Day One
My second trip to Amsterdam was a 6-night stay at the Apollo Hotel Amsterdam, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Upon arrival, we had a can of Pringles, chocolate, two Cokes, and a small bottle of white wine. I think small gestures from hotel staff can make you feel welcome. We didn’t get the best sleep on the plane, so after settling into the hotel for the afternoon, we went straight to sleep. Jet lag had hit us.
A few hours later, we were ready to leave the hotel to try Ladybird Fried Chicken restaurant. The drinks were good, but the food was just okay. The menu was small, with nine combos and two desserts. After dinner, we walked to a coffee shop down the street to see what we could get into. By then, it was dark outside, and many stores were closed for the day.
Day Two
We left the hotel and returned to where we had dinner the night before. That morning, we noticed more restaurants and clothing stores. As we walked past the coffee shop, we stumbled across Cuyp Market. Cuyp Market is open six days a week and has 206 market stalls. You can find anything there, such as food, clothing, souvenirs, flowers, fabrics, etc.
After strolling up and down the market, buying clothes and souvenirs, we stopped to get a bite to eat at Burger Barn. We got chicken and beef burgers with fries, which were very tasty.
Later that evening, we took a canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam. They offered two types of Dutch cheese and unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks. They had two live guides at the time who were very polite and informative. I booked through Trip Advisor, and the location is next to the Anne Frank Museum.
Day Three
By now, we have acclimated to the time difference in Amsterdam. The hotel staff knocked on the door and handed out a rose because it was Valentine’s Day. How thoughtful, right? I thought it was a nice gesture. We dressed to our time slot for Anne Frank’s House. They have a coat check, an audio device to listen to as you tour the house, and a cafe at the end of the tour that allows you to look out over the canal. It takes about an hour to go through, and they do have small, steep stairs to climb to get to the next floor at a certain point. The house is not accessible-friendly. You can also take as long as you want to visit the museum.
Afterward, we grabbed our coats and headed outside. We then realized that the canal cruise was in the exact location. We sat down on the canal’s edge and took in the beauty of a beautiful European city.
A few moments later, we decided to stroll with no final destination in mind. We ended up in Dam Square. Dam Square is where Madame Tussaud’s is located, along with many places to eat, shop, and hang out. Although it may look crowded when you arrive, it doesn’t feel crowded. Remember to look down the alleys, as there are also hidden shops you won’t see by just walking or looking straight ahead.
Day Four
As our time in Amsterdam dwindled, our fourth day didn’t consist of much since we would catch a train to Brussels the following day. We did end up going to eat at Thrill Grill. We ordered beef and chicken burgers with truffle fries. Thrill Grill is small, and the atmosphere is welcoming.
Days 5 and 6
The last few days were spent heading to and from Brussels for a day trip. By then, we noticed that we never gained weight no matter what or how much we ate!
Day 7
I headed back home to Atlanta early in the morning!
Tips:
- Baggage Claim: We had minor difficulty finding baggage claim, so we asked for assistance (we didn’t feel as lost because we weren’t the only people confused about how to get there). Eventually, we found it, retrieved our luggage, and headed for the exit.
- Amsterdam has a very efficient public transportation system that is easy to navigate. Some of their trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi. If you need assistance, there seems always to be someone nearby. Amsterdam Centraal does NOT have any wheelchairs (as of February 2023) for those needing wheelchair assistance.
- If you are taking an Uber, Uber’s pickup spot is across from arrivals in front of the Sheraton Hotel. There is nowhere to sit, so you’ll have to stand. If you’re relying on the airport Wi-Fi, I suggest staying inside the airport until your Uber approaches and crossing the street about one minute before their arrival.
- Most importantly, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close! Lastly, always make sure you have enough money to get HOME!
