Things not to miss in Amsterdam

I decided to travel to Europe during my Annual leave. I had 17 days to travel around Europe and I wanted to fully utilize the time during my trip. I wanted to do some hiking in Norway so Norway was definitely in my Itinerary and I wanted to visit some other countries to get more European vibe. Amsterdam is considered as the city with most European feel. I added Amsterdam to my itinerary and decided to spend around 3 days during my trip to Amsterdam. I was constantly looking for cheap ticket price to Europe from Hong Kong. The ticket price was very expensive because I was traveling in July which is a peak tourist season. I managed to find a great deal to Amsterdam via Doha on Qatar Airways. Amsterdam is well connected to various cities in Asia via Dubai and Doha and it is a great city to start your European adventure

Amsterdam Centraal

Amsterdam centraal is situated at the heart of the city and it is the most visited place in Amsterdam. I will strongly recommend to book your stay near Amsterdam Central during your visit. If you are planning to visit other cities in Netherland, then you can catch the train from Amsterdam Centraal. The station is located by 20 minutes ride from Schipol International Airport. The famous “ Iamsterdam” logo was situated near the Amsterdam Centraal but the authority removed the logo because it became a selfie spot among tourists. If you are planning to visit famous tourist spot like Adam Lookout then you can take the ferry from Amsterdam Centraal. Major souvenir shops are located near Amsterdam Centraal. I visited the place during the summer season and it was full of tourists. You can purchase canal cruise ticket from the agencies located near Amsterdam Centraal. All the major bus route and Tram lines pass by Amsterdam Centraal. If you are visiting places like Zaanse Schans, Marken and Volendam then you must pass through Amsterdam Centraal during your visit.

Amsterdam Canal Tour

Your trip to Amsterdam will be incomplete without the Canal cruise. Amsterdam is considered as the canal city because entire city is built around hundreds of canals. The canals were created in the 17^th century. Elevation of Amsterdam is low and the canals help to reduce the flooding around the city during the high tides and rough weather.Most canal cruise operators operate their cruise from Amsterdam Centraal area. The ticket for the cruise costs about 13 EURO. The guided tour with English commentary lasts about 1 hour. You will get to see the best views of old bridges, 17^th century houses, historical churches and the houseboats. You can also choose from different types of boats for the canal cruise such as semi open boat trips, evening dinner cruise, cocktail cruise, speed boat cruise and private romantic cruise. Overall I really enjoyed the canal cruise. The cruise gives you great opportunities to take some nice photographs of the beautiful architectures of Amsterdam.

Begijnhof

Netherlands is full of courtyards surrounded by buildings. Begijnof is a famous location among tourists and locals. Begijnhof is located near Amsterdam centraal. The garden and the church is located at a secluded place and it is little difficult to find the garden. You can follow the google maps and you can ask locals for the exact location if you are lost. I visited the place early morning and the environment was very calm and serene. Begijnhof is one of the oldest hofjes in Amsterdam. Poor and elderly women used to live in hofjes during the middle ages.The site houses famous Cathaloc Houten Huys and English church. The entire compound is surrounded by tall Amsterdam houses. You can also spot a restored wooden house near the compound. It is the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam and it was constructed in the 16^th century.

A’dam Lookout and Amsterdam Logo

A’dam Lookout is a new tourist attraction in Amsterdam. You get the best views of Amsterdam from the observation deck located on the 20th floor. I got great views of Amsterdaam Centraal station, city’s port, Amsterdam buildings and canals from the observation deck. The tourist attraction was opened in the year 2016. Europe’s highest swing is located on the rooftop of A’dam lookout. The swing gives a great experience for adrenaline junkies. The standard ticket for the observation deck along with the swing costs about 19 Euro. A’dam lookout is situated at the northern part of Amsterdam. You can take ferry from Amsterdam Centraal and it takes about 5 minutes to reach A’dam lookout from Amsterdam Centraal. The queue was not that long for the access to the observation deck. The height of the tower is about 100m and you get to see amazing lightshows when you take the elevator. The eye film musem is located near A’dam lookout. The shape of the building resembles a Sapaceship. Many screenings of international and dutch movie shows are organized here.

Bloemenmarkt

Bloemenmarkt is a great place to take some nice Instagram shots. The flower market is situated near the canal. I will strongly recommend to visit the flower market early so that you can take some nice photographs without the presence of group tourists. The flower market is open from Monday till Saturday. The market is situated about 15- minutes walk from Dam square. It is also considered as the world’s only floating flower market. Amsterdam is famous for beautiful tulip flower. Don’t forget to buy some souvenir from the souvenir shops located at the flower market. The flower market is located between single canal Koningsplien and Muntplein. You can also find tulip bulbs, seed packets, seasonal vegetables and tulip flowers at the stores.

Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuyp Market is located at the heart of De Pijp. De Pijp is located about 15 minutes bus ride from Amsterdam Centraal. I will strongly recommendto visit the market during evening time. The market offer incredible range of food, cheese, spices, clothes and souvenirs. Locals also buy fresh fish, chicken, meat and vegetables from the market. I saw number of shops selling freshly made dutch delicacy stroopwafels during my trip. There are shops on both sides of the streets and market has more than 200 stands.

Dam Square and Royal Palace Amsterdam

Dam Square is located by about 10-minutes walk from Amsterdam Centraal. Madame Tussads museum and Royal Palace of Amsterdam is situated near Dam Square. Royal Palace of Amsterdam served as Town hall of Amsterdam. The structure is also the largest secular building in Europe. The hall is used official events and visit by foreign leaders. You can visit inside the palace by taking a guided tour. The guided tour is only available when the palace is not occupied by any kinds of official visits. During my visit the palace was closed for public viewing. Dam square is a popular place among street performers.

Jordaan

Jordaan is my favorite neighbourhood in Amsterdam. You just can’t miss Jordaan if you are visiting Amsterdam. Jordaan is known for its history, culture, narrow canals and food. There are some top notch cafes located in this area. Jordaan is a great place to take some nice photos of the beautiful narrow canal. I have taken lot of photographs of Amsterdam canals and the beautiful buildings but I was really impressed by the narrow bridges of Jodaan area. Anne Frank house is another famous tourist destination in Jordan area. I didn’t visit the famous Anne Frank House during my trip to Amsterdam. The ticket for the Anne Frank House can only be purchased online and there was a long queue for entrance. I was visiting Amsterdam only for 3 days and wanted to explore other parts of Amsterdam that’s why I skipped it. Van Gogh Museum is another important tourist spot in Amsterdam. I am personally not interested in visiting museum and art galleries. I will strongly recommend to visit the museum if you are interested in history and art. You can easily spend whole day at the museum. You can also explore Amsterdam canals by renting a bike. I personally preferred walking around the different parts of the canals early morning. During the afternoon time it gets really crowded and it is difficult to ride the bike. The canals look absolutely stunning and there are tons of places for taking some nice Instagram worthy photographs.

Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is the national museum of Netherlands. If you are interested in art gallery, culture and photography then you must visit the museum. The museum is open every day from 9 am till 5 pm. The museum compound is a great place to hang around with your friends and family. I Spent couple of hours at the museum compound. I didn’t visit the museum because I don’t like to visit museums and art gallery during my vacations. Anyone interested in art and history shouldn’t miss the museum. It is also a great place to take some nice photographs of the beautiful architecture. The entrance fee of the museum is 20 EUR and you need to spend at least half day for visiting all the artefacts of the museum. The museum was first opened in the year 1800.

IAMSTERDAM Statue selfie

IAMSTERDAM statue is a prominent place for photographers for taking selfies. The permanent IAMSTERDAM statue is located in front of Schipol international airport. I visited the statue while departing Amsterdam. It is difficult to take nice shot on the background because most of the time people climb on the letters to take selfie. I had to wait almost an hour in order take a clean snap of the logo. Another statue was situated near the A’dam lookout. This statue is moved around different parts of Amsterdam. Tourists were making different pose to take some nice selfies.