Weekend tour to Amsterdam. Weekend in Amsterdam: what to see in two days? Interesting things and unusual places to visit on a weekend in Amsterdam

A weekend in Amsterdam in early summer 2017 was the third time I had visited Amsterdam, so I wanted to see something different, less known and visit places I hadn't been to before.

The city has many attractions, so it would be very difficult to visit everything in a weekend in Amsterdam. Next, I will tell you how I managed to spend a great 3 days in Amsterdam in the summer of 2017.

Even if it was my first time in the city, I wouldn't visit all the typical tourist attractions. During my three times in Amsterdam I have not been to any of the city's museums. What for? The city itself is beautiful.

Since the motto of my blog is “Travel Interesting”, I will tell you many tips on how to have the best time in the Dutch capital, as well as interesting and unknown places in Amsterdam, which are worth visiting over the weekend. And in a separate article you can read about.

Interesting things and unusual places to visit on a weekend in Amsterdam

So, the lesser known and atypical things that I recommend you do on a weekend in Amsterdam are:

  • Visiting Amsterdam parks
  • Walk through the city center
  • Amsterdam North
  • District De Pijp
  • Biking
  • Tasting local dishes
  • Walk along the canals

And other unknown attractions that are worth visiting on a weekend in Amsterdam...

Visiting Amsterdam parks

Usually, parks are not on the list of attractions to visit in a new city, at least for me. But Amsterdam is a special city with excellent and beautiful parks where you just want to stay for a long time. It seems that city parks are a favorite weekend getaway for Amsterdam locals. Well, some canal bars and cafes can give them a run for their money. free time weekend in Amsterdam.

My favorite park - Vondelpark , although some other parks such as Amstelpark, Westerpark, Oesterpark And Rembrandtpark- are interesting in their own way. In addition to the fact that the parks are perfect place For a weekend getaway, Amsterdam's city parks also host numerous festivals and performances, usually on weekends.

Walk through the city center

Amsterdam is one of the few cities that can be considered a museum under open air , as you don’t need to plan to visit any specific place to enjoy the architecture and beauty of the city. The whole center of Amsterdam is very beautiful, so you can just stroll around it without any specific plans, just turning into narrow side streets, bumping into unusual graffiti and atmospheric places. Not surprisingly, many tourists have already realized the value of Amsterdam as an open-air museum, so when visiting Amsterdam on the weekend, you will have to walk among crowds of tourists if you don't follow my advice.

Most tourists walk the streets Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal And Damrak (no need to remember these scary names, just check on the map), the area around the Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market) is also quite crowded. Just try to avoid them or spend as little time there as possible. As I said, the whole center of Amsterdam is beautiful, so if you go to the parallel street, it will definitely be just as good.

If you want to visit the Red Light District at night, you won't escape the crowds, as the whole area is full of people. There are hardly any of them during the daytime, but unless you come here to admire the architecture or Amsterdam's canals, you won't see anything until 10 p.m.

If you want to feel As a local in Amsterdam, I recommend you visit the De Pijp area, which I will talk about later.

Amsterdam North

Another lesser-known place in Amsterdam is the northern part of the city. There you won't see crowds of tourists wandering from one attraction to another, but local residents relaxing on the pier or in one of the authentic cafes. You can also stay in one of the best Amsterdam hostels called ClinkNoord.

There is also a cinema museum there. EYE , Cultural Center Tolhuistuin and panoramic point Amsterdam Lookout where you can look at old part Amsterdam through the most big canal cities. To cross the canal you simply need to take the free ferry that departs from the back of the central railway station Amsterdam. It will take you to the north side in just 5 minutes.

District De Pijp

District De Pijp - one of the busiest areas of Amsterdam, which is loved by locals residents. Visit one of the area's bars and cafes to feel like a local. At night it is a lively and dynamic atmosphere. The area is also good place, to find accommodation if you don't like the hustle and bustle of the city center, but prefer something authentically Amsterdam.

Biking

Cycling is not something unusual in Amsterdam. In a city of bicycles with 500 kilometers of bike paths With 800,000 bicycles per million inhabitants accounting for 32% of the city's traffic, and around 250,000 bicycle parking spaces near Amsterdam Central Station, it's no wonder tourists want to cycle here too.

And this good idea, Although you need some time to get used to city traffic. Here, riding on a narrow bike path requires you to pay attention to pedestrians, trams, cars, other cyclists and more, so it can seem very dangerous and scary the first time. But you will quickly get used to it. If you don't want to or just can't get used to it, go to northern part city, which I mentioned above, it’s safer to ride there.

With all this traffic, I was riding a bike with another person on the rack (there was simply no other choice) while proudly taking photos with my phone with one hand? . I rented a bike twice in Amsterdam. The first time was a small rental near my hostel, the second time it was from Green City Bikes. Prices in different companies are relatively similar, so there is no need to search for the best prices. I just recommend that you don't rent a bike in very tourist places. Prices there may be higher.

Another piece of advice from me - try not to be late returning your bike. We got the time wrong, so we had to pay for the next 3 hours of rental, and if we were a little more late, we would have paid for the whole next day. They are quite strict about this here, so keep an eye on the time.

Tasting local dishes

When visiting Amsterdam on the weekend, you need to try the local dishes, which are sold on every corner. Although there is very wide choose With a variety of fast foods and restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world, you should try something truly Dutch.

It’s hard to call it a tasting, because Dutch cuisine is not haute cuisine like French, it uses fairly simple ingredients, and most local dishes are or can be sold as fast food. The local food here is not the healthiest, but nevertheless, the Dutch are not obese. Everyone looks quite slim and athletic.

So, some of the most popular traditional dishes in Holland are raw herring, fatty Dutch fries with various sauces, after which you will quickly feel full for another half a day. Try some of the local cheeses, such as Gouda and Masdamer, which you can find at the cheese museum and in many cheese shops around the city where you can try samples for free. Popular local desserts include Stroopwafel caramel waffles, Ontbijtkoek ginger cake and thick pancakes.

Walk along the canals

In Amsterdam One of the best and most enjoyable activities is to stroll along the city canals and sit next to them. Water, and especially canals, make any city very beautiful. Just think of Venice or (city on the islands). Would they be so beautiful without canals and rivers?

Other unknown attractions worth visiting on a weekend in Amsterdam...

Other entertainment and attractions in Amsterdam that are worth visiting within 3 days are to visit some of the coffee shops (everyone knows that Amsterdam is famous for its freedom), go to museums, but keep in mind that in the city museums of Amsterdam the entrance price is about 15-20 Euro. Take a ride along the canals on one of the pleasure boats and visit the vibrant city markets.

Read about from 14 experienced travel bloggers, plus total. Enjoy your weekend in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam is an amazing combination of ancient architecture and new buildings, tranquil landscapes and vibrant nightlife, museums with the greatest works of art and entertainment venues for every taste. There is a lot to see here - various museums and art galleries from the works of famous artists - and what to try: various types of Dutch cheese, specially pickled herring, traditional local dishes from meat and potatoes. well and night life Amsterdam has one of the most vibrant events in Europe: everyone can choose a party to suit their taste!

Tour dates

Weekly

Duration

4 days / 3 nights

Estimated cost

From 39,100 rub. per person in double room

1 day

Arrival in Amsterdam. Independent transfer and hotel accommodation.

Day 2

Free day. Additionally hiking in Amsterdam.

Day 3

Free day. Additionally, an excursion to Zaanse Schans and Volendam.

4 day

Private transfer to Amsterdam airport. Flight to Moscow.

The tour price includes:

  • Air travel regular flights Moscow - Amsterdam - Moscow
  • Meals: breakfasts at hotels
  • Medical insurance

Additional charges:

  • Registration of entry visas (Netherlands) - 80 euros
  • Transfer airport - hotel - airport
  • Travel cancellation insurance (optional)
  • Entry tickets to museums, castles, etc.
  • Additional excursions (paid on site to the guide, cost subject to group size)

Is it possible to experience a new city over a weekend? Of course, if you prepare carefully. This material contains all the places you must visit if you are going to Amsterdam for two days.

Is it worth renting a bike in Amsterdam?

To feel the atmosphere of the city, rent a bicycle. But first, think about whether you are ready for traffic jams, impatient Dutch people and chaotic traffic on the roads? Remember: the red path is for cyclists only, indicate turns with your hand and stay as far to the right as possible.

Where to go by bike in Amsterdam? Anywhere except the center: Vondelpark (Vondelpark), Westerpark (Westerpark) or Rembrandtpark (Rembrandtpark). Did you get to one of these places and survive? Congratulations, you deserve a picnic, the main thing is to stock up on provisions at one of the local supermarkets: Albert Hein (Albert Heijn), Markt (Marqt), DekaMarkt (DekaMarkt), Yumbo (Jumbo). Don't forget about carrots: the parks are home to wild rabbits who are not averse to eating something tasty out of your hands.You might be interested in an organized bike ride around the city with a guide. You can sign up for something like this.

Amsterdam by Canal: Exploring the Nord

Any guidebook will say: “Be sure to take a boat ride on the canal.” But how can you understand how the city lives if there are only tourists on the boats? You need to go deeper, to residential areas, where real life is. Noord (Noord) is one of such areas. The Dutch moved across the canal because they were tired of the crowds of tourists in the center. From the south side of Amsterdam Station (Amsterdam Central) there is a free ferry No. 906. You can board it for free and travel to Pllek, Enjoy Amsterdam by the water, drinking Dutch beer or visiting a museum EYE, where non-standard exhibitions are always held.

All the world's cuisines in one place

The most international place in the capital of the Netherlands - the indoor marketFoodhallen ( ). Previously, there was a tram depot here, and now it is a fashion hub with shops of local designers, a library, a cinema and a market. Under the roof of this market you can find dishes from any cuisine in the world. The best establishments: Dim Sum, Gin&Tonic barAnd Viet View.

Address: entrance fromBellamyplein51 orHannie Dankbaarpassage47. Open on weekdays from 11:00 to 23:00, on Friday-Sunday - until 01:00, entrance to the territory is free.

Not Van Gogh alone

To visit one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam - the Rijksmuseum (, tickets), Van Gogh Museum (Van Gogh Museum, tickets), Anne Frank Museum (Anne Frank House), Diamond Museum (Diamond Museum Amsterdam, tickets) or Madame Tussaud's house (Madame Tussauds, tickets), you need to allocate at least half a day. And then, if you're lucky, there won't be any queues. But if you only have two days in Amsterdam and want to understand what it’s like to be Dutch and live next to the elements, check out the museum by boat ( House Boat Museum) . It will give an idea of ​​a full-fledged house on the water in the country, which costs an average of3.5 metersbelow sea level and surrounded by the world's largest protective dikes.

Address: Prinsengracht 296 K. Open from 10:00 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday, entrance 4.50 €.

Still, if you can't imagine visiting the art treasure without its famous repositories, keep in mind that local guides are ready to help you. Find tours of Amsterdam museums with Russian-speaking guides.

History of the city at the flea market

Where can you get a sense of the city's history better than in a museum? That's right, at the flea market. The Dutch love vintage clothes and furniture, and therefore there are plenty of second-hand shops on every street. Market on Waterlooplein (Waterlooplein Flea Market) - the oldest in Amsterdam. For 130 years, everything has been bought and resold here: from fur coats to bicycles. Who knows what unusual Amsterdam souvenirs you will come across during your visit?

Address: Waterlooplein2. The market is open every day.

If you experience extraordinary pleasure from the atmosphere of the market, get more of it at an interesting one.

Haven't been to the flower market - haven't been to Amsterdam

Guidesit is said to be the only water market in the world and has been in existence since 1882. In fact, there have been covered pavilions here for a long time, and there are no boats from where trade used to be conducted. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, lilies, chrysanthemums, flowers for the garden and home are sold here all year round. You can export tulip bulbs from Holland; the price for 10 pieces varies from 7 to 15 €, depending on the variety.

You can also buy traditional Dutch souvenirs here: wooden clogs, cheese, bouquets and crafts from local craftsmen.

Address: . The market is open from 09:00 to 17:30 every day.

Get lost in the streets of Jordan

Here among workers and emigrants on Rosengracht street (Rozengracht) Rembrandt lived. Today Jordan () - one of the most picturesque areas of Amsterdam: narrow green streets along canals, cafes, restaurants, shops and studios right next to the water. There is a place for everyone: a woman with three curly-haired children on a bicycle on the way from school, and an elderly man in a tweed jacket with a newspaper under his arm.

And also in the Jordan market ( markt) they eat herring according to all the rules: the fish is taken out of the barrel in front of the buyer and cut up. Locals believe that this is the only way it retains its unique taste. Shall we check?

Address: Noordermarkt 42 B. Open on Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00.

Amsterdam from the Old Church

Co old church (Oude Kerk), built inXIIIcentury, the red light district began, and indeed the whole of Amsterdam. Sailors sailed, atoned for their sins and went off to have fun, or vice versa. Madame Saskia, Rembrandt's wife, is also buried here.

Address: Oudekerksplein23. Open seven days a week, from 10:00 to 18:00 (on Sunday from 13:00 to 17:30),rooftop tours every half hour, cost 12 €.

This is how we see the capital of the Netherlands - atypical for a tourist, but at the same time sincere. If you have two days, all of the above places will help you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the country and have a unique time. It can also help with thisour audio guide with a fascinating tour of AmsterdamAndmobile application “Guide to European cities”, which will save your time and effort.

We hope you enjoy your stay here. See you on the streets of Amsterdam!

How to travel to Amsterdam cheaply?

Amsterdam is considered quite expensive city for tourists, so when preparing a trip here, most travelers set a fairly large budget.

2. Cheap housing in Amsterdam

The best way to save on housing is with well-known hostels or bedsits. Hostels are a very popular type of accommodation among tourists in Amsterdam. Compared to other European cities, they are quite expensive here, but there are a lot of them and if you try, you can get 20-25 euros you can find a great option in city ​​center, with breakfast included and a shared bathroom for each room (which will have 6-8 beds). We recommend that you book a hostel with breakfast included, because wandering around the city in the morning in search of inexpensive breakfasts is a very tedious and irrational business.

A small life hack: If you have a group of 5 people, you can book 6 beds in one 6-bed room. For an empty bed, of course, you will have to pay for 4-5 euros per person. But in the end, you will live exclusively with your group in one room, have your own bathroom, not worry about the safety of your things and not be afraid to disturb your fellow travelers. And an empty bed can be used... well, for example, as a table :) As a result, the hostel will no longer be a hostel for you, but a real hotel room, albeit a modest one :)

3. Where to eat inexpensively in Amsterdam?

It is of course impossible to cook your own food in such conditions, and eating in cafes and restaurants in Amsterdam is quite expensive. But there are alternative options. We’re not even talking about boring McDonald’s, Burger Kings, Subways, etc., the food in which you’ll get tired of in a few days, but about something more interesting. Amsterdam has an excellent local fast food scene.
You can try national fast food right on the street...herring! Trays with the sign "Haringhandel" - here you go!

For 2-2.5 euros they will put you a few pieces of herring, add cucumbers and onions, and for 4-4.5 they will make a real hot dog with herring! The last option is very filling and tasty - perfect for refreshing yourself before a walk.

Wok to Walk chain of establishments.

The “assemble your own box of food” system works here; some people have probably encountered it. Your dish is assembled in 4 steps: first you choose a base, for example rice, udon, etc., then choose additives (meat, chicken, mushrooms, peppers, etc.), as well as sauce or seasoning, and finally choose your drink, optional. Behind 7-10 euros you can put together a very tasty box for yourself, and the portions here are quite large (you can easily eat one for two).

Once your order is placed, you are given a receipt and a round black thing (pictured) that will beep and vibrate once your order is ready.

Below we attach a photo of the menu, with which you can navigate the prices and list; if you have problems with English, then use a translator in advance.

In the chain of establishments Soup en Zo for only 5-6 euros You can get yourself some soup (tomato, pumpkin, asparagus, etc.). Moreover, before ordering a portion for yourself, you can first taste the dish.

If your stomach is still hungry for more “high” cuisine, then you can look inexpensive cafes and restaurants that have promotions, happy hours and the like. So, during our walk around the city, not far from Dam Square, we came across the Dam Steakhouse Argentijs restaurant. The waiter who stood at the entrance tempted us with the offer of Mini Mix Grill. Per serving (pictured below) for 15 euros includes steak, chicken breast, ribs, salad, french fries.

Agree, a very good set of meat and for only 15 euros. Drinks must be ordered separately. That evening our souls began to dance and we also collected several glasses of beer, soda, sauce, and in the end the final bill came to 109 euros for 5 people. But if you purposefully come just to eat, you can spend 15-17 euros per person.

The FEBO supermarket chain essentially offers regular hamburgers and similar fast food, but in a very unusual way. All food here is stored in special automatic heated cells. You just need to come up, throw in coins (2-3 euros) and pick up the desired “dish”. For this simple method, FEBO snack bars are often called “food from the wall.”

In regular supermarkets you can also buy small snacks for a walk, for example, these:

And finally, an option for the most hungry and thrifty: a free cheese tasting. There is such a cheese shop, for example, at the Flower Market.

4. What can you visit in Amsterdam inexpensively?

Price list for the most famous museums cities bite quite hard: Van Gogh Museum - 17 euros, Heineken Beer Museum 18 euros, Anne Frank House 9 euros, Rijksmuseum - 18.5 euros.

It's up to you to decide whether to spend so much money on viewing the beauty. But we immediately want to convey to you the following: what you definitely shouldn’t spare money on is walk along the canals! This is a must do in Amsterdam. Price issue 16-19 euros.

Only 15 euros you can take a group review tour of Amsterdam.

Available in Amsterdam interesting places, visits to which will be free or inexpensive.

Ticket to Museum of Sex will cost only 5 euros.

You can take a free ride on the water by taking the ferry, which departs from the pier behind Central Station and goes to the Nord district, on the other side of the bay.

 

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