Amsterdam Anyone? - Updated 11/2 - Complete! About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

Well it looks like my work trip to Germany is finally going to pan out! As a result, we'll be in Amsterdam at the end of the trip for a full day on a Saturday!



Anyone ever been? Main sites to see?



I'm headed off to do my research now, just looking to see if anyone else has ever ventured over there and has hints

[BritDisFan]

That sounds great Marnie, I have never been to Amsterdam although I have always fancied going. I have been to the Netherlands a few times but have still never got to Amsterdam. I think Cheryl mentioned that she has though so she might be able to help you out.

Karen

[JulieandChris]

I`ve never been but DSis loves it, I think a canal boat trip is a must plus Ann Franks house.
I think you`ll see alot in a day.

Julie.

[Irene]

I went to Amsterdam when I was a 7 years old. I remember the area and thinking someday I'll come back when I'm older. I haven't made it back yet.

Have a safe and wonderful trip.

[simbarel]

Awesome, Marnie! I’ve been, and according to DH we’ll be back on our next trip to Europe. It depends on what you want to do. There are parts that are rather non family friendly. My suggestion is to not skimp on the hotel…pay the big rates so you can be in the middle of it all. We stayed on a river barge which was really cool, but I prefer to be centralized. The Anne Frank museum is really moving-- Amsterdam has tons of museums. We got a kick out of the Museum of Torture. There’s a sex museum, too. Lest it be known, there are a LOT of adult activities in Amsterdam. Have fun!

[HiddenMickey]

My sister and a friend visited a few years ago and really loved it. I'll have to ask her about the highlights. I know the Anne Frank house and some museums were high on her list. -HiddenMickey

[RobDVC]

My friend and his wife were there for a week in August, and they loved it. They had heard about the "adult district", but were surprised about how much was there (red lights, adult toy stores, head shops). Might not be the most family-friendly area, but the rest of the city was magnificent, and it's about the same climate as New England/Mid-Atlantic.

[chezp]

Marnie, we went for our second wedding anniversary in 2001 just for a day and had a lovely time. You must visit Anne Frank's house - it is so moving. We also took a river cruise, which was great fun and just walked around for the day, exploring the city. The adult district was an eye opener, shall we say! I remember we saw the Skinny Bridge and I think the Royal Palace as well. I'll have to have a look through my photos to remind me of what we did and come back and tell you more.

When are you going? My goodness - if you're going to be there, we could come over and meet you, as there are cheap flights from near where I work to Amsterdam!

[Colexis Mom]

Thanks for all the info everyone! I think I'll skip the "adult" stuff even though this is an adult only trip. I'll be with my boss!

I'm heading over the middle of October! If you could swing it Cheryl, that would be so cool

Thanks again everyone!

[FanOfMickey]

How cool Marnie!! I have never been there, but would like to go sometime. Heck, I would not mind going to Germany either Enjoy your planning!

[poohbear.u.k.]

Hi Marnie
We went to Amsterdam for a weekend in 1998, DH proposed to me while we were having a romantic dinner on a canal boat.
Like Cheryl said there are lots of site to visit, Ann Franks house, The Skinny Bridge & you must visit the flower market it's just a mass of colour. Also as Cheryl mentioned there is a colourful adult district & quit a few coffee shops that sell some "dodgy" tabacco(I refused to go into the coffee shops) You also must do a canal boat tour & try to visit Dam Square, it's beautiful.
I hope you have a great time,
Lisa.

[joyjoy]

Marnie,

I lived for a year in the Netherlands (Alkmaar) and spent a lot of time in A'dam. Don't forget to visit the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House and Van Gogh house. The Artis Zoo is quite nice. You can also visit Queen Beatrix's royal castle. If you see a sign of a VVV office, stop in there. That's like the tourism office and they're very helpful and have free stuff.

Goede reis en groeten aan de Bakkers uit Alkmaar!

[loobyoxlip]

How cool that you get to go!

[snoozy]

That is very Have a wonderful time.

[KimM]

DH and I spent our honeymoon there. It's a beautiful city with extraordinary architecture. Anne Frank's house is a must-see. A canal boat trip is a great way to see a lot of the city in a short time. The flower market (Bloemenmarkt) is beautiful. We loved the Rijksmuseum. There is a beautiful park in Rembrandtplein (close to the Bloemenmarkt). It's a great place to sit and eat a falafel and frites. That is close to the Blauwbrug, a cool iron and stone bridge adorned with nautical sculptures. You should try to check out the Tuschinski Theater also. It's very art deco. Even if you only see it from the outside...it's spectacular. We saw "American Beauty" when we were there.

If you can find it, there's a cafe behind the Stedelijk museum called Small Talk Cafe. They had the most amazing french onion soup. Speaking of good food, you can't miss having the little pancakes! They are sweet and delicious!

I could go on and on. We really love it there. So much so that we went back 9 months after our honeymoon. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a personal message. I'd love to help a fellow Passporter with her planning!