Amsterdam
Amsterdam is where my inter-railing began in 2013 so I thought today I would kick things off by recapping the cities I visited in my trip.
Amsterdam was by far my favourite and I'd go back in a heart beat! So I have put together some hostels and cheap eats for the quirky at heart.
Where to Stay:
We stayed in The Globe Hostel which was surprisingly right in the heart of the Red Light District. Don't let this put you off, during the daytime you'll see families passing by pushing their prams and at night it's the perfect location for walking to bars and restaurants.
Booking in advance provides cheap prices but booking closer to the arrival date will still only set you back around 20 euros a night.
8 bed mixed dorm- £10
Double room with en suite- £50
If you're more of an upmarket traveller used to a little luxury The Student Hotel is perfect for cleanliness and comfort, along side atmosphere.
Prices vary from week to week but a Standard Double usually prices at around £60 per night.
The eccentric interior might leave you wanting to hang around your hotel more with a pool table, football table, gym, library and even a piano, but if you do venture out everything is within walking distance or a short tram ride away.
(even the website screams edgy)
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| I can't deal |
Where to Eat:
Amsterdam is a slightly expensive city if you are backpacking but if you're there for a holiday it's reasonable for a mini break. One place we discovered for cheap good food was a Pizzaria called Pasta e Pizza, Del Posto. Meals cost around 7 euros, just don't go as a big group as the restaurant can only seat around 12 people!
Depending on what time of year you go Amsterdam is a great place for alfresco dining. Nieuwmarket Square offers a great range of restaurants, but being the other side to the hustle and bustle of Dam Square it's the locals best kept secret. Cafe in de Wagg offers a more traditional menu starting at 20 euros, all the while with a bit of history, as the restaurant is located in 'Weigh House' built in 1488.
And for the super fancy why not try Guts & Glory which focuses its meals around a particular meat and fish per season. The restaurant offers set menus starting with four courses going up to seven courses,with prices starting at 42 euros.
Minimalism for the carnivore in your life.
Where to Drink:
Head down to the cities gay night life scene on Reguliersdwarsstraat (good luck pronouncing that one). There are so many bars here where pub crawls pass through, but I would recommend taking a look at Amstel Fifty Four is you enjoy to dance and sing along with a Drag Queen or two.
Ultimately there's no better way to get a feel of the many bars and clubs than to join a pub crawl. Most hostels have crawls they promote, where you receive a t-shirt and one free drink and entry in every bar when you buy a 10 euro ticket. Ultimate Party Leidsplein Pub Crawl was a good crack and if you are travelling solo it's a great place to meet new people.
I will add what to do a bit later as I really should get back to my revision but for now enjoy some snaps from Amsterdam! It was rather gloomy when we went but still beautiful none the less.
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