The demand to get into the Anne Frank House found its rival in the Van Gogh Museum, and meanwhile, the Rijksmuseum has been attracting huge numbers since it reopened in 2013. The Red Light District is crammed almost every night, and the party plazas never seem to be empty of, well, party people.

Tips for visiting Amsterdam attractions

We’ve talked about alternatives to Amsterdam’s most popular sights in previous posts, but despite the growing crowds, it’s worth it to visit Amsterdam’s biggest attractions. Even in high season, when tourism is at its peak, there are still easy ways to help you enjoy the top tourist attractions.

With these simple tips and a little bit of patience, you can survive and thrive amid the crowds at Amsterdam’s most famous spots.

Lining up early outside of the Van Gogh Museum. Photo: Michael Coghlan

Get there early. Repeat: Get there early.

It seems like a no-brainer, we know, but we still can’t stress this tip enough. “Rise and shine” timing is everything when it comes to beating the crowds in Amsterdam. Don’t rely on inclement weather or hope for a slower weekday visit to minimize the lines. Plan to get up and out early, and do it. Plus, you have extra incentive with plenty of places to grab a Dutch breakfast for some early morning energy.

Get tickets online

Commit to a museum the night before, wake up early, and get there as close to opening time as you can. If it’s the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum, you have to get tickets online.

Be prepared for the day ahead

Make sure to leave your hotel prepared for the day’s adventure. Pack some rain gear if the forecast says clouds, sunscreen if it says clear skies, plus water, snacks and something to read while you wait for the doors to open.

Anne Frank House

You can’t wing it. And you can’t play it by ear. You have to come prepared if you want to see this historic house. The line used to be so long that you could literally read Anne Frank’s diary from start to finish while waiting to enter the museum. Now you can only get tickets online, so you have to plan ahead. Showing up without a plan is one of the top rookie travel mistakes in Amsterdam.

For the most comprehensive overview, read our full guide for buying Anne Frank House tickets. Here are a few highlights from the article.

Buy tickets in advance

This is the easiest way to save countless hours during a trip to Amsterdam. And you can do it online before your trip. Just commit to a time and use your credit card to purchase passes on the Anne Frank House website.

Experience every inch of the space

Once inside, it’s easy to brush over the empty rooms that Anne Frank and her family hid in for two long years. However, plan to linger a little bit here. Soak in and visualize the scene as much as possible, because this is the most unique part of the museum.

But go soon — there are already plans in motion to seal off some of these areas with glass.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is an open and airy museum that’s easy to handle in one visit… if you can make it through the heavy crowds. Boasting one of the world’s greatest collections of Van Gogh paintings, the museum is incredibly popular, attracting more than 1.9 million guests in recent years.

You don’t need the audio guide

The layout is easy to follow with three floors exhibiting the artist’s work chronologically during his 10 years as a painter. Large text on the walls explain enough of Van Gogh’s life and style, so don’t bother paying extra for the audio guide.

Don’t waste time taking photos

In fact, don’t even think about snapping a picture, because they’re not allowed anywhere in the museum. This smart policy is to specifically avoid the problem of too many smartphones obstructing your experience of gazing upon a Van Gogh masterpiece.

Artworks by other artists are mixed in

Surprisingly, not everything you see on the wall is by Van Gogh. Paintings by other big names like Monet, Gauguin and Manet are interspersed into the museum’s Van Gogh galleries. Strange? Yes, but that’s why we’re telling you in advance. Reading those placards are more important than you think!

Rijksmuseum

With dozens of galleries on four floors exhibiting thousands of pieces of artwork, the Rijksmusuem is a labyrinth of a building for visitors to navigate. It also houses a treasure trove of relics across 900 years of history, so it’s no surprise that it can easily become an overwhelming experience. Knowing how to get to the top artworks is key to saving time and enjoying your visit.

Pick up a free museum floor plan

The Rijksmuseum floor plan is the key to your visit. You can find this free pamphlet at the information desk. (Pro tip: you can also download the museum’s app before you go, and it has floor plans, free tours and more.) It’s a perfect pocket guide that gives a general overview of where all the top hits are located.

The biggies on the second floor include “The Night Watch” (Nachtwacht) by Rembrandt and the adjoining hallway known as The Gallery of Honour, which holds several works by Vermeer, Steen and others. Another area that always proves popular is the Breitner, Gabriel and Van Gogh room on the first floor that contains several masterpieces.

Use the gallery cards to quickly find the highlights

Don’t know what to focus on upon entering a gallery area? Look for the handheld laminated info cards that describe each room’s particular artworks in detail.

Special treat

We highly recommend ducking into the 19^th-century Rijksmuseum library (bibliotheek) on the second floor to admire the preserved architecture and book collection stacking up to four floors high.

Book in advance

Want to pre-purchase your ticket and skip the ticket line entirely? You can do that here.

The Red Light District glows every night with a sea of fun-loving tourists. Photo: qiou87

Red Light District

Despite its sultry and shady reputation, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is actually quite safe. There is always a big police presence in the neighborhood, and there are many hidden cameras keeping extra eyes on the streets. You also don’t have to worry about finding yourself alone on an empty street, because, for better or worse, rarely is the quarter ever quiet.

Watch out for boozers

The biggest concerns for visitors are usually from intoxicated tourists, like bachelor parties on a weekend bender. While most of these roaming groups are just out for a good time, they can also occasionally be a little intimidating and out of control. Just be aware of your surroundings, and you will be fine.

When to visit for a more mellow experience

To avoid the more rocking side of the Red Light District, it’s best to stroll around midday and early evening (before 8 p.m.). If you’re looking for a less sexy time to visit, with fewer ladies in the windows, visit from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. when many shift changes take place. During this dinner break, many windows are empty and the curtains are drawn.

The fun heats up in the evening

After 8 p.m. is usually the best time to see the Red Light District alive, a little rowdy, and glowing its dim shade of crimson. If you can handle (or are looking for) drunk tourists and big crowds, come here in the evening to find the big party atmosphere. Keep your wallet close and your purse zipped at all times, and expect most of the bars and coffeeshops in this district to be very touristy.

Related: 5 tips for surviving the Amsterdam party scene

A fun choice for budget hotels

Surprisingly, it’s also a really affordable place to stay. Just note, we only recommend staying here if the Red Light District scene is your idea of fun. If so, then you can find many rates around $100 at cheapo picks like Hotel International and Winston Hotel.

Otherwise, check out all of our budget hotels in Amsterdam. We have plenty of other choices far from the fun chaos of the Red Light District.

The post Tips for saving time and money at Amsterdam’s top attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are some simple ways that you can find your dream accommodation on the Cheapo:

Look beyond the center

Amsterdam is densely populated because the city itself is small, so don’t jump on the first affordable hotel located in the “center”.

The reason: Hotels in any UNESCO district – like Amsterdam’s center – are under strict renovation limits. The 21st-century “bigger is better” mentality doesn’t mesh with 17th-century space.

What can you do? Neighborhoods like Jordaan, De Pijp and Plantage offer settings more peaceful than the Dam and Red Light District. Prices can be cheaper and rooms are likely to be a tad larger in size. Plus there’s a higher chance the hotel has been renovated with a modern touch.

The Museumplein area keeps you close to the cultural hotspots like Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum, while the more adventurous should try man-made islands like houseboats at Westerdok Eiland, Prinseneiland and modern Zeeburg for ideal waterfront living. Night owls should drift towards Leidseplain and Rembrandtplein: Amsterdam’s two entertainment hubs with hotels usually cheaper than the center.

The steep stairs in Amsterdam, such as these at the Hotel Internationaal, might have you feeling a little dizzy

Prepare for (chutes and) ladders

One thing about Dutch architecture that’s unavoidable are steep stairs. The main gripe among Amsterdam visitors is the unexpected, unpleasant exercise of climbing four flights many times a day to get to their guest rooms.

The reason: Notice the hooks that hang above most Dutch buildings. The hook and rope pulley system was (and still is) an Amsterdammer’s moving method. A housing tax based on a building’s width was imposed during the 17th century, hence the steep stairs. Today, buildings can only make minimal renovations. As a result, the ladders (that locals call “stairs”) remain painfully intact.

What can you do? Be ready for unreasonable staircases, knowing that all of Amsterdam’s city dwellers live this way. Travelers with disabilities or heavy luggage should consider rooms on ground levels, or hunt around for hotels with elevators (which are few when on a low budget). Assistance is on standby at most places of course, and some even offer grip bars on the walls when handrails aren’t enough.

Who needs A/C when you can chill outside in cool garden, like this one at the Nadia Hotel?

Losing air (conditioning)

Every hotel in Northern Europe will have heating, but air conditioning is usually unavailable at budget hotels, and even fans can be hard to come by.  To keep rates low, you’ll need to stop thinking of A/C as essential.

The reason: North and Central Europe have problems with cold spells, not heat waves. When heat waves do arrive in areas like Spain, Italy and Greece, fans and nature’s ocean breeze is the remedy. Rationalizing the cost of air conditioning for a one-week summer just doesn’t happen.

What can you do? Amsterdam is humid, and the very few days that temps pass 75 F can be a sweaty experience indoor and outdoor. The best thing to do is pack something light to sleep in, and get out of your hotel early. Head to the beaches, shady parks and comfortable canal side cafes. It’s what the locals do.

Hostels, such as the wonerful St-Christopher’s at the Winston, can be a great budget option for groups.

Hotels or hostels: Tit for tat

Hostels have a reputation for being the deep-budget accommodation option in Europe, but in Amsterdam, this isn’t always necessarily the case.

The reason: During Amsterdam’s high tourist season – summer – Amsterdam’s hostels hike prices as much as budget hotels. In a city with as much to attract youth and budget travelers as Amsterdam, hostels can face quite high demand.

What can you do? So how does a cheapo know to go for a hostel or hotel? If camping isn’t an option, consider your situation. Hostels and hotels can both be very cheap, but they each are better fit to different travelers with different needs.

Here are some things to think about when choosing between a hotel and hostel:

• Food options: If breakfast included in the price, what’s on the menu? If the meal charge is still a good deal compared to what you’d spend otherwise, sneak a little extra for a lunch sandwich or snack.

• Group size: Traveling with a group? Hostels are good at fitting many people into one room. For hotels, make sure it’s not a double turned into a triple (or a triple turned into a quad). Things can get cramped and the room will get stuffy.

• Introvert or extrovert: Hostels in Amsterdam are great for social travelers flying solo, with perks like pool halls, hostel bars (and smoking rooms), hangout areas and internet lounges. Amsterdam hotels carry a more cozy and private experience, and are best for independent travelers with their own agenda.

Hotel suggestions

Now comes the fun part… the hotel hunt! To read unbiased reviews written by our editors, head to our Amsterdam hotel guide. Have a suggestion or a favorite hotel in Amsterdam to share with our readers? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

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Anne Frank House Museum

You and everyone visiting Holland knows the tragic and inspiring story of Anne Frank. Even in the heaviest of rain, the line for the Anne Frank House Museum is a constant feature of the building’s exterior. Luckily, the museum has a few tricks up their sleeve to help curb this well-known issue.

One big win is the option to buy tickets beforehand on the museum’s website, and bring a print copy along to skip the line and head straight to the “special entrance.” Visitors can order up to 14 tickets online, and the payment system is credit-card friendly (but not student-discount friendly!).

On top of that, the museum’s opening hours stretch into the evening. Spring and summer closing time isn’t until 9 p.m., and high season closing (July and August) is 10 p.m. Try your luck after 7 p.m. for the lowest waiting time. If you plan to visit during the low season, stroll by around 5 p.m. to scope out the stand by scene.

Amsterdam’s Jood Historisch Museum offers an interesting alternative to the Anne Frank Haus. Photo: Museumnacht

Skip it and head to the Jewish Historic Museum

Amsterdam’s Joods Historisch (Jewish Historical) Museum is a great alternative if lines look hopelessly long at the Anne Frank House, especially if your interest lies within Jewish culture and history in Amsterdam. About 11,000 art and historic artifacts are housed here, and the museum offers deep insight into Nazi occupation in Holland from 1940 to 1945.

The museum entry is €12, but it includes admission to the Portuguese Synagogue next door, and the nearby Holandsche Shouwburg.

Van Gogh Museum

Situated in the middle of Museumplein, the Van Gogh Museum is the most visited art museum in Amsterdam. And after paying a not-so-cheapo fee to see Van Gogh’s work, it’s all the more frustrating when the charge includes a wait in the rain.

From September 2012 to late April 2013 the museum’s collection is being temporarily housed in the Hermitage Amsterdam museum, which might diminish the number of visitors, simply due to the inconvenience. If that’s not the case, timing is of the essence. While Anne Frank Huis is a better visit in the evening, Van Gogh is roomiest right at the opening.

Give yourself about an hour at the Van Gogh once you’re inside. If things get busy, take a break at the cafe and try the packed areas again later. The museum is good at keeping people moving. It’s easy to wait out the waves of large groups by just stepping aside for a few minutes.

Skip it and head to the Stedelijk Museum

The more die-hard art lovers might prefer the newly-renovated Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, full of modern and contemporary art and design from the 20th and 21st Centuries. Late Greats like Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse are exhibited there, along with even a smaller Vincent van Gogh collection.

The Stedelijk is located just around the corner from the Van Gogh, and well worth the admission if Vinny’s “Sunflowers” are taking forever to get to.

The Red Light District attracts tourist throngs most nights. Photo: Jburgin

Red Light District

As early on in the week as Wednesday evening, Amsterdam’s Red Light District looks more like a maze of wall-to-wall tourists ogling and snickering as they shuffle by beautiful blondes in moodily lit windows. By weekend things are packed, people get pushy, and drunk bachelor parties are downright ugly. The last place you want to be is between a prostitute hurling a bottle at some idiot taking her photo (which, it goes without saying, you should never, ever, do!).

Still, the Red Light District offers a big barrel of traditional Dutch charm. It’s the oldest part of the city with buildings dating from the 14th and 15th Centuries, and it’s should most definitely not be overlooked. Stroll early afternoon. Even by 10 a.m. a few brown bar cafes are open and ladies are running the “morning shift.” The canals are just as dazzling by day, and the mood is quiet.

Avoid getting sucked into tourist streets like Warmoestraat and Damstraat. These streets make up the borders of the Red Light District, offering a mess of low-quality coffeeshops and tourist bars. Stick to the main veins of Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal for the ultimate Red Light District view (but remember, snap pics at the canals and clearly away from any windows with women in them!).

Skip it and head to the Jordaan

The Red Light District isn’t the only area in Amsterdam with woman selling services under red-lit windows. An area near the Singel canal, just before the Jordaan, exhibits the same setting on a smaller scale. Plus the Jordaan offers just as much character in its buildings as the Red Light, with impressive canals, churches, gardens and alleyways.

The post Amsterdam: How to avoid crowds at the city’s biggest attractions and smart alternatives appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are five reasons for Cheapos to be excited about visiting Amsterdam in 2013:

1. The 400th anniversary of the canal belt

During Amsterdam’s 17-century Golden Age, building grand canal rings around the city proved better for business and easier for commerce, given that boats were the country’s main form of transportation. (Bicycles came later.) The need for practical trade routes led to the creation of the Canal Belt, one of Amsterdam’s most recognizable features, and scenic spots for romantic views and photo ops followed.

Winning a UNESCO World Heritage title in 2010, these brick buildings, bridges and breathtaking waterways are still standing after 400 years. To celebrate along these dazzling canals, expect a cheery jumble of live music, outdoor multimedia projects and art festivities throughout the year.

The Rijksmuseum is set to reopen in the spring of 2013. Photo: Ben Kempner

2. The revealing of the new Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum

The Rijksmusem is one of the largest buildings in the city center, and for a decade the art museum’s external scaffolding has been a constant eyesore. But come spring 2013 its newly renovated 1.5 kilometers of space will hold over 8,000 pieces, revealing 800 years of Dutch history and culture – including Rembrandt’s “Night Watch.”

Nearby at the Museumplein, the neighboring Van Gogh Museum will also reopen entirely in April 2013. Just in time for Mr. Gogh’s 160th birthday. (Until then, visit the Hermitage Amsterdam to see a wide collection of Van Goghs.)

3. 125 years of a music masterpiece.

Amsterdam’s famous concert hall, the Concertgebow, celebrates 125 years of performances by filling the city’s streets with music. Plans are in the works to project live concerts throughout Amsterdam onto giant screens for free public viewing pleasure.

Throughout 2013, the grand and glamorous concert hall will live stream a selection of the 700+ performances scheduled for 2013. In addition, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and its 120 musicians take off for a world tour around the world, and a home performance is expected in August.

Happy 175, Artis Zoo! Photo: Nigel Swales

4. Oldest zoo in the country turns 175.

Set in the heart of the leafy Plantage neighborhood, Amsterdam’s old Jewish quarter, the Artis Zoo turns 175 in 2013. Artis houses an impressive collection of more than 6,000 animals, plus some gorgeous tulip-filled gardens, and a relaxing café atmosphere just next to the flamingo sanctuary. Expect some family-friendly events at this cultural oasis throughout the year.

5. 150 years of equality.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of abolishing slavery in the Netherlands and its former colonies in the Dutch Antilles and Surinam. To celebrate, the Foundation for the Commemoration of Slavery is planning to hold events July 1.

Throw in Queen’s Day April 31 and Liberation Day on May 5, and the dozens of arts and music fests stringing the weeks together prove that summer in Amsterdam is going to be hopping with celebration in 2013.

Coming to Amsterdam in 2013?

If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam in 2013, be sure to stop by our guide to budget hotels in Amsterdam to find a good, central and cheap sleep for your stay. All of our editor’s picks have been inspected and approved. Read more in our Amsterdam guide.

The post Amsterdam in 2013: Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh reopen, canals turn 400, and more. appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Choosing the right ‘hood, therefore, is a good first step in ensuring that you’ll be well-positioned to get the most out of your trip. Keeping that in mind, here is my quick guide to Amsterdam’s neighborhoods, according to travelers’ varied tastes:

Museumplein
For art lovers

The Museumplein (Museum Quarter) is a charming neighborhood filled with museums and beautiful buildings dating back to the 19th Century. There are plenty of art-related activities here, from museums like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to everyday buildings boasting interesting architecture.

Classical music fans will benefit from the neighborhood’s famous Concertgebouw concert hall. Not only will its classical concerts dazzle visitors, but the building’s design will fascinate them. Keep an eye out for free lunch-hour performances.

For glimpses of local art and architecture, stroll down P.C. Hooftstraat and the neighboring lanes.

De Pijp
For students, eating out

Unlike the overtly European touch of the Museumplein, De Pijp offers flavors from all over the world. This is evident in the various architectural touches, the types of shops and activities, and of course, the fantastic eateries.

This neighborhood has a definite multicultural feel that will appeal to travelers looking for something off the beaten path. Given its bustling atmosphere and student community, this neighborhood will appeal to younger travelers and students. From exotic Moroccan food to dainty French cuisine, this is the perfect spot to eat out. Check out Bazar and Burgermeester for some yummy dishes at affordable prices.

Jordaan
For seniors

The Jordaan has an interesting history that includes an influx of immigrants, working class developments, and later, a redevelopment of the neighborhood. As a result, the area today boasts a unique and exotic vibe.

Because of its rich history and relaxed atmosphere, older travelers tend to fall in love with the neighborhood. For example, you can walk down meandering lanes lined with boutiques, studios, and galleries. You can visit historic spots like Rembrandt’s house on Rozengracht and his studio on Bloemgracht.

And there are quirkier spots, too. If you are curious about the way of life in a house boat, the Houseboat Museum is the place to go. The Pianola Museum, meanwhile, features a number of different pianos and other instruments.

Grachtengordel (Canal Belt)
For bar hopping

This area is easily recognizable because of its semicircular set of canal rings. (In our Amsterdam guide, the neighborhood is divided into Grachtengordel South and Grachtengordel West.) Formed mainly from three bigger canals called Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, this canal belt has a variety of attractions for everyone. However, since the canal belt surrounds the center, and hence the most popular tourist spots, this area offers a number of lively nightlife activities.

Catering to different types of travelers, this hood offers a variety of different bars and cafes. There’s the rustic De Pieper (Western Canal Belt Prinsengracht 424), the laidback Café `t Arendsnest (Herengracht 90), Bar Struik (Rozengracht 160) for the hip young ones, and for those who love sampling different liquors, try the De Admiral (Herengracht 319).

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Drink specials

Here’s a short list of apéritifs—along with a few daytime touring suggestions to go with your drinks— that’ll help you ease into the evening in harmonious style. So, during “l’heure de apéritif” (the gateway to dinner), you can kick back with a journal or sketchpad avec a cold beverage, and look and feel like a vrai local.

Something old in Montmartre

Local Laurent demonstrates the art of the Picon.

Hankering for a taste of the past? Order a Picon. Created by Gaétan Picon in 1837, this bittersweet blend of oranges and deep blue gentian flowers is typically served with a demi-pression (small draft beer), into which you pour the Picon-bière. Aromatic and richly colored, the orange-toffee flavored brew combines with the hops to pack a potent punch. Take caution! “Just one,” smartly advised local film editor Laurent, “otherwise you just might tumble down.”

Everything tastes better in context. So, if you’re in Montmartre, work up your thirst with a stroll by Van Gogh’s old digs at 54 rue Lepic, Picasso’s studio at the Bateau Lavoir (13 Rue Ravignan), or the Chat Noir at 84 Blvd. Rouchechouart (where Erik Satie tickled the ivories). If you still aren’t parched, check out the old zinc bar exhibited at the Musée Montmartre.

Something new (er) in St-Germain

After the 1915 ban on Absinthe, folks had to make do with Pastis, which tastes nearly the same but no longer induces appearances of la Fée Verte (the Green Fairy) as the hallucinogenic muse of artists and poets. Opalescent green in color with a distinctive anise taste, it’s usually mixed with water and ice. For a literary twist, add champagne instead of water for a concoction Ernest Hemingway lovingly called, “death in an afternoon.”

Promenading through St-Germain? Look for the former residence of Julia Child at 81 rue de l’Université (she had her own homemade absinthe recipe!), or the Closerie des Lilas, where a plaque embedded in the bar marks Hemingway’s favorite seat. Visit the Musée d’Orsay. Note those cloudy green glasses in the works of Degas, Lautrec or Van Gogh.

Something borrowed in the Marais

In 1885 Fernand Muraux found a recipe in Switzerland and introduced Suze (named for a Swiss river). Another gentian-based apéritif, this old-fashioned bar favorite is normally served on ice with equal parts water or orange juice. Make a conversation piece of it by challenging your drinking companions to describe its strange and peculiar flavor! Picasso once said, “I put all the things I like into my pictures—too bad for the things, they just have to put up with it.” Check out his 1912 collage “Verre et bouteille de Suze.”

While meandering through the Marais, visit the Musée Picasso or Musée Carnavalet (where you’ll spot Steinlen’s original Chat Noir sign!).

Something blue in Montparnasse

Say “Kir” for a classic (and classy) refresher made of crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur) in white wine. Originally called blanc-cassis, it was named for Canon Félix Kir, the Mayor of Dijon who popularized it when the good red Burgundy was confiscated during the German Occupation. As usual, brewmaster Hemingway made his own version with vermouth, called “Chambéry Cassis.”

Afternoon aperitifs near Picasso’s old haunt.

Take a break from hobnobbing in Montparnasse with a visit to the Musée Montparnasse. Also hit up Hemingway’s house at 70 bis rue Notre Dame des Champs, or see where Gertrude Stein held court at 27 rue de Fleurus (where Papa was a frequent caller). For real café-culture ambience, try Le Select at 99, Boulevard Montparnasse.

Bon Voyage et Santé, Cheapos!

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