There’s no need to go far when you live in Paris to discover new horizons, new cities, and enjoy a change of scenery. I had already written several articles for you about my little trip to Belgium 2 years ago, and here I am once again in the north of France with my little getaway to the capital of Holland for a city break in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is 3 hours and 20 minutes away from Paris by train. It’s both far and close… For the record, the city’s name Amstel-Dam comes from the construction of a dam (dam in Dutch) on the Amstel by fishermen who settled a thousand years ago at the confluence of two rivers to fight against the rising waters. The Venice of the North as it is called is a unique city that lives to the rhythm of water, much like its Belgian neighbor Bruges, which is often given the same nickname.
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Table of Contents
International Orchid Day
This day, dedicated to the natural beauty of this plant, took place this year on September 4th at the Felix & Foam center (and was actually the reason for my visit to this beautiful city) centered around the unique and ephemeral artwork made of 150 potted 3D orchids (5.1 meters long and 1.5 meters wide) by Finnish artist Janne Kyttanen.
This typically Dutch event can be explained by the fact that Dutch horticulturists are Europe’s largest orchid producers! Every week, some 1.5 million adult orchids hit the market through auctions or contracts. Of all the orchids sold in Europe, 90% come from Dutch greenhouses.
Thus, Art of Life, the association of orchid producers in the Netherlands, asks an internationally renowned artist every year to draw inspiration from the orchid’s diversity and create a special artwork for the first Thursday of September, the date when International Orchid Day is held annually. This year, the event took place in partnership with Pantone, which designated Radiant Orchid as the color of the year 2014.
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The Dutch contemporary art center Felix & Foam
Housed in the magnificent building of Felix Meritis, Felix & Foam hosts a 6-month artistic and cultural program with a focus on the young generation of artists.
On the agenda: photography, video, fashion, design, performances, exhibition, concept store, theater, concert… Felix & Foam Gallery
If you happen to be passing by and the place is still open, I recommend trying out Restaurant Foyer located inside. A very good spot for lunch or just to come and have a drink.
Restaurant Foyer Keizersgracht 324 Amsterdam open from 11 AM to 7 PM / free admission
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The I Amsterdam City Card
This card is particularly handy if you are coming to Amsterdam for a short city break of a few days and want to make the most of sightseeing around the city. With the I Amsterdam City Card you get unlimited access to Amsterdam’s public transportation system for the duration of the card’s validity. Besides transportation, this card also gives free (or discounted) access to many museums (over 70) and activities (cruises, tastings…) in Amsterdam.
I Amsterdam City Card 24, 48, 72 or 96-hour cards Prices starting from 65 € for 24h
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Tips for getting around Amsterdam
- By bike of course, just like all the locals, though be careful not to get run over if you’re a tourist, because bikes rule the road in Amsterdam.
- By public transport with GVB (forget about cars or taxis, you’ll just waste time): a great solution is the unlimited travel card for 1 or 2 days (12 €). Strangely enough, you validate your card when boarding the tram, but you also have to check out when getting off…
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Some great addresses in Amsterdam
As usual, you’ll find below a selection of tested and approved addresses in the city.
Amsterdam Cheese Company
To bring back some gourmet souvenirs, especially cheese…
Amsterdam Cheese Company 2 addresses Leidsestraat 2, 1015 DE Amsterdam Wijde Heisteeg 9 1016 AS Amsterdam
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Hotel Andaz Amsterdam
The Andaz Amsterdam hotel is located in the historic city center on the site of the former municipal library along the Prinsengracht, Amsterdam’s “Prince’s Canal”. Even if you can’t afford to stay at this 5-star hotel, it’s well worth a look, so go ahead and grab a drink at the bar—a cozy and chic place where you’ll want to sit down and chat with a friend.
Hotel Andaz Prinsengracht 587, 1016 HT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Amadi Park Hotel
In a much more affordable style, the Amadi Park Hotel is obviously a bit further out, but it remains accessible via tram and the welcome is extremely friendly and warm.
The extra touch: their organic breakfast is very good and their pancakes made to order are simply delicious!
Amadi Park Hotel Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat 26G, 1054BR Amsterdam
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De Laatste Kruimel
A charming shop offering wonderful homemade cakes with a small tea-room area to sit back and enjoy the treats displayed in the window.
The extra touch: the tiny terrace at the back of the shop overlooking the canals, a perfect spot to take a short break and enjoy the sunshine!
De Laatste Kruimel Langebrugsteeg 4 Amsterdam
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Café Bosco
One of the countless places with a terrace that makes you want to take a break while wandering around the city. This one is conveniently right next to the Amadi Park Hotel. Great for a quick lunch or just to enjoy a drink in the sun.
Café Bosco Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat 7-9, 1054 BN Amsterdam
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Café Tabac
For a night out, a nice and lively bar by a canal with a French-sounding name as a bonus—a fun nod to our traditional tobacco shops of yesteryear.
Café Tabac Brouwersgracht 101 (Prinsengracht), 1015 GC Amsterdam
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Afterwards, of course, there is simply the pleasure of strolling through Amsterdam, wandering around with no other goal than discovering the city around a canal bend, over a bridge, following wherever your feet take you…
If you want to discover Amsterdam in one minute you can also take a look at this short video by Expedia.
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I hope all this has made you want to go on a city break in Amsterdam, and if you too have your favorite addresses and tips, feel free to share them in the comments!
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan and Art of Life Photos are not royalty-free, photographer's permission required prior to any use
