Exploring Amsterdam: A whirlwind trip to Amsterdam, though may not do justice to this alluring holiday destination, can prove quite exciting and enjoyable when planned in advance.
The great mix of scenic settings dotted with landmarks from yesteryears, plus the much-famed nightlife may prove difficult to cover over a weekend. The time, however, should suffice to explore a few key places of interest, sample the local cuisine, and catch up on some rest before moving on.
Here are a few must-dos when in the city for a weekend.
Visit Museums
Exploring Amsterdam: The city proves a haven for art, culture, and history enthusiasts, with several museums showcasing the best collection of artwork (both vintage and contemporary). Some of them charge an entry fee and need advance reservations to avoid waiting in line.
The Anne Frank House, The Dutch National Museum aka Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, photography museums, FOAM and Huis Marseille, Reflex New Art Gallery, Het Scheepvaartmuseum, The NDSM-Werf arts community, Ten Haaf Projects at Laurierstraat, Gallery WM at Elandsgracht, Amsterdam City Archives, Amsterdam Film Museum, and Multatuli Museum are but a few places of artistic and cultural interest in Amsterdam.
“Hofs” or inner courtyards separating the old houses in the city are of architectural significance. Make sure to check out the setting at Begijnhof.
Parks and Windmills
Vondelpark is a popular national heritage site that is definitely worth a bike ride if not a leisure stroll, while Oosterpark offers a more quiet setting to unwind and relax.
A visit to Amsterdam is not really complete without catching a glimpse of the giant windmills in this region. Three of them are present close to the city, but just one open to public.
Food and Drinks
Having a fill of Dutch cuisine is a must to appreciate the local delicacies. There’s no dearth of good coffee, local snacks, and short eats in the restaurants and food joints here.
The indoor food market at Foodhallen, the brewery Brouwerij ‘t IJ, The Butcher bar, Albert Cuyp Markt, and Ten Kate are some of the places where one can find good food and drinks.
Neighbourhoods and Markets
While a stroll through the red light district of present times is no longer considered seedy, the neighbourhoods of De Pijp and Jordaan are lined with small cafes, restaurants, shops and markets that are delightful to explore.
The open-air Albert Cuyp Markt, the well-known flower market, Bloemenmarkt, the large and popular canal side Noordermarkt are some of the markets that vie for attention here. A visit to these markets is an integral part of any trip to Amsterdam!
Having a well-planned itinerary based on personal interests is bound to save a lot of time, and so will renting a bike to tour these places.
An ideal plan would be starting off with a Dutch breakfast, visiting the museums, breaking for lunch, biking around or visiting the nearest windmill/beach, and catching up on some rest before heading out in the evening to enjoy the nightlife (including live music at the different clubs).
Enjoy free ferry rides from behind Centraal Station to Noord, visit the Film Institute of Amsterdam, spend time at the park, and grab a takeaway meal and lunch at Vondelpark before packing your bags!
Booking an affordable, comfortable, and safe accommodation that is well-connected to places of tourist interest and the essential facilities in the city is a must to make the most of a weekend trip.
Onefam Amstel Hostel Amsterdam, located in Leidseplein – the central point of Amsterdam – offers the best of budget accommodation for tourists visiting this city, making their stay an enjoyable and memorable one.
