Amster-damn!
Recently, we cruised on the Celebrity Apex out of Southampton, with stops in Amsterdam and Bruges.
The walking tours we planned, were meticulously curated, with tickets and timed entry courtesy of GetYourGuide. Often, our estimates and those of how the actual day unfolded were close, whereas in others, we made adjustments to make your experience even more efficient.
One word of advice, and this goes for your entire time in Amsterdam, we used to say this on our bike rides… “head on a swivel,” meaning don’t just look both ways, look in a 360-degree manner.
In Amsterdam, traffic moves fast, and not just cars, but bikes, lots of bikes…trams, other pedestrians, ones with dogs, long leashes…Let’s be honest, when we travel, we often get caught up “tourist’ing,” at times blatantly ignorant to our surroundings and others. In most cases, we get away with it, but in this case it could cost you a serious accident. We had a few close calls ourselves.
This is how weed do it
9:00am - 9:30am Our Lord in the Attic Museum
9:30am - 10:00am The Oude Kerk
10:00am - 10:50am Dam Square
11:00am - 11:30pm Royal Palace Amsterdam
11:45pm - 12:15pm Anne Frank House
12:30pm - 1:30pm De 9 Straatjes
12:45pm - 1:00pm Hans Egstorf
1:15pm - 1:30pm Herring Stall Jonk
1:45pm - 2:15pm Original Dampkring Coffee Shop
2:45pm - 4:15pm Van Gogh Museum
Our Lord in the Attic Museum
9am - 9:30am
First, we uncover the hidden gem of Our Lord in the Attic Museum, a clandestine Catholic church hidden within the attic of a 17th-century canal house. Depending on your arrival and the time you disembark, you may come to find the museum hasn’t opened yet. We were prepared for this and therefore shifted gears quickly, moving quickly through the first couple of stops.
The Oude Kerk
9:30am - 10am
Our curiosity for Amsterdam's rich heritage leads us to one of its oldest landmarks — Oude Church, which has witnessed centuries of Dutch history unfold within its hallowed walls.
Experience stunning views from the tower but note admission fee is only payable by debit or credit.
The Bulldog, a few doors over, claims to be the first Bulldog cafe, the OG. True or not, their “Reefers XXX” were the perfect way to start to our day in Amsterdam. Important before you spark up, beware that marijuana though tolerated, is not legal in Amsterdam.
Dam Square
10am - 10:50am
Home to the Royal Palace, Madamme Tussauds, and Nieuwe Kerk.
Next, we fly over to Dam Square, a historic and bustling hub, home to the Royal Palace, the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk, Madame Tussauds and the National Monument commemorating World War II victims.
Surrounded by shops, cafes, and vibrant street performers, the square is a popular gathering place for tourists and locals alike.
If you need a toilet, they have clean toilets available at the De Buenkork shop, 5th floor.
Royal Palace Amsterdam
11am-11:30am
The Royal Palace, originally built in the 17th century as the city hall, is a stunning example of Dutch Baroque architecture and now serves as one of the three palaces at the monarch's disposal.
It is open to the public for tours, showcasing opulent interiors and a rich collection of art and historical artifacts.
Anne Frank House
11:45am - 12:15pm
We now pay homage to the indomitable spirit of Anne Frank at the Anne Frank House, where her diary comes to life amidst the preserved surroundings of her wartime hiding place.
Three things;
Lots of stairs
No photography allowed, and
Buy tickets in advance
De 9 Straatjes
12:30pm - 1pm
Our journey takes us to the picturesque De 9 Straatjes, or "The Nine Streets," a labyrinth of cobblestone lanes lined with boutique shops and cafes where we can immerse ourselves in the charm of Amsterdam.
Just note, this area is very easy to get carried away and lose track of time. Lots of flashy lights and sounds calling for your attention.
Hans Egstorf
12:45pm - 1pm
Treat yourself to a traditional Dutch snack at Hans Egstorf, renowned for its stroopwafels, and their authentic and traditional Dutch recipe, featuring two thin, crispy waffles filled with a rich, caramel-like syrup.
These stroopwafels are a beloved local treat, often enjoyed fresh from the market or as a delicious souvenir for visitors.
Herring Stall Jonk
1:15pm - 1:45pm
Herring Stall Jonk, a famous spot for sampling traditional Dutch herring, is known for its fresh, high-quality fish served with onions and pickles.
Located at various markets, this stall attracts both locals and tourists eager to experience a quintessential Dutch culinary tradition.
Savour a sando from this iconic spot and die happy knowing you did. “No gross fish taste or smell, true story.”
Original Dampkring Coffee Shop
1:45pm - 2:15pm
The Original Dampkring Coffeeshop is renowned for its bohemian ambiance and for its cameo in the movie "Ocean's Twelve," but famous for its space cakes, the reason we stopped here before the Van Gogh Museum ; )
This next jaunt is one of the longer stretches between two points (1.7 km, approx. 1 mile), so either enjoy the stroll, or jump in an UBER. On route, we’ll pass by a number of other museums including the Rijksmuseum (Dutch history and art) and Moco Museum (Dali, Banksy), in case Van Gogh is not your thing.
A couple of housekeeping items, simple really:
No Hats (of any kind)
No cigarette smoking
Van Gogh Museum
2:45pm - 4:15pm
Our final stop, The Van Gogh Museum, is home to the largest collection of the artist's works.
Be sure to buy your tickets in advance and give yourself 90 minutes to 2 hours to comfortably explore.
We also recommend spending the extra €3,75 for the audio guide. If you’re on a time crunch, this will also allow you to focus on just the highlights.
