It was our first trip to Amsterdam and the last stop of our long summer holidays. Although the holidays were coming to an end, we were still happy. Because the city had been on our bucket list for a while. But a delayed flight from Venice took away four hours and when we finally landed it was close to midnight.
A train from the Airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station and then after a very short walk, we were soon at our hotel. To spend 3 days in Amsterdam, after a well thought out plan on the best things we wished to do in the city. While staying at Hotel Internationaal, Warmoesstraat 1, located right in the heart of the city.
Exploring the neighborhood
Warmoesstraat, where we were staying is the starting point of ‘De Wallen’, the medieval city center of Amsterdam. The neighborhood is crossed by canals, narrow alleys lined with old-school bars and surrounded by the neon-lit red-light district. The Oude Kerk, a centuries-old former church which now hosts cultural events is close by. And so are Amsterdam Central Station, the boat rides, the hop-on-hop-off buses, eateries and many of the prominent landmarks. Hence most of the city center can be explored by foot from here if you are one who loves to walk.
Our hotel did not serve any food and hence I got up early the next day to check out a place for our morning coffee and breakfast. Was happy to find ‘Omelegg’, a healthy and fresh breakfast joint with fast and friendly service. It was next door at Nieuwebrugsteeg 24, just three buildings away from our place. Have a look at my breakfast for the next three days.
Come let’s explore Amsterdam
City Sightseeing Amsterdam – Hop-on-hop-off
Whenever in Europe, we have always relied on the hop-on-hop-off buses to get a feel of the city and to visit important landmarks. Hence this trip was no different. And as I normally do, had booked in advance a 48 hour Hop-on-hop-off bus & boat ride ticket for the two of us through my favorite activities booking website, Viator.com. Come let’s go for a spin now and hop-off at few of the 10 stops.
De Gooyer Windmill, a National Monument
Canal Day Cruise – Hop-on-hop-off
A must while in Amsterdam, it’s a perfect way to spend two hours marveling at the beauty of the city from your boat. With 8 stops where you can hop-on-hop-off, it’s also a convenient way to experience all landmarks. Come have a glimpse with us. It’s like being there.
Evening Canal Cruise
The Evening Canal Cruise is a great option to experience the beauty of Amsterdam in the night. You could avail of just a cruise or a Dinner Cruise as you relax with some great food.
Wandering around Museumplein
The Museumplein is a public space in the Museumkwartier neighborhood of Amsterdam. Located here are three major museums – the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum – and the concert hall Concertgebouw. Come for a relaxed walk through the green.
Vondelpark
The Vondelpark is a public urban park of 47 hectares (120 acres) in Amsterdam. It is situated west of Museumplein. The park was opened in 1865 and originally named Nieuwe Park but later renamed Vondelpark, after the 17th-century playwright and poet Joost van den Vondel. The park has around 10 million visitors annually. Within the park is an open-air theatre, a playground and several food joints. Certainly a place to spend some time, experiencing the beauty of nature.
Red Light District
Amsterdam has three different Red Light Districts but the most famous and the most attractive is the one located inside the city center very close to our hotel in Warmoesstraat. From brothels to sex shops to museums, the Amsterdam Red Light District has it all. But contrary to what a lot of people might think, the Amsterdam Red Light District has a very friendly atmosphere and isn’t as dangerous as it used to be.
Nowadays, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands but not on the streets. That’s why prostitutes in Amsterdam stand up behind a window and have their own room. The name of “Red Light District” comes from the red neon lights that highlight the 300 windows where women are working. There are tours available to get an understanding of this fascinating neighborhood, but you could just walk around on your own like we did to get a feel.
Amsterdam, the Museum City
Amsterdam is famous for its museums and hence when here you must not miss out on visiting at least the most prominent ones. Come with us to first get a feel of Rijksmuseum.
Rijksmuseum
And now click on the names and take a virtual tour with us of three other most visited museums of Amsterdam or PIN it for later. Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt Museum & Anne Frank House Museum.
Van Gogh Museum
Rembrandt House Museum
Anne Frank House Museum
Explore Amsterdam on foot
The best way to experience the city center of Amsterdam is to take a self guided walking tour as we did during this trip and during our second trip to the city a year later. Come let’s take a walk in and around the center of town.
For another half day self guided walking tour, check out our experience here as we discovered more of Amsterdam during our second visit to the city. More of Central Amsterdam, Dam Square, the residential part of Amsterdam, the Coffee Shops, Souvenir shops, Cannabis Museum and options for foodies., You could also PIN it for later.
Amsterdam on foot – Walk & explore the city
Amsterdam, a foodies delight
Whatever your choice, you have it all here to satisfy your hunger pangs. And the desserts here are simply out of the world. Check them all out when you are in Amsterdam. These are just a few we explored.
Amsterdam. A city which stayed in our heart, this first time we visited. And it made us go back again after a couple of years. As we were scheduled to return again last year, came the crisis. Hopefully will be back next year. If not before.
If you loved being in Amsterdam for 3 days, PIN it for later and friends
