Last June, I traveled around Europe with my husband and daughter. With only one full day to experience Amsterdam, we planned a boat ride in the canal, to rent bikes, and tour this unusual and amazing city on foot.
We survived a disastrous start in a youth hostel where I expected to wake up with bed bug bites and found the very last accommodations in a fine hotel on the outskirts of town. It was the week of Anne Frank’s birthday. Mistakes were made.
After a spectacular breakfast at Dignita Voldelpark, we drove into the heart of Amsterdam and parked in a ramp. Whew!
We parked and found this very Instagrammable location on our way to the museum!
Then we bought tickets for the Rembrandt Museum.
Nice to see Van Gogh with his museum practically next door.
From there, we took a boat tour of the canal. The recorded guide was super corny so I tuned out and enjoyed the views!
The architecture is outstanding. Built side-by-side, houses support each other since many of them lean. The small brick laid in ornamental patterns was reminiscent of Belgium, but Amsterdam’s facades were sometimes curved and more decorative.
An amazing Victorian in all its splendor.
Then we found a bike rental, which are everywhere throughout the city, and rode to Vondelpark.
Competing with cars was a little scary but we relaxed once we turned into Vondelpark.
We stopped for late lunch at the Vondelpark 3 and enjoyed the view of people who ran, walked, and rode bikes.
We didn’t have time for everything but took a long look at the canal before heading back to our hotel.
I loved Amsterdam. Next time I’ll go another week when it’s not so busy! Then I’ll be sure to tour the Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums.
Have you been to Amsterdam? Is it on your bucket list? Have you ever made a mistake with a hotel?
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I’m in Amsterdam right now doing a small boat and cycle tour for the week. It’s amazing!!
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It is a great place to explore! Be sure to have breakfast at Dognita. I included the link. Enjoy, Deb!
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Thanks for bringing us along on your trip! As a maritime cadet, we had a port call in Amsterdam with our school ship. I remember taking a canal cruise and doing a lot of walking around. Of course, my mostly young male shipmates were all a-buzz about women and weed.
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I bet they were! Ha! I never made it to the Red Light District, but my daughter had been to Amsterdam and said it was pretty gross how men were lined up in front of ATMs.
I liked the energy there and the laid back shabby chic atmosphere. Glad you came along for the ride, Susan!
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Excellent. We loved Amsterdam and had a wonderful old hotel.
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Hey Frank!
Oh, I bet there were some amazing hotels there. We didn’t book until the last minute and had to do a quick shuffle when we arrived.
Did you go to the Anne Frank Museum?
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Yes — went to that museum … fascinating! Night canal cruise with wine was fun.
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Oooh! I’ll have to do a night cruise next time!
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I was there on Sunday and will be back there again this Sunday and Monday. It’s an amazing place and my new favorite city. 👍🏻
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Wow! What amazing timing! There is so much to see and do. Are you staying in town or on the outskirts?
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Staying near the airport Sunday, then flying home Monday. Last Sunday was just a 13 hour layover, but we spent the entire day in the city, and will again this Sunday. It’s an amazing place. 😃
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That’s so great to hear! Enjoy your trip and take lots of pictures. The views everywhere are amazing!
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My new favorite city. 😃
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Yay!
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I follow an expat blog, so it’s interesting to see your point of view versus a Brit who’s trying to fit in!
Have you checked out my (very much delayed) Mother’s Day blog? It’s all about trips-gone-wrong!
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I can see where fitting in would require a laid-back attitude while darting in and out of traffic on a bike and dealing with masses of tourists in summer. Not too unlike anywhere else in summer, I suppose!
I’ll check it out!
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That and getting used to the “bike life”, since the Dutch bike everywhere!
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My daughter & I stopped to spend a few days in Amsterdam a few years ago on our way to South Africa. We stayed at an airbnb which was lovely & easily accessible to the city center. One of the things that was recommended to us & I would highly recommend to anyone going, especially for the first time, is to book a walking tour with Sandeman Walking tours. A great introduction to the city!
http://www.neweuropetours.eu/amsterdam/en/home
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Cool! Thanks for sharing, Lynn!
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My pleasure!
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I was there for a few days last summer as well. Such a beautiful city. The architecture alone is stunning. But you definitely have to watch out for those bike riders. They’ll take you out if you’re not careful! 😄
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Cool!
There’s so much competition on the road! The park was wide open and had tons of space. I took a deep breath once we were there! Driving could be a nightmare the closer to the heart of the city we went.
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I’m so impressed you guys drove in the city! I’d never dare.
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It was so scary! And right into downtown which was like Mardi Gras! Ha!
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Great photos, Susie. Sounds like a wonderful time. We were there half a lifetime ago. Would love to go again.
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Thanks so much, Anneli!
It seems many readers have been there too. I wish we could have spent more time there to cross a few more museums and attractions off the list. Maybe in winter when we can ice skate!
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There is never enough time to do all the things we want to do, but it gives us a reason to plan another trip.
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Exactly and to keep dreaming big!
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I have not been to Amsterdam but we’ve had a LOT of guests here at The Baer House from Amsterdam. It seems they all go on vacation around the same time every year (usually August) so we sometimes get an invasion. Perhaps that’d be a good time for you to go back. All the locals will be here.
Great photos. Thanks for sharing.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
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Ha! I’ll have to keep that in mind! The first time we went to Europe was in August. I had a trusted a friend to make our arrangements, who was a travel agent but had no idea so much would be closed! I thought June would be quieter when we went last year, but everything was packed. Next time we’ll go in May or go in mid-September. Unless there’s a cheap flight!
Thanks for reading, Patricia!
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Never ever been to Europe. I live through you..:) HUGGG Photos were amazing
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Thanks so much, Linda!
These travel posts are fun since I get to study all the photos. But I’m trying to come up with ways to edit so it doesn’t take so long!
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I’ve been to Amsterdam twice – had both good and bad experiences. The museums are amazing.
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The museums are works of art in themselves! The first night was a nightmare with trying to book another hotel, but the rest of the trip went easy peasy! Thanks for sharing, Jan!
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I was in Amsterdam when I was a teenager for a few days. I’d love to go back. Thanks for sharing those great moments. The Victorian looks absolutely incredible.
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I’m amazed at how many readers have been there! The Victorian was a surprise. It was gorgeous! I’d love a peek inside…
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I’m late in responding. Yes, I’ve been to Amsterdam twice. Would you believe 50 years apart? First time in 1966 when I was in the Navy and then in 2016 when my wife and I took a Rhine river cruise with old college friends. The first time I went to the Van Gogh museum, but this last time just did canal cruise because, like you, we were limited in time. We had to get over to London to meet some blogging buddies!
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Wow! How was the cruise? I had considered one.
I love meeting blogging friends. That is the best kind of trip!
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Cruise was awesome. We’ve done two with Viking; the Seine from Paris to Normandy and the Rhine from Switzerland to Amsterdam. They are awesome and hope you seriously consider it. I remember reading your post about your meet-up with fellow bloggers. It’s pretty cool.
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Been to Amsterdam a few times and like you we loved it. Such a great city to just wander around and explore. You really should try and get back to see a few more sights as it’s fascinating. Lovely friendly atmosphere too. Love your photos.
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Thanks so much, Jonno!
I definitely want to check out more of Amsterdam. We also made stops in Belgium but didn’t stay long enough!
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Really looks like a storybook town – and lovely adventure (with characters)
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OOOOH We did some of these a couple of years back. Thanks for bringing back happy memories of a sweet trip to Amsterdam!!!
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You’re welcome, Radhika! Thanks for stopping by!
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This looks like such an awesome trip! Thanks for sharing it with all of us! I’ve got Amsterdam on my bucket list now! 🙂
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Definitely bucket list for me! And your pictures make me want to go even more.
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What a lovely post. I adore Amsterdam, so loved reading this post. I usually go in April and think it’s a bit quieter then.
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Great pics !
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I work in Amsterdam, so I’m there daily (at least at the canals, not so much in the Vondelpark or the Rijksmuseum). It’s cool to see someone who’s not Dutch spending a day in the city, sorta eyeopening since I take it pretty much for granted.
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Thank you, Yoshinky!
It’s the same for me when people come to Colorado!
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Oh it looks beautiful. I want to go!
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I was in Amsterdam for 1 day a long time ago. Don’t remember much except the night view was gorgeous.
Scott
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It was a beautiful place! Thanks for stopping by, Scott!
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Your photos are beautiful and evocative.
I visited Amsterdam once. Like you and your family, I find walking to be the best way of sensing the flavor of a place. Walking near the train station, two middle aged American ladies emerged from the train station and asked for directions to a particular street. I was able to tell them, because I’d just been reading in the guidebook about that part of the city. They thanked me, and complemented me on how well I spoke English.
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Nice! I loved your story. Thanks so much, Poli!
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Thanks for the mention!
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