The Land of Tulips, clogs and cheese - Brief logistics of Amsterdam
Holland is an incredible place that combines a sense of Nordic cultures with continental Europe. Amsterdam, the capital, is a city steeped in culture and history. The other fantastic thing about it is that it makes for a great visit for a few days coming from anywhere in Europe.
The city offers up many things to do, see and eat and yet is small enough that you can hit the top sights in a span of a long weekend. That being said, after your weekend here you will certainly feel that you need to go back for more.
Although it had already existed in the 12th century already as a city built around (you guessed it) a dam in the Amstel river, Amsterdam really made its debut as it became a fishing village in the 13th century. The city spent 14th and 15th centuries quickly developing and then entering the Golden Age (1585-1672). At this time, the city really prospered and became the trading spot for the world. This is also when a lot of the classic architecture we associate with Amsterdam today was developed.
It was also during this time that the Tulip Mania occurred: when the prices of the bulbs skyrocketed and then quickly plummeted back down in 1637. Tulips are still quite widespread in The Netherlands, and if you have some extra time (and are there in the right time of year) you can certainly travel out to the fields and enjoy the color spectacle.
When is the best time to go?
Well, that’s always a challenging question, particularly for Amsterdam. This is heavily dependant on what you are aiming to see and experience. If you are going for the tulips – you need to go in March-April. If you are heading over for picnics in the parks and leisurely relaxation on the side of the canals – summer is definitely your time. In the winter, which is when I had personally gone, Amsterdam turns into a beautiful winter wonderland.
Often the canals even freeze and the locals take to the ice on skates! Personally have not had a chance to experience this yet, but very keen to try this out if I get a chance.
During my last visit, it was snowing heavily and the whole place had a strong romantic and picturesque aura to it. I personally have gone in the winter and it snowed 90% of the time that I was there.
I love winter and snowy weather so I was over the moon about this development in weather. The snow did not stop the city from functioning per normal (unlike anywhere in the United Kingdom, where the snow doesn’t even need to hit the pavement for it to halt everything) and we had a wonderful time exploring the snow-covered streets. It was chilly at times, but fresh mint tea is very popular in Amsterdam and served as an excellent opportunity to sit down and warm up a bit throughout the day.
How to get there?
From London, there are two main options for you to get there. There are many trains per day leaving St. Pancras station that take just under 4 hours to get there. There is also an easy flight that takes just over an hour from just about every London airport, which is the option I personally opted for. When you arrive to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is the main airport for the city, there is an easy and cheap link into city center. There are trains that run 24 hours a day, operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen. The journey takes 15-20 minutes and drops you off at Amsterdam Central station. This is by far the easiest option and will cost you 3.30€ one way. Train station is directly under the airport and trains depart several times per hour between 6:00 and midnight and then approximately hourly during other times. In comparison - a taxi takes longer and will cost you approximately 40 to 50€.
As you may have already heard – people of Amsterdam take very seriously. There are bicycles all over the city! It is mostly flat everywhere so it is a very popular option for people. This, I do not personally know as I have opted out of this experience. I know, not the most adventurous move of mine, but I really wasn’t feeling like being on a bike dead of winter. The thought of the extra chill from the wind was enough to dissuade me!
So what is the best area to say?
Personally, I spent my time based out of Jordaan area. It is in the central region and while it is close to all of the main tourist spots, it is still quite and filled with tons of local spots. I really enjoyed my time here as it made the whole trip feel more authentic and unique. Staying in the main area feels a bit too touristy for my taste. While it is a fun area to walk around in, it certainly is nice to have the balance and to be able to duck away from the maddening crowds.
To add to my “homey” experience, I chose to stay in an apartment. However, there are a number of very nice houseboats that I took into my consideration and may stay in during my next trip. One of the things I really would like to do is to come back in the summer, and I think this could be a fun way to stay in the city during that time of year.
Must-see sights
Rijksmuseum
Along with the famous “IAMSTERDAM” sign, there is a gorgeous building housing many famous works of art. Rijksmuseum (which translates to “National Museum”) is well worth the visit. Located in the Museum Square in Amsterdam South area of town, the place is dedicated to the art and history of Amsterdam. This makes it a great way to absorb some more of the local culture.
Museum was founded in 1798 and moved to Amsterdam in 1808, where it moved around the city a but until it settled in the location it is today.
After you’re done checking out some 8000 artifacts (dating anywhere from 1200-2000) you should wander outside and take a stroll in the plaza or grab a coffee in the museum cafe.
Van Goth Museum
Even if you loathe museums with a fiery passion of a thousand suns - give this one a go. The Van Goth Museum is amazingly curated through several floors that take you through Van Goth’s life and work. As you work your way through the museum, you can see his evolution and influences. Fascinating museum and one of the best that I have ever visited!
Much like the Rijksmuseum, it is in a great area (very close by to one another, actually). This of course lends itself to the same pleasant stroll in the area or maybe a bite or drink in the many cute spots in the area.
Fun fact: The Van Goth museum is the most visited museum in the Netherlands… and for good reason!
Anne Frank House
During your visit, it is worth seeing the Anne Frank house. There, you will not just find the picture I am using here but a whole history of the girl and her time in Amsterdam.
During the second World War, she and four other people hid in the back rooms of the house. Although she herself did not survive the war, her diaries managed to make it and were published in 1947.
The museum opened in 1960 and preserves her hiding place and has history related to her life as well as a space for exhibitions relating to other types of persecution and discrimination.
Just go wander
Honestly, as cliche as it may sound - just go and take walk around town. Go through the Red Light district and then wander over to Jordaan.. and anywhere else in the city, really.
I am also painfully aware that most of my suggestions involve museums. This is mostly for two reasons:
1. Amsterdam has some fantastic museums
2. I pretty much spent the rest of the time walking around outside
The city is incredibly picturesque and the cozy alleyways will open up to you many hidden architectural gems. There is always great coffee, baked goods and (so much) cheese.
Do yourself a favor and wander!
