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Amsterdam

(40 Posts)
Whingey Sun 13-Apr-25 11:08:36

Family taking me for 3 days for 70th birthday. Any recommendations?

Magrithea Mon 14-Apr-25 15:04:50

There are also lots of kiosks for booking trips, that's how we booked our dinner cruise which was very good

OldFrill Mon 14-Apr-25 15:48:33

SilverFoxette75

We’ve been trying to book Anne Frank museum for the past two weeks but it’s saying too early to book, we’re going mid July

6 weeks in advance, on a Tuesday at 10am.

Gin Mon 14-Apr-25 15:48:49

Wear comfortable shoes! The cobbled streets are killers. A small museum which is rarely crowded is the Rembrandt house. Walk along the main canal sides and admire all the varied architecture including the smallest house. Go on a canal trip where you will see lots. Don’t try to do too much, pace yourself. Try the Dutch pancakes or bitterballen with a beer. Dutch chips in a poke with mayo were my kids favourite street food when we lived there.

silverlining48 Mon 14-Apr-25 15:51:36

In the mid 60 s I first went to Amsterdam to work for a few days. Met a Dutch friend when I finished work.
We walked round the city ending up unbeknown to me, close to the red light District which then was behind the Krasnapolski hotel, and were chased off by some of the ladies who weren’t in the windows, but presumably operated in the street.
I was wearing a mini skirt, true, but Competition, moi? Not likely.
I went back a few years ago and didn’t recognise any of it, but then it was a long time ago. Nearly 60 years.

Cateq Mon 14-Apr-25 16:18:37

My DD and her partner went to Amsterdam twice last year, once in July and then again in November to celebrate their respective birthdays. They bought a city pass which includes entry to the major galleries and other tourist attractions, they felt is was good value. They did say they averaged 16000-20000 steps per day.

Quizzer Mon 14-Apr-25 16:28:18

Make sure you don’t go on “Orange Day”. All the shops shut, all the bars and restaurants full, thousands of locals walking the streets, canals gridlocked….!!!

Grandmadinosaur Mon 14-Apr-25 20:24:20

We last visited Amsterdam 2 years ago after visiting a few other places in Holland. We also didn’t enjoy the experience this time around - it was too busy,too many cycles etc. On the middle day there we got on a train and went to Haarlem about 15 minutes ride away. It was more relaxing and had a lovely day there. I’d recommend it.

RSALLAN2002 Mon 14-Apr-25 20:28:24

Ruined by bikes.

Iam64 Mon 14-Apr-25 21:00:38

Nope h bikes an integral part of the city

escaped Mon 14-Apr-25 21:12:32

The problem is the e bikes which can go up to 25 mph. The city is becoming inundated with them and you don’t hear them coming. These aren't just ordinary bikes, but souped-up versions.

TiggyW Mon 14-Apr-25 23:29:48

We visited Amsterdam via the Hull-Rotterdam overnight ferry in the 90s. We did a boat trip and Madame Tussaud’s. I’m assuming it’s still there? 🤔 We were surprised that all the bikes were ancient boneshakers - and not a bike repair shop anywhere!!
Happy 70th! It’s mine too this year. 🎉🥳

DrWatson Tue 15-Apr-25 02:10:24

It's not that big a city, but plenty to do for that length of time. Others have listed most of the options, and you'll know what you like! One I didn't see listed was the >>> Museum Our Lord in the Attic, a 17th-century townhouse with a hidden chapel.

I see people have recommended the Indonesian cuisine restaurants . . .well, they may be OK for you, but we found that almost everything is done in or with coconut, which doesn't suit everyone?!

Whatever you do, have a great time, the Dutch generally quite like us Brits, as they still recall WW2, even if some nations have conveniently forgotten?!

escaped Tue 15-Apr-25 06:42:08

caferestaurantdebazel.nl/en/

Here is good. We had dinner, the food was excellent. The building was very interesting, Art Deco. It's the former Amsterdam stock exchange. Reserve in advance.

Witzend Tue 15-Apr-25 10:37:31

Ditto to being wary of bikes! Just outside our hotel a friend missed by a whisker a woman whizzing along at top speed - with a baby in one arm! 😱
And no helmet - hardly anybody seems to wear them.