Some travel guides will give the cultural highlights, some will tell you the hottest places to see and be seen, others tell you how to live like a local. There’ll be none of that on the Fizzy.
The beloved and I went to Amsterdam for a whirlwind 48 hours. There will be those of you who say that is too short. Obviously, it’s not for me but if you love travel it gives you a wee taster for a city to whet the appetite.
If you are flying into Schiphol airport the best way to get anywhere is the train to Amsterdam Centraal. The is the transport hub and you get most places from here. Actually, from here you can walk most places but as no one likes a person with a roller suitcase in a city, don’t. The first tip is once you get to Centraal the trams and buses you want will be outside. By a 48 hour ticket at one the machines and away you go. Do not do as we did and get lost inside the train state. Outside, now.
The most important thing I will tell you is this: wear trainers. Do not give me any attitude about them not being your style. You need trainers. Amsterdam is a small city and you can happily walk around it but because it is all canals the pavements are lumpy. I’m a clumsy soul so this is important information. Also, the city is so cycle friendly that you need your wits about. On main roads the cycleways are easy to navigate but crossing over can be a little unnerving. You need shoes you can move in. We played a game of count the women in heels. We only got to three. It’s a flat shoe city.
We stayed in the Jordaan district which is mainly residential but you are two minutes away from shops and cafes. The food was terrific. We had breakfast a Piqniq near our hotel and we’ve already recreated the food at home. My friend Martine recommended Casa Di David and The Lobby for dinner. I recommend making reservations for both but you need to be on time for Casa Di David. If you are late your table will go as there is a queue out the door.
The best thing was taking some time out to hide from the rain in Cafe ‘t Molentje on Singel. Drinking while testing our knowledge of Billy Joel’s back catalogue. It was one of those places you stumble on when taking cover that makes you stop, smile and enjoy the moment, which sums up the whole Amsterdam experience.