An overview for first-time visitors.
There are many things to do in the Netherlands. One obvious choice
for travelers is to take in Amsterdam for a day or two. Here are
answers to some of the common questions, concerns, and general
nervousness regarding what to expect. Further below are suggestions for specific locations and places to visit, and things to do.
1. When you arrive at Centraal Station and exit the train, be ready to hustle up some stairs. Chances are you'll be in heavy, pedestrian rush hour. Most flights arrive early in the morning, so do the locals. Grab your belongings (all of them, check yourself), go with the flow and make it outside. If you have any questions, you'll find an information center nearby. Do not ask them about your hotel reservations.. they don't know.
2. If you need a cab, there is a taxi rank right outside. You can take one at your own risk. The cabbies KNOW where they are going, but yet may still drive in circles. SUGGESTION: Ask the proprietor of the place you are staying which tram you should take to get to them. If that is not possible, get a map and find out what tram (train) to take to your destination. These maps are available in Centraal Station and clearly mark tram numbers and routes. If you know where your hotel is, take the appropriate tram. It's only about e 1.60 and they run often. Besides, you'll save loads of money and get familiar with public transportation which is excellent in Amsterdam.
3. When you finally get checked in, scrub the plane-funk off your body, and get collected, you're ready to explore. Now... some of you travelers just want to get right to the action. Most front desk employees have maps available. Don't be shy.. just ask. MOST DUTCH SPEAK INCREDIBLE ENGLISH. More people in Amsterdam speak English than in Los Angeles, no joke! They will more than happy to accomodate you in most cases. They will have tram schedules as well.
4. Now you're clean, mapped, and ready to go. If you want to have a great experience, it's simple. Getting friendly with the people who serve you (hotel staff, waiter/waitresses, store clerks) can go along way. They may even suggest cool hangouts, tourist-traps, good eats and other useful tidbits.
5. There is an obvious and huge difference between going in the summer and the off-season. During the off-season hotels are generally much cheaper. Same goes for flights. Also, getting a seat at a cafe, coffeeshop or restaurant will provide no challenge. Don't be discouraged! Most attractions are still open, perhaps with shorter hours. During the summer months Amsterdam can be absolute chaos. There are people from all over the world there and finding other Americans is as easy as pointing. As soon as the weather turns just a little bit warm cafes and coffeeshops set up their outdoor seating. Some places take the windows completely out to let the warm, clean air in.
6. Partying: you hear this question alot. "So.. hear the pot is way stronger over there. Is it?" Answer: Maybe, it depends on where you get your pot. Here in L.A. it's comparable. But be careful if you are a lightweight. In most coffeeshops they have literature that tells you what to do if you've taken one toke too many, and coffeeshop staff will help you if that should happen. There are many quality places to toke it up legally... Abraxas, Grey Area, Dampkring, etc... At many of these locations, and especially the latter, the staff will also help you pick what you are looking for, make suggestions and generally be there to help. Make sure you get something to eat before going in head-first! Even if you over do it, remember, staff at coffeeshops are trained to take care of you till you come back to earth.
7. The Dutch are generally great people. They will be helpful, courteous and friendly. Do yourself a favor and return the love. Sure, there are many people who have a fundamental dislike for Americans. However, showing class and warmth will make your trip so much more enjoyable and you may single-handedly be responsible for changing someone's mind about Americans. Your political opinions, views on world events and personal dislikes (if you support Bush) may earn you a tiny, blue cold shoulder from locals...save them for another time.
8. If you are going in April or May be sure to go to the Keukenhof in Lisse. A short bus ride past ribbons of tulips in fields under a bright Dutch sun is something to savor away from the city. Keukenhof is one of, if not the, biggest flowering bulb garden in the world and is a treat for all your senses.
9. Most importantly: HAVE FUN! Watch your belongings (most hotels have a lockbox), be courteous and remind yourself : " This is their place. You are the guest." Proost!
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I. Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk - The Anne Frank House may be a moving experience to some and a more blase experience to others. There is usually a line to get in, so to save some wait time, you can try to get in line to visit the house during the last hour (it's a small place to visit). If you are really interested in seeing it, though, make sure to arrive in enough time to get in before they close, so you won't be disappointed over waiting in line only to not get in. Or buy your tickets in advance online. ( http://www.annefrankhuis.nl) This is not only an option for the Anne Frank House, but for many more museums and attractions. Don't miss going up in the Westerkerk bell tower: if you are up for the climb. There are some GREAT views of the city from there.
II. Canal Boat Tour - There are several companies offering boat tours. It is a great way to get an overview of the city and it is a very different view of the city than walking around or on the trams. Some of the tours are hop-on hop-off so you can use the tour to get around town. Some also are good for a 24 hour period, not just the day the ticket is issued. Another option is the tour offered through Boom Chicago in Leidseplein. Their boats only hold about 10 people, have no headphoned information, but can go where the large boats cannot and you can bring beer or smoke if you'd like.
III. Van Gogh Museum – A great, modern exhibit hall with so much of the great man’s life on display. Many of the items are works that influenced him. The Rijksmuseum is more or less closed until 2013 with but a -tiny- little exhibit open in a small wing.
IV. Coffeeshops (if you indulge in other than coffee) – Even if you don’t indulge, some of the trendy houses are great places to get an actual cup of great coffee and people watch. Many coffeeshops have outdoor seatin in warm weather and others have glassed in sun rooms for when it's cold.
V. Dam Square - Such a hub for SO many visitors, 24 hours a day. Several times a year there are carnivals or festivals there in the square.
VI. Vondelpark – On a sunny afternoon the park will be crowded with tourists and locals. Take a picnic or just your love of life: sit and watch the whole of Amsterdam go by.
VII. Floating Flower Market – So many beautiful flowers and plants available. There are other tourist shops there in the street too. Buy some flowers and take them back to your hotel … they can find you a vase to put them in.
VIII. Aalsmeer Flower Auction - Come see where 75% of ALL the cut flowers in the world are auctioned off. It is a self-guided tour where you will see 100's of thousands of flowers being whisked about to and from the auction rooms. It is truly amazing.
IX. One kilometer long market running along Albert Cuypstraat – See where the locals do some of their day-to-day shopping and a great place to get a good ethnic meal cheap. Said by some to be one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe.
X. Red Light District (RLD) - Amsterdam actually has more than one RLD. The world famous one is a five minute walk from Centraal Station. Given the substantial police presence it is a safe place to be night or day. It can get very crowded on weekend evenings.
XI. Chinatown – Centered around a street named Zeedijk, adjacent to the RLD, this is the place to go if you are looking for authentic Cantonese food.
