Amsterdam Travel Guide – Essential Aspects to Consider before Visiting the Charming Capital
Visiting the Charming Capital: With its charming gabled houses, lush parks, whirring bicycles, romantic canals, magnificent museums and dozens of entertainment opportunities, Amsterdam has everything any tourist could dream of. However, to make sure you make the most of your vacation in the capital of Netherlands – or anywhere else abroad, for that matter – it is essential to plan ahead for certain aspects. Let’s have a look at them:
The Best Time to Visit
Visiting the Charming Capital: The best time to visit any tourist destination depends a lot on what you are looking for. If you like crowds and mingling with other tourists, want to take advantage of the best weather and wish to get the opportunity to attend as many local events as possible, traveling peak-season is for you. In Amsterdam, this means any time from June to August, when the weather is hospitable and the days are longer.
If, however, you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation and lower hotel rates, the best time to plan a trip here is from April to May or in autumn – if you don’t mind packing some warm clothes too, that is.
What Will You Do In Case of Medical Problems?
Thinking about health may be the last thing you want to do when planning your dream vacation, but it is necessary nonetheless, as unexpected problems can occur no matter where you’re travelling. If you are an EU citizen, you will be glad to know that your European Health Insurance Card will cover for almost any healthcare services you may need while in Amsterdam. What is important to keep in mind here is that you may still need pay your medical bill on the spot, but you can make a claim when you get back home and you’ll be reimbursed.
Citizens of other countries might want to look into travel insurance, but it’s good to know that the city provides less expensive medical or dental services compared to the USA or other parts of the world.
Where Will You Stay?
While finding accommodation on the go may seem romantic and adventurous, it is not usually such a good idea, for various reasons. First of all, because even if you’re travelling off-season, it might happen that you won’t be able to find any free rooms without prior reservations, especially in a busy tourist destination such as Amsterdam. Furthermore, booking in advance will almost always secure you a better price than last-minute calls or just popping in unannounced.
Finally, when planning your accommodation ahead, you will also be able to choose just the right place that fits your needs and preferences. Amsterdam’s historic centre and Nieuwmarkt are among the most popular tourist areas, but they can be noisy and quite pricey when it comes to lodging. This is why it is best to book a room in one of the quieter, but still central neighbourhoods, such as the Western Canal ring or Vondelpark. One good example in this regard is Hostel Annemarie, an affordable and comfortable B&B that enjoys an ideal location, close to important attractions but still peaceful to allow you to rest after a long day exploring the city.
