Spring break in Amsterdam
Amsterdam and its charms was our destination for a getaway last spring. Just about an hour from Berlin, our favorite low-budget airline, EasyJet, landed safely and right on time in Schiphol Airport. As predicted before, the weather in Netherlands is impossible to predict.
It was cloudy and drizzling as we arrived in Amsterdam Central Station, the city’s terminal main station of most trams, buses and city ferry lines. In case you arrive too early for checking into accommodation and you would like to directly strolling around the city, the station provides luggage lockers which are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Moreover, in front of the station, travellers can easily find more information in the Amsterdam Tourist Information office which sells tickets for different activities, excursions and public transportation and helps travellers to book an accommodation.
Amsterdam has more than one hundred kilometers of canals, contributing to Amsterdam's fame as the Venice of the North.
Left: Amsterdam Central Station main entrance;
Down: a view from Stadtplein with Basilica St. Nicholas on the right side.
This article features:
A’dam Lookout, an observation deck with an unrivaled panoramic view;
The Smallest House in Amsterdam (Hetkleintehuis) which is also a perfect place to enjoy an afternoon tea;
the story of Amsterdam now and then in Amsterdam Museum;
an historical canal house from the 17th century in the Museum Willet-Holthuysen, and a Catholic church hidden in an attic in the Museum Our Lord in the Attic (Dutch: Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder).
We also spent a good time in EYE bar-restaurant as well with a very nice view of IJ harbor and Amsterdam Central Station.
"When you step into this shop is like entering a world of magic and spells!"
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Fantasy Shop Chimera at the Damstraat in the centre of Amsterdam, here live many fantasy figures such as dragons, trolls, unicorns, witches, fairies and basically everything you can expect in an enchanted forest.
"Typical Amsterdam houses"
If you love ice cream and Nutella then this place is pretty close to heaven. Even if you're not a big Nutella fan, the other flavors are mouth waveringly savory!! I went at least 3 or 4 times while in Amsterdam and it'll be on the top of my list of places to visit when I return! Staff was friendly, very knowledgable about the products and quick.
The beef croquettes, concrete blocks to the gut that they are, are the essence of FEBO. Of the three most common fillings, the plain beef impresses the least with its grey gravy middle that tastes vaguely of beef stock -- simply insert coins, open the automat's wall door, and gorge.
The foods are all fresh and warm as you buy.
"Getting lost after walking for hours"
Rembrandtplein is one of the busiest squares in the city, at least when it comes to nightlife and clubbing.
As well as the clubs dotted throughout the area, a large number of cafés, bars and pubs line the square
Harvesting sunlights
The Smallest House
in Amsterdam
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It is unique not just because of its size that is only 2.02 meters (6 feet 7 inches) wide and 5 meters (16 feet 4 inches) deep but since 2014 the house hosts the smallest tea shop in Amsterdam.
Nils, its friendly owner, told us the history about the house and introduced us to several aromatique teas of his collection.
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Curious?
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"The Hash, Marijuana and Hemp Museum is located at 5 minutes walk from the Dam square"
Our Lord in The Attic
was originally a 17th century canal house belonging to Jan Hartman, a succesful migrant from Germany. The private church was built between 1661-1663 in the third floor of the house and served until 28 April 1888. Since then it is open to the public as museum.
"It feels like home"
- Irine about Amsterdam
"The National Monument on Dam Square is a World War II monument built in 1956"
"Amsterdam has put a spell on me, the city evolves from time to time. It has a lot to offer, I never get bored and always dicover something new" - Rebecca
The interior of Herengracht 605 will take you back to the 19th century when its last residents, Abraham Willet and Louisa Holthuysen, a wealthy couple, enjoy their twelve-course dinner.
"See you again Amsterdam!"
