A long weekend in Amsterdam

Introduction:

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is all about the blend of trend and tradition. Hence, the itinerary for visiting Amsterdam also must reflect the same aspect. Keeping that in mind, I am suggesting the following three days’ itinerary:

Day 1:

Museum quarter: Explore the rich collection of arts dating back to 200 years in the Rijksmuseum. Next, walk over to Van Gogh museum, which is less than 5 minutes’ walk away. The IAmsterdam sign will be on the way.

• Best time to visit: The best way to beat the crowd is to visit during the opening hour, around 9:00 am, or during the closing hour.
• Ticketing: Tickets need to be booked in advance.
• Getting there: From Centraal station, board tram 2 or 5 and get down at Rijksmuseum station. From here, the Rijksmuseum is a few minutes’ walk away.
•  Ideal time commitment: 3-4 hours.

Old city centre: The oldest part of Amsterdam is home to two of the most popular neighbourhoods in the city – Dam and De Wallen (Red-Light District).

• Damrak is the main street off the Centraal station. It culminates into the upbeat town square in Amsterdam, the Dam Square. The grandeur of the Royal Palace, the street performances, the cheerful ambience of the place is sure to make any gloomy day brighter. By the side of the Royal Palace, on the opposite side of the road, there is a café overlooking the Dam square. Enjoy some local food and drink there while enjoying the vibes of the place.
•  Next, keeping the Royal Palace behind you, walk towards the National monument, which is the white coloured monument standing tall against the scars of World War II.
• The Red-Light District is a few minutes’ walk from here. A grid of alleys and canals between the Warmoesstraat and the Nieuwmarkt contain several tiny apartments which are used to offer prostitution services. After the nightfall, the entire area is lit by red and pink neon lights, earning it the name: Red-Light District. The De Waag building is the heart of the Red Light district from where you can follow the crowd to eventually land up in the prostitution alleys. Note: It is strictly prohibited to click pictures in the alleys.

Day 2:

Anne Frank House: Take a walk through the life of the teenage Jewish diarist who spent more than two years of her life hiding in the secret annex with seven more people. Listening to the Church bells from there, cut off from the outside world, her only solace was her diary through which she lived on even after her tragic death.

• Best time to visit: The best way to beat the crowd is to visit during the opening hour, around 9:00 am, or during the closing hour.
• Getting there: From Centraal station, trams 13 and 17 we head towards the Westermarkt. From here, Anne Frank House is 5 minutes’ stroll away.
• Ideal time commitment: The entire tour of the house takes around 1-1.5 hours. Journey time to and from Centraal station is around 20 minutes total.

ZaanseSchans Windmills: About half an hour bus ride away from Amsterdam is the well preserved historic windmills of Zaanse Schans in the neighbourhood of Zaandam. Stroll through the fields or rent a bike as you enjoy the cool breeze kiss your face. Visit the windmills to see how it looks from the inside. Take the boat ride if you will or simply sit by the water enjoying some delicious ice cream or Stroop waffles.

• Getting there: From Amsterdam Centraal station, proceed to the bus departure platform. Take the bus 391 to Zaandam. The windmills are only 2 minutes' walk away from there. There are many buses and trains operating in this route, but I found this one the most straightforward.
• Ideal time commitment: 3 to 4 hours including journey time from Amsterdam

Canal cruise: Head to the old city centre and explore the crowded and quiet lanes and alleys. When you feel tired, head to the canal and board one of the open boats for an hour-long canal cruise. Sip your drink on-board, as your boat guide explains the history and fun facts about the various buildings you pass by.

Day 3:

Keep this day free and easy. Here is a list of things you can do for this day:

• Go for some cheap shopping in Waterloopien area
• Visit the Begijnhof courtyard with its hidden church
• Visit the Oude Kerk and the Nieu Kerk (Old and new Church)
• Go cheese tasting
• Try out local food
• Heinekken experience

Essential Tip: Try not to constrain yourself within time limits. If you find yourself lost in the charm of one place, stay there for as long as you want. Even if that means you need to sacrifice one point of interest from your itinerary. Similarly, if you do not find a place that much interesting, come out and invest your time somewhere you are more likely to find interest. Last but not the least, have a trip to cherish forever.

Also view: Amsterdam, Windmills of Zaanse Schans