Travelog: Amsterdam - My top 10...

I just came back from Amsterdam; my second visit. I'm not going to write billions of words describing about my holiday, just 10 short conclusions...

#1 Accommodation in Amsterdam can be expensive depending on the season. I went there during Easter weekend. The city was packed by tourist and coincidently there was a fun fair at Dam Square, in front of Madame Tussauds. I stayed at Rozengracht area for €75 per night (twin room with shared bathroom). I guess that's okay looking at the location. You can find cheaper option outside the city area. A lot of hostel in the city area accommodated by young tourists / travellers  it might not suitable for family. 

#2 The self service machine in the train station doesn't accept foreign credit/debit cards. You have to buy your train ticket(s) from the counter with additional €0.50 charges. But you can use your debit card at the counter. You can buy tram ticket from the conductor or tram driver. They only sell 1 hour and 24 hours tickets (for unlimited journey). 

#3 Food. Not many options - just standard European cuisine. A lot of steakhouse - can be expensive. Also have a lot of kebab house. Allocate €10-12 per meal per person. Be careful on the price and additional offer, as a lot of restaurant didn't include the service tax (10%) and government tax (17%). The bread they serves you is not free. You might be surprise when you received your bill. Do ask if you're not sure before ordering. Amsterdam is famous for this particular chips/fries. Not that delicious, just plain chip with variety of sauce choices; €3-5. 

My favourite is the Indonesian food. In the centre of Europe, I'm hankering for Malay cuisine. I found this restaurant; Iboenda at De Clercqstraat 65, Amsterdam (tram number 13 and 17). This place serves authentic and halal Indonesian food. Price range €9-12.50 per person. Also offer set menu. Open from 2 pm 9 pm.

  Set Menu: White rice, 2 options of vegetables, egg sambal (chilli sauce) and 2 options of meat. Price €9.95

#4 Don't bother to walk around the city to find the cheapest cheese(s) and souvenir(s). The prices are basically the same; maybe 10-50 cents difference. Better to spend the time visiting city attractions. The best place to find all your souvenirs is Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) at Singel River between Muntplein and Koningsplein in the city southern canal belt (Tram 1, 2 and 5). 

Typically they sell 3 fridge magnets for €5. Cheap! Also have simpler one for €1. You can sample free cheese in the shop. The seller are really generous with the amount of samples :) A lot of marijuana-theme merchandises sold such as ash tray, t-shirt, mug, paper weight even an ice tray. It’s up to you check first whether it is legal to bring back such merchandise(s). But official merchandise at museum shop can cost €5 and above. Maybe due to copyright. 

The most famous brand Henri Willig

#5 Red Light District - Next to Dam area. Overrated. It was totally different ambiance compared to my 2011's visit. Less crowded. Maybe because of the timing... I heard the authorities implement more stringent 'selling policy' towards visitors. Definitely the place for 'that' type of people. Tourists / travellers with children don't worry about this area. It is well 'protected' by red light post around (marking) the area. So you can know if you're entering the area. You must be careful when touching other people in that area. Your clothes / coat might contact with that 'thing' and might get you into trouble during immigration inspection. It is better for you to avoid the place. You can't even take photo in the area. 

#6 Careful with the Amsterdam's traffic flow especially for those with kids. Traffic in Amsterdam is madness as cars, trams, cyclists and pedestrians are sharing the same route. Extra precaution with the cyclist! 

#7 City attractions. There are a lot of museum in Amsterdam. Sadly, all museum charged admission fee. Even Rembrandt's reproduction paintings at Magna Plaza (shopping complex) has admission fee. So plan ahead which museum / attraction that you want to visit. The queue could be crazy. For example, people queuing for 100 meters ++ just to enter the Anne Frank House - its not even the original house. Start your day early and if you have chance to buy tickets on-line, do it!  

#8 Communication. Not a problem. Most Dutch speaks English very well. Just be careful with tickets and deals (combination tickets) terms and conditions. It might create a major misunderstanding. Read any small print carefully so that you buy the best promotion. 

#9 Shopping. Not much but Amsterdam has more American brand outlets compared to the UK. The souvenirs are more cheaper than Paris. 

#10 Expenses. In my opinion, holidaying in Amsterdam is still considered as affordable for both for single traveller or family, as long as you doing your 'homework' about what you're going to do. 

Amsterdam is really beautiful with unique architecture. Just pray that the weather has mercy on you during your trip.