10 Things to Do in Amsterdam

I just returned from Amsterdam, and it was a fabulous holiday. I have to thank KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for making it possible. Amsterdam is more than just the Red Light District or for dope-selling “coffee shops”, there are plenty of things that you can see, do and eat. I could easily spend hours telling you about it, but I am going to cut to the chase and share with you my list of 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam.

And at the end of this post, I will also be sharing how you can win some exciting prizes from KLM, including a pair of tickets to any KLM destination in the world!

On my first day at Amsterdam, I do not really know what to make of here – the biggest city of The Netherlands. It is somewhat mysteriously ambiguous, with a mixture of extremely warm and fierce-looking local. The slight medieval setting also feels ancient, and quite oddly, every street at every turn looks identical — low-rise brick buildings with conspicuous signs, withered trees line canals after canals, and sporadically random shops. But after spending a few days exploring the city, it grew on me. Here are some of the highlights.

Take a stroll along the canal

Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North” for a good reason; it has over 160 canals (with a combined length of 100km). One of the best things you can do in Amsterdam is to take a leisure stroll along the canal and enjoy the beautiful sight that the city has to offer.

Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most famous artists in The Netherlands. Art fanatics from around the world travel here just to get a glimpse of his works. Suffice it to say, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum is a unique experience. The Van Gogh Museum is currently under renovation (until 25 April 2013), however, you still can see the art pieces as they are temporarily housed at the Hermitage Museum. Speaking of museums, you must also go to Rijksmuseum, which is poised to reopen on 13 April 2013 after ten years of renovation.

Go for a Canal Cruise

Amsterdam is a city made up of canals and its history is intimately connected with water. So, what better way to explore it than to go on a river cruise where you get to a proper introduction of the city’s many popular spots. Floating down Amsterdam’s canals, is without a doubt, one of the most memorable ways to explore the city. Be sure to get the ‘Iamsterdam‘ city card, an all-inclusive pass which comes with free entrance to museums, unlimited public transpart, and a free canal cruise.

Visit a brown cafe

A brown café is a pub – with a dark wood interior, nicotine-stained ceiling and dim lighting – where locals gather to have some snacks and drinks. These cosy watering-holes make up a big part of Amsterdam culture, so it is the ideal spot to take a peek of the city’s everyday life.

The infamous Red Light District

A trip to Amsterdam will not be complete without going to the infamous Red Light District. Visiting the area was quite an eye-opening experience. It is definitely one of the things that you must do when you are in Amsterdam.

Eat stroopwafels

A Stroopwafel, also known as syrup waffle or treacle waffle, is a waffle made from two thin layers of baked batter with a caramel filling in the middle. It is quite simply, one of the best things you can eat in Amsterdam.

Cycle anywhere and everywhere

Amsterdam is a city of bicycles. Most locals travel around on bicycles – there are more than 600,000 bicycles in the capital city. Besides taking the canal cruise, this is another good way to see the city.

Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience (Stadhouderskade 78, Amsterdam Tel: 020 523 9222) is a historic brewery and corporate visitor centre for Heineken beer. The former brewery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam, and there, you can find out more about Heineken’s history and the craft of brewing.

Keukenhof, the Garden of Europe

We went to Keukenhof – the famous tulip garden, which is also the world’s largest flower garden – on the first day of the flower festival (from 21 Mar till 20 May 2013), and while the flowers were not in full bloom yet, it was a good trip as we had a wonderful experience. The journey to Keukenhof (about an hour from the city centre) is almost as beautiful as the destination. Windmills, sheep grazing on pastures, the boundless skies in a gorgeous ombre blue, vast green fields densely lined with trees, and an enthralling liberation. The best time to visit Keukenhof is end of April to early May.

Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Market, the largest and most popular street market in The Netherlands. You can find anything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to clothings, shoes and Dutch treats such as raw herring and the awesome stroopwafels. There are also cafes and restaurants on both sides of the streets. Bazar, a Middle Eastern and North African restaurant located in an old church, is a good place to have lunch. You should also go to The Butcher, a burger restaurant which dishes out yummy hamburgers and fries.

With Melody, Tammy and Carmen.

How to go to Amsterdam KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

From Schiphol Airport to city Getting to the city centre from Schiphol Airport is easy. There is a direct train to Amsterdam Centraaal for €3.90 (one way). It takes around 20 minutes and there are four trains every hour.

Where to stay in Amsterdam City Centre Hotel Amsterdam (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 50 1012 SC Amsterdam, Netherlands +31 20 422 0011) is a very decent three star hotel which is situated in the heart of Amsterdam, just 5 minutes walk from Amsterdam Centraal.

Tips for exploring Amsterdam Like what I have mentioned earlier, get the ‘Iamsterdam‘ city card, an all-inclusive pass which comes with free entrance to museums, unlimited public transpart, and a free canal cruise.

To celebrate 80 years in Singapore, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is giving away many exciting prizes, including a pair of tickets to any KLM destination in the world! All you have to do is to go to http://klmsays.com and take part in their daily challenges.

Full Disclosure & Fine Print: I travelled to Amsterdam as a guest of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. No monetary benefits were received, only air tickets and hotel accommodation were sponsored.