Traveling to Amsterdam from New York City was only about $140USD on skyscanner.com.
I recommend checking flights frequently as rates vary on the season, and you may get yourself a bargain like this! My Amsterdam adventure was around the end of November 2018. The weather was amazingly good 50F (10C), given that NYC was freezing! Now that, you have your plane ticket and checked the weather to pack your bags, let me show how you can rock your Amsterdam adventure.
Where To Stay In Amsterdam
I stayed at the Clink Hostel in Amsterdam, don’t let the word hostel fool you; this one is one of a kind. They have various locations in London and are opening future ones in Dublin and Lisbon by 2020 (so exciting!). Clink Hostels is a great and refreshing hostel, you won’t even feel like you’re staying in a hostel. Everything is extremely clean, and the food at the bar is delicious. Make sure to try their delicious coffee and avocado and toast when you visit it! I would also like to add that in addition to their shared rooms they also have solo rooms, these are obviously pricier but overall for a reasonable price.
Clink Hostel is located right by Amsterdam Central Station (across the river). Being across the river will give you an opportunity to experience Amsterdam like a local, as you will need to take the ‘Blue Ferry’ – for FREE! If you are a massive explorer and worry about the time for the last ferry back, you need not, it runs 24/7 and Clink Hostels is within walking distance from the Ferry Stop. Once you cross the river back from the hostel into Amsterdam Central, you’re literally at the center of Amsterdam. Everything is within a 15-20 minute cycle/walk.
What I like more than anything about Clink Hostels isn’t the cleanliness, security, food, or rooms, but the atmosphere. It doesn’t feel like you’re in a young crazy hostel. It’s a hostel with adults which makes it so much easier to meet and connect with like-minded travelers.
Ways To Get Around
There are two ways to get around. Bike or Train.
I highly recommend Biking IF YOU ARE USE to biking in cities. Amsterdam is a major bike city. Cycling through Amsterdam is much easier than it is in other major cities like London or New York City.
If you’re used to biking than I highly recommend the train. They are easy to navigate and trains run often. During the weekend the train schedule changes make sure to check updates or ask your hotel or hostel front desk for details.
Where To Go And What To Do
There is so much to do in Amsterdam! You’re probably used to hearing all about the famous ‘Red-Light’ District, but Amsterdam offers much more than that.
These are my recommendations:
ZincBar (at Clink Hostel)- One of the best ways to save money while traveling and staying at Hostels is to usually drink at Hostels. They are likely to be the cheapest beers/ drinks you’ll get in town. At ZincBar, the drinks are not the only good thing, happy hour prices are the best! The food at the bar is very good as well. I can assure you it is better the most Hostel’s restaurants.
Little Collins- Fantastic breakfast spot. It’s the popular De Pijp Area ( very artsy area). Breakfast and coffee are a most here. Be aware! The food is good, chances are you won’t be eating for the rest of the day!
Hannekes Boom Bar– The booze and view here are a MUST SEE!! During the warm months in Amsterdam, they have beautiful outdoor seating. This is a big venue and it’s usually crowded by locals. It’s rare you’ll find a tourist here, if you like to connect with locals this is the place to be!
Esther’s Cookery Food Workshop– Let’s talk about something VERY different in Amsterdam. The Dutch eat a lot of weird stuff, at least they are weird to me. Nonetheless, very good stuff! Who doesn’t love a delicious and rare combination?.- Sign me up, please! That being said, book a night at Esther’s Cookery for authentic Dutch or Vegetarian with a mix of Mediterranean cuisine. This is a great place to experience something different. You’ll get to cook your whole meal here, and spend time with friends!- PURCHASE a GIFT CARD HERE for friends & family visiting!
REM Eiland– This is a beautiful French Restaurant. Highly recommended for day drinking buzz. Even when it’s cold out the sun rises over the restaurant and the view and atmosphere is just stunning. Definitely worth the buzz! 😉
Oedipus Brewery– This is one of Amsterdam’s local beers. It’s definitely one of the coolest too! They have small appetizers while tasting and it’s always filled with locals having a beer on a Saturday afternoon. This activity is highly recommended if you’re wanting to do something different with some new hostel’s buddies. Plus it’s close to Clink Hostels too!
Last, but not least…
Amsterdam Lights Festival Canal Cruise- This is an ABSOLUTE must experience. Go to the market before and pick up your own booze and snacks. Book a cruise at night or at sunset. Whether the Lights Festival is happening or not, take a cruise on the canal. It’s always a beautiful sight and fun experience.
Don’t forget to have fun, and enjoy all the little things you will experience in Amsterdam, you never know how it may surprise you! If you’ve been to Amsterdam and have any recommendations, please SHARE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!!
Vlogs from Amsterdam
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I have never been to Amsterdam and it looks so beautful and cute with all these bicycles. When is the best time to go there?
It wasn’t so bad when I went, in terms of weather. I was there end of November. I would recommend the summer months. Or late April into the Spring, Summer. Dec-March I heard the weather is REALLY COLD!