapas style. Open daily from 5pm to 11pm.

Restaurant De Kas

Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located on the east of the city centre, this is known as one of the best restaurant in Amsterdam, It is famous for serving up organic ingredients from the garden grown on site. Even the restaurant itself is in a greenhouse. Prices are definitely not cheap but worth it. Lunch is recommended and served from Mon to Fri, 12pm to 2pm while Dinner is from Mon to Sat, 6.30pm to 10pm. Reservation are definitely recommended.