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Best way to enjoy Amsterdam in August?

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Aimless:
We're thinking of staying in Amsterdam for a few days on our way back from London. I've never been there and my wife hasn't been there since she was a kid, so I was wondering if any resident Dutchies may have some advice or tips :) We like chill urban environments close to green areas and water, flavorful food and fun places to hang out. We generally dislike things that require a great deal of advance planning or queuing. Where do locals in Amsterdam like to spend a nice summer day on a weekend? What areas offer a large variety of good food and entertainment at reasonable value? Are there any good comedy clubs for non-Dutchies? What's overrated and what should be avoided outright? Any and all help v much appreciated.

Case:




Brought to you by your Ministry of The Bleeding Obvious ...  :-D

(Sorry for that ...)


No seriously? When I was living in Arnhem, the proximity of the Jazz Department of the Conservatory of HKA Arnhem (now absorbed into Conservatory Hilversum & Amsterdam) meant that Thursday through Saturday, you had free life-music in most bars around the old city core (because there was an abundance of Music students & teachers who'd play for beer & the lulz).

I'd highly recommend following your ears!

The Netherlands are the Jazz-capital of Europe, and Amsterdam is, well ... : https://www.conservatoriumvanamsterdam.nl/en/

TheEvilDog:
Amsterdam is a city that I always enjoy ending up in, but I've never actually gone out of my way to go there (I've had flights that were forced to stay overnight in Schiphol). Honestly, the longest I have been there has been a day, so if you want my €0.02:

- Renting a bike is a classic Amsterdam thing to do to get around the city. Don't. Instead buy a multi-travel ticket (a day to 7 days costs about €8 to €34 respectively). You can use it on the trams, they go all over the city. And I'm not saying this as someone who can't ride a bike.
- The Rijksmuseum is the largest collection of Dutch art in the world (van Ruysdael, Hals, Vermeer, Steen and Rembrandt). The Van Gogh museum is right next door.
- Nearby is the House of Bols, the world's oldest distilled spirit brand, having been distilling since the 16th century.
- Leidseplein, an open-air square that only a couple of minute from the museums, that has a number of cafes. Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine is quite popular, largely due to the history of the Dutch East India Company.
- The Jordaan neighbourhood is home to many 17th and 18th century buildings and a Dutch Protestant Westerkerk Church that dates back to the 17th century, and where some of the most famous Dutch artists are buried, including Rembrandt. Be warned though, the Church is only open weekdays between 10am and 3pm.
- The Anne Frank House. It is one of those places that people do need to visit if they have the chance. I was lucky enough to get there really early, but from what I have been told, during the day, there are lines around the building, so if you do decide to go, book your ticket in advance.
- Dam Square is the central square in Amsterdam, and you can tour the Royal Palace (tickets are €10 for adults and its open from 10am until 5pm)
- The Red Light District and not for the reason you might think. I'm talking about an area that has 300-year old buildings that still have that Dutch architectural style. Though at night, it apparently comes to life. I wouldn't know, I had to get back to the hotel and get ready for a flight.
- Oh, and I suppose the canal tour. There are two kinds of tours; the first is where you hop on and hop off where you like. The second is the more traditional, where they take you on a circular tour and take you back to where you started.

Hope that helps and I hope you get to see more of Amsterdam than I did.

Aimless:
Thanks for the tips guys :) we decided to go to Venice this year because it's always been a dream of my mum's, but hoping to visit Amsterdam next year. My dad and my sisters went there this year, as well as a couple of friends, and they had a good time. V. chill.

Aimless:
Ended up postponing trip until this year, but we'll be in Amsterdam for a few days this August to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Mostly sauntering around, staring at people, eating and hanging out w/ some old forumites but probably going to visit the Van Gogh museum and perhaps also the national museum. If possible, a concert.

If any of you have insider tips on underrated restaurants where one can find innovative and well-made contemporary or traditional Dutch food holla :o also if you have tips for restaurants w/ Indonesian food.

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