A weekend in Amsterdam!
I journeyed to Amsterdam in September when it was just starting to get chilly during the night time. Day time was gorgeous though! The city lived up to it’s cliche of being a “party city” for nightlife, amazing bakeries, and museums.
Where to stay
I stayed at Okura which is roughly 15 minutes from Dam Square where everyone goes to hang out and dine. One can either take the subway, located conveniently near Okura, or take a cab. Okura is a beautiful, modern and chic hotel property located adjacent to a canal, which offers boat rentals for a small cost. Upon entering the hotel lobby, guests are immediately greeted by a mixture of Dutch and Japanese architecture. Gorgeous marble floors and a magnificent spiral staircase! Check-in was a breeze. At check-in, request a city view room on a high floor for amazing views of Amsterdam. It’s well worth it. I stayed in a superior city view room which was equipped with a rain shower, Nespresso machine, and a very comfortable bed.
Directly outside of the hotel is the private boat jetty. That’s where one can rent a boat to go into the canals. After a brief tutorial on how to maneuver the boat, safety instructions, and which waters to not enter, you’re good to go. Take snacks, and beverages as they are not provided with the rental. Canals are clearly marked stating which areas you cannot cross into because the water is too high or strong for the smaller boats. If you don’t pay attention to the signs, you will get lost! Renting the boat was one of the best decisions of the trip, and definitely worth it.
Sightseeing
Ann Frank House: Open 7 days a week but can get crowded during late afternoons. Tickets must be purchased online for entry at a specific time slot. So plan ahead if you want to visit. If you’ve read the Diary of Anne Frank, don’t pass on the opportunity to visit as it will mean a lot more. Be sure to get the audio guide for a more in-depth experience. A part of the house does have very steep stairs. If you’re unable to walk up/down stairs, you may want to skip out. It was amazing to see the history of the family, their story, and the turmoils of that time.
Rijksmuseum: Gorgeous building with beautiful stone and brick work, walls adorned with historical paintings and artwork, and rooms with furniture. Definitely take advantage of the audio tour which will guide you through the entire museum and help in maximizing your experience. I spent about three hours here just appreciating the collections. Before leaving, swing by the gift shop. I purchased two paintings from the gift shop of the two I had liked the most during my walk.
Van Gogh Museum: Not far from the Rijksmuseum, and the entire museum can be done within two hours at the max. If you’re a fan of his A Starry Night painting, you do not want to miss a visit. The museum portrays Van Gogh’s life and work beautifully, allowing you to immerse yourself. Before leaving this area, take a quick selfie at the i-Amsterdam sign!
Red light district: During the daytime, it’s “family friendly” as I saw tons of families walking around with their children. It’s a completely different scene at night, with lively bars and patrons frequenting the women for which the Red Light District is known. Rest assured, the women are clothed in a bikini as they prance around the ceiling to floor windows in attempts of luring in patrons. It’s nothing more or less than what you would see at a typical beach. No nudity at all! As far as the bars in the district, be cautious of what you stumble upon. I walked into one establishment assuming it is a typical bar but turned out to be a marijuana/cannabis bar (which is legal there). I actually didn’t realize that until I asked for a cocktail menu….and back outside I went! The “regular” bars are fun, several with live music, and a fun atmosphere for which Amsterdam is known.
Canals: Boat parties through canals, bike rides, or strolls alongside canals - one cannot go wrong with either option! It’s amazing how the city is separated, yet connected, by canals. At night, boats can be seen passing through canals with loud party music blaring (none seem to be disturbing the peace), and cheerful partiers calling upon any who would want to join the festivities. If you’re not one to jump on a boat with a bunch of drunk strangers, just take a tour through the canals and learn about the history of the city.
Dam Square: Most everyone visiting Amsterdam either begin their day here, or ends their night here. Some might even spend an entire day at Dam Square. With tons of dining options, bars to visit, souvenir stores to shop, museums close by, Dam square quickly becomes the center and most-visited attraction of Amsterdam. If not for long, definitely stop by for a quick visit!
What to Wear
Amsterdam is definitely a very casual city when it comes to fashion, with a hint of vintage. The weather in September is mild but can get a bit chilly along the canals at night. Considering the amount of walking throughout the day, go for trendy and comfortable for daytime, and fashion forward at nighttime. Pack blacks, blues, tans. Choose attire that can be dressed up with a few accessories, if you do chose to dress up for an occasion. Don’t forget to pack your walking shoes, and leave the stilettos at home!