How To Have 6 Great Hours In Amsterdam


If you find yourself in Amsterdam with limited time and limited funds, you can still get a great sense of this small city (in a short amount of time). Whether you have a layover between airports or a few hours before your next train, take a look at these stops every traveler should make in the Netherlands' capital.

These tilted, narrow houses on the canal can cost upwards of $1,115 per square foot (on par with rental prices in cities like New York and Paris)


Hour 1: Take That Canal Tour


You might be hesitant to invest in an hour-long canal tour when you have limited time, but getting a full rundown of this port city from its famous waterways is totally worth it.


During my short stop in Amsterdam, I took a “luxury” canal tour that lasted around 60 minutes and cost about 20 euros. If you’re looking to stay on a budget, just don’t buy any of the gin and tonics offered onboard.


Information for Flagship Canal Tours: https://flagshipamsterdam.com/


Hour 2-3: Go (window)Shopping In De Negen Straatjes


Walking by a beautiful window display on the Berenstraat


Recently listed as one of the 10 most expensive places to live in Europe, Amsterdam definitely isn’t cheap; but it’s fun to look at.

Hidden behind the Royal Palace on Dam Square, are De Negen Straatjes (or nine streets), which you can fully explore within a couple of hours.

This intimate part of the city will charm any traveler with its boutiques, vintage stores, and cute cafes. Here are the names of the nine streets (even though locals usually just refer to their favorite stores as landmarks): 

  1. Reestraat
  2. Hartenstraat
  3. Gast-Huismolensteeg
  4. Berenstraat
  5. Wolvenstraat
  6. Oude Spiegelstraat
  7. Runstraat
  8. Huidenstraat
  9. Wijde Heisteeg

Hour 4-5: Get A Drink

A chilly day outside of Café Hegeraad; its lush red interior accommodates locals playing cards and cracking jokes.
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Amsterdam can sometimes feel overwhelming for a short trip. If you are looking for a relaxed, Amsterdammer drinking experience, head to Café Hegeraad, a family-run establishment located in the Noordermarkt. 

Even though marijuana is legal in the Netherlands, keep in mind that it's still considered inappropriate to smoke outside of cafes and eating establishments.
 
Address for Café Hegeraad: Noordermarkt 34, 1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Hour 6: Try A Typical Dutch Snack


Walking along the Prinsenstraat to get some croquettes 
In the mood for some deep-fried mashed potatoes? Croquettes are beloved throughout the Netherlands as a cheap, late-night snack, and no stop in Amsterdam is complete without them.

My Dutch friend Anne brought me to Eetsalon Van Dobben, a croquette shop filled with friendly, funny locals and an even funnier staff. 

Address for Eetsalon Van Dobben: Korte Reguliersdwarsstraat 5-7-9, 1017 BH Amsterdam, Netherlands


Me enjoying some croquettes with Anne in my last hours in the city

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