Spoon-feed me Amsterdam in 36 hours

November 1, 2007 6:18 AM

I have a day and a half in Amsterdam this December (arrive 13th, leave 15th) which I've managed to tack on to the end of a subsidized work/school trip. Given the time constraints, that I'll be alone, and that the rest of the trip is free, I'm considering biting the bullet and staying at the central Best Western, buying an "I am Amsterdam" card, and in all other ways ponying up the cash for increased convenience. Is this a huge mistake? And/or what package deals, eateries, or other tips are likely to make my whirlwind trip more satisfying?

My only caveat: I don't like wasting money. I can enjoy spending money, even a lot of it, as long as I get equal value out if it. Hard to judge for others, I realize...

posted by sarahkeebs to Travel & Transportation around Amsterdam, The Netherlands (9 answers total)

If you plan to go to more than 2 museums, the I AMsterdam card is totally worth it. Get a day metro pass too. If you pay for every ride, you'll lose out. Depending on the rain, consider renting a bike. Don't bother renting a car.
posted by mateuslee at 6:38 AM on November 1, 2007

The Maoz falafel places dotted around the Centrum are cheap, allow you to pile on the condiments, and allow you to chow down relatively quickly and nutritiously, giving more time for other pursuits, given that time is precious. If you want to do sit-down, then rijsttafel is your friend.

If you want to visit the Anne Frank house, get a time-stipulated advance ticket because the lines are long, even in winter.

And I was going to say that Amsterdam in mid-Dec is cold, but it's probably not Toronto cold. It's windy-cold, though: be prepared. Earmuffs are useful.
posted by holgate at 7:48 AM on November 1, 2007

The Rijksmuseum is nice, as is the Van Gogh.

The restaurants around the red light district and centraal station are for tourists, and the grub aint' that great. The deeper into the city you go the better.

The Red light district is "interesting" at night, and not overly sketchy. Watch out, the "callers" will try to convince you to visit a live sex show. These shows are pretty odd. haha.

The floating flower market near the Muntplein is nice, if you're into flora. For fauna visit the zoo (Artis).

Try out some frites w/ sauce (i.e. fries with mayo). Good times.

If you want to get deeper into the city (but still within "downtown") take a tram to the Leidsplein. Lots of pubs and "coffee shops" around here and a huge park (Vondel Park) to explore. If you like chess, visit the giant chess board outside the Hard Rock and challenge one of the locals.

Maybe rent a bike and then try to get lost. The most fun I had in A'dam was just wandering around, getting lost and found. The city is built in semi-circular rings of canals fanning out from centraal station. Hours of fun can be had playing the left-left-right game: You just drive your bike (or walk) and turn left at the first intersection you come across, then left at the next, then right, and repeat. :) If you get really lost, stop into the closest pub, order "een biertje", and chat with the staff.

Do not worry about language barriers as most everyone is fluent in English. However, it's nice to know the pleasantries:

Thanks: Bedankt ("Bedonkt");
Thank You very much: Dank u wel ("Dank u velh")
Please: Alstublieft ("ash-te-bleeft")
Bye: Dag ("dagh") -or- Dooie ("do-IEee")

"Please" is interesting: It's used both for please, and "if you please"/"please take this". So, you might order a coffee and say "Alstublieft" and the waiter may say it back to you when they give you the coffee (or your change).

Enjoy yourself.
posted by stungeye at 7:52 AM on November 1, 2007 [1 favorite]

Edit: A number of the restaurants South-East-ish of the Red Light District (towards Niewmarkt) are actually very good.
posted by stungeye at 8:10 AM on November 1, 2007

Public transport in Amsterdam is quite okay, I would not spend lots of money on a hotel (but of course, your meaning may vary). This is a listing of available hotels in Amsterdam that may be useful.
posted by davar at 2:13 PM on November 1, 2007

I was in amsterdam not too long ago, i stayed at Hotel V whihc was 89Eur (including breakfast) and was really nice (not sure if this is too much for you), Bus 4 or 25 will get you into the main town area
I recomend the Rijksmuseum as well
posted by Lesium at 3:22 PM on November 1, 2007

Priceline may give you a fantabulous price on a hotel. But you can't do it blind. Check out better bidding or comparable sites to give you an idea what you're bidding on. Don't let William Shatner put you off -- you really can get a great deal.

Word of warning: stick to populated streets. I've travelled to third world countries, developed nations, you name it. The only place I ever got mugged was Amsterdam: in daylight, in a nice area, 7 in the evening.
posted by NailsTheCat at 3:25 PM on November 1, 2007

I'm big on staying at family-owned/cheaper hotels, especially in amsterdam. Some of my best memories of the city are of speaking with the owners.
posted by Espoo2 at 4:48 PM on November 1, 2007

First, unless there is a particular reason to stay at the "best western", I would look for a hotel that has a bit more personality. (There are loads of hotels right in the middle of town. The leidseplein and vondelspark are central, but not super touristy.)

btw, I find that flickr gives you a more objective view of what's out there..

That said, if you're alone, I don't see the point in an expensive hotel. You aren't going to be spending any time there. A small, inexpensive hotel is all you need. Or consider a single room in a hostels if your into the party-hard thing. You will find some companions and probably have fun night.
posted by kamelhoecker at 5:06 PM on November 1, 2007