What's an unusual and different thing to do in Amsterdam?

Question

(Not rude/dirty - I can figure that out for myself)

Answer 1

Well apart from the drugs and the red light district Amsterdam is a beautiful city, lots of old houses along the canals, lots of museums, with either modern or classical art, lots of theatres, and nice bars. You could just walk through there and just look around. If you want to visit other places, I'd recommend the area north of Amsterdam, where there's lots of water and boats, and windmills and stuff. Other great cities to visit are Leiden (30 minutes by train), Rotterdam (1 hour by train and a bit more progressive) or Utrecht (30 minutes by train).

Answer 2

One of the most intriguing attractions in Amsterdam is the "Church in the Attic" (known as "Op Boom") where Roman Catholics worshipped even though it was illegal, and which everyone pretended wan't there, even though it has a large organ inside!

One of the best excursions from Amsterdam is to catch a train to Haarlem; a beautiful town, with canals, a fine cathedral, a splendid concert-hall, lovely antique shops, nice restaurants, the best spoken Dutch anywhere in the Netherlands, a lovely town square, the fabulous Frans Hals Museum, street organs on the streets through summer, numerous concerts in town, a rail station which is still largely 19th century, fine shops and the most gentile people in the Netherlands.

Another fine trip is to the lovely town of Liden; similar to the above, but with a respected university.

Rotterdam is worth a visit, with its fine modern centre, exciting skyline, enormous docks (there is a "Speedo" trip around the docks), huge oil refineries down river, a magnificent cathedral, and the best shops in Holland.

I'm afraid that Amsterdam is very much a tourist place, with its sleeze and high-prices. If you really must, you can buy dope over the counter at one of the cafes catering for it. Other than that, it's Madame Tussauds, cinemas, the famous art galleries, the red light district, canal cruises, diamond factories, concerts and a stroll around the lovely Vondel Park. You can also wander around the gay area on Kirkstraat, but the only thing you will notice is the fact that no-one bats an eyelid about it. I'm not sure about opening hours, but the "Dam Palace" (the official royal residence) is a magnificent building, with some spectacular art on display. (Situated on the "Dam Square" at the end of the "Damrak")

A nice way to experience Holland is to hire an apartment rather than stay in a hotel, to give some idea of life in the city for those who live there.

A fun thing is to check out how many people speak perfect English, by asking the time. You will be surpised how many Dutch people use the English way, by saying something like, "It is ten past 3 o'clock" rather than "it is 15.10".

If you want a real giggle, go and stand in the airport and watch the desk clerks, who seem to be capable of speaking every language in the world! The tram drivers are almost as good!

Nice people and an amazing country, you should enjoy yourself, wherever you find yourself.

Answer 3

While I was there some of the things I did (missing out the obvious ones) were:

Anne Frank's house, or the Anne Frankhuis, is situated in the centre of Amsterdam and is easily reached on foot. Visitors enter through the revolving bookcase to view the achterhuis (annex) where the Jewish Frank family hid from July 1942 to August 1944, when they were discovered and deported to concentration camps. Anne Frank recorded the two years in her diary, now translated into 55 languages and published internationally. If you read The Diary of Anne Frank in primary school, the Anne Frankhuis is a must-see on all Amsterdam holidays. Arrive early as the queues can be impressively long.

On a more uplifting note, the Heineken Experience is a tour through the 'world's most fascinating brewery.' Although Arthur Guinness might have something to say about that, it is certainly the world's largest. The immaculate brewery is an educational and fun experience; walk through at your own pace and learn how Heineken is made while you sip three of your own 10 oz Heinekens (included in the admission charge). Mingle in the bar with students, families and hordes of backpackers.

If you want to flee the afternoon crowds that pack into the city centre, take a walk behind the Spui shopping area to the Begijnhof. Originally a 14th century convent, the Begijnhof is a beautifully peaceful courtyard hidden from the hustle of the city. The wooden houses in the Begijnhof are some of the oldest in the Netherlands.

Originally built in 1612 to house Amsterdam's working class, the Jordaan neighbourhood has come a long way from its blue collar upbringing. Today the Jordaan area is full of students and young professionals, a trendy neighbourhood full of winding streets and alleys lined with galleries, shops and cafes. Such is its quirky nature that the Jordaan has been compared to village within a city. Stroll through and window shop or grab a traditional Pannekoeken, a sweet, sugary Dutch pancake.

Van Gogh Museum based in Paulus Potterstraat 7, Museumplein which can be reached easily on the fabulous Trams from almost anywhere in Amsterdam. There are also nice cafes nearby when you are ready for refreshments.

Rijksmuseum is vitually next door too and this is also well worth a visit.

Some other places are :

Marken is an island town in Groot Waterland where you'll find elderly locals wearing traditional Dutch clothing. Usually skipped over by tourists from the city, Marken is accessible via organized bus tour; consult the VVV for schedules.

The flower region is located 30 km southwest of the city; the towns of Hillegom, Keukenhof, Langevelderslag, Lisse and Noordwijkerhout are all famed for their Dutch tulips. If you time your holiday right and visit between late March and June, you can take advantage of tulip season. The annual Dutch flower show is held in Keukenhof.

Alkmaar is famous for its cheese market; stall holders wear traditional costume as the cheese is auctioned off and sold. A close 35 km northwest of Amsterdam.

Zandvoort an Zee is a small beach town packed with bars and cafes only a one hour train ride from the city. Bustling with tourists in the summer time, the Zandvoort beach is topless and there is a fully nude location 2 km south.

Haarlem is a gorgeous little town only 20 minutes via train from the city. With flowers galore, the city is defined by its gardens and manicured public beds. Be sure to visit St Bavo's cathedral and the Frans Hals museum.

Texel is one of the smaller Frisian Islands located between the North and Wadden Seas. Hop on the train to Den Helder (45 km from Amsterdam) and then take the ferry out to the island. The small towns on the island allow visitors to experience an almost tourist-free Dutch retreat. Visit the beach, cycle or hike.

These are just some of the things I did while there and there are always other things to find - go and have a wonderful time - it´s a great city!

Answer 4

You should check out the Heineken Factory Experience.
http://www.heinekenexperience.com

The Heineken Experience is located at the original Heineken brewery in Amsterdam. Its buildings span two centuries, the main parts dating from 1867 (the original building) and 1930 (a working brewery until 1988). In this unique environment, you'll experience Heineken's rich history and the tradition and craft of brewing. And the extraordinary story of the people behind this remarkable company, now the most international of its kind in the world.

Travel back in time to meet the founders of the company. Explore the giant malt silos and brewhouse and find out the secrets of the world's greatest pilsner beer. Get a live message from visitors in the two bars. Take a look at five decades of pioneering advertising. Try your skill at steering a wagon pulled by a team of our famous Shire horses.
You get an interesing tour including some interactive fun stuff too - and you get a free beer included with your entrance fee.

Answer 5

Behind the Dam is a great steak house called Gauchos. There is every kind of museum imaginable or you can drive out of town and visit Madurodam and pretend you are a giant (it is a miniature village that you can walk through. Or you can go to the beach and freeze your tooshie off even in the summer.

Answer 6

I guess in my opinion the unusual and different thing to do would be to not do drugs, not trying to be rude but honest, see what's around the city to see as far as sights go sober

Answer 7

Go north of the city and outside the city. The smaller villages right along the coast are beautiful, with boats and beaches like none other.

Answer 8

Go and not smoke any weed. That would be very unusual and different. since everyone that goes there mostly and I did say mostly and not everyone. goes to smoke so be different and dont go and smoke

Answer 9

I don't think it's offensive to go to one of those cafe's in the red light district and order some smokin stuff :)...oh btw could you plz invite me? *pants profusley*

Answer 10

erm... not to sample the cafes and window shopping?

hire a bicycle and see the sights for yourself, its a beautiful place with lovely waterways and architecture