Amsterdam - City of Museums, Cafes...

A June 2007 trip to Amsterdam by jonbarb709

We have heard about the Canals, Red Light District, and the Cafés where there is more than coffee served. But Amsterdam is much more than that. Its restaurants, its sitting outside and people-watching, its Deli's with outstanding food and its Museums and shops and bicycles...

  • 8 reviews

Maes B&B￿Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Maes B&B"

I had never been to Amsterdam and never stayed in a B&B before. After trying to find a Hotel on the net that was reasonable (impossible task), we decided to take a look at a B&B. We wanted something reasonable, in a good location, and clean. After searching the net, we settled on Maes B&B and are we glad we did. The location was great, near the Jordaan area, walking distance to just about everything, Anne Frank Museum, the Red Light District (not too close, but you have to see it) the train station, restaurants, cafes, deli's and shops. It was definitely clean and the breakfast was great.

The owners Ken and Vladimir, make you feel very comfortable and Arnel (the jack of all trades) who make breakfast, clean your room, and make sure your every need is met. Ken and Vladimir were there everyday and made sure if we wanted something or wanted to go somewhere; they had suggestions and recommendations. The room was very clean, nicely decorated, plenty of room for our clothes. Stairs, there are stairs but really no problem (I am 70 and my wife is 68) just consider it exercise. Internet was free and the kitchen was open for your use 24/7. The price was right, the location was great and the staff made it a great vacation. We are already planning on something in 2008 and will definitely stay at Maes B&B again.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jonbarb709 on June 14, 2007

Sterk Staaltje de eetwinkelBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Sterk Staaltje/De eetwinkel"

Amsterdam has some good restaurants, but it has some outstanding Deli's and Sterk Staaltje is one of them. The array of food was just too good to be true. Your make your selection and you can take it home or you can have it cooked/warmed right there, which we did. We had a spinach/cheese thing, a noodle/meat dish, some cheese, olives, and a drink. We took it around the corner found a bench on the canal and enjoyed the meal and the view. This really was the best place.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jonbarb709 on June 14, 2007

Sterk Staaltje de eetwinkel
Staalstraat 12 Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 (20) 624-9065

Restaurant ToscanaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Looking for a nice Italian restaurant, good menu, even pizza, clean, reasonable price for beer, friendly staff, and good food and good prices? Give Toscana a try. We stopped in early and enjoyed a nice meal.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jonbarb709 on June 14, 2007

Restaurant Toscana
Haarlemmerstraat 130 Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 (20) 6220 353

Top ThaiBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Nice neighborhood, good food, relaxed atmosphere, reasonable prices. Menu has just about everything you could want in a Thai restaurant. Staff was very efficient and you did have to wait a long time for the food. Authentic Thai food.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jonbarb709 on June 14, 2007

Top Thai
Amsterdam, Herenstraat 22 Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 020-623 46 33

Vishandel Theo Schilder & ZNBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Vishandel Theo Schilder & ZN"

Great little place, inside and outside seating. You make your selection and they cook it right there for you. It was great, the fish was fresh, the prices were excellent, the staff were very helpful and the wine was great. We sat outside and enjoyed the food, the wine, and the view.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jonbarb709 on June 14, 2007

Anne Frank HuisBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Anne Frank House "

Crowded. This was one of the few museum that you had to stand in line to get in and then you stood in line going around the museum. We finally got in after several attempts. One day, around 5pm, we stopped by and there was no line. Well worth the stop. Remember if the line is long outside, it is longer inside. Sounds strange, but outside you are only waiting for tickets, inside, you are reading material and watching TV, the rooms are small.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jonbarb709 on June 14, 2007

Anne Frank Huis
Prinsengracht 263 Amsterdam, Netherlands 1016 GV
+31 20 556 71 00

AmstelkringBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Amstelkring Museum"

This is the oldest museum in Amsterdam. 17th century, with a church in the attic. This is one you have got to stop in and see. Finding it may be a chore, but it's worth the hunt. The staff was very helpful in answering question. Don't forget the room in the basement near the restrooms.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jonbarb709 on June 14, 2007

Amstelkring
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40 Amsterdam, Netherlands 1012 GE
+31 20 624 66 04

Enkhuizen (General)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Town of Enkhuizen"

Ready for a trip ouside of Amsterdam. I know there are several places you want to visit but don't forget Enkhuizen. You go by train, stay awake and see some of the countryside. Enkhuizen, besides canals (which are everywhere) also has a harbor. It's a nice little town, easy to walk around. There are nice shops, a market, restaurants, and cafes. Make a note, it's the place to travel to.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by jonbarb709 on June 14, 2007

Enkhuizen (General)
Enkhuizen, Netherlands

About the Writer

jonbarb709
jonbarb709
The Villages, Florida

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.