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Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Hague, The Netherlands
2018 (4 days), Fall 2019 (4 days)
For my first travel series, I wanted to pick a place that was special to me and exciting for anyone, of any age, to visit. I have been to Amsterdam twice, most recently this November. I highly recommend Amsterdam for both beginner and experienced travelers. In this post, I will give you some quick background about Amsterdam, and outline the top 10 activities that will make your trip magical 🧞♀️.
The series will continue with subsequent posts on Amsterdam's food scene, and the Jewish side of Amsterdam. I will outline the cost of everything, so my budget travelers have an idea of how accessible a trip to Amsterdam can be, and it is cheaper than you think. So let's get started and go to the Netherlands. 🧞♀️💜✈️
Table of Contents
Background📜
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, a country in Northwest Europe. The Netherlands can also be called Holland. The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but most people in Amsterdam speak English. Amsterdam got its name after the river it grew around, the River Amstel. One of Amsterdam's most unique features is its canals. There are 165 canals in the city, and many houseboats to take advantage of the watery real estate.
Another major feature is the number of bicycles in the city. Unlike in other cities, where the concern when crossing the street is the cars, in Amsterdam, its bikes. Bikes are a primary source of transport for a large portion of city residents with each household owning an average of 2 bicycles. Getting around Amsterdam by foot or rail is super easy, especially using Google Maps. Amsterdam takes the Euro and many places accept credit cards.
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is a 7-hour flight from JFK International Airport in New York City. I have taken Norweigan Airlines Basic Economy costing $150-200 each way. Stay tuned for 3 Wishes Travel's Flying Tips and Packing Tips articles coming soon to get all of our best strategies for long flights.
When you arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, enter the train hall and find the train to Amsterdam Centraal. This is by far the best and cheapest way to get from the airport into Amsterdam city. It is a short 20-30 minute ride and then you are in the center of all the action.
Both times I explored Amsterdam, I made my home base the Heart of Amsterdam Hostel located in the center of the Red Light District. For between $30-40 a night, guests secure a clean, safe, and centrally located place to lay your head.
Total Cost Flight + Accommodation: 4 days & 4 nights = $500
Now once you are in Amsterdam, what is there to do? We have personally curated and experienced each of these activities to offer you our true and honest experience. Make the best of your Amsterdam adventure with these activities, and plan ahead with the cost of each of these mini-adventures.
1. Anne Frank Museum $12
The Anne Frank House and Museum in Amsterdam is the most important thing you can do on your visit. I know Amsterdam is known for being a fun party city, which it is, but the history of the city and the pain others experienced must be addressed. The Anne Frank House is located in Central Amsterdam. I strongly recommend buying your ticket in advance; 80% of tickets are released online exactly 2 months before the day of visit. Tickets are bought up fast and only 20% are saved for same-day purchases. This moving tour with audio guide through the exact apartment Anne Frank lived and wrote her diary is emotional and life-changing. We will do a deeper dive into this experience in the forthcoming Jewish Amsterdam post on 3 Wishes Travel Blog.
2. Canal Boat Tours $20
Both of my Amsterdam adventures included a boat tour through the city's famous canals. These canals are my favorite part of the city and many tour companies offer a wide variety of cruises for any type of traveler. Seeing Amsterdam from its canals gives you a completely different perspective where you can fall in love with the city all over again. On my first trip, I cruised the canals with Amsterdam City Canal Cruises, which offered a recorded audio tour with tons of enlightening information on the city. My second canal cruise through Boat Amsterdam was a Tour and Drink themed boat offering unlimited Heineken beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee. This tour was informative and offered an Amsterdam staple, Heineken. Whatever cruise you chose, Amsterdam's breathtaking canals will carry you through the historic city and show you why it is called the Venice of the North.
3. Red Light District & Sex Show $40-50
The Red Light District is lined by small bars, coffee shops, brothels, and sex shows. Not for the faint of heart, the Red Light District becomes a magical place of energy and nightlife each evening. I would recommend at least one night walking around the tight alleys and canals in this more scandalous part of town. If you are up for it, a sex show at one of the world-famous Amsterdam Peep Shows is a must-see. I have seen the Casa Rosso show as well as the Moulin Rouge Show. These shows include live acts as well as special stunt acts. Shows run on a loop, repeating every 60-90 minutes. Entrance often includes a free drink or two, and most have bars where you can order more!
4. Heineken Experience Tour $20
This interactive tour of the "World's Most Famous Beer Company" is located at Heineken's historic first brewery in Amsterdam Central. During the tour, you experience exciting visuals explaining Heineken's history, the brewing experience, new innovations. Afterward, visitors are given the opportunity to taste the freshest Heineken beer they will ever have. Our tour included a competition to see who could create the perfect pour of Heineken, and I'm proud to say that I won my round of the competition. After the tour, the factory sent us home with our own Heineken beer opener. Heineken is an Amsterdam staple so this tour is a can't miss.
5. Rijksmuseum & Amsterdam Sign $21
The Rijksmuseum is one of The Netherland's best museums, containing vast exhibitions on art and history. The building itself is an architectural marvel built in 1885 and is a national heritage site. The Rijksmuseum includes a lovely garden outside the museum for visitors to stroll through on a nice day. The Rijksmuseum is conveniently located in Museum Square, next to the Van Gogh Museum which is also a top 10 attraction!
Right behind the Rijksmuseum in Museum Square used to be the IAmsterdam sign. During my second visit to Amsterdam, I realized they moved this sign. These famous letters had been there for 15 years, but were removed recently because "the square was becoming overcrowded, and due to fear that it's become a symbol of 'mindless mass tourism' and is 'too individualistic.'" I encourage you to read more about the social consequences of mass travel and how it affected this specific attraction in this Insider.com article.
6. Van Gough Museum $21
The Van Gough Museum holds the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh art in the entire world. If you are any interest in art, especially van Gogh, this is a must-see. Located in Museum Square across from the Rijksmuseum, this museum hosts the work of one of the most famous artists in the world. Famous paintings inside the Van Gough Museum include Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, the Bedroom, Self Portrait and more.
7. Jordaan Neighborhood FREE
Rent a bike or go on an early morning stroll around the Jordaan Neighborhood in Central Amsterdam. This area has plenty of beautiful homes, cafes, restaurants, and small shops, great for a traveler ready to explore. The captivating Westertoren Bell Tower is located in Jordaan and if you are able, a walk to the top of the tower offers amazing views of Amsterdam. This is the same bell tower Anne Frank heard and wrote about in her diary. Every morning I would walk around Jordaan taking in the beauty of Amsterdam and finding a unique breakfast cafe.
8. The Anarchist Activist Collective Bookshop (Het Fort van Sjakoo)
This is a more unique place to visit but I believe it captures the spirit of Amsterdam and can open your mind if you let it. Het Fort van Sjakoo offers resources around not traditionally mainstream and "radical" ideologies and viewpoints. The shop is run by volunteers and all profit goes back into the bookshop. From feminist writings to fighting climate change to more extreme ideologies, this bookstore offers a glimpse into different viewpoints. I loved visiting and seeing the diverse ideas discussed in the shop and would recommend even those who disagree with most of the ideas to check out the store anyway. It is always important to understand not only your view of the world but others and why they think the way they do.
9. Amsterdam Icebar: Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam $23
The Amsterdam Icebar is a unique bar experience where everything is made of ice, from the glasses that hold your drinks to the benches you sit on. Because everything is made out of ice, you are given a jacket and gloves to wear inside the bar. Tip: If you order your ticket ahead of time on TripAdvisor.com you get 3 free drinks with entry.
10. A'DAM Lookout in Amsterdam: Sunset Admission Ticket and Cocktail $25
The A'DAM Lookout is a secret gem. This restaurant and bar is 20 stories in the air, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Amsterdam. Buying your ticket ahead of time is key, you get entry plus 2 free drinks. A visit at sunset is the perfect ending of a day, allowing you to see Amsterdam in the daytime and nighttime. For thrill-seekers, there is a swing hanging off the top of the tower. The Lookout also offers exhibitions on its history and the history of Amsterdam.
BONUS: The Hauge
A short 30 train ride from Amsterdam Central Station and you are in a city called The Hauge. Perfect for a day trip or overnight visit, this city is easy to navigate on foot or with public transport. When I visited, I stayed in the centrally located Kingkool Hostel for $20 a night. I had one of the best meals of my entire life here, which I will talk about in my Food of Amsterdam blog. The Hauge has royal palaces, embassies, cobblestone streets, and waterfront. Consider the Hauge for a day trip on your trip.
I hope this helps you create your perfect Amsterdam adventure. All pictures are taken by me, check out our Instagram @3WishesTravel for more. If you are thinking about your own Amsterdam visit, contact us and we will plan your entire trip for you!
Subscribe below for an alert when our upcoming posts about Amsterdam food and Jewish Life in Amsterdam are published. If you have any Amsterdam recommendations, feel free to comment below! I would love to hear them :)
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I am so very proud of your original ideas, professionalism, and ambition. I know grandma would be very proud too!