Through Amsterdam on foot

We explored Amsterdam on foot and got to see a lot. Often we found ourselves impressed by little moments, unique sights or unusual routes. And of course, we discovered many things!

Looking across the countless canals from one of the many bridges was particularly nice in my opinion.

There is always something new to see. An unusual houseboat or the design of an unusual bridge – I cannot get enough of it.

We also passed a variety of buildings. Some residential areas are clusters of wonderful red brick buildings with quiet streets even though they are still fairly close to the centre.

And then, just a few streets further down, we find ourselves in front of a building that looks like a bathtub. This quite unusual building is the new Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, opened in 2012.

Moco Museum

Museen gibt es unzählige in Amsterdam. Wir waren zu einer Banksey und Icy & Sot Ausstellung im Moco Museum. Es war sehr voll in dem kleinen Museum und die Schlange am Eingang zeigte das große Interesse an der Ausstellung. Ich gebe zu, vorab nur wenig Informationen zu Banksy gehabt zu haben und so war ich bei einigen Ausstellungsstücken doch recht überrascht. Mir hat die Ausstellung gut gefallen.

Also, the museum building itself, the Alsberg Mansion, is impressive. The old manor, built in 1904 is in stark contrast to the modern art shown inside.

Danke an Katharina vom “Niederlandeblog” for the tickets.

Opening Hours:

Daily: 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM

Ticket Prices:

Adults: 14,50€
Discounts are available

Vondelpark

Only a short walk through Amsterdam and visitors of the exhibition can reflect on the experience in the Vondelpark.

Even though this is the second-largest and the best-known park in the city it was a lot quieter here and the walk along the lake was very relaxing. Everything was in bloom and we even got to observe some birds. A true oasis in the big city.

The park covers an area of 47 hectares and was named after the Dutch dramatist Joost van den Vondel. There is a monument for him in the park, too. There are cafés and restaurants that make for great break spots for the tired walker.

We really enjoyed our walk and then threw ourselves right back into the hustle and bustle of the city.

De Hallen Amsterdam

We continued our walk towards De Hallen Amsterdam. We read that these are two halls with lots and lots of food stalls and we wanted to try some of them for lunch. There truly was a lot of food and everything the heart desired from sweet to savoury. Only a few examples of what I saw are ham from Spain, Mexican food, Arabic Mezze, smoothies, … It was a little unusual for us that most of the stalls would only accept card payment.

Once you have made your choice you should start looking for a spot at the many tables. It is a great advantage to be travelling as a pair because one can take care of the food whilst the other one reserves two seats. It got really busy at lunchtime.

After food one could go see a movie here or browse the shops or even have a drink in a reading café.

Opening Hours:

Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 01:00 AM

Amsterdam Centraal

When exploring Amsterdam on foot visitors should definitely swing by Amsterdam Central Station, Amsterdam Centraal. Trains to France, the UK, Belgium, Germany and Denmark depart from here as well as buses, trams, metro lines and ferries.

But what is more interesting than that is the building itself. Construction of the station building began in 1875 on three artificial islands resting on 9000 wooden pillars. In 1889 the station was ready to open. It is a red brick building in the Neo-Renaissance style. The main entrance is framed by two towers that were added to evoke the impression that travellers enter the city through a gate. The building is adorned with industrial scenes and depictions of tradespeople and seafaring. The national crest, as well as the crests of cities that Amsterdam had a train connection to at that time (Berlin for example), are also part of the décor.

If you have a bit of time go see the station foyer. I find station buildings fascinating as they are a reflection of the value that this form of transportation has for a country.

Westergasfabriek

The walk from Amsterdam Centraal to the Westergasfabriek takes a little over half an hour. This factory was built in 1883 and it was the largest gas plant in the Netherlands at the time. This is where black coal was transformed into the valuable gas that covered the energy needs of Amsterdam.

Today, the area and the wonderful building are a lovely destination for an excursion. One can go for dinner, for a movie or for a walk in the park. The former gas holder is now an event venue for all sorts of events.

We explored the old factory grounds and then sat down in a café. A really great concept to use the location of the old factory as a meeting space for the people.

Address:

Haarlemmerweg 8E
Amsterdam