Amsterdam for the Weekend

Amsterdam for the weekend might seem be a little bit of a stretch if you live overseas but if you happen to be traveling to the UK it might be a worthwhile option. Many residents of the UK take advantage of the low airfares to mainland Europe and Amsterdam is a popular destination.

Don't think for a second that going to Amsterdam for the weekend is only for those who are looking for a chance to indulge in what the city is famous for (if you know what I mean?). On the contrary, Amsterdam has a vibrant culture based on the arts and architecture and it can be a wonderful place to just unwind and even get in some good shopping. There is plenty to do in this city over the weekend and below I'll give you a few suggestions on how to maximize you brief stay.

First of all make sure you get a hotel that is centrally located. Try not to go further out than the outer canal ring (map of Amsterdam). I like to stay at the Marriott hotel located next to the Leidseplein. From this location I have the option of hopping on one of the numerous trams or hitching a ride on a canal taxi. If you prefer to walk it takes about 15 minutes to walk to Dam Square and another 10 minutes from there to Centraal station. Another option is to rent a bike. Be warned that bikes are everywhere in Amsterdam and you may feel a little bit intimidated by the experience of riding in Amsterdam for the weekend. However, if you want to be immersed in the culture Go For It!

Make sure you have a good travel plan before your weekend break in Amsterdam. You can't really get lost in the city but it is a good idea to organize yourself so you follow a pattern that won't waste valuable time. Since the city is built in a horseshoe shape all the canals and roads eventually lead to Centraal station. Take a look below at a sample itinerary that you might want to follow while you're in Amsterdam for the weekend. Good luck planning your European vacation.

Day 1: Start your morning off early and make your way to Anne Frank house. You want to try and beat the lines that form later in the day. Spend at least an hour at the museum before making your way to Dam square. Along the way you can stop at some of the magnificent churches in the city. Stop at a local bakery and pick up some wonderful bread and a cup of coffee before you finally reach Dam square. In the square you can visit the Royal palace as well as the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). By this time it should be close to lunch and you'll be strolling down the Damrak towards central station. Try to avoid stopping at any of the restaurants on this street, instead venture down some of the side streets and find a nice little restaurant or cafe and Enjoy a Heineken.

If the weather is cooperating the afternoon would be a great time to take a canal cruise. You can find many tour operators near the station. The tour lasts and hour and it gives you a good feeling for the city and its architecture. Spend the rest of the afternoon doing some shopping and finding a nice place for dinner. Amsterdam has some wonderful Asian restaurants near the Redlight district. The Netherlands has a long history with the Orient and it is reflected in the quality of the food. After dinner when the sun goes down take a walk through the Redlight District. Don't worry it will be full of tourists all looking at the same thing. Try to avoid the area later in the evening unless you happen to be on a stag party.

Day 2: Use this day as your museum day. Try and visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. They are some of the finest museums anywhere. If you looking for some fun in the afternoon why not try the Heineken brewery tour or even a trip to the Sex Museum. The brewery tour offers free beer at the end of the tour. These activities should fill up your day but frankly if this doesn't seem to be the thing you want to do in Amsterdam for the weekend then why not just sit down in one of the squares and enjoy a good Heineken while you people watch. A weekend break in Amsterdam is a perfect place to watch people and just relax.

Back to Amsterdam for the weekend