Christmas break in Netherlands | FREE
Day 1: Arrival
You will start your trip from Amsterdam. After arriving at the airport and clearing immigration, proceed to your hotel to relax and sleep off the jet lag. Depending upon the time of arrival, you may choose to venture out and explore the neighbourhood on your own. You can also take a stroll around Amsterdam Central. It is advisable not to book any guided tours on the day of arrival, since your body will need time to adjust to the new time zone. It will also take you some time to figure out how to use the public transport services such as the metro or tram.
We would strongly advise you to get the I amsterdam city card, which will help you access public transport, as well as some of the major highlights of Amsterdam city. We had booked the digital card before arriving in Amsterdam. The digital card will get activated the first time you use it. You can choose a 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, and 120 hours card, depending upon the duration of your trip. Providing the link to purchase the card below:
There is a high speed train from the airport directly to Amsterdam City Central. This is not included as part of I amsterdam City Card. However, you can easily purchase a ticket right outside the airport. The trip from the airport to Amterdam City Central should take around 15 minutes.
Day 2: Day trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken
On your second day, you can venture out on a day trip to the beautiful countryside of the Netherlands covering Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken. You can start your trip around 8 AM and end by 3 PM. You can spend almost 1 hour in each of these places. Make sure also to visit a cheese factory and clog factory near Volendam. You can have your lunch from Volendam. Non-vegetarians can try out Kibbeling here.
Post the trip, take a ferry back to Amsterdam City Central. Visit the famous Mannekin Piss to enjoy their world-famous fries. You can then go on a canal cruise. The following cruise is included as part of I amsterdam city card. The trip starts from their shop right in front of Amsterdam Central.
Post an hour long cruise through the beautiful canals of Amsterdam, take the public transport to the Heineken Experience. Please make sure that you have booked your slot in advance. Providing the booking link below:
Post the experience, head to the Christmas market at Museumplain or take a stroll around Amsterdam Central.
Day 3: Amsterdam city tour
Start your day with a visit to Van Wonderen to try out their famous stroopwafels. Make sure to be there as soon as the shop opens in order to avoid the crowds.
The neighbourhood around the shop is beautiful with cobbled streets and beautiful canals. Make sure to click some amazing photos here.
After enjoying your stroopwafels, head to Van Stapele to enjoy their famous chocolate cookies. Make sure to book them online in advance. Otherwise, you will end up wasting time standing in long queues.
Post getting your stroopwafels and cookies, head to Museumplain where famous museums such as Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum are located. Some of these attractions maybe available free of cost through the I amsterdam city card. However, you will have to book a time slot in advance. Providing booking links below.
In the second half of the day, head to Anne Frank house. Make sure to book a slot in advance. Bookings are open every Tuesday at 10 AM CET for a visit six weeks later. Providing the booking link below.
Post your visit, you can visit the Pancake Bakery or Cafe Winkel 43 (to try out their famous apple pie).
During the holiday period, the city is lit up in the evening as part of the Light Festival. You can take a canal cruise to enjoy the sights.
Day 4: Departure
Check out from your hotel and head to the airport or train station.
Pro-tips:
1. Weather in Amsterdam is unpredictable. It can rain or get extremely windy at any point in time. So always carry an umbrella and wear appropriate clothes.
2. Elevators/ escalators may not work in all train/metro stations, hence be prepared to carry your luggage up and down the stairs.
3. You will need the I amsterdam card to access public transport. If you are opting for the digital card, make sure you have an internet connection in your phone.
4. Make sure to book all your tickets for the various tourist attractions in advance.
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