A weekend in Amsterdam in early summer 2017 was the third time I had visited Amsterdam, so I wanted to see something different, less known and visit places I hadn't been to before.

The city has many attractions, so it would be very difficult to visit everything in a weekend in Amsterdam. Next, I will tell you how I managed to spend a great 3 days in Amsterdam in the summer of 2017.

Even if it was my first time in the city, I wouldn't visit all the typical tourist attractions. During my three times in Amsterdam I have not been to any of the city's museums. What for? The city itself is beautiful.

Since the motto of my blog is “Travel Interesting”, I will tell you many tips on how to have the best time in the Dutch capital, as well as interesting and unknown places in Amsterdam, which are worth visiting over the weekend. And in a separate article you can read about.

Interesting things and unusual places to visit on a weekend in Amsterdam

So, the lesser known and atypical things that I recommend you do on a weekend in Amsterdam are:

  • Visiting Amsterdam parks
  • Walk through the city center
  • Amsterdam North
  • District De Pijp
  • Biking
  • Tasting local dishes
  • Walk along the canals

And other unknown attractions worth visiting on a weekend in Amsterdam...

Visiting Amsterdam parks

Usually, parks are not on the list of attractions to visit in a new city, at least for me. But Amsterdam is a special city with excellent and beautiful parks where you just want to stay for a long time. It seems that city parks are a favorite weekend getaway for Amsterdam locals. Well, some canal bars and cafes can give them a run for their money. free time weekend in Amsterdam.

My favorite park - Vondelpark , although some other parks such as Amstelpark, Westerpark, Oesterpark And Rembrandtpark- are interesting in their own way. In addition to the fact that the parks are perfect place For a weekend getaway, Amsterdam's city parks also host numerous festivals and performances, usually on weekends.

Walk through the city center

Amsterdam is one of the few cities that can be considered a museum under open air , as you don’t need to plan to visit any specific place to enjoy the architecture and beauty of the city. The whole center of Amsterdam is very beautiful, so you can just stroll around it without any specific plans, just turning into narrow side streets, bumping into unusual graffiti and atmospheric places. Not surprisingly, many tourists have already realized the value of Amsterdam as an open-air museum, so when visiting Amsterdam on the weekend, you will have to walk among crowds of tourists if you don't follow my advice.

Most tourists walk the streets Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal And Damrak (no need to remember these scary names, just check on the map), the area around the Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market) is also quite crowded. Just try to avoid them or spend as little time there as possible. As I said, the whole center of Amsterdam is beautiful, so if you go to the parallel street, it will definitely be just as good.

If you want to visit the Red Light District at night, you won't escape the crowds, as the whole area is full of people. There are hardly any of them during the daytime, but unless you come here to admire the architecture or Amsterdam's canals, you won't see anything until 10 p.m.

If you want to feel As a local in Amsterdam, I recommend you visit the De Pijp area, which I will talk about later.

Amsterdam North

Others less famous place in Amsterdam is the northern part of the city. There you won't see crowds of tourists wandering from one attraction to another, but local residents relaxing on the pier or in one of the authentic cafes. You can also stay in one of the best Amsterdam hostels called ClinkNoord.

There is also a cinema museum there. EYE , Cultural Center Tolhuistuin and panoramic point Amsterdam Lookout, where you can look at the old part of Amsterdam through the city's largest canal. To cross the canal you simply need to take the free ferry that departs from the back of the central railway station Amsterdam. It will take you to the north side in just 5 minutes.

District De Pijp

District De Pijp - one of the busiest areas of Amsterdam, which is loved by locals residents. Visit one of the area's bars and cafes to feel like a local. At night it is a lively and dynamic atmosphere. The area is also good place, to find accommodation if you don't like the hustle and bustle of the city center, but prefer something authentically Amsterdam.

Biking

Cycling is not something unusual in Amsterdam. In a city of bicycles with 500 kilometers of bike paths With 800,000 bicycles per million inhabitants accounting for 32% of the city's traffic, and around 250,000 bicycle parking spaces near Amsterdam Central Station, it's no wonder tourists want to cycle here too.

And this good idea, Although you need some time to get used to city traffic. Here, riding on a narrow bike path requires you to pay attention to pedestrians, trams, cars, other cyclists and more, so it can seem very dangerous and scary the first time. But you will quickly get used to it. If you don't want to or just can't get used to it, go to northern part city, which I mentioned above, it’s safer to ride there.

With all this traffic, I was riding a bike with another person on the rack (there was simply no other choice) while proudly taking photos with my phone with one hand? . I rented a bike twice in Amsterdam. The first time was a small rental near my hostel, the second time it was from Green City Bikes. Prices are relatively similar across companies, so there's no need to shop around for the best prices. I just recommend that you don't rent a bike in very tourist places. Prices there may be higher.

Another piece of advice from me - try not to be late returning your bike. We got the time wrong, so we had to pay for the next 3 hours of rental, and if we were a little more late, we would have paid for the whole next day. They are quite strict about this here, so keep an eye on the time.

Tasting local dishes

When visiting Amsterdam on the weekend, you need to try the local dishes, which are sold on every corner. Although there is a very wide selection of different fast food and restaurant cuisines from all over the world, you should try something truly Dutch.

It’s hard to call it a tasting, because Dutch cuisine is not haute cuisine like French, it uses fairly simple ingredients, and most local dishes are or can be sold as fast food. The local food here is not the healthiest, but nevertheless, the Dutch are not obese. Everyone looks quite slim and athletic.

So, some of the most popular traditional dishes Holland is raw herring, fatty Dutch fries with various sauces, after which you will quickly feel full for another half a day. Try some of the local cheeses, such as Gouda and Masdamer, which you can find at the cheese museum and in many cheese shops around the city where you can try samples for free. Popular local desserts include Stroopwafel caramel waffles, Ontbijtkoek ginger cake and thick pancakes.

Walk along the canals

In Amsterdam One of the best and most enjoyable activities is to stroll along the city canals and sit next to them. Water, and especially canals, make any city very beautiful. Just think of Venice or (city on the islands). Would they be so beautiful without canals and rivers?

Other unknown attractions worth visiting on a weekend in Amsterdam...

Other entertainment and attractions in Amsterdam that are worth visiting within 3 days are to visit some of the coffee shops (everyone knows that Amsterdam is famous for its freedom), go to museums, but keep in mind that in the city museums of Amsterdam the entrance price is about 15-20 Euro. Take a ride along the canals on one of the pleasure boats and visit the vibrant city markets.

Read about from 14 experienced travel bloggers, plus total. Enjoy your weekend in Amsterdam!

Have you ever gone to another city for a couple of days to relax and have fun? In my opinion, a wonderful way to distract yourself from pressing problems. How do you like this idea?


True, I would not combine visits to both museums on the same day because of the danger of oversaturation with art. It’s better to choose one thing or at least separate them in time, for example, by taking a cruise along the canals of Amsterdam or a walk in Vondelpark during the break. Although these are just ideas, the choice is always yours.


Selfie

Having received a fat portion of culture, hurry up to take souvenir photos with, which is located right in front of the building. In a fairly short period of time, the inscription turned into a real symbol of the city and most popular place among tourists.


On the opposite side of the square is an impressive building Concert hall Amsterdam (Concertgebouw).


Snack for lunch

Let's look at the clock... Yeah, it's time to eat. If you don’t want to waste time and money, you can have a snack with traditional Dutch fast food. Don't be afraid of this term, by it I mean tender, or fried potatoes (frietjes) with peanut sauce. By the way, you must try it the “Dutch way”, holding it by the tail. This is the only way to get the taste of Amsterdam 😉

Soothing for feet and eyes

Another “must do” of the Dutch capital is a canal cruise. If you go through it, you end up on Stadhouderskade street, where the cruise ship pier is located. We buy tickets, look for a suitable place on board and make

Amsterdam is an amazing combination of ancient architecture and new buildings, tranquil landscapes and vibrant nightlife, museums with the greatest works of art and entertainment venues for every taste. There is a lot to see here - various museums and art galleries with works by famous artists - and something to try: various types of Dutch cheese, specially cured herring, traditional local meat and potato dishes. well and night life Amsterdam has one of the most vibrant events in Europe: everyone can choose a party to suit their taste!

Tour dates

Weekly

Duration

4 days / 3 nights

Estimated cost

From 39,100 rub. per person in double room

1 day

Arrival in Amsterdam. Independent transfer and hotel accommodation.

Day 2

Free day. Additionally hiking in Amsterdam.

Day 3

Free day. Additionally, an excursion to Zaanse Schans and Volendam.

4 day

Private transfer to Amsterdam airport. Flight to Moscow.

The tour price includes:

  • Air travel regular flights Moscow - Amsterdam - Moscow
  • Meals: breakfasts at hotels
  • Medical insurance

Additional charges:

  • Registration of entry visas (Netherlands) - 80 euros
  • Transfer airport - hotel - airport
  • Travel cancellation insurance (optional)
  • Entry tickets to museums, castles, etc.
  • Additional excursions (paid on site to the guide, cost subject to group size)

The goal: to live 5 days in Amsterdam as intensely as possible, just like a local, not forgetting about the classic adventures from the “must do” lists and without rushing anywhere.

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Given

  • 1 traveler.
  • Subjective interpretation of the words “cool”, “beautiful”, “delicious”.
  • Interest in art.
  • The desire to try and see as much as possible.
  • Love for hiking.
  • Refusal of fuss.

Let's get started with the solution

Day 0

The most convenient way to get to the city is by train. Tickets can be purchased on the way to the exit from the airport - in yellow machines, which are located like daisies in the center of the hall. The machine accepts cards and coins. You can buy a ticket for paper euros at the ticket office, but it is more difficult to find.

Trains depart from platforms 1 and 2, travel with stops and arrive at the Central Station. The journey takes 15-20 minutes.

There is only one airport in Amsterdam, so it is quite busy. Be prepared for the fact that you may not be able to get on the train. Fortunately, they run every 15 minutes. At night - every hour.

Day 1

Breakfast that lifts your spirits

€8.50 for a sandwich with organic beef and salad, €3 for good coffee. Best view to the city - free.

Unusual bike tour

€ 27.50

Products for a picnic

€14 for local cheese, washed vegetables and fruit in cups

Chill in the park

Amazingly free

Walk through the city at night

Free and safe

Realizing that the red light district sucks

Worth respect

Try something you can't try in other places

€ 7

Dinner

€ 15.50 - lasagne the size of a house, € 4 - a glass of wine.
  • Breakfast spot: Blue Amsterdam with 360 degree views. Located in the futuristic glass tower De Kalvertoren, the exact address: Singel 457.
  • The bike tour lasts 3 hours and starts from Spuistraat 30 (close to Central Station). See secret gardens, hidden courtyards and long-forgotten churches. In general, look at Amsterdam through the eyes of a local, without the noisy company of the Chinese. Bicycle rental is included in the price. There are no more than 12 people in the group. To book .
  • A park for recreation from sports cycling achievements - Vondelpark, Stadhouderskade 47I.
  • Dinner location: Royal 98 - Valkensteeg 4. Open until 22:00.

Day 2

Breakfast

€ 12.5 for a huge plate with everything: the softest avocado, eggs, bacon and even flowers. € 2.25 - coffee.

Typical photo near Iamsterdam

Free, but you have to wait in line for a long time.

Moco Museum

€ 12.50

Stedelijk Museum / Vincent van Gogh Museum / Rijksmuseum

€ 18 / € 18 / € 18

Souvenir at museums

€20 (minimum)

Dinner

€ 3

Walking tour along the central streets

Beautiful and free

Funny rubber duck

€ 25

Canal boat tour

from € 20

Dinner

€35 for delicious poolside cocktails and food
  • Breakfast place: The Avocado Show - Daniël Stalpertstraat, 61. You have never seen such elegant dishes. By the way, there is a store nearby that sells avocados. We recommend buying a sweatshirt.
  • Huge letters for photos are located at Hobbemastraat, 19.
  • Moco Museum - Honthorststraat, 20. Open from 10:00 to 18:00. Until May 31, 2018, you can attend the Roy Lichtenstein and Banksy exhibition.
  • Stedelijk Museum - Museumplein, 10. The Vincent van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are located there. All these museums are very different: there is no point in going to all of them, choose according to your preferences. In the Stedelijk stomp for contemporary art, Rijksmuseum - classics, Vincent van Gogh Museum - no comment.
  • What should you pay attention to in souvenirs? Vincent van Gogh Museum: postcards, iron badges, fashionable rain cover, handles in the form of tubes of paint. Rijksmuseum - jokes for the home. Stedelijk Museum - books.
  • The lunch option is the ubiquitous Patat. Questionable taste and pleasure, but you have to try it. Just for show.
  • Amsterdam Duck Store - Oude Leliestraat, 16. The store has little keychains with ducks on them, but what's the point? You need to take a full one.
  • Dinner place: Kanarie Club - Bellamyplein, 51. Open until 23:00, on Fridays and Saturdays until 2:30. There is a makeshift pool, a photo booth and a huge cocktail list.

Day 3

Breakfast in Chinatown

€ 10

Going to the library

Free live music and a beautiful view

Gallery W139

Payment upon request

Dinner

€13 for the best apple pie in Amsterdam and cocoa with rum

Shopping

€70 (minimum)

Dinner on the roof

€ 3.7 - ginger beer, € 7.5 - burger, € 6 - beer pieces

Evening walk in the park

For free
  • Breakfast place: Dum Dum Palace - Zeedijk 37.
  • Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam - Oosterdokskade 143. Open from 10:00.
  • W139 - Warmoesstraat 139.
  • Lunch place: Winkel 43 - official the best place with apple pies. Search at Noordermarkt, 43.
  • The best place for shopping is Gerard Doustraat street. Stores: Cottoncake, Nobody Has to Know, ANNA + NINA, Things I Like Things I love.
  • Dinner location: Canvas - Wibautstraat 150. Open until 1:00, Fridays and Saturdays until 4:00.
  • Choose any park, all are good.

Day 4

  • Breakfast place: any Albert Heijn store. Kaasbroodjes is a puff pastry pie with a soft cheese filling. By the way, you can buy food for a picnic there.
  • The train to Zandvoort leaves from Central Station (platform no. 1) every 2 hours, the journey takes 30 minutes and 6 stops (sit on the left side for a better view). The beach is a 5-minute walk from the Zandvoort aan Zee platform.
  • Place for dinner and merciless dancing: De School - Dr. Jan van Breemenstraat, 1.

Day 5

Breakfast on the roof

€ 5 - pancakes with berries, € 4 - freshly squeezed apple and pear juice

Souvenir at the station

€6 for a funny knitted monkey

Ferry

For free

Netherlands Film Institute (exhibition)

€ 10

Watch a movie in English

€ 10

Walking around NDSM

For free

Lunch-dinner

€ 21.50

Ferry back (until 00:00)

For free
  • Breakfast place: Dakterras NEST - Eerste Ringdijkstraat, 4.
  • Look for souvenirs at Central Station in the IJ-hal pavilion.
  • Look for the ferry according to the signs at the Central Station, there is nothing complicated there.
  • Netherlands Film Institute - IJpromenade, 1. Open until 19:00.
  • NDSM - there are galleries, workshops, offices in containers, a hotel in a construction crane and houses in old trams. Address - Tt. Neveritaweg, 61.
  • Lunch/dinner location: Pllek - Tt. Neveritaweg, 59. Here you will find an eco-lunch in a shipping container, great views of the city, the beach and the largest disco ball in Amsterdam!

Total

€ 490 for a trip you'll never forget.

When to fly?

  • The most best months for visiting - April and November.
  • In April, everything around is in bloom, the air is fresh and clear. Such beauty that even those who are always dissatisfied with everything cannot resist. But think twice before heading to the Dutch capital on the king's birthday (April 27). On this day, all of Europe comes to Amsterdam. It’s very festive and fun, but if you don’t like crowds and crowds, it’s not worth it.
  • In November, you can find yourself in a Christmas fairy tale ahead of time. It gets dark quickly, hundreds of lights come on and are reflected in the canals. Sometimes snowflakes can come down from the sky and dance with you to the nearest pub. By the way, there are no drunk people on the streets at this time. And in general there are few people - the autumn holidaymakers have already left, and the New Year's revelers are just buying their tickets.
  • Summer in Amsterdam is also very pleasant. There is no heat, there is a light breeze, but there are a lot of tourists.
  • The same applies to the January holidays. Everyone on the streets is drunk. Of course, people are kind and there is no aggression, but you quickly get tired of the eternal party.

How to choose tickets

It is better to choose direct flights, although they are more expensive. It's only once, when you miss your plane during an hour-long layover in Frankfurt, that you realize what it's all about. Only after 9 hours at Munich Airport will you realize the value of this advice.

As an option, you can deliberately fly to Munich, eat sausages there and relax, and a day or two later fly to Amsterdam.

It is better to look for tickets for direct flights in advance, taking advantage of all the features of our website.

Where to live


Don't rush to rent a house on the central canal. It is absolutely certain that there will be a Coffeeshop or bar under your windows (not everyone likes this). Plus, such housing is 2 times more expensive.

Take a closer look at the areas of Pijp Oud-Zuid and The Plantage (closer to Oosterpark). It’s very cozy there, there are no crowds of tourists, there are many more cute establishments where locals hang out, and adequate grocery stores (the Dirk chain is very cool).

A little bit more

  • If you think that you will get high from chocolate, tea or lollipop with cannabis, this is not so. Although it depends on the strength of self-hypnosis.

Is it possible to experience a new city over a weekend? Of course, if you prepare carefully. This material contains all the places you must visit if you are going to Amsterdam for two days.

Is it worth renting a bike in Amsterdam?

To feel the atmosphere of the city, rent a bicycle. But first, think about whether you are ready for traffic jams, impatient Dutch people and chaotic traffic on the roads? Remember: the red path is for cyclists only, indicate turns with your hand and stay as far to the right as possible.

Where to go by bike in Amsterdam? Anywhere except the center: Vondelpark (Vondelpark), Westerpark (Westerpark) or Rembrandtpark (Rembrandtpark). Did you get to one of these places and survive? Congratulations, you deserve a picnic, the main thing is to stock up on provisions at one of the local supermarkets: Albert Hein (Albert Heijn), Markt (Marqt), DekaMarkt (DekaMarkt), Yumbo (Jumbo). Don’t forget about carrots: the parks are home to wild rabbits who don’t mind eating something tasty out of your hands.You might be interested in an organized bike ride around the city with a guide. You can sign up for something like this.

Amsterdam by Canal: Exploring the Nord

Any guidebook will say: “Be sure to take a boat ride on the canal.” But how can you understand how the city lives if there are only tourists on the boats? You need to go deeper, to residential areas, where real life is. Noord (Noord) is one of such areas. The Dutch moved across the canal because they were tired of the crowds of tourists in the center. WITH south side Amsterdam Station (Amsterdam Central) there is a free ferry No. 906. You can board it for free and travel to Pllek, enjoy Amsterdam by the water, drinking Dutch beer or visiting a museum EYE, where non-standard exhibitions are always held.

All the world's cuisines in one place

The most international place in the capital of the Netherlands - the indoor marketFoodhallen ( ). Previously, there was a tram depot here, and now it is a fashion hub with shops of local designers, a library, a cinema and a market. Under the roof of this market you can find dishes from any cuisine in the world. The best establishments: Dim Sum, Gin&Tonic barAnd Viet View.

Address: entrance fromBellamyplein51 orHannie Dankbaarpassage47. Open on weekdays from 11:00 to 23:00, on Friday-Sunday - until 01:00, entrance to the territory is free.

Not Van Gogh alone

To visit one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam - the Rijksmuseum (, tickets), Van Gogh Museum (Van Gogh Museum, tickets), Anne Frank Museum (Anne Frank House), Diamond Museum (Diamond Museum Amsterdam, tickets) or Madame Tussaud's house (Madame Tussauds, tickets), you need to allocate at least half a day. And then, if you're lucky, there won't be any queues. But if you only have two days in Amsterdam and want to understand what it’s like to be Dutch and live next to the elements, check out the museum by boat ( House Boat Museum) . It will give an idea of ​​a full-fledged house on the water in the country, which costs an average of3.5 metersbelow sea level and surrounded by the world's largest protective dikes.

Address: Prinsengracht 296 K. Open from 10:00 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday, entrance 4.50 €.

Still, if you can't imagine visiting the art treasure without its famous repositories, keep in mind that local guides are ready to help you. Find tours of Amsterdam museums with Russian-speaking guides.

History of the city at the flea market

Where can you get a sense of the city's history better than in a museum? That's right, at the flea market. The Dutch love vintage clothes and furniture, and therefore there are plenty of second-hand shops on every street. Market on Waterlooplein (Waterlooplein Flea Market) - the oldest in Amsterdam. For 130 years, everything has been bought and resold here: from fur coats to bicycles. Who knows what unusual Amsterdam souvenirs you will come across during your visit?

Address: Waterlooplein2. The market is open every day.

If you experience extraordinary pleasure from the atmosphere of the market, get more of it at an interesting one.

Haven't been to the flower market - haven't been to Amsterdam

Guidesit is said to be the only water market in the world and has been in existence since 1882. In fact, there have been covered pavilions here for a long time, and there are no boats from where trade used to be conducted. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, lilies, chrysanthemums, flowers for the garden and home are sold here all year round. You can export tulip bulbs from Holland; the price for 10 pieces varies from 7 to 15 €, depending on the variety.

You can also buy traditional Dutch souvenirs here: wooden clogs, cheese, bouquets and crafts from local craftsmen.

Address: . The market is open from 09:00 to 17:30 every day.

Get lost in the streets of Jordan

Here among workers and emigrants on Rosengracht street (Rozengracht) Rembrandt lived. Today Jordan () - one of the most picturesque areas of Amsterdam: narrow green streets along canals, cafes, restaurants, shops and studios right next to the water. There is a place for everyone: a woman with three curly-haired children on a bicycle on the way from school, and an elderly man in a tweed jacket with a newspaper under his arm.

And also in the Jordan market ( markt) they eat herring according to all the rules: the fish is taken out of the barrel in front of the buyer and cut up. Locals believe that this is the only way it retains its unique taste. Shall we check?

Address: Noordermarkt 42 B. Open on Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00.

Amsterdam from the Old Church

Co old church (Oude Kerk), built inXIIIcentury, the red light district began, and indeed the whole of Amsterdam. Sailors sailed, atone for their sins and went off to have fun, or vice versa. Madame Saskia, Rembrandt's wife, is also buried here.

Address: Oudekerksplein23. Open seven days a week, from 10:00 to 18:00 (on Sunday from 13:00 to 17:30),rooftop tours every half hour, cost 12 €.

This is how we see the capital of the Netherlands - atypical for a tourist, but at the same time sincere. If you have two days, all of the above places will help you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the country and have a unique time. It can also help with thisour audio guide with a fascinating tour of AmsterdamAndmobile application “Guide to European cities”, which will save your time and effort.

We hope you enjoy your stay here. See you on the streets of Amsterdam!