Things I did
Amsterdam Public Library
For a great view of the city, head over to the Central Branch of the Amsterdam Public Library (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam) and go to the top floor. It's free to enter and go up but I would recommend taking the lift to the top because it is a lot of escalators/stairs!
A great little bar/food joint in the Red Light District although there is a larger one out of time too. We didn't end up buying food but entered just for the ping pong, arcade games and table ice hockey. You can play board games too.
Microbia
I really loved it here! It cost 15 euro entry and could be combined with zoo entry too. A perfect place for a geeky microbiologist like me! It was pitched just right as well.
Red Light Secrets: Museum of Prostitution
I really loved it here. Situated in the Red Light District, this small museum gave an insight into all the details behind prostitution in Amsterdam and what it's actually like being one of these people. There were also a few touristy things like sitting in the window of the museum and getting someone from outside to photo you. I would really recommend this for a look at what life is really like.
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| Red Light Secrets |
De Gooyer Windmill
Want to see a windmill but you're in the centre? Head to De Gooyer Windmill. A bit out of town but you'll go if you want to see one. They had big platters of taster beer inside. If I came again, I would want to do the tour but it was fully booked when I visited.
Tour on the river
I actually have done the tour twice. It's a good way to see more of the city at the start of your trip but I would skip it if you've done similar things before and know it's not your cup of tea. Very touristy. Don't bother booking- just look for the cheapest price one that is leaving soonest.
Things I ate
Market Albert Cuypstraat
A market where you can buy delicious freshly made Stroopwafel. SO much better than the freebies in the city centre!
Foodhallen
A bit of a hipstery joint but great for some street food and especially good if you've got a group of people with different tastes. Think food carts and fairy lights. Also, a great place to try a classic, bitterballen, from the Netherlands at De Ballenbar.
Febo
Conveniance fast food that works like a vending machine. Put your coins in the slot and the flap opens, revealing your tasty food. Don't knock it until you've tried it. The satay is great! Once you see it you will spot them everywhere.
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| TripAdvisor Website |
And finally, loads of free cheese and Stroopwafel from shops around the centre!
Things I wouldn't do again
Electric Ladyland
You have to book in advance (5 euros) and you will be told to leave if you are early. You have to remove your shoes and climb down a very steep vertical ladder. Once inside you are in a room with info about fluorescence around you. It's very hippy-ey. It is quite interesting if you bring your money and your drivers licence/passport to see the hidden fluorescence there. Overall though it's very strange and you're there for an uncomfortably long length of time. Unless you're really into florescence I wouldn't recommend.
The Ice Bar was a bit of a novelty and kind of fun for groups but quite overpriced for one small drink. You are given a time slot, put on free gloves (that you get to keep after) and a large coat (that you don't get to keep after) and enter the ice room, which has ice glasses, a statue or two and a bench. It's OK but they have them in other cities.
A bit of fun, funny in a group and easy to find in the centre but if you're actually interested, I would recommend going to the Museum of Prostitution (above) instead.
A’dam Lookout Swing
The view I had over the city was great, especially because it was free, but the A’dam Lookout Swing (13 euro to get to the lookout, including a 1 euro discount for booking online then a 5 euro charge for a time slot on the swing) was really cool. I recommend also getting a drink at their rooftop bar.
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| A'dam Lookout Swing Website |
Things I want to do next time
