I visited Amsterdam for the first time back in 2010 and it was "Love at first site" and soon became the "Love of my life"...
Amsterdam for me has something unique, it combines intensity and liveness with relaxation,calmness and tranquility.
And of course all those happy houses that dance in every occasion ..
If you plan to visit Amsterdam i would suggest to visit the typical touristic places at first but after that, you should let yourself explore and feel the real Amsterdam.
There are so many things to do in this city, so probably one visit will not be enough. I have been to Netherlands 4 times already, and hope for many more..
The first thing you have to do, either you are in Schiphol airport or in Central Station (train) is to buy a GVB card or "I Amsterdam City Card".
Both will save you great amount of money.
You can purchase GVB Public Tranport Ticket for 1 day, 2,3, 4, 5, 7 days and allows you unlimited transportation , even from/to airport.
The "I Amsterdam City Card" is also an alternative if you want to visit museums, offering you a free entrance in most of them, unlimited use of GVB (trams, metro, buses), and one free Canal Cruise!
In my opinion and based on my perrsonal experience, is important to foreplan about the things you want to do, and the places you want to visit.
But, being a "plan freak", i always want to make sure that i do not have a single moment lost by searching where to go and how to get there.
My advice is to spend the first day or two visiting major attractions and then relax and just simply wander all around city..
In case you are not leaving the city , so you don't have the chance to check out some famous areas including windmills, a great spot that is totally worth visiting is the Windmill De Gooyer . The access is easy, tram No 7 takes you there while the name of the tram-stop is "Hoogte Kadijk". Walk just a few steps to the corner, and there it is, a very well-preserved windmill.
You can have your breakfast there in the small Cafe just at the bottom of the windmill.You can also have a lunch or just a beer in the afternoon as there is a second shop, a brewery, opening around noon.
Tram No 10 used to stop at the same spot but i think it's route has been changed. Do not worry as you can always ask the driver, these guys are always smiley and helpful !
I will not mention the major attractions since everyone knows Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Heineken Experience, Rebrandt's house , Anna Frank's house, Amsterdam museum which is one of the best and it can be visited while taking a break from your shopping, as it's location is in Kalverstraat.
I could go on mentioning various major sightseeings without even taking a breath but ...
...but i sure do want to talk about shopping. Main shopping streets are: Kalverstraat, Nieuwedijk both in the very center, with many shops, great fashion and affordable prices.
Leidsestraat ( trams 2 & 12 can easily take you there), is another main shopping street. While wandering on this street, make sure you stop at every crossing with a canal and gaze at the beauty of this city.
The area of Nine Streets is also known for it's shops, where you can find more pricy but unique products, more artistic I should say. This area is definitely worth a visit not only for shopping, but for the small cafes , restaurants and bars.
In Amstelveen, an area not far from Amsterdam, there is a shopping mall called Stadshart Amtelveen which is big enough to satisfy all your shopping needs.
Tram No 5 will take you there in 30 minutes or so from central station, just another great chance for sightseeing.
The route is wonderful, and if nothing has changed, the tram goes from Vondelpark , Museumplein and south, passing through neighborhoods, not usually visited.
Of course, since you have your GVB card make the most of it. Travelling with as many tram-lines you can, to areas outside city center, is the best sightseeing opportunity I should say once more. It's also the best way to see a place far from crowds and the usual touristic stuff.
While I suggest the use of the tram, I don't even mention the bike rental, simply because I'm totally against tourists renting bikes. It is easy to undestand why, simply take a look around..
Tourists fall off all the time because they ride their bike through the tram lines! You definately need to avoid that! Tourists with bikes are usually the cause of traffic jams because, of course , they do not know where to go, they stop all of a sudden, they fail reading the signs, and generally they become an obstacle to residents and other people who know what they are doing.. Nope!.. better avoid that!..
After all, show some respect to Amsterdamers that have to live day in and day out with all these visitors..
Always, always show respect to the place you visit and it's inhabitants. This is the top rule on any traveller's "must do" list.
But , I really feel the urge to describe all the feelings, thoughts, moments this simply awesome city draws in your heart, the true souvenirs your carry back home and they last for a lifetime..
Unforgettable moment : a sunny morning while having breakfast in Leliegracht, talking and be in good spirits with the locals..You see.. all the rumors about how open and kind Dutch people are , they're all true.
Unforgettable moment: after wandering around the cobbled canal streets we saw an empty bench at a canal corner.. I thought we should stop, i wanted to change the battery on my camera anyway, so we did. What a scenery.. people walking up and down around us, boats lazy sliding on the peaceful water, the unique adorable houses of Amsterdam dancing above our heads, laughing at us as they want to challenge our perspective. I could sit there the whole day, not because of my low fatique after walking miles, but because of the awe I felt about the magic scenery, after the ability to finally feel the heartbeat of this city.
Every single piece of the formentioned picture, can be true art ,a single perfect shot.. All of pieces combined together draw an exceptional portrait, that will be imprint in your mind forever. The true meaining of my own personal life.
Unforgettable moment: When we rent a boat and wandered into the city canals..passing through real low brigdes and small canals , what a great way to explore the city..
Renting a boat may be touristic, but also is a must in this city. The best thing to do is rent a small boat just for you, to drive it by yourself. A bit pricy, i know, 200 € or so per day, but you can go wherever you want, freely and stop anywhere you want.
There are plenty of boat-rental companies where you do not need license. They provide maps as well as life-jacket (!) and there you go!!! In the water! On your own! Enjoy!!
If you decide to follow this option and not the organised tours, I would suggest to move to Lijnbaansgracht and all the small canals around like Looiersgracht or Passeerdersgracht until you find the crossroad of Leidsegracht with Herrengracht. And after that, let yourself get lost..I really mean it, just let yourself get lost in the canals ,without using the maps or mobile navigation. Simply nothing. Just you and the water.Just you and the maze of canals. Just you and the glorious past of the city combined with an amazing present and a bright future.
Well, these priceless moments are MY Amsterdam... As simple as that..
Open your mind, free your heart and it can be yours as well....
I AMsterdam.
(to be continued...)
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