Seven things to do in Amsterdam if you only have 90 minutes to spare
90 Minutes To Spare: When you’re travelling on business there is often little time for sightseeing. This can be disappointing when you’re in a new area, especially when the city is Amsterdam. Here is a list of things you can do in under two hours that will give you a taste of the Netherlands.
Take a tour of the Heineken Brewery
This light-hearted tour takes about 90 minutes to complete and you can learn all about the history of the beer, the brewing process and of course, you get to sample some of the product as well.
Take a cruise around Amsterdam by boat
There are tours that wind along the city’s canals during the daytime or the nighttime, and the shorter trips last about an hour. You can also choose a longer sailing if you have the time. It is possible combine a cruise with the Heineken Experience if you have a couple of hours to call your own.
Take in some art
90 Minutes To Spare: If culture is your thing, then there are two fantastic museums to visit in the city. You have the Van Gogh Museum that houses the largest collection of this artist’s work in the world. There is also the Rembrandt House Museum where Rembrandt lived and worked; with etchings and paintings on display this is an interesting place to spend an hour.
Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours
Buy a ticket and you can see Amsterdam from the top deck. Make sure to get one with audio commentary to understand the sights you see, and you can get on and off as many times as you wish along the route.
Visit Ann Frank’s House
This small museum is dedicated to Ann Frank and is an emotional and touching memorial. It is interesting for those who have read Frank’s diary, and also for those who have not. This museum is very popular so it is important to book in advance especially if you have a limited time to visit.
Shopping in Amsterdam
If you have to buy gifts for loved ones, or just enjoy an hour or so of retail therapy, then head over to the Kalverstraat area where there are chain stores of every description. Walk up to the far end and you’ll find tulip bulbs and other plants at the flower market. Nearby there are also antique shops, book stores and diamond dealers.
A walk in the park
For visitors who would rather spend some time in the fresh air, there is Vondepark. This green space is the largest park in Amsterdam and there is a wide lake to stroll around as well as a cafe in the middle for a coffee or quick bite to eat. Vondelpark is a short walk west of Hostel Orfeo which is a comfortable, cheap and friendly place to stay in the centre of Amsterdam.
