Amsterdam was always a must-see on my list of places to visit and for my "New Years Resolutions" this year I created a bucket list of places I wanted to see and Amsterdam was on top of the list.
I don't know why I have wanted to go for so long whether it was because everyone had already visited and I have heard so much about it or that the laws and lifestyle intrigued me. Either way I made my way across the water in May this year and finally ticked it off my list.
Accommodation
We spent four days in the city which at first I thought was too short but by the last day, a weekend would have been enough time to see everything. We stayed a little outside the city in the NH Museum Quarter which was due to the fact that we left booking accommodation to the last minute and everything else was booked up or cost a fortune which we weren't willing to pay. My advice, book your accommodation in plenty of time.I use the Booking.com app which I find AMAZING it literally makes booking accommodation soo easy and I would be lost without it. What I like to do on the app is book lots of places so I have plenty of choices and then use the free cancelations on the ones I don't want, that way you're getting the best place for the best price.
Our hotel was about a forty minute walk outside of the city center which at first I was a little disappointed we were so far out but after the first night, I was glad we were that bit further. Amsterdam is a pretty social city with plenty of stags and tourists hitting the town at night including ourselves so when we got back at night I was glad of a quiet place to get a few hours sleep before waking up to another full day.
Things to Do
There is quite a lot to do and see in Amsterdam but everything is fairly central so it is easy to walk around or you could always rent a bike and cycle (which I wish we got around to doing).
While we were there we visited the Heineken experience which we didn't need to pre-book tickets for, saw the famous Amsterdam sign and strolled around the beautiful flower markets. We also did a boat tour which is, in my opinion, the best way to see as much of the city as possible in the shortest time. My friend from Amsterdam recommended we did the Friendship Amsterdam Cruise which is located at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230, this was a lovely tour that had a bar on board so you could sit back take in all the views along the canals while sipping on a cool vodka soda.
Other things that we didn't get to do but wish we did would have been to go to the Van Gogh museum (Amsterdam is full of museum's) and the Anne Frank house but unfortunately, the Anne Frank house sells out so you need to book your tickets a bit in advance.
Food & Drink
Bars
We were spoiled for choice in Amsterdam for places to eat and drink there is something for everyone's style whether it be Irish bars, cozy cafes, speak easy's or outdoor restaurants. Most of our nights we spent in and around the Red Light District which if you are heading to Amsterdam I would recommend you go and experience it. Here you will find the cheapest drink deals and good nightlife.
We spent most of our nights in an Irish bar called Durty Nelly's. It is not your typical pokey Irish bar that you would expect to find abroad the venue itself is quite large with two floors, great drink promos and a pool table downstairs if you fancied a game.
Another bar just down from Durty Nelly's that also has good drink promo's like four vodka red bulls for €15 is called Belushi's which is worth checking out.
Food
There is nearly every kind of food scattered around the city from pasta to burgers to steaks you're bound to find something yummy. If it is pasta your craving you have got to check out Bravi Ragazzi it is the BEST pasta I have ever had, the portions are small and you may be still hungry afterward depending on how hungry you were beforehand but it is so delicious!
For quick in and out lunch or dinner bites check out Box Burger. The best way I can describe this place is it's the Amsterdam version of Shake Shack. You go up to the till, order and pay and they will present you with a buzzer that will go off when your food is ready. It is a quick and tasty spot to get in eat and get back on your way to exploring the city ASAP.
For breakfast, we went to this cute square which had lots of outdoor seating and a nice fountain in the center which was lovely to start the day off sitting back and watching the city go by. The restaurant we went to was called Brasserie Meuwese, they have everything from sandwiches, eggs, pancakes, salads, pasta and so on.
Cafe's
As we all know Amsterdam is famous for its legal weed and cafes which attracts many tourists every weekend. If that is your thing I would check out Dampkring Cafe it has a really cool vibe, the bartenders are super nice and its a great experience whether you go to smoke, for the brownies or to sit back and watch the stoned cat (we thought he was stuffed at first, no joke). And trust them when they say half a brownie each is enough if you are not regular smokers!
Shopping
I was pleasantly surprised by the shopping in Amsterdam I was not expecting it at all and was sorry after that I didn't budget for it. In the city center, you will find all your high street shops from Zara, Nike, H&M and the likes.
Further out just a few minutes walk from our hotel we stayed in is the shopping district which is full of premium designers. The main street is PC Hooftstraat they have everything from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Burberry and so on. Around the corner on the next street, you will find mainly all dutch designers as well as some more premium designers.
Love,
Leah x
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