Visiting Amsterdam - Lodging, Eating, Things To Do
I'm visiting Amsterdam for a week in December and am looking for recommendations for lodging, things to do, and places to eat. There's lots of info on the web of course but I'm hoping for insights from BPNers who are experienced Amsterdam visitors who know about hidden gems that are off the well-beaten tourist paths. I love art, public art, and architecture, and am happy to walk and bike the entire time. Info on hotels or pensions, restaurants or cafes, and special museums or art walks - all welcome! Thank you!!
Sep 9, 2016
Parent Replies
I like this website: http://petitepassport.com/tag/amsterdam/
Also: yes, you should rent a bike! And beware, the cyclists run the city :) I'm from Belgium and used to cycling around but in the NL, they take their bikes verrrry seriously. Enjoy!
I loved the Estherea Hotel. So pretty and special.
http://www.estherea.nl/en/index.html
I'm jealous! Amsterdam is one of my very favorite cities. If you're willing to stay a bit outside the city center, we really liked the Hotel Casa 400 on the east side of the city. It was quieter, but still an easy walk, tram, or bike ride to lots of sights. It's also very close to a train station.
The Vondelpark is a beautiful place to walk or run. Sama Sebo is a wonderful Indonesian restaurant - don't miss the famous rijstafel! If you like beer, check out Brouwerij 't IJ (pronounced "het eye") for tasty brews and cheese next to a windmill.
All of the famous museums (Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, etc) are likely going to be crowded, but worth visiting.
Enjoy!
My family and I have been to Amsterdam 5 times over the last 3 years (we were living in Germany for awhile). I highly, highly recommend renting a bike, it's the best way to get around and experience the city. Just riding up and down the canals to see the bridges and buildings was a favorite of mine. This may be a little dependent on the weather. We have visited in December and were lucky with some sunny, dry yet cold days that were OK to ride a bike during. In December, the city has the Amsterdam Light Festival, a public evening walk through light displays. There will also be Christmas markets throughout the city for food, trinkets, and Christmas cheer. In terms of restaurants: La Perla (Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 14 & 53) - Italian, you can sit down in the restaurant or go more casual across the street and get pizza to go/eat at their communal table. Bazar (Albert Cuypstraat) - North African/Middle Eastern. Tolhuistuin (Tolhuisweg 5 - you'll have to take the free ferry across the river). Coffee and Coconuts (Ceintuurbaan 282). Last that I can think of now - definitely go to Browerij't Ij. It's a craft brewery in the base of a windmill and it's much better than Heinenken. We traveled with kids, so always opted for Airbnb. Hope you have a great trip!
I loved the 'Rembrandt House (Huis)', last time I went, with teenagers. All outfitted in the style of the time.
I would recommend buying the Museumkaart! From Wikipedia: The Museum card (Dutch: "Museumkaart") is a personal card that allows free entrance to about 400 museums in the Netherlands. As of 2016, the card costs €59.90 (including €4.95 administrative expenses) for adults, and is valid for one year. One entrance to the Rijksmuseum is €17.50 and to the Van Gogh is €17, so it's a great deal, even for a one-week visit. And it will give you access to lots of smaller, less-visited and very interesting museums. You can buy it at most museums.