Laid Back Amsterdam
The hotel is modern, clean, it has a gym, bar and spa facilities (chargeable), it is directly opposite the Leidseplein with its many bars, restaurants and shops, some designer. I would say the prices for food and drink in Leidseplein were probably about the same as London.
The hotel was a 5 min walk away from the Museum Quarter, which hosts a few attractions including the Van Gogh Museum and a lovely grass area with cafes and little tourist shops.
Vondelpark was a 2 min walk from the hotel and we had a lazy last afternoon there in the sunshine. They allow BBQ’s and you can walk (or cycle) around the park which is really relaxing, it’s amazing that such a large park is in the middle of the City.
You can catch trams to Dam Square and also to the zoo, both of which are only 10-15 minute tram rides away. The Zoo (http://www.artis.nl/en/artis-royal-zoo/) is really well laid out, it has natural surroundings for the animals, some of which are not caged at all, the historical building that is housed in makes for a different Zoo experience and the healthy food in the café made a nice difference to the usual attraction type food. I would highly recommend it and you probably need all day there.
The Micropia Exhibition (http://www.micropia.nl/en/) next to the Zoo is fascinating, all the organisms, bacteria you can’t see and where it exists in your life!
The hotel is also directly opposite the canal, where you can go on a canal cruise and hire your own boats or canal bikes (pedalo) to explore the area yourself. Even though we got completely lost, I would recommend taking your own detailed map as the ones they give you don’t really correlate to the street names – or maybe that was just our excuse!
I would highly recommend a walking tour of the Red Light District as the insight the guides give you really brings the industry to life and you learn an awful lot about the history and how it all works which is something you wouldn't’t know if you just wandered around. The subject can be a little graphic so not to be done if you are easily offended.
We bought a 48 hour Amsterdam City pass whilst we were there which cost 59 euros each and I have to say it was more cost effective that way, it gave you fast track entrances to some museums, free transport and discounts for many more attractions. Before buying, it is worth adding up if it would work for you for what you want to see but it did work in our favour and saved quite a few pennies.
We were going to hire a bike but we chickened out when we got there and saw how many there were. You really have to concentrate every time you cross a road as there are bikes everywhere and they don’t stop or abide by their own traffic laws. We saw a couple of near accidents and decided there was too much concentration needed for our relaxing city break.
There is so much to do in Amsterdam and the people were so friendly and helpful, they are accepting of anything and I can’t wait to go back, loved Amsterdam!