Amsterdam

Introduction:

Named after its origins around a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam was one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age (17^th Century). A near perfect blend of modernisation and tradition, the capital city of Netherlands is characterised by dykes, canals, museums, trams, bikes and of course, coffee shops and the red-light district.

Dam Square

Getting There:

Schipol airport serves as the international gateway to Amsterdam. Once there, high speed trains connect you to the Amsterdam Centraal station for less than 10 Euros and in less than 10 minutes.

Regular buses and trains also connect Amsterdam to various other parts of Europe.

Getting Around:

The city fans out south from the Centraal station, along Damrak, the main street of the station. To the north lies the IJ waterbody (or as the locals call it, river). IJ separates the North from the South Amsterdam, with frequent ferries connecting the two banks free of cost. The ferry ride across IJ takes less than 5 minutes.

A scene from North Amsterdam to the North of IJ waterbody

Like other prominent cities in Europe, the public transport system is very well developed in Amsterdam. The OV-chipkaart makes travelling via bus, tram and train within Netherlands hassle-free and cheaper.

The most popular way to get around, however, is by bikes. One of the most prominent scenes that you will find in the city is a plethora of bikers.

Accommodation:

Try choosing your accommodation in and around the old city centre of Amsterdam, which hosts the neighbourhoods of De Wallen (Red Light district), Dam, Spui, Nieuwmarkt and Waterlooplien.

There are a few accommodations available in the area.

Happy Panda Notes:

1. Cycling: Bike is one of the characteristic features of Holland. Cycling through the quiet and the busy neighbourhoods of the city is an activity loved by the locals and the tourists equally well.
2. Open boat canal cruise: Another trademark of Holland – canals. While a lot of canal cruises are readily available, I would recommend taking the open boat cruises.
3. Visit the windmills of Zaanse Schans: A classic Dutch scenery cannot be painted without traditional windmills. And when just a 30 mins’ bus ride offers you a quintessential Dutch experience, it becomes a must.
4. Visit the museums: Museums preserve the past heritage of a place and thus becomes an integral part of any itinerary that caters to the cultural quest for a place.
5. Ride the free ferry to cross the IJ river that divides the North and South Amsterdam
6. Experience the Red-Light District. Since long, there has been a tradition of tolerance when it comes to prostitution in Amsterdam. Although the city is still giving their best in fighting forced sex or trafficking, the freedom and the straightforwardness shown here in terms of prostitution is worth the praise. If not for anything else, the bustle of the area makes it worth a visit. But beware, photographing the women here is strictly forbidden.
7. Take a taste of the coffee shop culture of Amsterdam. For those who don’t know, coffee shops in Amsterdam are not merely cafes to chill with friends over a cuppa coffee. Coffee shops here are the places where you get legal marijuana. However, beware, smoking joints outside of coffee shops in a public place is considered very rude here. Visit https://www.wheresmyweed.at/ for information on the different coffee shops.
8. Try the local foods and snacks: Stroop waffles, Bitterballen (by the side of beer), Patat special (thick Dutch fries), Haring (raw fish; try from the Vishandel Molenaar in the middle of the Albert Cuypmarkt), Stamppot (potato mashed with different combinations; try from Haesje Claes), Dutch liquorice (candy), Tompouce (pastry), Cheese fondue (try from Bar Huf).

Ideal time commitment: 4-5 days

Pocket Pinch: $$$

Suggested Itinerary: https://thewanderinghappypanda.blogspot.my/2017/10/a-long-weekend-in-amsterdam.html