Amsterdam is infamous around the world for its stance on marijuana and the red light district but to me it is much more than that.
I called Amsterdam home for 8months.
It is a vibrant city with 178 nationalities all finding a way to get along even tho most of us are poles apart. Strangers welcomed me into this city with open arms and I have made amazing life long friends.
There is a respect for each other without judgement which I loved.
To get your bearings around Amsterdam I would start with signing up online with one of the many free walking tours available. They start daily in Dam square
Its a great way to enjoy the city from a local who is passionate about where they live and can offer great tips and intresting info that isnt in the guidebooks. They do live on the tips given at the end of the tour.
Feel like a local and hire a bicycle from the many bicycle rental stores dotted around Amsterdam and cycle around Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has dedicated cycle lanes and is very flat so it makes cycling very easy.
Bicycles are NOT allowed onto trams but are allowed on metros and trains.
Hop onto a FREE ferry across to the North or NDSM from Centraal station and discover a vibey art scene
Once on the other side, enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking the harbour and get a chance to take awesome pictures of street art grafitti at NDSM. Be sure to look out for the huge portrait of Anne Frank which is 240 square metres.
If you take the NORTH free ferry you can enjoy a free exhibition at the basement of the iconic Eye Film Museum or relax with a drink on the terrace of the museum or enjoy one of the highlights of my trip which is going up the A’dam Lookout tower which is located next to the Eye Film Museum. It is an observation deck with panoramic views of Amsterdam and if you are brave enough, try out Europe’s highest swing which is only 100metres above ground!
It is a wondrous freeing experience as one swings off the edge of the building at 100 metres over Amsterdam.
Just remember… look ahead and dont look down 😆
End off your day and enjoy a canal boat ride at sunset through the many canals of Amsterdam. It provides one with a different perspective of Amsterdam. With over 165 canals flanked by Amsterdams luxurious canal houses with their charming gabled facades which is one of its architectural treasures. Canal boats are privately owned and one cannot use the public transport card.
Transport in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has an extensive network of public transport options consisting of trains, a metro, trams and buses.
Buy the 24hr or 48hr transport card depending on how long you staying in Amsterdam for.
The ticket can be purchased from a NS station shop, atm-like transport card machines and selected trams.
One can then use all metros, trams and buses with the pass and it is more cost effective if you plan on staying a short while. There is an OV Chipkaart option also for longer stays.
For more information on transport:
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/plan-your-trip/getting-around/public-transport.
Amsterdam is beautiful to look at, has so much to do, has friendly warm people and incredible food.
That pretty much sums up Amsterdam for me. Its not about the decriminalised marijuana (which has never technically been made legal) and the red light district window shopping!
Its about the alluring, vibrant city and the warm people!!
No Comments