Amsterdam
I recently spent 6 fantastic days in fair Amsterdam and I've decided to share some thoughts about my experiences.
For some people, when they think of Amsterdam, the first thing that comes to mind is the Red Light District and weed, but there is so much more to this beautiful city. It is a photographer's dream, filled with astoundingly picturesque canals, amazing architecture and museums, and a myriad of little cobbled alleyways filled with a veritable cornucopia of cozy pubs, snazzy bars, coffee shops, designer shops, and stores galore of every kind. On top of that, the people are, in general, extremely welcoming and friendly, everyone speaks English, and the trams and buses make transport around the city extremely easy.
Tips for Visiting Amsterdam
- BE CAREFUL OF THE CAB RATES - I got out of the train station, hopped into the first cab in the line, travelled approximately 5 minutes to my hotel and got charged €25. Considering the fact that I could have gotten a flat rate cab from the airport for €45 or a €14.50 hotel shuttle, and I elected instead for the 20 minute train journey into Amsterdam for €3,60, then that was a complete rip off. The cab driver didn't have a visible meter and after I paid, he gave me a phone number for a cheaper cab company, of his own accord. I found another website detailing this exact issue and giving some good advice on Amsterdam cabs.
- WATCH OUT FOR THE BIKE PATH - Amsterdam is a city for cyclers. Pedestrians are almost second rate citizens on the streets AND the sidewalks and you will have to look out for cars, trams, buses, bicycles, and scooters. Keep an ear out for the tinkling ring of a bike bell as they come speeding out of nowhere and, whatever you do, don't walk in the bike path or you will likely be greeted by an almost collision and a middle finger.
- PICK UP AN I AMSTERDAM CARD - If you're at all interested in the fantastic museums and cultural heritage of the city, then save yourself some money and pick up an I Amsterdam card. It comes with an unlimited public transport (GVB) pass for the duration of your card, free entrance to over 40 museums and attractions, over 50 additional discounts, and a very useful guidebook. I got a 72 hour pass and managed to cram in about 14 attractions, so make sure to be realistic about how much time it will take to get to all the sites you want within the average 10am-5pm opening hours of most of the places listed. The general entrance prices can range from €7-12 and a 24 hour GVB pass is around €13, so at €38 for 24 hours, €48 for 48 hours and €58 for 72 hours, the I Amsterdam card can turn out to be a very good deal.
All in all, Amsterdam is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, with a rich heritage and a seamless merging of old and new. If you haven't been there, put it on your bucket list...you won't regret it!
Check out some pictures from my trip below:
