Amsterdam in under 48 Hours

We were in Amsterdam for less than 48 hours as a part of our whirlwind trip for 6 days covering Paris and Amsterdam. We got to spend very little time in Amsterdam and are hoping to go back to the city some day and spend perhaps a week or so for its lovely charm, canals, food and people watching.

Here is our list of things to do in Amsterdam in under 48 hours:

1. Take a canal cruise: This a no brainer. Don’t expect exceptionally romantic trips. It is going to be crowded in the canal with many tourist operators in their big and small boats alongside other commercial and local boats. But nevertheless do the cruise, if only to know what it feels like travelling through the canals watching the houses glide by. You will be truly fascinated to see how these long tour boats turn around in the canal or give way to the other boats from opposite side. It’s a carefully crafted process and very enjoyable to watch. 

2. Van Gogh museum: Again another no brainer. Whether you are an art lover or not, Van Gogh museum is the number 1 place to be in Amsterdam. Walk through the life of Van Gogh and take a glimpse into his world through his art. Truly beautiful. Don’t forget their souvenir shop, for gifts back home. It is a bit expensive but make for lovely presents to self or others! I got an umbrella and a mobile cover splashed with Van Gogh prints. Also if you are a book collector, they have nice books on the life and work of Van Gogh.

3. Try Indian food at Kamasutra: So on our way to the red light district we stopped by this shady looking restaurant called Kamasutra. Hoping that the food will be good (read a few decent reviews) we tried our hand and are glad to report we were rewarded. We have been trying Indian food in most of the destinations we have traveled to so far, to get an idea on the reach of Indian food abroad and how they adopt the recipes (Paris is not high on the list, they add zucchini to their biriyani! London is good though), but this particular restaurant in Amsterdam was brilliant. We ordered the thali, and every morsel in it was absolutely delicious. If you are in Amsterdam and are craving for some Indian, try this place.

4. Spend time in the parks and people watch: We spent a good deal of time in Vondelpark, which taught us a lesson in simple living. Coming from Cities were the trend is to go zooming around in cars, here we saw mums taking their children across in cycles with huge baskets in front. (Cutest ever! ) Reminded us a bit about the days from childhood when we used to go to school by pedal rickshaws. 

5. Red light district or Rossebuurt: If possible take a guided tour. For all those who are a bit shy and not too open to realities of the world open up your minds before you venture. This is one place where you will find humans as raw and natural as they are! You will see hundreds of ladies here in their famous windows going about their night's job. We did a small tour of the prostitution museum and it’s definitely something that will leave an impression on your mind. 

Things we missed: (and would like to go back again to do it. Someone invite us!)

1. Ann frank museum - plan to get tickets ahead, last we checked you need to have purchased your tickets in advance if you want to visit during the day, else have to wait your turn in the evening.

2. Try more of Dutch food: Fresh Stroopwafel, Poffertjes, Fries and Mayo and much more!. (We did bring back with us a lot of gouda!)

3. Go around the city in a bicycle

Cycle scene at the Amsterdam centraal station. Have never seen so many cycles in a single place!!

Of course we would go back to Amsterdam for more than just these reasons. Anyway here is our two cents about things to do in Amsterdam when time is short. Do share in yours and we will keep in mind to try these the next time we go.