The rumors are true, illicit offerings abound for the Amsterdam traveler, but there is so much more. Amsterdam has all the offerings of a major world capital, and yet the atmosphere here is more akin to a village with tree-lined canals, art museums and a strong café culture. Even for the most puritanical visitors, Amsterdam is absolutely worth a few days’ visit. (And as for that Red Light District, it is worth a stroll for an insight into the city’s gritty side.) Here are my suggestions for making the most of a three-day trip to Amsterdam.

The canals of Amsterdam, looking towards Muntplein

Amsterdam Day 1: Get Your Bearings

Amsterdam’s Schipol airport is consistently ranked amongst the best in Europe. It is clean, modern and efficient, with regular trains running to Amsterdam Centraal Station in the city centre. Taxis in Amsterdam tend to be overpriced, so the 10-15 minute train ride to the city is the best bet (or pre-book an Amsterdam airport shuttle over on the Viator site).

Orienting yourself in Amsterdam is difficult, and its reputation as a complex place to navigate is well-deserved with small labyrinthine streets, but also part of its charm. There is no square street grid, and concentric U-shaped canals along with a few strategic landmarks are best for providing direction. Take note of Centraal Station, Dam Square and Leidseplein for starter orientation. English is spoken universally, so do not be afraid to ask for directions.

Amsterdam in fall, on Keizergracht

Ease into your first day by getting to know your surroundings. Amsterdammers choose to travel by bicycle, and consistent bike paths make such travel safe, easy and direct. Beware of walking on the bike paths, or be prepared to feel the reprimand of a ringing bell. Bike rental is possible near most of the city’s major attractions for a good price (about €6 or so per day), and it really is the best way to travel if you can cope with Amsterdam’s unpredictable weather. All the trams end-up back at Centraal Station, so in a jam, you can always take a tram to the Station and find their next destination from there.

A canal boat ride is also a good way to move about on the first day, get a feel for things and a new perspective from the water (about €10 for 75 minutes for adults). Water is everywhere in Amsterdam and canal cruising is part of the city’s charm even for residents. Most of the city is actually below sea level. You can also get an Amsterdam Hop On & Off Canal Pass if you want to navigate the city by canal via public transport. If all else fails, say hello to an Amsterdam city tour.

Towards the evening on your first night make a stop at the Anne Frank Huis (€7.50 for adults). The historic home can be crowded with visitors, so stopping by closer to closing time can give you a quieter, more-relaxed experience. The tour is short, but worthwhile. After the Anne Frank Huis, go for a stroll in the Jordaan neighborhood. The Huis is on the Prinsengracht, widely considered the most high-rent and posh of the canals. There are many great restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood, and do not be afraid to make your way down skinny alleyways in search of something different. To the north Prinsengracht intersects with Haarlamerstraat, a quaint, but commercial street with many restaurants and cafes. Going east on Haarlamerstraat will bring you back towards Centraal Station.

Amsterdam Day 2: Red Light District, High Art, Nightclubs

A walk through the Red Light District is worth it, at the very least for the experience. It can be quiet a different place during day or night. The main drag of the district is crowded with floods of tourists, keeping anything “too illicit” in the shadows. During the day it is quieter and you can encounter a group of nuns on a tour; at night there is much more going on, but also increased levels of seediness. Head toward the Oude Kirk, a massive cathedral in the center of the action. The dichotomy of the church and infamous rose-colored windows within arms-reach is quite something. The Oude Kirk also regularly houses unique photography and art exhibits.

Now you’re ready for some art! The Rijksmuseum (€9 entry) and the Van Gogh Museum (€9 entry) are the most popular, and justifiably so. Both are centered on Museumplein, a beautiful open park area with ice skating in the winter. (Note: You can purchase a canal pass and Van Gogh Museum ticket or a canal pass and Rijksmuseum ticket and save some money.)

Even partially under the renovation, the Rijksmuseum is impressive. The imposing national museum combines Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Its highest profile displays include artwork from Dutch Masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Franz Hals and Jan Steen. Just south along Museumplein is the Van Gogh Musuem. A modern airy building makes a visit fairly comfortable on even the most crowded days. In addition to its collection of work from Holland’s auditory-deprived artist, the basement shows an absorbing rotation of traveling exhibits.

After the museums, your day can take a variety of turns. Nearby is the Vondelpark, a beehive of activity on a sunny spring day. Take a walk or picnic there to relax. Also proximate is Leideseplein, Amsterdam’s equivalent to Times’ Square. Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, concert halls and clubs congregate in this part of the city. Again a stroll down one of the side-streets is a good idea to get a taste of something slightly off the beaten path of backpackers and bachelor parties.

What to do at night? Check out the schedule at Paradiso or Melkweg, two concert halls near Leidseplein. On nights where there are no concerts, they are used for dance parties. Sugar Factory, another club near Leidseplein, offers diverse events of differing cover charge on different nights. Among the best nights are Sundays, with “Wicked Jazz Sounds,” a fusion of techno beats and live jazz musicians (€9.50 entry, starts at 11p). Avoid most of the bars and coffee shops immediately abutting Leidseplein, they tend to be tourist traps. Elsewhere in the city, Bitterzoet on Spuistraat is a good club (though they tend to discriminate slightly against non-locals).

Amsterdam Day 3: Do Nothing

Today’s a day to relax, especially if you followed my recommendations for nightlife on Day 2. You can get a good feel for the leisurely side of the city by choosing a café for beer or coffee on any number of scenic squares. Spui (pronounced Spouw) is near the Univesiteit van Amsterdam and is full of bookstores. Nieuwmarkt is impressive and centrally located. The Albert Kuyp Market in De Pijp is amongst the city’s best and its blend of Turkish products and hipster clientele makes it an interesting place for perusing. Smaller, chic restaurants abound in this neighborhood, so enjoy a meal.

If you are up for it, you can try another museum, as there are plenty that most short-term visitors never see. The Amsterdam Historical Museum near Spui, the Jewish Historical Museum, the children’s science center NEMO, and FOAM (the photography museum) all come highly recommended. The top of the NEMO provides one of the few views overlooking what is otherwise a geographically flat city.

–Benjamin Cunningham

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s list of things to do in Amsterdam, or cut to the chase with the most popular tours and activities in Amsterdam. Travel tip: Depending on how many museums you may visit, or how often you may find yourself in Amsterdam, an I Amsterdam Card museum pass grants you free access to 24 museums in Amsterdam.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 at 4:05 pm and is filed under Destinations, Europe, Suggested Itineraries, Travel Inspiration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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