Any good areas to stay in Amsterdam?

K

kennylovrin

Well-known
Local time
1:53 PM
Joined
May 9, 2012
Messages
494
Hey guys

Me and my girlfriend are going on a small holiday to Amsterdam in the end of July. I was just checking a few hotels but it's tricky to figure out if there are any special areas to avoid or prefer when booking a hotel.

It's going to be a pretty average trip, some looking in shops, perhaps seeing some sights, me taking some photos etc, so there is nothing unique with it in that sense.

So I just wanted to quickly ask (as I know here are a few people from Amsterdam) that could let me know if there are any certain streets or so I shouldn't book a hotel at.

Or for example if there are any main street that could be nice to keep somewhat close to (like your typical shopping street etc). I'm not saying it has to be super standardized, but just some pointers.

Thanks!

Kenny
 
Hi Kenny,

I've stayed in Amsterdam a lot over recent years. I love the place. So much culture and history crammed into such a small place.

When I visit, I usually stay within a few streets of Vondelpark. It's quiet enough at night, and only a very short (5/10 minute) walk into the busy centre streets. I'd recommend the Museumkwartier if you like that idea.

Or if you want somewhere with a bit more nightlife, the Jordaan district is awesome.

That said, I'm not from Amsterdam. I've just had great experience with these places - switching between them for my last 5 visits.

I'm sure someone local with speak up soon.

Cheers,
Max

P.s - please rent a bike for a day. It's brilliant.
 
Thanks, i ended up booking a hotel already that had received a lot of good reviews. Can't remember what street but it was minutes from the central station I think.

I heard recently that is it a pretty small city, so I guess location is less of a problem perhaps.
 
I always stop in the Ibis hotel in the centre its great and the tram and canal systems make getting around easy
 
kennylovrin said:
Thanks, i ended up booking a hotel already that had received a lot of good reviews. Can't remember what street but it was minutes from the central station I think.

I heard recently that is it a pretty small city, so I guess location is less of a problem perhaps.
Click to expand...

I was answering on all other posts till I saw you already booked a hotel.

And yes, for sure. Amsterdam is REALLY easy to get around. I highly recommend renting bikes. It's a fun way to see the city. Just don't be retarded and cycle in the middle of the street, REALLY slowly (like a lot of tourists tend to do) or any other weird way haha.
Cycling is easy and convenient, but walking isn't bad either. There really aren't any things out of walkind distance. There might be one or two things that will take you longer to walk to than 15-20 mins.
The public transport is really good. If you've got some out-of-state data package check out 9292.nl . It's the public transport and will help you greatly.
The only other thing worth mentioning is that if you plan on visiting the Anne Frank huis, make sure you're there VERY early at the beginning of the day. I'd recommend being 15 minutes before it opens, otherwise you'll be standing in line for I don't know how long. Don't plan it on the middle of the day.

If you've got any more questions shoot me a message.
 
Tijmendal said:
I was answering on all other posts till I saw you already booked a hotel.

And yes, for sure. Amsterdam is REALLY easy to get around. I highly recommend renting bikes. It's a fun way to see the city. Just don't be retarded and cycle in the middle of the street, REALLY slowly (like a lot of tourists tend to do) or any other weird way haha.
Cycling is easy and convenient, but walking isn't bad either. There really aren't any things out of walkind distance. There might be one or two things that will take you longer to walk to than 15-20 mins.
The public transport is really good. If you've got some out-of-state data package check out 9292.nl . It's the public transport and will help you greatly.
The only other thing worth mentioning is that if you plan on visiting the Anne Frank huis, make sure you're there VERY early at the beginning of the day. I'd recommend being 15 minutes before it opens, otherwise you'll be standing in line for I don't know how long. Don't plan it on the middle of the day.

If you've got any more questions shoot me a message.
Click to expand...

Thanks!

I guess the pressing question now is: what camera stores should I check out? :)
 
Amsterdam is a small city indeed, so if you booked anywhere within A10 ring, you're good. Minutes from the station is not that great actually because you'll be within busy tourist hell area, but hey, it's not that bad.

Camera shops - don't bother, you won't find anything that you can't find online 10 times cheaper. But if you're bored and want to browse, indeed - Nivo Schweitzer (as in above post). New stuff only, but mostly what RFF drools on. On the same street you have Foto Jansen (I think is the name). The owner is an epic a-hole of an old man, but he's got a lot of old gear (again, expensive). Don't ask him too many questions though :)
Check out Foam foto museum, they typically have good stuff on show. (But then again, after visiting Fotografiska in Stockholm I wanted to spit on Foam).
For beer go to Brouwerij Ij (local stuff), Arends Nest (dutch microbrewery stuff), Zotte of Leidseplein (belgian, also try food, belgian blue), Beer Temple close to Dam (for expensive American microbrewery stuff).
Coffeeshops - any really, they'll all get you high.
Avoid mass merch shopping streets and take your misses shopping in the canals area (9 straatjes) to some boutique shops. Suitable for Swedish tastes (I know coz my girlfriend's one).
Hang out in Vondelpark, just wonder around and get lost, there's some event or another organised almost daily, gets too much sometimes even.
Enjoy!
 
I've been to Amsterdam only once, but I loved it and want to return.

Mondays are market days in the Jordaan, so, if you're going to be there on a Monday, make sure to go. The market is quite picturesque. However, if you're going to photograph the stalls, ask first. Some merchants just don't want photos taken. I think one of the ends of the market is in a church (cannot recall exactly which: North Church or Old church), and the neighborhood around it is quite beautiful.

Make sure to visit a brown bar; these are old establishments where you can have either a coffee or a beer in a unique atmosphere.

And enjoy the canal views! There's also a Photography institute that hosts shows and workshops, and a cat museum! (if you or your GF are into that kind of thing :). I am! )
 
Keep an eye out for Karoly Almos near the Nieeuwmarkt* and Der Waag. Mad as a fish, but good fun to meet. This is his site:
http://nostalgischfotograaf.nl/cms/

Don't ask anyone in an Argentine Steak House whether the Chimichurra sauce is "like Mexican" as a friend did - we nearly didn't get out alive!

I was very pleasantly surprised by central Amsterdam, yes it's touristy, but it's much nicer to get around than eg London and it's full of little nooks and crannies. There's also a very nice bar a gnat's fart past the red light district - very quiet because everyone is outside ogling. We reckon it's where the pimps drink...

Adrian


*I don't speak Dutch and am trying to remember the spelling!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom