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Amsterdam Travel Tips
Amsterdam Canal Cruises
Amsterdam canal cruises can be a great way to tour the city. Canal cruises give you a unique look at the city from the water and are particularly popular with those who want to see the city but who may not be able to walk the canal. If you're only in Amsterdam for a short period of time, a canal cruise can be a great way to get a quick look at the city.
Most tour boats hold close to 40 people and will provide a guided tour of the area in several different languages. Amsterdam canal cruises leave throughout the day every half hour to every hour and will typically cost around 8 euros. Cruises will have a specified route that covers a particular area of town or neighborhood, though you won't be able to get off the boat and explore on foot.
If you are traveling to Amsterdam with a significant other a night canal cruise may be a romantic way to spend an evening. There are a variety of evening canal cruises available, many of which will provide you and your loved ones with a lovely dinner as you travel the scenic canal.
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See the Sights by Amsterdam Canal Cruises, Night or Day
Amsterdam canal cruises are a great way for visitors to see the sights of the city. A cruise won’t get you to everything, but it is possible to view the architecture, streets and way of life from your seat on the water. Your guide aboard these Amsterdam canal cruises will be multilingual and will indicate any points of interest, such as Amsterdam museums, as you pass. Anne Frank’s house, which stands almost at the waters edge, is a big favorite with tourists and can be easily seen from the boat, as can the Heineken Brewery.
Amsterdam canal cruises that run in the evenings with a specific theme can be either upbeat with a party atmosphere like the jazz cruise, or a more intimate, romantic experience, such as the Thai dinner. These night-time cruises are a unique way of seeing the city after dark. Hotels, cafes and shops are lit up as you pass. Even the bridges are decorated with lights, bringing the feel of this cosmopolitan city right to the boat.
Cruising the Amsterdam canals by night or day offer visitors a glimpse of some of Europe’s most beautiful canals. No matter what tour you take, the most rewarding aspect of Amsterdam canal cruises is simply watching this beautiful city and its diverse population go by as you sit back and enjoy the ride.
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Amsterdam Travel Guides
An Amsterdam travel guide can be an excellent idea if you’re making your first trip to the city. There are endless opportunities for things to see and do when you travel through the Netherlands' largest city. A travel guide can take the stress of planning your trip off you and can help plan the perfect vacation; filled with the Amsterdam tours and attractions that you want to see.
A travel guide can suggest Amsterdam museums you may be interested in, make reservations at restaurants or book you a trip on a famous Amsterdam canal cruise. Travel Guides will usually have the inside track on how to get tickets to Amsterdam tours and attractions at a discount and can sometimes get you admission to attractions that may be sold out to the general public.
Having a local travel guide can be helpful if you run into difficulties while you’re visiting. A guide can provide you with a wealth of information that you otherwise may not have been exposed to.
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Experience the Bloom on Keukenhof Garden Tours
Holland is famous for its flowers. Year round visitors can bask in what has almost become a culture of tulips, bulbs and more tulips. Although it’s true that anyone embarking on an Amsterdam vacation can expect to view fields or hothouses full of flowers, to get the best from this experience a trip in the spring is advisable.
And if it’s flowers you want, Keukenhof garden tours will bring it to you. Keukenhof garden tours only run for around two months every year, from late March through May, making this a one off attraction. Whether you’ve booked specifically to see this or just happen to be taking your Amsterdam trip at this time of year, Keukenhof garden tours won’t disappoint.
Extra planning is needed if a particular flower is of interest to you on the Keukenhof garden tours. In late March when the gardens open, daffodils, narcissi and crocus can be seen already in bloom. Tulips, for which Amsterdam is especially famous, can be enjoyed a few weeks later. If you have a liking for hyacinths, they open around mid-April so turn up any earlier than that and you may not catch these beauties. Bearing all this in mind towards the end of April is probably the best time to enjoy Keukenhof garden tours, when you're most likely to see all the above flowers in bloom.
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Keukenhof Garden Tours
If you are planning your Amsterdam trip between the months of March and May then you should plan a KeukenhofGarden tour. The KeukenhofGarden has one of the most extensive collections of flowers in the world, with over 80 acres of flowers and is a “must-see” as far as Amsterdam tours and attractions go.
KeukenhofGarden tours are done only during the spring months while the flowers are in bloom. The gardens feature flowering shrubs and bulbs, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and ancient trees. In addition to its extensive outdoor flower collection the KeukenhofGardens also have indoor flower exhibitions.
With tons of paths to explore you can easily spend an entire on a KeukenhofGarden tour. KeukenhofGarden tours are child friendly and there is a special route through the gardens for children where they can learn about the flowers and plants.
The gardens offer several tour options you can choose from. The full day tour runs seven hours, with a shorter three quarter day tour running five hours. The shortest KeukenhofGarden tour is the half day tour which takes two and a half hours..
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Getting the Best From Amsterdam Tours and Attractions
Probably the most obvious of all Amsterdam tours and attractions are museums, such as Anne Frank’s House and The Van Gogh Museum. Though there are plenty of museums and galleries to be found on your Amsterdam trip, these two are perhaps the most popular. But if it’s museums you’re interested in, there is everything from the architecturally stunning Rijksmuseum to the museum of bags and purses.
One of the many Amsterdam tours and attractions that is both reasonably priced and memorable is the Heineken museum. At 11 euros a ticket, it’s hardly breaking the bank and once you’ve enjoyed the tour and viewed the brewing process, it’s Heineken for all.
Between sightseeing take a break and visit the Amsterdam coffee shops. These can be something of an eye-opener by themselves. Or choose one of the many pancake houses and marvel at the extensive lists of possible fillings.
Bonus tip for the mature audience: For those curious travellers who just can’t resist taking a look, the red light district is an attraction which is not only free to view (depending on how much you want to see), but is also something you’re unlikely to witness anywhere else. It’s advisable to visit this area in a group and be aware that photographing the girls in the windows is strictly prohibited. Accompany this excursion with a visit to the condom museum and you really have something to remember!
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Travelling to Amsterdam
Amsterdam flights can be found at an affordable rate, especially if you are traveling from another area in Europe. If you’re arriving from another country in Europe you may want to consider travelling by rail. Rail passes can typically be purchased at a rate much lower than plane tickets. In many cases you can purchase a rail pass good for as many trips on the train as you want for a certain period of time (for instance, a month). With a rail pass you would be able to not only travel to Amsterdam, but also travel to your next destination for the same fee.
If possible, avoid driving a car to Amsterdam. The streets are very narrow and there isn’t a great deal of parking available within the city. The parking that is available for the public is usually very expensive which can add a great deal of cost to your Amsterdam trip. If you do drive a car to Amsterdam you should consider parking it in a long term lot at the airport or the Amsterdam arena and then taking the bus or walking around the city.
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The Van Gough Museum
The Van Gough Museum is one of the most famous museums and a must-see on your Amsterdam trip. The museum opened in 1973 and currently houses the largest collection of Van Gough’s paintings in the world. The museum also houses the works of several other 19th century painters who were painting at the same time as Van Gough. In addition to an extensive collection of paintings the museum also houses a reading room that is filled with resources about Van Gough and has access to internet sites where you can learn more about the artist’s life and work.
If you’re traveling to the Van Gough museum with children, they can be provided with a brochure of things to search for within the paintings. The scavenger hunt will make the museum an enjoyable experience for children and adults alike.
Unlike most museums, the Van Gough museum does not provide any of their
own tour guides. For a small fee you can rent a set of headphones that
will provide you with an audio tour of the museum.
The Van Gough museum is easy to get to via tram from wherever you are staying in the city. The museum does not have a group discount, but does offer discounted tickets for children under the age of seventeen. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through the museums website.
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Staying in Amsterdam
Amsterdam hotels book up pretty quickly, especially during the summer months. So when planning an Amsterdam vacation the earlier you can book your hotel the better.
Amsterdam has a large variety of hotels available, from affordable hostels to luxury five star hotels. One unique option is Amsterdam’s small boat hotels. The boat hotels allow you to stay on the canal, an experience you won't likely get in many places.
If you’re on a budget, or want to meet some interesting people during your stay then one of the city's hostels might be for you. If you don’t book ahead many Amsterdam hostels won’t take your reservations until mid-day which can make touring the city difficult it you have a lot of luggage. Hostels can also sometime be as expensive as staying a comparable hotel. Research prices and book your hotel or hostel early to make sure you get the best rate, and the rest accommodations possible.
If you’re feeling very adventurous there are also a good amount of camping options available in Amsterdam. Camping will be the cheapest way to stay in in the capital, but will also require that you bring your own gear with you.
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Travelling in Amsterdam
The best way for you to travel in Amsterdam is by foot. Amsterdam is a beautiful city and walking to your destination will allow you to see other things around the city. If you’re traveling a short distance in Amsterdam, but one too far to walk you may want to travel by bike. Bikes are a popular way for locals to get around, so you’ll see a great deal of them as you travel about the city. Bikes can often be rented for a small fee or can even be purchased.
Amsterdam also has a very good Tram system for traveling around the center of the city. Trams run a variety of different routes and will usually leave every ten to fifteen minutes. If you’re traveling outside of the center or the city then you may want to take a bus. Buses don’t run with the same frequency as the Trams inside the city but will usually depart at least every half hour. Busses also run late at night so you can travel easily to your after dark destinations.
Due to limited and expensive parking you want to steer away from driving a car while you travel in Amsterdam. The subway is also not the best choice for tourists and is typically only used by local commuters to get to and from work.
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Amsterdam Canal Cruises
Amsterdam canal cruises can be a great way to tour the city. Canal cruises give you a unique look at the city from the water and are particularly popular with those who want to see the city but who may not be able to walk the canal. If you're only in Amsterdam for a short period of time, a canal cruise can be a great way to get a quick look at the city.
Most tour boats hold close to 40 people and will provide a guided tour of the area in several different languages. Amsterdam canal cruises leave throughout the day typically every half hour to every hour and will typically cost around 8 euros. Cruises will have a specified route that covers a particular area of town or neighborhood, though you won't be able to get off the boat and explore on foot.
If you are traveling to Amsterdam with a significant other a night canal cruise may be a romantic way to spend an evening. There are a variety of evening canal cruises available, many of which will provide you and your loved one with a lovely dinner as you travel the scenic canal.
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Amsterdam Travel Guides
An Amsterdam travel guide can be an excellent idea if you’re making your first trip to the city. There are endless opportunities for things to see and do when you travel through the largest city in the Netherlands. A travel guide can take the stress of planning your trip off you and can help plan the perfect vacation filled with the Amsterdam tours and attractions that you want to see.
A travel guide can suggest Amsterdam museums you may be interested in, make reservations at restaurants or book you a trip on a famous Amsterdam canal cruise. Travel Guides will usually have the inside track on how to get tickets to Amsterdam tours and attractions at a discount and can sometimes get you admission to attractions that may be sold out to the general public.
Having a local travel guide can be helpful if you run into difficulties while you’re visiting. A guide can provide you with a wealth of information that you otherwise may not have been exposed to.
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Keukenhof Garden Tours
If you are planning your Amsterdam trip between the months of March and May then you should plan a Keukenhof Garden tour. The Keukenhof Garden has one of the most extensive collections of flowers in the world with over 80 acres of flowers and is a “must-see” as far as Amsterdam tours and attractions go.
Keukenhof Garden tours are done only during the spring months while the flowers are in bloom. The gardens feature flowering shrubs and bulbs, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and ancient trees. In addition to its extensive outdoor flower collection the Keukenhof Gardens also have indoor flower exhibitions.
With tons of paths to explore you can easily spend an entire day doing a Keukenhof Garden tour. Keukenhof Garden tours are child friendly and there is a special route through the gardens for children where they can learn about the flowers and plants in the gardens
The gardens offer several tour options you can choose from. The full day tour runs seven hours, with a shorter three quarter day tour running five hours. The shortest Keukenhof Garden tour is the half day tour which takes two and a half hours..
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Travelling to Amsterdam
Amsterdam flights usually can be found at a relatively inexpensive rate, especially if you are traveling from another area in Europe. If you’re traveling from another country in Europe you may want to consider coming by rail. Rail passes can typically be purchased at a rate much lower than plane tickets. In many cases you can purchase a rail pass good for as many trips on the train as you want for a certain period of time (for instance a month). With a rail pass you would be able to not only travel to Amsterdam, but also travel to your next destination as well for the same fee.
If at all possible you should not try to drive a car to Amsterdam. The streets in Amsterdam are very narrow and there isn’t a great deal of parking available within the city. The parking that is available for the public is usually very expensive which can add a great deal of cost to your Amsterdam trip. If you do drive a car to Amsterdam you should consider parking it in a long term lot at the airport or the Amsterdam arena and then taking the bus or walking around the city.
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The Van Gough Museum
The Van Gough Museum is one of the most famous Amsterdam museums and a must-see on your amsterdam trip. The museum opened in 1973 and is currently the largest collection of Van Gough’s paintings in the world. The museum also houses the works of several other 19th century painters who were painting at the same time as Van Gough. In addition to an extensive collection of paintings the museum also houses a reading room. The reading room is filled with resources about Van Gough and has access to internet sites where you can learn more about the artist’s life and paintings.
Unlike most museums, the Van Gough museum does not provide any of their own tour guides. For a small fee you can rent a set of headphones that will provide you with an audio tour of the museum.
If you’re traveling to the Van Gough museum with children the museum provides children with a brochure of things to search for within the paintings. The scavenger hunt will make the museum an enjoyable experience for children and adults alike.
The Van Gough museum is easy to get to via tram from wherever you are staying in the city. The museum does not have a group discount, but does offer discounted tickets for children under the age of seventeen. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through the museums website.
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Staying in Amsterdam
Amsterdam hotels book up pretty quickly, especially during the summer months. If you are planning an Amsterdam vacation then the earlier you can book your hotel the better.
Amsterdam has a large variety of hotels available, from cheap hole in the wall options to luxury five star hotels. One unique Amsterdam hotel option is Amsterdam’s small boat hotels. The boat hotels allow you to stay on the canal, an experience you can’t get very many other places.
If you’re on a budget, or want to meet some interesting people during your stay then one of Amsterdam’s hostels might be for you. If you don’t book ahead many Amsterdam hostels won’t take your reservations until mid-day which can make touring the city difficult it you have a lot of luggage. Hostels can also sometime be as expensive as staying a comparable hotel. Research prices and book your hotel or hostel early to make sure you get the best rate, and the rest accommodations possible.
If you’re feeling very adventurous there are also a good amount of camping options available in Amsterdam. Camping will be the cheapest way to stay in Amsterdam, but will also requires that you bring your own gear with you.
