I am excited to tell you about Amsterdam! I have had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam a few times. My husband often stops there when he is on a business trip, which provides the opportunity to visit our son, Ben, who lives there. We find new treasures each time we visit the city. We love the character and charm of beautiful canals and 17th century narrow houses.
Amsterdam is a very walkable city. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes! Cycling is hugely popular in the Netherlands, and there are plenty of dedicated bike paths around the city.
The iconic canals are absolutely gorgeous, and a canal cruise is a must-do outing. The city looks magical at night when viewed from the water. Do you enjoy museums? There are many world-class museums in Amsterdam, including the famous Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum (works by Rembrandt and Vermeer) and modern art at the Stedelijk Museum. No trip would be complete without a visit to the memorable Anne Frank House.
I recommend a visit too to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, which is often open to the public. It is centrally located in the center of Amsterdam on the west side of Dam Square. TripAdvisor gives the palace a five-star rating.
Of course, a trip to the Netherlands is NOT complete without cheese tasting. If you like beer, you will love the microbreweries and the "Heineken Experience". I suggest you book your Heineken tickets in advance because this is a busy place. Beer drinkers will also enjoy stopping in a traditional Dutch pub known as a "brown cafe". There are trendy cocktail bars for those who prefer something other than pilsner or lager!
If you enjoy cafes, there are so many to choose from where you can sip a local coffee specialty called "koffie verkeerd" (similar to a latte). A well-known cafe is the Cafe Americain (yes the spelling is different) in the Amsterdam American Hotel that dates back to 1902. Vintage lovers will also appreciate the Cafe De Jaren, which is located in a former bank building and attracts a younger crowd with its spectacular outdoor terrace that overlooks the river Amstel.
For foodies, there is much to please your palate in Amsterdam with every type of restaurant imaginable from Michelin Five Star restaurants to popular food trucks. For those who like multicultural food, there is always something new and unique popping up all over the city. I am a fan of the Middle Eastern eateries in the trendy bohemian De Pijp district. My husband recently enjoyed a 'Taste of Amsterdam Tour', and he was absolutely amazed at the variety and caliber of the food offered from the food trucks. Think five-star flavors from food trucks!
Amsterdam is an easy trip with direct flights from many major airports, including Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina. Any amount of time in Amsterdam is memorable. Whether you want a dedicated vacation or a few days before/after a cruise or tour, I would be happy to help you plan a trip to this amazing city. Call or email me to plan an amazing time in Amsterdam.
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