Amsterdam
Travel article for Amsterdam
Age:
31-35
Travel time:
in February 12
The Best Amsterdam Attractions to See in 2 Days
In two days you can easily hit the top Amsterdam attractions and still have time to relax. But with so many museums and pretty neighborhoods, it is tough to know where to start. No fear – here is a
list of sights you can easily see with a couple of days in Amsterdam.
Ride a Bicycle
When in Amsterdam, ride a bicycle. You can choose to rent one for your entire stay (it is the best way to get around) or take a bike tour, or both. A bike tour is a great way to start off your stay. It will give you an overview of the city and help you get a sense of direction in a city where every corner seems to have the same architecture, a bridge and a canal. Mac Bikes offers a variety of bike tours and rent bikes. www.macbike.nl
Take a Canal Cruise
Some say the best way to see Amsterdam is from a boat. It’s relaxing and once you float around the city it is easy to see why this is one of the top Amsterdam attractions. There are many companies offering cruises, but the Amsterdam tourist office has put together a great list of options here: www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/things-to-do/canalcruises
Visit the Rijksmuseum
Despite its many treasures the big hitter here is Rembrandt’s stunning masterpiece, The Nightwatch. The main building is closed for renovation until 2013 but the famous painting is on display in the Philips wing. www.rijksmuseum.nl
See the Anne Frank House
The house where Anne Frank hid and wrote in her diary is in the middle of Central Amsterdam. It now houses a museum about the girl and her family. During the tour you will see the secret annex where they lived and learn about the family. The original diary is also on display. www.annefrank.org
Boutique-hop in the Negen Straatjes
The Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) is a section of- you guessed it-nine streets. Over the past few years it has become one of the most popular areas to visit in Amsterdam. The area is filled with quirky small boutiques. Many are owned by local designers and small retailers. They sell an array of items from clothes to housewares to knicks knacks. www.de9straatjes.nl/uk/
Wander through the Flower Market
It’s not just tulips, you know. One prettiest Amsterdam attractions is to simply spends a delightful hour admiring the many flowers and bulbs on display at this market. You can take home bulbs of all sorts as long s they have a customs clearance note on them.
Explore Vondelpark
This is not a place you find among the typical list of Amsterdam attractions but it is one of the best places to see locals out and about enjoying the fresh air and greenery. This is the city’s most popular city park.
Stroll through the Jordaan
The Jordaan is a relaxed and fun area of town crisscrossed by oodles of canals. There are also endless amounts of charming cafes and galleries to poke into. It is considered one of the prettiest neighborhoods. There are plenty of shops and places to eat and have a coffee, but this is also a very residential part of town. http://www.jordaaninfo.com/
Ride a Bicycle
When in Amsterdam, ride a bicycle. You can choose to rent one for your entire stay (it is the best way to get around) or take a bike tour, or both. A bike tour is a great way to start off your stay. It will give you an overview of the city and help you get a sense of direction in a city where every corner seems to have the same architecture, a bridge and a canal. Mac Bikes offers a variety of bike tours and rent bikes. www.macbike.nl
Take a Canal Cruise
Some say the best way to see Amsterdam is from a boat. It’s relaxing and once you float around the city it is easy to see why this is one of the top Amsterdam attractions. There are many companies offering cruises, but the Amsterdam tourist office has put together a great list of options here: www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/things-to-do/canalcruises
Visit the Rijksmuseum
Despite its many treasures the big hitter here is Rembrandt’s stunning masterpiece, The Nightwatch. The main building is closed for renovation until 2013 but the famous painting is on display in the Philips wing. www.rijksmuseum.nl
See the Anne Frank House
The house where Anne Frank hid and wrote in her diary is in the middle of Central Amsterdam. It now houses a museum about the girl and her family. During the tour you will see the secret annex where they lived and learn about the family. The original diary is also on display. www.annefrank.org
Boutique-hop in the Negen Straatjes
The Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) is a section of- you guessed it-nine streets. Over the past few years it has become one of the most popular areas to visit in Amsterdam. The area is filled with quirky small boutiques. Many are owned by local designers and small retailers. They sell an array of items from clothes to housewares to knicks knacks. www.de9straatjes.nl/uk/
Wander through the Flower Market
It’s not just tulips, you know. One prettiest Amsterdam attractions is to simply spends a delightful hour admiring the many flowers and bulbs on display at this market. You can take home bulbs of all sorts as long s they have a customs clearance note on them.
Explore Vondelpark
This is not a place you find among the typical list of Amsterdam attractions but it is one of the best places to see locals out and about enjoying the fresh air and greenery. This is the city’s most popular city park.
Stroll through the Jordaan
The Jordaan is a relaxed and fun area of town crisscrossed by oodles of canals. There are also endless amounts of charming cafes and galleries to poke into. It is considered one of the prettiest neighborhoods. There are plenty of shops and places to eat and have a coffee, but this is also a very residential part of town. http://www.jordaaninfo.com/
