The Netherlands

Amsterdam To-Do List

  • Anne Frank House – gets your tickets way before you go! They sell out really fast. You can start buying tickets for the day you want to go 2 months before that date
  • Keukenhof Flower Gardens – one of the best things I did abroad. It was so beautiful. Check the time when you’re going to make sure the flowers are in bloom and then book your tickets ahead of time. You’ll need to get the ticket that includes transfer to the gardens
  • Walk around the canals and check out the ~coffee shops~
  • A’DAM Lookout – book this ahead so you don’t have to wait in line
  • Red Light District – go at night
  • The Amsterdam free walking tour was really good
  • World’s First Condom Shop
  • Eat the traditional caramel cookies while you’re there

King’s Day:

  • Would definitely recommend going to King’s Day, I liked it more than St. Patty’s Day in Dublin
  • Don’t go to a festival / book tickets to anything – I would just walk around the city, there’s a bunch of DJs and boat parties
  • Wear orange! Everyone dresses up in crazy outfits (if you don’t have anything orange, they sell it everywhere)
  • Bring LOTS of booze and water with you

Notes:

  • The bike lane goes both ways, so make sure you look both ways before crossing
  • Rent a bike while you’re there, it’s a really fun way to see the city

Background picture taken at Keukenhof Flower Gardens.