Day 2: Amsterdam
Got up in the morning and went to the first destination of the day – Anne Frank Museum. It was an easy walk from our hotel, about 16 minutes. On our way we found a coffee kiosk on a canal and had a cup of coffee, which was quite good, and a croissant. We sat at the picnic table by the kiosk and had our breakfast while enjoying a beautiful view of the canal. We have booked our 10am Museum visit online well in advance due to a limited number of people that the small building can accommodate simultaneously. Booking in advance is required even for an Amsterdam Card’s holders, although admittance is free for a cardholder. We had purchased our 48-hours cards about a month prior to our arrival. Having this card was a smart thing to do as the card covers all museums, canal boat ride, public transportation and discounts at selected restaurants.
We arrived Anne Frank Museum on time and were let in almost immediately. The Museum was, as expected, very informative and a very moving experience. As everyone who visited it agrees, it is a must visit place while in Amsterdam.
After we completed our visit, we called Uber and the driver arrived in about 5 minutes. Beats walking a mile to a bus station. The cost of the Uber ride is about 10 euros which is very inexpensive. The driver took us to Van Gogh Museum. This museum is not covered by the Amsterdam Card and we purchased the tickets online while at home and well in advance. The museum is amazing, we spent over two hours there, admiring the work of our favorite artist. From there we went to the Rembrandt House, where the Master lived, created most of his masterpieces and taught his students.
Next on our Day 2 agenda was a canal cruise. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at our designated boat boarding place by the State Opera House, it was too late as the last boat left around 5pm. Oh well, there is always a next day. We went for a dinner and returned to our hotel. Climbing the steep stairs to our second floor’s room after a full day on our feet was not easy but this was a price to pay if one wants to stay in authentic Amsterdam hotel housed in 17-18th century building.