Amsterdam - Blog Posts
Postcards I accumulated traveling and studying in Europe, attached to a cork board
source @kmriscos
My view from the bar in my hotel in Amsterdam 😍
Escape by bike in Amsterdam!
As told in the previous post, bicycling is one of the most effective and experience filled ways of taking you forth in the city of Amsterdam. There is a lot of bike renting places in the city and all of them can give you the tour that suits you! And of course you may draw your own tour in order to fulfill your preferable targets! There is many old churches to discover and neighbourhoods with genuine bar, restaurants and clubs to visit and enjoy. A preferable district to visit, if you prefer to escape from the typical tourism districts, is Jordaan and De Pijp, these areas flourish with bars, cafés and restaurants whereas most of the locals hang out.
For further information please visit likealocalguide.
King's Day: 27th of April
King´s day or formerly called Queen’s day is a open air event in Amsterdam where the whole city celebrate and honour the Dutch Royal family by dressing and decorating everything in orange to show the pride of the “House of Orange-Nassau”. The date for this event may change slightly from year to year, but in 2015 the date is 27th of April! In the spirit of Amsterdam tradition, whereas the city was build upon trading, the streets also turns into The Vrijmarkt (literally ‘free market’), which gives everyone and specially their mothers the chance to sell, bargain and trade in the streets and parks of Amsterdam. This creates one of the largest flea market in the world. You can’t miss this! During this event the whole city is filled with great activities, since the flea market and festivities are ongoing, the gridlock traffic makes it difficult to get around by car. We suggest to rent bikes, not only during this event but also when you are visiting during another period, since the city is very bike friendly! Another way of taking you through the mass of people is of course by the channels! The channel boats are also decorated in orange and the celebrity goes on the boats as well. And you can take part of the festival by watching the whole spectacular event from the boats!
Creative hotspot for food junkies
Old school Amsterdam is an old school which has transformed into what the owners calls “a creative hotspot”. On the first floor you find the restaurant which serves healthy lovely dishes from sustainable, local and organic products. In summertime you find a terrace in the front yard with various events from jazz evenings to other concerts. This is a place you don't want to miss! Link for more info: http://oldschoolamsterdam.nl
Explore the most unique brunch place during your interrailing
When traveling and discovering new cities the food is an essential part for a successful backingpacking trip. Because of this we are providing you with some excellent spots to check out when visiting Amsterdam. First out is maybe the coolest brunch place ever, Gs brunch boat. Yes, exactly as the name says this is a boat where you can enjoy a great brunch while exploring the small channel system of Amsterdam. In other words a unique experience that you don't want to miss out! Check out for more info: http://reallyniceplace.com
The Flying Pig Hostel
Are you searching for a hostel during your traveling, that is known for its great community with their customers, in Amsterdam? The Flying Pig hostel is recommended from one of our friends who lives in Amsterdam. And he says that the place is very price worthy, with cool interior and nice people to hang out with. The Flying Pig have three hostels placed in different areas of Amsterdam. One of the most preferable is the Flying Pig Uptown Hostel which is placed in the middle of Amsterdam, Vossiusstraat 46, next to the warm and welcoming Leidseplein square with loads of pubs and clubs. The hostel is known for its great mix of funky and relaxed atmosphere and really flourish the Amsterdam party vibe! If the uptown hostel is full, you can always try out the Flying Pig Downtown hostel, Nieuwendijk 100, placed close to the central station. If your prefer something less expensive, we highly recommend the Flying Pig Beach, hence it shows its best side during the warmer part of the year. Whereas there are many beach and water activities to take part of. For more information please visit The Flying Pig Hostel.
Prices from: Uptown 25.90 €, Downtown 27.90 €, Beach 13.50 € per person.
Amstel Botel: The boat Hotel
Amstel Botel is a unique hotel that offers simply-furnished rooms on a boat in the center of Amsterdam. Amstel Botel is located on the River IJ and includes a bar and is just within 10 minutes of the central station. Every room has either land or views over the River IJ, with private bathroom that has the needed accessories. A continental and English-style breakfast buffet is served each morning with sausages, eggs and other warm dishes, which is a great way to start the day for travellers living on a tight budget. To find out more, click here.
Prices from: 93 € for 2 people.
Heart Hotel Amsterdam
Heart Hotel Amsterdam is a hostel located in the Red light district and is just a few minutes away from the central station. This hostel has everything you need close by: nightclubs, cinemas, shopping centers and Amsterdam’s main attractions. At the hostel you will find good beds, with own personal safety and electric socket. There is a 24-hour reception, with friendly staff that makes sure the necessary inquiries are provided. To find out more click here
Prices from: 20 € pr. person
Next interrailing escapes stop, Amsterdam!
A new destination with new possibilities! Now we have reached to the next city in our interrailing escapes - Amsterdam! Which is the Netherlands largest city by inhabitants, hence Haag is their real capital city. Amsterdam is well known for its culture and flourish of museums such as van-Gogh museum, Anne Frank house, Rijksmuseum and Rembrandt museum. Nevertheless, we want to fulfill this destination with the most experiential and authentic accommodations, bars, cafes, restaurants and activities.
So, have you ever wondering why the Netherlands is also called holland and why the people is called Dutch? Well in Old English dutch meant nation or people, which also explains why Germany is called Deutschland in German. In the early 1500s, parts of Germany and the Netherlands, along with Belgium and Luxembourg, were all part of the Holy Roman Empire. And over time, English-speaking people used the word Dutch to describe the people from both the Netherlands and Germany. Hence, they specifically phrased High Dutch, referring to people from the mountainous area of what now is southern Germany. Low Dutch referred to people from the more flatter lands, what now is the Netherlands. The Netherlands was back then used to describe people from the low-lying (nether) region (land). The term was spread and widely used in the whole Europe, and when they became a separate and formal country in 1815, they became the Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, the word Holland literally meant wood-land in Old English and originally referred to people that were from the northern region of the Netherlands, and over time it came to apply to the entire country. Now you have some background knowledge to impress the Dutch with when you are in Amsterdam! Stay tuned for hostel, bar, restaurant and activity tips and tricks!
