So you want to visit Amsterdam...

HALLO!

I laaaaaaaaave when people ask me what to do in Amsterdam. LAAAVEEE. After living there for 6 months I feel like I have mucho knowledge on this. I was able to experience the touristy things and the local things as well. So here is my Amsterdam guide...

FOOD

I'm starting with food because I think it's the most important. 

Places to Eat:

Restaurants of all kinds are ALL over. It's very hard to go wrong in Amsterdam. Check Yelp or Trip Advisor too. If you are staying in an Airbnb or a place with a kitchen and need a grocery store, I would go to Albert Heijn or Lidl. 

• Bagels and Beans: I think I ate here about once a week. BEST hot chocolate ever. And the bagels. omg. I can't. Great for breakfast or if you are me, anytime of the day.

  

  I mean come on. Sesame seed bagel with chive cream cheese, tapenade, pine nuts and sundried tomatoes 

• Wagamamas: Asian fusion. This place was DELISH
• Wok to Walk: Fast, easy. It's like chipotle but Asian
• Febo: A must try. Best drunk food evaaaaa
• Restaurant Gerb. Hartering: If you are going for a really nice, fancy meal, I highly recommend this place. My mother said it was probably her favorite meal she's ever had. And she's old, so she's eaten at a fair number of places. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
• Tempo Doeloe: This in an Indonesian restaurant. The Netherlands used to "own" Indonesia back in the day so there is a great Indonesian influence here. This place was recommended on Anthony Bourdian's Amsterdam list. It was a fantastic meal. 

Here are a few more food links for restaurants to try: Amsterdamfoodie, Eater.com, and Dutchgrub.

I found some of the best restaurants just by walking around and exploring. It never crossed my mind to jot down the names of the restaurants back then but everywhere I stumbled upon was good! Can't really recall any bad meals.

Foods to Try:

• Chips: if you are American, like me, we call these fries. They have them all over the city, I don't have a favorite location because I wasn't really sober every time we had some. Recommend with the mayo.

• Stroopwafels: A MUST. It's like a caramel waffle cookie. They sell them hot and freshhhh at the Albert Cuyp market. (Details on the market below). Don't buy them at the souvenir shops. Go into a grocery store (Albert Hejn) and go to the cookie isle, they have a huge pack for like 2 euro. *Pro Tip: Place a stroopwafel over your hot tea or coffee to heat the insides to make it nice a gooey.

Ohhhh when the stroopwafel is warmed from the steam of your coffee. ohhhh lord

• Pancakes: These aren't your normal flapjacks my friends. They are kind of a pancake/crepe hybrid. I would get the cheese and bacon one. I also like the strawberry and Nutella ones obviously. The hardest part is deciding if you are in the mood for sweet or savory. 

• Profiteroles: They are like mini pancakes. If you catch yourself in Amsterdam during Christmas time, get them fresh at a Christmas market. It's also entertaining to watch them being made.

• Pickled Herring: Did I try this? No. Do most tourists? Yes. So I'll let you decide how adventurous you are feeling. 
• Cheese: I tried lots of different Dutch cheese all around the city center. Since I lived there, I always bought my cheese from the grocery store (Albert Hejn). When my sister and mom visited me that is the cheese I bought for them. Cheese stores in the center do have samples though!

Must See:

I hope you are spending more than one day in the 'dam so you can experience as much as possible. I think getting an I Amsterdam card is a good idea if you plan on going to one or more of these sites. It even includes transportation. Click here for more info on the card.

• Anne Frank House: Must visit. Get there early to avoid the lines. In the summer expect huge lines. Book tickets online before your trip. Be prepared to feel all the feels here. 
• Van Gogh: Personally, I am a huge Van Gogh fan so I really enjoyed the museum. The layout is kinda weird but that's my only negative.

• Rijksmuseum: If you are pressed for time, I'd skip this museum. Unless you are a huge history/art fan. This place is HUGE. Smaller than the Louvre, but still huge. The outside of the Museum is GORG. And there is usually someone playing music in the tunnel that runs through it.
• Iamsterdam: The famous Iamsterdam sign is located in front of the Rijksmuseum. Usually surrounded by tons of people trying to get a pic on top of a letter. Also in front of the Rijks is where the ice rink is in the winter. In the fall it was a huge pond with a fountain. It seemed to always change.

• Vondelpark: SOOOOO pretty. I used to bike around there or lay out with my friends on a nice day. In the summer there are a lot of concerts.

• Bloemenmarket: This is where they sell the tulips! Great to see if you can't make it out to the tulip fields between March-May. It's a good substitute. Just remember, if you buy bulbs, buy the American ones. And you will have to go through customs and get them checked and what not when you fly back. I personally just bought tulips from Costco when I got home.

• Dam Square: Super touristy but still a must see. If you are exploring the city center already, you will most likely stumble across Dam Square. Watch for pick-pocketers. There is also a huge souvenir shop right on the corner. Best place to buy gifts.

Mini Trips: 

If you have the time I highly recommend taking a quick train ride to these locations. All of these places are accessible from the train station in the city center.

• Keukenhof: The biggest flower fields in the world. I was in Amsterdam in the fall/winter so I never got to experience this but it's 100% on my to-do list for next time. They are open from March 23rd- May 21(ish). 

Google image Keukenhof and you will be verrrryyyy impressed.

• Windmills at Zane Schans: This is the best place to see the famous Dutch windmills. They also have a cute little town there. 

• Haarlem: A quick 20 min train ride from the city center puts you in my second favorite place in the Netherlands. I ABSOLUTELY loved Haarlem. The shops were all so unique and amazing, great churches, beautiful canals. I found a tea shop called "Babette's Tea" and it's one of my favorite places. It's walkable from the train station. Everything is walkable, honestly! Could not recommend Haarlem more. 

It's like a mini Amsterdam

I highly recommend the Babette's blend tea and the scones

• Bejlmer Arena: For those of you who are soccer fans and want to see the arena. This is also the area where I lived. So if you want to go over in that area let me know and I can give you more restaurants and things that are in that area.

See the little yellow star? That's where I lived! Could I hear every soccer game and concert? INDEED.

Things to do:

• Canal boat ride: There are a ton of different tour companies with similar prices. This is such a great way to ride throughout the canals and get a great look at the city. Try and fit this in if you don't have much time. You get to see so much.
• There are pizza cruises, wine cruises, architecture cruises, history cruises, dinner cruises, night cruises, etc... Just search the web for the one that fits best for you and the time you have there.

• Rent a bike: No better way to experience the Dutch way of life than riding a bike around! Don't rent the brightly colored orange or green ones because those have a greater chance of gotten stolen because it screams TOURIST. Most hotels/ hostels should have some you can rent from them. Ride to Vondelpark! (please be super cautious and be really aware, the Dutch don't stop. And they do yell at you if you are in the way.) Also, be aware that there are sidewalks AND bike lanes that look alike if you aren't paying attention. Red brick = bike lane. Still confused? Watch this helpful, hilarious video.

• Heineken Experience: Great way to learn how Heineken beer is made while enjoying two free beers. 
• Sex Museum: Take your mom!
• Red light district: And then take your mom here! Won't see much during the day. Night is the time to go if you want to see some ta-ta's. No pictures. Security guards will take your phone.

Shopping:

• 9 straatjes- Literally 9 streets in the Jordaan area with the cutest shops and restaurants. It's like the hipster part of the city. Greaaaaat place for instagram photos.
• Kalverstraat/ Liedjesstraat: Main shopping streets. You can find just about anything here: Forever 21, H&M, Steve Madden, Zara, etc.
• Albert Cuyp Market: My favorite market. Many nice vendors and food. THIS IS WHERE I WOULD GET A FRESH STROOPWAFEL. The stores around that area are nice too. 

Transportation: 

I think Amsterdam has the best transportation out of any city I've been to.

• Bike: Yes the city is small enough to walk around but, I just love to bike. (see video above about biking)
• Walking: Amsterdam is a great walking city. However, while you are walking, watch out for bikes. Remember the RED BRICK PATHS are for bikes, not pedestrians. Bikes always have the right of way.
• Trams: If you aren't biking, this is the next best thing. Amsterdam has a great tram system. Can purchase 1 or 2 day tickets in a metro station. Works on metro or tram.
• Metro: Not necessary if staying in the city center, but if you need it it's cheap and easy. Can purchase tickets inside any metro station
• Train: Best way to get from the airport to Centraal Station. No need to Uber.
• Uber/ Taxi: They have it if you need it.

Now here is the (fun) section of my blog for those who really want to dabble in that Amsterdam life.

Note: Cafe = sells coffee. Coffeeshop = sells weed.

Coffeeshops:

• Coffeeshop Old Amsterdam
• Bluebird
• Bulldog
• Grey Area
• 420 Cafe <- my personal fav.
• Greenhouse Centrum

 If you are nervous and want some more info, Click HERE. They are all over the place. Some are sketchier than others. They do check ID to make sure you are over 18. Some places charge extra for a lighter. It's cheaper to roll yourself vs. a pre-rolled. Pre-rolled usually contained more tobacco than I cared for. The people who work there are usually super nice and very helpful.

Nightlife:

• Leidseplein: Best area for night life. Young crowds. Also great christmas markets in the winter.
• Melkweg: concerts and clubs are held here. 
• Paradiso: Spent many nights at this club. Always fun. 

Any bar is usually pretty poppin on the weekends. Tons of bars and pubs in the city center. I went to one bar that was filled with arcade games and board games. Even had a ball pit! It's called De TonTon Club if you are interested.

Other side notes:

If you forget anything find a Hema, it's like a mini Target. If you need food, snacks or water find an Albert Hijn. This is where I recommend getting stroopwafels. They also have pre-packaged sandwiches and snacks. There are mini Albert Hijns at the airport and at the major metro/ train stations.

Most importantly HAVE TONS OF FUN because Amsterdam is the best place evaaaaa. And feel free to send me snapchats and pictures while you are there. And bring me home stroopwafels.

JUST LOOK AT THAT GOODNESS

Doei doei,
Marissa

The Schneitzels Eat Schnitzel

Alright y'all.

Make sure you have a nice comfy seat and a cup of coffee because you are about to read three weeks of the Neitzel Girls traveling Europe. You might want to go the bathroom first too.

Ready?

My mother and sister flew from California to Paris and then Paris to Amsterdam on December 17th. They would have made it to Amsterdam by 2pm but they missed their connecting flight. Even after the plane taxied for 20 extra minutes running through the entire Paris terminal, going through customs and running to the gate, they still missed their flight. So while the airline booked them on their next available flight and they wiped the buckets of sweat from running the terminal, I snuggled into bed, started the Santa Claus 2, took a nap and awaited their arrival.

Amsterdam 

We had two days in Amsterdam before we left for Germany. I tried to squeeze as many fun Amsterdam things in before we left. We spent the first day biking around the city and through Vondelpark. Much to my surprise, no one got ran over or hit by a car... or a bike. I told them, you just need to ride your bike with the same confidence and aggressiveness as you do when you drive a car in LA. Which is true. Riding a bike in Amsterdam isn't for the weak. 

"I'm not sure the last time I was on a bike,"-Mom
"Don't worry, it's just like riding a bike..."-Me

Amanda's Favorite part: biking in Vondelpark 

Street Art, Yo.

 The next day Amanda and my mom went to explore the Rikjsmuseum and walk around the area. I however did not join because I was doing this the night before (pictured below).

Final Partyyyyy

Even though our time in Amsterdam was short, I knew we still had two more days when we returned to do other things.

Munich, Germany

Next stop: Beer and Schnitzel

CHUG CHUG CHUG

My mom always finished her beer first. And she wasn't even in a sorority. WTF

Tres cervazas por favor 

And Schnitzel obvi 

Out of all the palaces we explored, the one in Munich was by far our favorite.

A little Christmas shopping for myself.

Love this door

I would hate to be the kid in this family when the mom was like, "Hey can you go set the table..."

YAASSSSS

#HallwayGoals

 Next stop: Dachau, Concentration Camp

Very eerie. I didn't take many pictures because I felt it was a place one needs to experience versus looking at pictures.

 Next Stop: Castle Shopping

Castle Hohenschwangau

Castle Hohenschwangau

View from Castle 

Neuschwanstein AKA Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Welcome to our new summer home

View from Neuschwanstein 

This is still my favorite castle though

Our first Christmas market on our trip

Munich was great, not my favorite though. I enjoyed the castles the most. And the beer and bratwursts. SO DELISH.

Salzburg, Austria

For the rest of the trip until going back to Amsterdam, we took the train. Amanda and my mom embarrassingly played cards throughout the entire ride. And not a little card game like Uno. No. It was Hand and Foot. It involves 6 decks and a whole table. So, I just sipped on my cappuccino and judged them. And no, I didn't play because I was too busy reading The Help.

In Salzburg, we celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Which was very interesting to say the least. We enjoyed a nice Christmas Eve dinner at a Chinese restaurant down the street from our hotel. While everyone else was having their roasts and pies, I was having fried rice and sesame chicken. On Christmas we went on a Sound of Music tour. In a big tour bus. With Julie Andrew's face plastered on the side. IT WAS FANTASTIC. Touring a country while singing a musical? Hello, winner winner (sesame) chicken dinner. However, it didn't really feel like Christmas. It was super strange being away from home. PLUS Santa had no idea where I was and DIDN'T come. WTF.  

Christmas Eve

I AM 16 GOING ON 17 LALALALALAAAA

Christmas Day 

Salzburg countryside 

Glad we went on the tour because they took us here!

Do ray me fa so la ti do

Mid tour selfie 

Where we had apple strudel 

Oh look, another christmas market

YAS

Don't mind if I do

Mozart Christmas concert. Also where Amanda took a 2 hour nap

Castle shopping again

Looking over my kingdom

Salzburg was so pretty. It sucked that every single shop was closed every single day we were there. Except the Chinese Restaurant. That was open. It was a fun place to do Christmas BUT I wish there had been snow. C'mon.

Vienna, Austria 

Our next destination was Vienna. I don't have that many pictures from here because I took like 10,000 of just the architecture for myself. And I don't want to bore you with 10,000 pictures of buildings. But don't worry, I did include a few.

In Vienna, we mostly walked around the city center and the outer ring of the center. We had two fantastic dinners. Now that I am making friends from all over the world, I can message them for suggestions and yasssss all of their food advice paid off. Had the best schnitzel in Vienna, by far. We also went to an opera/ ballet. But I use the term ballet very loosely. The last day we went to Maria Theresa's palace and froze our buns off.

Cupcakes grow on the trees here

At Hogwarts

Waiting for mother to get ready. Always waiting on her

Whaaattt another Christmas market?

Wiener anyone?

Opera and "Ballet"

Vienna did have the best Christmas decor though

ANDDDDD we are cold

This picture's a framer for sure. Haaaaaa

Oh, it's only her summer palace? OHKAYYY

Tried the original sachet torte. It wasn't any good hahahha. 

Innsbruck, Vienna

I think this was all of our favorite place we visited. It was a small town and it didn't have that big city feel to it, which I enjoy more. But it was also soooo cutttteeeee. I loved all the streets and the buildings. Although this was our favorite place, it was our least favorite hotel. Hilton can SUCK IT. Also, PSA, queen sized beds in Europe are not the size of queen beds in America. Like maybe half the size. So if you are the youngest in the family you will probably have to sleep uncomfortably on a pull out cot because THE QUEEN SIZED BEDS ARE NOT QUEEN SIZED. The best part of the Hilton was that sometimes the entire room's electricity would go out for no reason. Fun. Also they forgot to give us coffee creamer. BUTTHOLES.

Anywho. Besides our horrible room, we had a fabulous time in the town. We went to the zoo on the side of a mountain, all the way to the top of the mountain on a tram, the Swarovski Museum and ice skating. We also spent New Years Eve there too. Which was surprisingly fun. They had three different stages with two DJs and one live band. We went back to the hotel for the fireworks for a better view. Literally so cool. The fireworks went off from 7pm-2am. Around 11pm they were being fired off all across the horizon, in the streets and over the river every 1-2 seconds. It was FANTASTIC. Best NYE firework show ever.

I mean LOOK AT THIS PLACE.

Quit moosing around. LOL. I just made that up

He is literally moosing around. HAHA

Yakity yak. Don't talk back. It's actually a bison though. Not a yak

I did get a New Year's kiss haaaaayyyy

PROOST!

No one would sled with me!

Finally found some snow. Barely any. 

NYE... at a Christmas market... Another Christmas market...

NYE

Swarovski Entrance 

Cinderella's Slipper!!!

Frost yourself

Tinkerbell? WANTTTT. 

Crystal ceiling 

No idea what this is

Zurich, Switzerland

Now, I'm a little disappointed with this stop. Only because we only had one full day there, Sunday. And guess what happens on Sundays... everything is closed. It literally could have been a holiday it was so dead. Want to go shopping? Closed. Cafes? Closed. Chocolate stores? Closed. Cheese stores? Closed. WHYYYYYYY??? All I wanted from Zurich was some god damn chocolate and some god damn snow and I got neither. That isn't true. I got hot chocolate. My mom said maybe it was a good thing all the stores were closed because everything there is sooooooo expensive. 

Since everything was basically closed the only things we did was go on a boat tour, walk around and eat fondue. 

The only day it rained on our whoolllleeee entire trip

Streets

So pretty. Felt like it went on for miles

Fondue night one. Yes Amanda did dip the pickles in cheese. "Everything tastes good covered in cheese" -Amanda 

Boat cruise on Lake Zurich

And we froze

But it was pretty 

Fun fact. You aren't allowed to take pictures in here. MY BAD

I liked this little downtown area. S'Cute

For some reason the bells in Zurich ran for like 15 mins every hour. And there were like 10000 bell towers. 

I want some goddd damnnnn chocolate!

But I had to settle for hot chocolate

YAS. Fonde night 2. SO GOOD. 

Amsterdam, Round 2

We flew back bright and early to Amsterdam so we could have about two full days in the Dam before I sent them back home. While I went back to my dorm to drop my stuff off and pack an overnight bag, Amanda and my mom went to the Van Gogh museum. After I met back up, we went and got huge, homemade stroopwafels. I don't have a picture because I accidentally devoured it. Whoops. The next day, I took them to my favorite little town in the Netherlands; Haarlem. We had afternoon tea at my favorite tea place and I showed them their first dutch windmill. And of course it was under construction. For dinner Amanda found this SUPER AMAZING restaurant with 9 delicious courses. Oh it was so fabulous. My mom said it was the best meal she ever had. And she's old, so you know she's had alooooootttt of meals. Sorry no pics. I didn't want to be basic and take a picture of each course. I was trying to be fancy, yo!

Lil finger sandwiches for our fancy selves 

Yas SCONES Yas

Dessert.

Windmill

Amsterdam at night 

After all that, I dropped them off at the airport and waved goodbye, sad that our trip was over. Well actually it was more like, " Can you guys figure it out from here? I want to go back to bed. Bye."

I really was sad to see them go.

But I was also very tired.

It was a fabulous trip and we had a fabulous time. I wish it had snowed and I wish things weren't closed all the time. I now know that even though it is a perfect time to take off from work or school and go travel around the holidays, I probably won't do it again. Everything was closed and it became very annoying. I guess I'm used to everything always being open in the US haha. I will also never stay in a Hilton in Europe. Oh well, lessons learned for next trip.

Speaking of the next trip... I leave for London in the morning.

Goodbye my pretties.