48 hours in Amsterdam – Weekend Edition
Amsterdam In Less Than 48 Words
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the world’s most progressive cities. While a number of tourists are drawn to its leniency, many visit it for its architectural breath-takers, crisscrossing canals, and sublime nightlife. Amsterdam, just like a Van Gogh painting, is a work of art.
The Rijkmuseum, home to the best of Dutch art from its 17th century Golden Age. (Photo by icelight)
First 24 Hours
Touch down on the vibrant city of Amsterdam is via the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (website), the country’s main hub for international arrivals. It is located around nine kilometers away southwest of the city center. From there, you can take a train to the Centraal Station in the heart of Amsterdam. The journey takes around 20 minutes, and will set you back €3.10. You can also opt to hire a taxi from the airport’s taxi booths, although this will cost you a lot more.
A good part of Amsterdam is compact and walkable, and its heart is made up of 17th century canals that form a circular network. However, it is still advisable for you to first visit the city’s main tourist office located near the Centraal Station. The one near the entrance is open daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. while the other near platform 2 can be visited Mondays through Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Don’t forget to ask for a street map to help you navigate the city.
CHECK IN: Unpack your luggage
A warm and inviting room at the Fusion Suites. (Photo from Google images)
Once in the heart of the city, you can unpack your luggage and get a boost from one of the city’s excellent hotels and accommodations. Fusion Suites (Roemer Visscherstraat 40; 31 20-6184642; website) has welcoming and attentive staff and reasonably priced facilities, plus a convenient location for walking travelers. Located very near the central station, Black Tulip (Geldersekade 16; 31 020 4270933; website) boasts of excellent amenities. Another accessible hotel is Seven Bridges Hotel (Reguliersgracht 31; 31 020 6231329; website) is known for its gorgeous classical design and generous breakfast servings. The Toren (Keizersgracht 164; 31 020 6231329; website), on the other hand, sits by the city’s main attractions, with wonderful views of the canal district. Those who want to be away from the noisy crowd can stay at Hotel Fita (Jan Luykenstraat 37; 31206790976; website) which combine spacious and modern rooms with classic design.
TAKE A VIEW: See Amsterdam’s medieval heart from up high
Kick off your 48-hour visit to Amsterdam by heading to the tower of its old stock exchange building, the Beurs van Berlage (Beursplein 4). Built out of red brick, with an iron and glass roof, the structure itself is worth the look. Its design is said to have influenced many modernist architects. Climbing up to its top floor, you will be greeted with a panoramic view of the old city and attractions. Amsterdam doesn’t have a lot of high-rise buildings, so the views at the site are probably some of the best in the city. It is open daily between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., and entrance will cost you around €5.
ZEEDIJK: Walk down the history lane
Near the Centraal Station, start your stroll on the historical lane from the Zeedijk Street, perhaps the oldest street in the city. It is lined by numerous attractions, such as the St. Olof Church, the He Hua Temple, and the Nieuwmarket. By heading further south and then taking a turn to the west bank of Kloveniersburgwal, you can visit Amsterdam’s Old East India House building. Turn right from the street, and you will see Nieuwe Doelenstraat, which keeps an impressive collection of murals. Near it is the theater of the Amsterdam University. If you’re lucky, you may arrive in time for a cultural performance.
ANNE FRANK HOUSE: Remember the Holocaust
The house where diarist Anne Frank hid during World War II. (Photo by Bright Meadow/Cas)
Many don’t leave Amsterdam without visiting the Anne Frank House (263 Prinsengracht 1016 GV; +31 (0)20 – 5567100; website), one of the popular and moving attractions in the city. The historical house was where the famous child diarist hid with her family as teenage Jew attempting to escape arrest by the Nazis. She was eventually caught and died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, but her memory has been preserved, thanks to her diary. At the site, you will see the various secret rooms that she used to hide in, using bookcases as doors. You’ll also see other artifacts, like the Academy Award won by the actress Shelley Winters in the movie The Diary of Anne Frank, as well as a wax figure of Anne.
VAN GOGH MUSEUM: See the works of a famous artist
Don’t forget to visit the Van Gogh Museum (7 Paulus Potterstraat 1070 AJ; +31 (0)20 570 52 00; website), which houses the works of one of the Netherlands’ most famous painters. Inside, you will see more than 200 of the paintings, sketches, etchings, and prints he produced in his lifetime. Museum highlights include The Potato Eaters andThe Starry Night, mentioned in the tribute song to the painter, “Vincent.”
The Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum (1001 MK Amsterdam; +31 (0)20 52 32 222; website), dedicated to chronicling maritime history, is a welcome alternative after viewing Van Gogh’s impressionistic works. Inside, you’ll find many artifacts about shipping and sailing, such as weapons, paintings, world maps, and more. Chained outside is a replica of the “Amsterdam,” an 18th century ship that once plied the route between the city and the East Indies.
The Bedroom, one of the masterpieces exhibited at the Van Gogh Museum. (Photo by Michele Ahin)
DINNER TIME: Dine in style
Conclude your first 24 hours in the city by recharging at its superb restaurants. Popular among tourists are Seasons Restaurant (16 Herenstraat, Amsterdam 1015 CA; 31 020-3303800; website)–known for its attentive staff, excellent wine selection, and high-quality cooked food; La Oliva (Egelantiersstraat 122-124; 31 020 320 43 16; website) which offers a fantastic Spanish cuisine, plus a warm and intimate ambience.
Rapper (30 Oudebrugsteeg; 31 06 10202350; website) is a popular fast food place for locals and tourists, serves the city’s best wrappers. For an excellent Thai cuisine, Snackbar Bird (77 Zeedijk, Amsterdam 1012AS; 31 020 4206289; website) fits the bill, although the place is usually packed. Blauw aan de Wal (Oudezijds Achterburgwal 99; 31 020 3302257; website), on the other hand, is a Mediterranean restaurant with a bar and dining area which requires reservations.
Next 24 Hours
A view of Amsterdam's canal as one takes a city tour through its waters. (Photo from Google images)
The second day can be treated as a chance to explore Amsterdam’s other attractions. Start off your second day with a sightseeing tour along the city’s lovely canals. Try the Canal Hopper (26 Weteringschans 1017 SG), which hosts guided tours along canalside attractions. Alternatively, you can go on a trip by yourself using the Canal Bus, which has 14 stops around the city. You can buy a one-day pass at €15, which will allow you unlimited trips between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
RIJKSMUSEUM: Can’t get enough of culture
Another staple attraction is the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam (1 Jan Luijkenstraat 1071 CJ; +31 (0)20 6747000; website), the Dutch national museum which It houses artworks from the Dutch Golden Age during the 17th century, including the famous The Night Watch by Rembrandt. The museum also displays of Asian artworks and contains the Rijksmuseum Research Library, considered as the largest public art history research library in the country. Don’t forget to check out the “fragment building,” a virtual collage of the Dutch architecture through the centuries.
NIEUWE KERK: Let’s go to church
Another notable landmark in the city is the Nieuwe Kerk (Dam Square). It is a 15th century church that has historically been used for the inaugurations of the Dutch monarchs. The site is not actually a place of religious services today, but rather, serves is an exhibition space for events such as art galleries and organ recitals. You can take a guided tour around the site to be able to appreciate its architecture and history. The entrance fee will usually set you back a mere €10, and it is open daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
BEGIJNHOF: Go for a stroll in the park
A relaxing stroll at the scenic Begijnhof, one of the oldest inner courts in Amsterdam, can provide a breather from a shuttle from one attraction to another. It is located at the city center, and is made up of a group of gabled dwellings dating back between the 16th and 18th centuries. Its landscaped gardens and courtyards are well manicured and used to be the destination for the single women. You can also see there the English Reformed Church, one of the oldest buildings in the city. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
De Wallen: Not for minors
An itinerary will be amiss without mentioning De Wallen, the largest and best-known red light district in the city. Curious tourists flock to this place to see women in show windows offering themselves to clients. Prostitution in the Netherlands is considered legal. Lying in the oldest part of Amsterdam, De Wallen area covers several blocks, with each having a row of the famous tiny one-room cabins. Sex shops, peep shows, a cannabis museum, and a number of coffee shops that sell marijuana can also be found in the area.
NIGHTLIFE: Celebrate and go wild
Aside from the coffee shops that legally sell cannabis, Amsterdam is also known for its swinging night life. The more popular options include Escape (Rembrandtplein 11; +31 20 622 1111; website) because of its facilities, VIP stages, lounge bars, and fantastically lit dancefloors; and Paradiso (Weteringschans 6-8; 020 6268790; website) located in a former church whose superb acoustics make it a great venue for DJ performances.
An artist during the Buskers Bern Festival held at the Marionetten Theater. (Photo by Buskers Bern)
For the younger set, Bitterzoet (Spuistraat 2; 020 5213001; website) is known for its live music, from hip hop and reggae music. De Drie Felschjes (Gravenstraat 18; +31 20 624 8443; website) is a more laidback establishment where one can sample traditional Dutch liquors. Café Hoppe (Spui 18-20; 020 4204420; website) is the most happening among them (read: large crowds spilling into the sidewalk) and has a great selection of local beer and traditional Dutch gin.
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