AMSTERDAM: More Than Just "Coffee Shops"

September 22, 2015 • 1 Comment

Since Brussels is our home base (for a whole 2 nights), we're up bright and early to catch the 6:26 am train out to Amsterdam. Fare costs about 25 euro each way, and you're there within 2.5 hours. Leaving the train station, we're greeted by the friendly and extremely helpful peeps from the I Love Amsterdam Visitor's Centre - they hand you over a free city map and give you the main sights to see, as well as answer any questions about anything in the city.

AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam is one of the best cities in the world for just walking. Head out in any direction and you'll stumble upon interesting architecture, green parks, narrow canals, brand name shopping spots, museums, restaurants.....and more (will talk more about the Coffee Shops and Red Light District in a separate post here). Be alert of the bike lanes (we came oh so close to a crash or two), but once you've mastered the art of dodging cyclists, all you need is a comfy pair of shoes and off you go!

Amsterdam's Old Town is home to the Nieuwmarkt, the ever expanding Chinatown, the 14th-century Oude Kerk (Old Church), De Waag, and of course the infamous Red Light District. The New side technically has Dam Square, the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace), Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Kalverstraat & Nieuwendijk (the city's prime shopping streets) and the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market). I won't go into details about all of these places, just a couple below.....and of course an entirely separate posting for the Red Light District!

DAM SQUARE

I'm a sucker of town squares. Why? Not quite sure. Maybe because it's usually where all the action is - located in the historic centre of Amsterdam and one of the largest squares in Europe, the Dam seems to be a natural gathering spot for both locals and tourists like moi. Surrounded by souvenir shops, cafés, it's here you'll find the Royal Palace and Madame Tussaud's - but other than that - it's simply a great spot to people watch for a bit.

BLOEMENMARKT (Flower Market)

So, the Flower Market wasn't quite what I expected. It's one of those places that totally doesn't live up to the expectations that I had for it. I expected to see tons of gorgeous flowers, especially tulips....but such was not the case. It's still a sight to see - it's been around since 1862 and the flower stalls are floating structures over the Singel Canal, but instead of actual flowers on display, all you get is bags and bags of bulbs and kitchsy souvenirs.

Waiting for the first train out from Brussels to Amsterdam!