things to do in amsterdam

Sumptuous Japanese Buffet In Amsterdam! | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans : Windmills , Clogs, Cheese & Museums!

Clogs & Wooden Shoes Making Demonstration @ Zaanse Schans!

Oldest Albert Heijn (Supermarket Chain) In The Netherlands : Since 1887!

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam : Luxury With A Choice Of Tradition Or Modern Living

Things To Do In Amsterdam : Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

La Place Amsterdam : The Netherlands’ Version Of Singapore’s Marche

Anne Frank House Amsterdam : Museum, History & Movement

I Love Street Markets! – Albert Cuypmarkt Amsterdam

Spring Arrives At Museumplein Amsterdam! – Visit World Renowned Museums Here

Flower Market Aka Bloemenmarkt Amsterdam: Tulips Galore!

Enjoy The Sights And Sounds Of Dam Square Amsterdam!

Royal Palace Of Amsterdam Dam Square Aka Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam

National Monument Dam Square Amsterdam : A World War 2 Memorial

Shopping Street Amsterdam : From Nieuwendijk To Kalverstraat

Updated on January 2, 2021June 5, 2013Amsterdam Europe The Netherlands

Eurotrip Day 9 & 10 : Ending off in Amsterdam | Things to do in Amsterdam

We finally rounded off our 10 day Europe Trip with Amsterdam City on Day 9 and 10! On Day 9, we started off early to visit Anne Frank House. It was about a 20 minutes walk away. Eventhough it was drizzling that morning, there was still a crowd when we reached there in the morning!

After Anne Frank Huis, we visited the shopping street in Amsterdam. There we took a break at La Place, the Amsterdam equivalent of Marche…

As it was a cold day, the mustard soup really energised us and warmed us up for the rest of the shopping in Amsterdam! Kate can tell you all about the H&Ms there and where to get the best deals! (read : Go to red label section!)

As it was CNY, we ended off the evening with an excellent Japanese “All You Can Eat” Buffet in the heart of the city! It turned out to be great except that Tom had the runs that evening…read more about Japanese Buffet in Amsterdam here….

The next morning, after much contemplation, we decided to go for the Amsterdam Canal Cruise to catch all the attractions in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam Canal Cruise to see all the attractions of Amsterdam!

Turns out that the cruise was an excellent choice and the running commentary led us to better understand this city of canals – Amsterdam!

As we winded down to the last hours before our departure back to Singapore, we stopped by a local pub for some drinks.

Last pint of ice cold Heineken @ Cafe Del Mondo

It was here that I went across to the open markets and got a white Gerbera for Kate! But still she feasted her eyes on the bartender at Cafe Del Mondo…sigh…

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For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Amsterdam right here!

All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed these 10 days trip in Europe! We hope you’ve enjoyed our journey through Europe as much as we have enjoyed writing them! Oh! Remember to stock up on the stroopwafels and choco waffles before you return! Do visit us for more travel ideas, the next time you visit Europe!

Eurotrip Day 9 & 10 : Ending Off In Amsterdam | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Sumptuous Japanese Buffet In Amsterdam! | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans : Windmills , Clogs, Cheese & Museums!

Clogs & Wooden Shoes Making Demonstration @ Zaanse Schans!

Oldest Albert Heijn (Supermarket Chain) In The Netherlands : Since 1887!

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam : Luxury With A Choice Of Tradition Or Modern Living

Things To Do In Amsterdam : Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

La Place Amsterdam : The Netherlands’ Version Of Singapore’s Marche

Anne Frank House Amsterdam : Museum, History & Movement

I Love Street Markets! – Albert Cuypmarkt Amsterdam

Spring Arrives At Museumplein Amsterdam! – Visit World Renowned Museums Here

Flower Market Aka Bloemenmarkt Amsterdam: Tulips Galore!

Enjoy The Sights And Sounds Of Dam Square Amsterdam!

Royal Palace Of Amsterdam Dam Square Aka Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam

National Monument Dam Square Amsterdam : A World War 2 Memorial

Shopping Street Amsterdam : From Nieuwendijk To Kalverstraat

Updated on January 3, 2021May 29, 2013attractions holiday Japanese Buffet Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation

Sumptuous Japanese Buffet in Amsterdam! | Things to do in Amsterdam

Salmon Avocado & Tuna Sushi Japanese Buffet Amsterdam

Japanese Buffet in Amsterdam ?! You must be kidding me! Why did we come all the way from Asia to Europe just to try an Asian buffet? Well, since the price was ok (about 22.50 euros per person) plus the fact that it said “Japanese Buffet” outside the restaurant, we thought that we should “splurge” a little on the special occasion of Chinese New Year – CNY!

Interior of Japanese All You Can Eat Buffet Amsterdam

Bar Counter of Japanese Buffet Restaurant in Amsterdam

Turns out that our idea of All You Can Eat Buffet is different from that of the Japanese Buffet Restaurants in Amsterdam!

Rules of Japanese Buffet in Amsterdam

We’re not entirely sure if this set of rules apply for all Japanese buffet restaurants in the Netherlands but they are not “free flow” as we know it in Asia! The rules are

Rule Number 1 : You can only order 5 rounds of food
(Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?! You call this a buffet?)

Rule Number 2 : You can only order 5 items per round
(Whaaaaaaaaaaat?! Have we been cheated? Is this really a buffet?!)

Rule Number 3 : You can only order the next round if you have finished the previous round.
(Whaaaaaaaaaaat?! So calculative?!)

Well, on the flip side, since Kate and I are dining together, we get to choose 50 items altogether. That’s not too bad, so we decided to go ahead after reading the rules. We soon realise that this “buffet” can be really full as well…take a look at what we had…

Round 1

Stir Fried Udon with Beef Japanese Buffet Amsterdam

Tempura Prawn and Teriyaki Salmon Amsterdam Japanese Buffet

Udon Soup with Prawn and Chicken Japanese Buffet Amsterdam

To capitalise on the number of rounds we have, we ordered the maximum number of dish in round 1 (good strategy right?) The sushi turned out to be one of the best sushi we’ve tasted in Europe (of course the best we’ve tasted was in Japan)! The fish was fresh and the rice was fragrant. The Udon(s) was nothing to shout about but the teriyaki beef was “WOW!” – tender, savoury and cannotstopeatingable! Definitely one of the best teriyaki beef we’ve tasted. The tempura was also good. After the first round, we really wonder why the continent of Europe, eons away from Asia can have such excellent Japanese chefs…(have you also noticed the traditional japanese plates used in this restaurant?)

Round 2

Teriyaki Chicken & fish fillet Amsterdam All You Can Eat Japanese Buffet

Large portion of succulent stir fried prawn Amsterdam Japanese Buffet

Rib of lamb with Takopachi Octopus Balls Amsterdam Japanese Buffet

The highlight of round 2 was definitely the succulent prawns. Huge ones at that. Subsequently, we realised that the portion was quite huge because it was brought to us by mistake! Ours should have been a 2 person portion not a 4 person. But still, we heartily devoured them. Teriyaki chicken and fish was good and surprisingly, the macha green tea ice cream was excellent as well (since drinks were not included, we ordered some ice cream to “clear our palettes” a little)

Round 3

Unagi and Tuna Sushi + Handrolls Amsterdam Japanese Buffet

Much anticipated Fried Pork Tenderloin Amsterdam Buffet

Yummy sushi at Japanese All You Can Eat Buffet Amsterdam

The highlight of round 3 was the much anticipated pork tenderloin! It didnt disappoint! It was lightly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside! Could imagine that the meat was tenderised before coating and frying. Excellent! The octopus was also quite fresh. Sushi were just as good as in the first round. By now, we were VERY FULL! Hence, we decided to make round 4 our last round. This idea of buffet really works! We couldnt even make it to round 5!

Round 4

Green Tea Macha Ice Cream Amsterdam Buffet

The 4th round was Tom’s downfall. He ordered the fried oyster which was not fresh. Although he knew that it was not fresh (texture was quite hard while chewing), he finished all of it so that he could order something in round 5. This was a bad move. Tom had the runs throughout the night that evening! Hahaha! Beef curry and beef pepper steak was great. Turns out that anything with beef at this restaurant was excellent!

Round 5

After all that (can you believe the 2 of us finished all that above?!) we decided to end our round 5 with something “healthy”…a platter of fruits! Yup, to quench the thirst as well. 🙂

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Amsterdam right here!

If you have not tried the Japanese “All-You-Can-Eat” Buffets in Amsterdam, why not give it a try?

Eurotrip Day 9 & 10 : Ending Off In Amsterdam | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Sumptuous Japanese Buffet In Amsterdam! | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans : Windmills , Clogs, Cheese & Museums!

Clogs & Wooden Shoes Making Demonstration @ Zaanse Schans!

Oldest Albert Heijn (Supermarket Chain) In The Netherlands : Since 1887!

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam : Luxury With A Choice Of Tradition Or Modern Living

Things To Do In Amsterdam : Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

La Place Amsterdam : The Netherlands’ Version Of Singapore’s Marche

Anne Frank House Amsterdam : Museum, History & Movement

I Love Street Markets! – Albert Cuypmarkt Amsterdam

Spring Arrives At Museumplein Amsterdam! – Visit World Renowned Museums Here

Flower Market Aka Bloemenmarkt Amsterdam: Tulips Galore!

Enjoy The Sights And Sounds Of Dam Square Amsterdam!

Royal Palace Of Amsterdam Dam Square Aka Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam

National Monument Dam Square Amsterdam : A World War 2 Memorial

Shopping Street Amsterdam : From Nieuwendijk To Kalverstraat

Updated on January 2, 2021May 8, 2013Amsterdam Cheese Farm Europe How to get to Zaanse Schans Museum of the Dutch Clock The Netherlands Traditional Windmills Wooden Shoe Clogs Shop Zaan Museum Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans : Windmills , Clogs, Cheese & Museums!

Zaanse Schans is a little village located along the Zaan River. In the past, this river had thousands of windmills producing spices and mills such as saw, oil and dye. However, due to urbanisation, many of the windmills were relocated. To save the tradition (and the windmills) some locals came together and preserved what was left. Today, there are still working windmills on the banks of the Zaan River. Together with clogs shops, cheese shops and museums, Zaanse Schans has today become a huge tourist attraction in and around Amsterdam.

Things to do and Attractions at Zaanse Schans

There are so many things to do and attractions at Zaanse. Here are some of the things that you must visit here.

Traditional Windmills @ Zaanse Schans

What is a visit to the Netherlands without taking some pictures of traditional windmills? Indeed, Holland is famous for its windmills and here, there are still working windmills that produce spices and saw!

Spices available for sale inside the windmill at Zaanse Schans

The following video shows the insides of the windmill and how the wind energy is converted to mechanical energy that grinds the spices.

Windmill Mechanism

Wooden Shoe Workshop

Besides the famous windmills, you can also visit the clogs shop or the wooden shoe workshop!

Here you can have a short lesson on the history of clogs in the Netherlands as well as all around the world! Thereafter, there’s a clogs making demonstration as well. (Check out timings of demonstration with shop keeper)

Wooden Shoe Making Demonstration

After the demonstration, you can take your pick at the numerous clogs that are available for sale!

Click the following for a more detailed coverage of Wooden Shoe Clogs Workshop at Zaanse Schans.

Other Attractions at Zaanse Schans

There are also other attractions such as the Zaan Museum, Cheese Making Shop (aka Cheese Farm), Dutch Clock Museum as well as the oldest Albert Heijn in the Netherlands!

Dont forget to take time to enjoy the picturesque views around the area as well!

How to get to Zaanse Schans

We have created a post on How to get to Zaanse Schans here. However, just to give you a quick direction. You can either hop on the train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Koog Zaandijk station OR take the bus 391 from Amsterdam Central which stops right at the Zaan Museum.

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Amsterdam right here!

We hope you’ll enjoy this day trip and that this post has showed you the things to do at Zaanse Schans!

Eurotrip Day 9 & 10 : Ending Off In Amsterdam | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Sumptuous Japanese Buffet In Amsterdam! | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans : Windmills , Clogs, Cheese & Museums!

Clogs & Wooden Shoes Making Demonstration @ Zaanse Schans!

Oldest Albert Heijn (Supermarket Chain) In The Netherlands : Since 1887!

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam : Luxury With A Choice Of Tradition Or Modern Living

Things To Do In Amsterdam : Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

La Place Amsterdam : The Netherlands’ Version Of Singapore’s Marche

Anne Frank House Amsterdam : Museum, History & Movement

I Love Street Markets! – Albert Cuypmarkt Amsterdam

Spring Arrives At Museumplein Amsterdam! – Visit World Renowned Museums Here

Flower Market Aka Bloemenmarkt Amsterdam: Tulips Galore!

Enjoy The Sights And Sounds Of Dam Square Amsterdam!

Royal Palace Of Amsterdam Dam Square Aka Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam

National Monument Dam Square Amsterdam : A World War 2 Memorial

Shopping Street Amsterdam : From Nieuwendijk To Kalverstraat

Updated on January 2, 2021December 24, 2012Amsterdam Amsterdam Attractions Amsterdam Canal Cruise Europe The Netherlands Things to do in Amsterdam Things to do in Europe Things to do in the Netherlands

Things to do in Amsterdam : Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

There are actually so many things to do in Amsterdam! Today, we are going to talk about the Amsterdam Canal Cruise! One cruise to see them all – all the attractions in Amsterdam!

On our last day in Amsterdam, we finally decided to take the river cruise to enjoy the canals of Amsterdam. Partly because Tom wanted to go on the cruise but mainly because it was a nice and sunny day (eventhough the temperature was about 10 degrees Celsius). The price of of the river cruise ticket in Amsterdam was 13 euros (approximately 20SGD) per person. Quite expensive for asian standards but what the heck. One ride to see them all…(sounds like one ring to rule them all…)

Price of tickets to Amsterdam River Cruise

It was quite spacious inside the river cruise boat. You can choose to face backwards, forwards, to the left or to the right side of the boat. Window seats would be best cause you can take pictures and videos without other passengers onboard disrupting you! :p The boat also had transparent roofs to allow sunlight through which really brightened up the internals of the boat. This is a really good idea considering that the river cruise takes about an hour (1 hour) to complete.

Things to do in Amsterdam – Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

The cruise started with a great view of the canals (see above). Along the way, there would be running commentaries (in different languages) that tells you what to look out for such as these locks of gates…

These locks of gates in the canals of Amsterdam help to regulate the flood situations by keeping high tides out. Along the way, you would also see the typical skinny Amsterdam houses (some as thin as 2 metres!) as well as bridges that link the various parts of the waterways.

Typical skinny buildings along the canals of Amsterdam

Video of wide houses in contrast to skinny ones

Bridge linking various parts of the waterways

One of the main attractions or things to do in Amsterdam would be to see the boat houses along the canals of Amsterdam!

Boat House with Beer Bottles as Decorations

It was said that these boat houses used to be “parked” along the canals in an unorderly fashion. To regulate things a little, the authorities relocated the boat houses here and gave them leases as well. Enjoy this short video of the boat houses along Amsterdam Canal!

Boat Houses along the canals of Amsterdam

Another interesting thing that we saw was someone shifting into a unit along the canals. You will then notice that each building along the canals have some sort of a hoist at the top of the building…

The hoists are points where pulleys can be used to lift heavy and bulky items such as furniture and refrigerators into the house. As the stairs are too narrow, this is the usual way of shifting stuff in and out! The other way would be to use ladders or lifts (or in this picture a combination of both) to bring items in and out of the unit.

7 Arches or 7 Bridges along Reguliers Canal Amsterdam

The other must see is the 7 arches or 7 bridges along Reguliers Canal. Here you can have a view of all 7 bridges lined up in 1 row! Don’t worry if you’re seated on the wrong side of the boat cause the captain will slow things down for passengers to take a shot here.

Other Attractions in Amsterdam

There are many other attractions that you can see from the Amsterdam Canal Cruise…

The oldest financial institution in Amsterdam

Sea Palace - A Chinese Restaurant Amsterdam — Sea Palace – A Chinese Restaurant Amsterdam

The Nemo - Science Centre Amsterdam — The Nemo – Science Centre Amsterdam

As the boat circles out of the canals, the waters get a little choppy. Here you can get great views of the harbour…

Map of Canal Cruise with outline of the route

The map above outlines the route that the canal cruise took. Basically, you will circle the canals (1 round) from Prinsengracht to Herengracht to Rokin, Damrak, out to the sheltered waters and back.

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Amsterdam right here!

We hope you have enjoyed this post about the Amsterdam River Canal Cruise! There are so many things to do in Amsterdam, be sure to check them out the next time you’re in Amsterdam!

Eurotrip Day 9 & 10 : Ending Off In Amsterdam | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Sumptuous Japanese Buffet In Amsterdam! | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans : Windmills , Clogs, Cheese & Museums!

Clogs & Wooden Shoes Making Demonstration @ Zaanse Schans!

Oldest Albert Heijn (Supermarket Chain) In The Netherlands : Since 1887!

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam : Luxury With A Choice Of Tradition Or Modern Living

Things To Do In Amsterdam : Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

La Place Amsterdam : The Netherlands’ Version Of Singapore’s Marche

Anne Frank House Amsterdam : Museum, History & Movement

I Love Street Markets! – Albert Cuypmarkt Amsterdam

Spring Arrives At Museumplein Amsterdam! – Visit World Renowned Museums Here

Flower Market Aka Bloemenmarkt Amsterdam: Tulips Galore!

Enjoy The Sights And Sounds Of Dam Square Amsterdam!

Royal Palace Of Amsterdam Dam Square Aka Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam

National Monument Dam Square Amsterdam : A World War 2 Memorial

Shopping Street Amsterdam : From Nieuwendijk To Kalverstraat

Updated on January 2, 2021December 16, 2012Amsterdam Anne Frank House Europe The Netherlands

Anne Frank House Amsterdam : Museum, History & Movement

Anne Frank House is an attraction in Amsterdam that has attracted visitors from all over the world. The house revolves around the diary of Anne Frank – a Jew who was persecuted by Hitler’s regime during WW2. To avoid the wrath of Hitler, the Frank family escaped to the Netherlands. However, in 1940, German occupation of the Netherlands began and the Frank family went into hiding.

Location of Anne Frank House

This is the location of their residence. Prinsengracht. It was actually Otto Frank’s (Anne’s dad) company and it was there that they hid for more than 2 years before being betrayed to the Nazis and deported. One of the key features of this compound was that there was a secret staircase, hidden by a movable bookcase that led to the Annex – the place where the Franks hid.

The museum shows the conditions that the Franks lived in, such as minimal use of the toilet during the day, no noise, only whispers. The food that they ate, how they exercised and of course the thoughts of Anne Frank.

How to get to Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House is located @ 263-267 Prinsengracht, Amsterdam. You can take a slow walk from Amsterdam Central Station (approximately 20 minutes). Buses 170, 172 and 174 & trams 13, 14 and 17 stops nearby.

Ticket Prices and Opening Hours of Anne Frank House

Adults : 9Euro
Teens (10-17) : 4.5Euro
Kids (9 & below) : Free

From September 15 to March 14
9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Saturdays from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm).

From March 15 to September 14
9:00 am to 9:00 pm, (Saturdays from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm).
In July and August the museum is opened daily till 10:00 pm.

Last entry is at 30 minutes prior to the closing time.

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Amsterdam right here!

We hope you’ll enjoy this day trip to Anne Frank House and learn about history, Anne’s life as well as the movement that she has started.

Eurotrip Day 9 & 10 : Ending Off In Amsterdam | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Sumptuous Japanese Buffet In Amsterdam! | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans : Windmills , Clogs, Cheese & Museums!

Clogs & Wooden Shoes Making Demonstration @ Zaanse Schans!

Oldest Albert Heijn (Supermarket Chain) In The Netherlands : Since 1887!

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam : Luxury With A Choice Of Tradition Or Modern Living

Things To Do In Amsterdam : Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

La Place Amsterdam : The Netherlands’ Version Of Singapore’s Marche

Anne Frank House Amsterdam : Museum, History & Movement