My Surprising First Trip to Amsterdam…My Second Time There!

Thoughts on a girl's first trip to AmsterdamToday’s post is by Travel Chicks Ambassador Jennifer Allen. You can also view her Amsterdam City Guide.

In August of 2012, I was embarking on a study abroad program and had an 8-hour layover in Amsterdam. It was plenty of time to go see the city, have a quick bite to eat, and be back in time for my next flight. I didn’t go.

My idea of Amsterdam had been shaped by the movies, and I had this unrealistic idea of what the town was going to be like, and 20-year-old me was too scared to venture out. Little did I know what I was missing.

Fast forward to 2014 and I was back in Amsterdam. But this time I came in on the train and wasn’t afraid to venture out. Amsterdam was great. Amazingly-friendly people, something I can only compare to super friendly southerners in the USA, and everybody spoke English, some even better than I!

Arriving at the beautiful central train station was an incredible experience, and I easily got directions from there to the correct tram and stop for the Ann frank house, as my hostel was located close by. It was difficult to figure out exactly what stop I needed as there is nothing posted on the trams like were posted on the subways I had been using in Paris. Luckily the friendly travelers helped me get off at the right place.

Beautiful canal in Amsterdam

Beautiful canal in Amsterdam

Checking in was a breeze, and I got shown to the correct room. I’ve found its cheaper and just as great staying in a 4-person dorm room as something larger (Just bring really good ear plugs), so I usually go for the largest and cheapest dorm room.

My particular hostel, Shelter Jordan, only offered male and female dorms, and for considerably less than other hostels co-ed dorm price, so it was an easy choice to make. I immediately met a girl in the dorm and invited her out to explore a bit of the city and find something to eat. Food ranged in price from very cheap gyros stops to a range of high-end dining.
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I went and purchased an iAmsterdam card, but in hindsight, I probably spent more money on that than I would have spent if I had paid for everything individually.

A city street in Amsterdam

A city street in Amsterdam

I spent that first evening there enjoying the city and wandering around. I barely used the tram and instead enjoyed taking the extra time to walk, as the city itself wasn’t actually that large. There are lots of opportunities for bicycle rentals, but be careful on one as there are thousands of other people riding them also. It is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Bikes in Amsterdam

Bikes along an Amsterdam street

Overall, Amsterdam was an incredible city with equally incredible locals and travellers alike. There is something peaceful about the city and I look forward to returning someday!! Perhaps during the famous Tulip festival held every year? Yes please!

Travel Chicks Ambassador Jennifer AllenJennifer is a lover of travel and adventure. After graduating from Liberty University with a degree in Business specializing in project management, she took a two-month solo backpacking trip that was the “best trip she has ever taken.” Jennifer has traveled much of Europe as well and has lived in Uganda for four months.  She now resides just outside of Dallas, Texas, with a border collie mix that she’s training to be a Diabetic Alert Dog. Her dream is to take a year off and travel the world – and Thailand and India are on that list. Read her Amsterdam Guide and look or future tips from her as a Travel Chicks Ambassador!

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Posted in Netherlands, On The Road, Places to Visit

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