So I'm off to Amsterdam...

[kennysarmy]

First time with a passport in about 15 years!

 

Normally just holiday in this country but on Sunday morning I'm flying to Amsterdam for 3 nights with the family (to Celebrate Mrs KA's 50, and daughter's turning 18 and 21 this year)

 

Anyone got any tips for an inexperienced traveller, anything specific to Amsterdam?

 

Cheers.

[crc-ict]

Beware that in Amsterdam 'coffee shops' may not be what you think they are...

[ThatBoringBloke]

The Amsterdam Marathon is on Sunday, so be aware of roads being closed.

[hardtailstar]

This may or may not help.

 

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/travel-man-48-hours-in/on-demand/65394-003

[IrritableTech]

The train from Schiphol to Amsterdam is quick and regular - but buy a ticket before you board, it's a lot more expensive on the train its self!

[elsiegee40]

Public transport generally is excellent. Plan your route with Google Maps and it will even tell you which number bus/tram stop you need.

[elsiegee40]

Get to Anne Frank’s house very early. The queues are horrendous.

 

I am fairly sure Mr gee40 booked advance tickets with a tour group... we met and collected them outside. I will try to find out who he booked through.

 

EDIT

 

It looks like you can book in advance through their website now

Edited October 16, 2018 by elsiegee40

[hardtailstar]

Get to Anne Frank’s house very early. The queues are horrendous.

 

I am fairly sure Mr gee40 booked advance tickets with a tour group... we met and collected them outside. I will try to find out who he booked through.

 

EDIT

 

It looks like you can book in advance through their website now

 

Prebook as much as you can/want. You do save money and beat the queues.

[elsiegee40]

Mr gee40 reminded me that the IAmsterdam City Card gets you into everything and allows public transport too.

 

It doesn’t cover Anne Frank’s house or the Schipol train from what I remember.

 

https://www.iamsterdam.com/en

 

You can buy in advance online

[FishCustard]

Are you flying? Remember to get to the airport early (earlier than you think you could ever need to) just in case. Particularly with teenagers in tow!

 

Double-check baggage allowances and pay for any over-weight bags before you get to the airport if possible - it's cheaper.

 

Most airlines have web-based check-in which will save a queue.

 

Boiled sweets do wonders for anyone who has trouble with ear pressure differentials - I personally go for sherbet lemons or Werther's.

[RyanMcClean]

We really enjoyed going out to the Windmills, traditional cheese & clogg factories and museums at Zaanse Schans (dezaanseschans.nl/en). It is really easy to get to on the train just head out to Zaandijk and either walk or jump on one of the bike taxis

[3s-gtech]

Long time since I've been. The train station always had a bad rep for the assault of peddlars, pickpockets and stoners. Hope it's improved. Plus pigeons. Sooo many pigeons! And the Rembrandt museum is good.

[kennysarmy]

The Amsterdam Marathon is on Sunday, so be aware of roads being closed.

 

Thanks.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

The Amsterdam Marathon is on Sunday, so be aware of roads being closed.

 

This may or may not help.

 

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/travel-man-48-hours-in/on-demand/65394-003

 

Will definitely give that a look tonight.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Are you flying? Remember to get to the airport early (earlier than you think you could ever need to) just in case. Particularly with teenagers in tow!

 

Double-check baggage allowances and pay for any over-weight bags before you get to the airport if possible - it's cheaper.

 

Most airlines have web-based check-in which will save a queue.

 

Boiled sweets do wonders for anyone who has trouble with ear pressure differentials - I personally go for sherbet lemons or Werther's.

 

Yes flying KLM from Bristol - only taking hand luggage but good tip with the sweets

[HTCPCP]

Be prepared to be searched when coming home, at least once (still remember travelling back from a conference, by train, and getting searched 3 times...)

Avoid De Wallen (and directly around it), because, well, it's most certainly a NSFW search...

the film museum is worth seeing (even if it's just for the outside!)

For the key places (Anne Frank museum) get there early, and be prepared to spend a long time queuing!

[JoeBloggs]

The train from schipol to Amsterdam is like 5euros. taxi is 50-70

[rad]

Some shops you get a whiff of things as you pass.

We did a boat tour, great way to see the sights and view Amsterdam from the water

[steve]

I've been a few times, really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere (no, I don't partake in the coffee shop experience) one of my favourite cities.

 

Train into the city as others have suggested, quick and cheap.

 

Walking around the city is my favourite activity, lots of great architecture.

Canal trip - worth it for a look around from a different perspective.

Vondelpark - nice city park if the weathers good for a walk around or picnic.

Heineken Experience - Brewery tour, OK but if you've done a brewery tour before probably not worth it.

 

The Doubletree Hilton skylounge is a good spot for an evening drink and a sunset view over the city. Just down the road from the Hilton is a nice bar - Hannekes Boom, can be very busy at weekends.

 

Having hired bikes on previous trips, I'd not bother if you aren't really confident - pedal back brakes on most bikes and it can take some getting used to. I have the scars to prove this. Trams / walking a better bet.

[Pyroman]

Go for a walk around the Red Light District at night, it's just something you have to experience!

 

As other have said, get the train from the airport to Amsterdam Centre. If you can't work out the ticket machines the counter staff are lovely.

 

EAT EVERYTHING! There's so many amazing little cake shops, sandwich shops etc, try everything, the food is great.

 

VondelPark is a bit of a walk out of the city but it's worth it, absolutely beautiful and it's massive.

 

Artis Zoo is good, the aquarium building is amazing just for the architecture alone.

 

Ask for a local beer in bars, if you've heard of it before it'll probably be expensive, look at what the locals drink, it's loads cheaper.

[TomHD]

You can get a 72 hour unlimited travel ticket that will let you ride any train/tram/bus in the Amsterdam area for around 15 Euros. Well worth it and can be bought at the airport.