By Amsterdam was not on my list of trips that i would have to do. A bit like the Eiffel Tower, which is nearby and which we have not yet been visited, because we say to ourselves one day.
For our first journey, we stayed there a few days in spring, we visited museums, the zoo, discovered the districts and most of all appreciated the way of life of the Dutch people. Enjoying the moment with friends, family with a drink, in a cafe, on the bike, we felt a real relaxation there, all that i love.
Taking the train at 8h20, we arrive at 11h40, two days this time, only to see something different. Enough to do a Rijksmuseum, a walk to the flower market, a stop at the Droog (concept store) to see their selection of clothes and for a cake that we can taste in a cozy place ; finish with a brunch at the Pulitzer hotel.
Arriving at the main station, the first thing we do is purchase our GVB (Amsterdam Public Transport) tickets for the time of our stay. The sales office is just next to the tourist office ; after you have choice : tramways, buses, metro…i prefer the tramway, this is a way to discover places that are not necessarily mentionned in the guides.
Bicycles are omnipresent in Amsterdam. For those who feels comfortable cycling in town, you will find bike rentals, everywhere (Bike City, Holland Rent a Bike…) i haven’t tried it yet. But beware when you walk, one bike can hide another, it comes from all sides.
A visit to the Rijksmuseum, if you like Dutch masters paintings, from the Golden Age it is the museum to visit, it gathers one of the richest collections of the 17th century like Rembrandt and “The Night Watch”, which is monumental, or Johannes Vermeer and “The Milkmaid” (everyone has seen it but few people know he is the author) or Frans Hals and “The Merry Drinker”… and also an Asian Pavilion, a specital collection, modern art…
The Library is reserved for art history researchers, but its decoration and impressive collection of books can be admired.
A break at the Droog. What is the Droog an hotel, a cafe, a shop, a place to celebrate an event, it is all that at once. Upstairs there is a place to relax, it is warm. You can sit at a table or in footstools to sip a glass or eat homemade cake, overlooking the canal. There is a small country style garden in the center. If you pass by there, make a stop, you will not be disappointed!
The flower market, the Dutch are flower lovers, i am also a fan of flowers, especially tulips. Located on the canal’s edge, the Bloemenmarkt is a floating market shops are on docked boats ; you can buy bouquets or bulbs. (Located : Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam)
Before our departure, a brunch at the Jansz at the restaurant of Pulitzer Hotel, a very popular adress ; advice book, it is always full. The place is friendly, modern and the staff is very attentive.
You have my list of the best adresses of the moment, i hope it will help you. But even without it, you’ll have a thousand of place to discover, Amsterdam is not boring. We haven’t finished enjoying their way of life, i go back as soon as i can.
