International Destination

Regale in Amsterdam: The Venice of The North

The capital of the Netherlands has long been a favorite travel destination for many and rightly so. Its heritage, architecture, canal system (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and narrow buildings are but a few reasons visitors enjoy their time here. When you visit, and especially on your first time over, opt for the tourist card deal called I amsterdam city card that can be purchased on arrival at the airport or online. Skip lines and save money at several city attractions and benefit from more time to spare to cover more ground overall during your visit here.

Images by Ruksana Hussain

First impressions of Amsterdam – Schiphol Airport is well-connected, and you can also take a train from here to arrive within minutes at Amsterdam Centraal train station located in the heart of the city. Walking out of the central station gives you a slice of busy city life during the day and the beauty of the same scene by night under the yellow lights. Plan for a waterways tour, a narrated half day trip that takes you around the city, highlighting its history and attractions. This is a good introduction for the uninitiated.

There is much ground to cover even over a long holiday in Amsterdam.

The looped tour brings you back to your starting point so you can walk around and check out a few area attractions such as museumplein and the museums nearby - Amsterdam museum, Van Gogh museum, Tulip museum and House of Bols. Head to the Anne Frank museum - a must see/ must do in Amsterdam. Reading the book or researching online simply does not compare to what you see and learn here. A quick stop at Pancakes Amsterdam for some refueling is recommended – the mini pancakes and coffee are a sinful and welcome combo.

Plan your itinerary ahead so you can make the most of your visit.

Head to the Houseboat museum if living on the canals piques your interest. The famed flower market is well worth a visit too. Not before trying some frites though - that packet of potato fries you see most people in the Netherlands chomping on as they head from point A to point B. There are a few different types of sauces so you will be trying these more than once. Spend some time at the zoo or other attractions: Tropen museum, Jewish museum, Botanical garden and Rembrandthuis.

The I amsterdam city card can help beat the lines at attractions.

A visit to Zaanse Schans is a day trip but can be completed quicker if you are lacking time. A bus from Centraal brings you straight to the entrance of the museum here. This is a working community dating back to the 18th and 19th century so you can expect to see a lot of green land, grazing animals, windmills, barns, clog shoe factories and cheese factories as well. Walk around the quaint village and check out some of their really cute cottage homes and boutiques. If you are looking for souvenirs, then this place probably has the best selection.

Try some Weespermoppen while shopping and sightseeing.

A leisurely stroll around the entire area can take a half day, longer if you decide to dine there. The area is a photographer’s delight, no doubt. Visit the gardens and boutiques, check out the museum space and cookie factory, and also the clog shoe factory and cheese factory to learn more about the heritage and culture of Amsterdammers. Cheese tasting is fantastic here as are the pickles and few other products. There are buses coming by frequently so heading back to the city when done is easy.

Canal living sure seems an attractive option.

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