Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Amsterdam...after being quiet for a year I decided to start 2019 writing about a city I love - Amsterdam...the city of passion...figured some classics on this ever changing city would be appreciated as tips for visitors...(tips are in no particular order)

-go to de hallen -food court is amazing, it's a boutique food court, lots of choices, good prices -go to albert cuyp market, eat kibling (hot) and harring with onions and pickles-no bread :) -go to Ijburg (free ferry from central station) have a drink at the outside cafe if weather is good -you can also find the A'dam Tower, This is Holland, and EYE Film Museum there in addition to Butcher and a club at the back...go find out 😉 -Museums are around 5-20, if ambitious get an 'iamsterdam' tourist card or Holland Pass or a museumcard (valid for a year but around 60€-so if u plan to visit a lot of museums also an interesting option-iamsterdam and holland card gives u some additional benefits too) which gives you free (well pre-paid but if u aim for 3/4 very meaningful as u get discount & coupons) -eat pancake or poffertje at a good looking place, it's a dutch classic -pont13 cool restaurant, it's in a boat -cafes by singel on a nice day r sweet -red light district is interesting-not creepy, there r families living there, boutique shops, among all the ladies-quite cool & chill, nice bars, pubs, jazz bars, and cafes...investigate-make sure no photos, strictly not allowed (canals ok but ladies big no) -boat tour is highly recommended -there are many options; you can rent one (u dont need a licence if u r going below a certain speed or can even rent one with a skipper), there are also many operated boat tour options 1hr, closed/open/smoke boat, 24 hr etc-but the 24/48 hr hop on hop off boats are very convenient if u wanna do your vacation on a boat while visiting attractions, good value for money -surinamese food is very popular here-try roti -french fries yummy but find a good place-i forgot the name of the most famous one but u can find it on internet, dont get me wrong, any is good but if here why not try best :) -if u wanna do beach, go to bloemendale in haarlem-train and a bus from amsterdam (1 hour, stops in front of beach)-nice beach clubs, especially republik & wood stock -in leidseplein on the day off the event they sell "last minute tickets" (name of the shop also for cultural activities classical music, theater, ballet; good prices & beautiful venue -do the pleins; leidseplein, rembrandtplein, museumplein -vondelpark; nice to stroll and do a picnic on a sunny day 

-utrechtstraat, nice shops

-9 streets; boutique eating out and shopping area

-haarlemmerbuurt; again a lovely street w boutique shops and cafes

-Spa Zuiver; beware they have naked days and swim wear days check before you go your preference -an amazing spa, must try , nice way to finish off your trip

-On bikes: yes, everybody bikes and u can rent easily and fair prices so dont sweat -look at a couple and rent one, they r all around the same price and most recognizable...it's a business line here...hotels even rent bikes most of the time... -Check out www.iamsterdam.com for what's going on (search 'gratis' if you are looking for free events) and www.partyflock.com/amsterdam for clubbing events...paradiso is an old favourite club here...it's an honor for bands to play at paradiso...used to be a church...can be cool to check out... -Bars...well here there are a lot of pubs...u gotta sort of chose your atmosphere but if u wanna go chique try momo's for coctails and such...i'm more of a karaoke person and not a big go out at night person unless someone i wanna see is around i'm not gonna be able to recommend much more specific locations, make your pick from recommended pages -For food oriental city is a good chinese restaurant in china town near red light district and for great ribs Cafe de Klos -And of course eat cheese :) 

-and let's not forget the indonesian rice tafel

-and restaurant 'moeders' for some local flavors

-if you are into Michellin star restaurants, you have a bunch of options-if you do your homework beforehand, you can find discount tickets on this webpage called 'Groupon'...why not check out...

-there are free walking tours in town (i.e.Sandeman) (u tip as u like/can afford), can find more info on the net but depending on how much you are planning to tip, a paid one can be a good alternative as well as quality is more standard

-and if u r into alternative arts such as graffiti search on bike etc, check out Alltournative tours 

-dont forget rain coat, weather is very unpredicatable and dress in layers, u just never know here

-And of course museums-they r really beautiful-go to van gogh museum and rembrandt's house (where he originially lived and painted at the time) and troppenmuseum (where u can see cultural articafts from wonderful places), Rijksmuseum (w art works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, etc); Moco Museum with artworks of Banksy, Icy&Sot, Lichtenstein; Hortus Botanicus, The National Maritime Museum, Nemo Science Museum (great for children, all interactive)... at least if u can...it will be worth it...at least aim for 1

-Have a drink for me at Proeflocaal

-And let's not forget a glass of wine @Cafe Luxemburg @Spui

God so much to write...maybe better to call this Part I....

So see u @Part II...soon...

Good night...

Kiss, love, hug,

Ceyda