Lesson 101: Know where you want to hangout

Ok people, this city has 800 thousand lovely people that live in it so it’s not that hard to work out that it is quiet a small compact. Good thing is you can get to know the areas pretty quickly. I think it took me best part of a day. London took me best part of 6 years… 
So here’s the low down:

If you didn’t already know, Amsterdam is made up of canals, lots and lots of canals (or maybe just one… depending on how you look at it!).



Imagine three U’s inside one another. Imagine these are not U’s these are canals. And you are imagining Amsterdam. 
Everywhere you go, you will no doubt will have to cross, make your way around or navigate through these canals so careful. The same one can go on and on and on.
They are what makes Amsterdam sooo beautiful and when the sun’s out all you want to do it is sit next to one, be on one or at the very least able to see one for a second!
Geography lesson done, let’s talk areas.

CENTRAL STATION:
Every tourist and their dog ends up at Central station, while this is a lovely place to get all means of transport. It isn’t Amsterdam’s finest. Get in and get out!

CENTER:
This is where everyone will visit, look around, see all the other tourists and wonder if there are in fact any Dutch people living in Amsterdam…
The center is better known for it’s Red and Green lights. Go there is a MUST but let me tell you exactly where so you can get and out as soon as humanly possible!

JORDAAN
Jordaan/nine streets/the most beautiful place in Amsterdam, doesn’t matter what you call it, it is just simply amazing. Where you should go for markets, vintage shops, cafes, cool shopping, late afternoon lunches, and just to chill out!

LEIDSEPLEIN
Think of a dutch Piccadilly/Times square, and you’re close. The Bulldog (better known for it’s weed) and Burger King take pride of place in the middle, surrounded but extremely “dutch” bars, tourist restaurants, every tourist is bound to end up here at one point. Take a photo and move into the back street away from the english bachelor parties.

DE PIJP
My FAVOURITE! The best place for bars, food and just meeting the locals. :) Welcome to the Dutch mecca. If your finding it hard to work out where to go any night of the week… think Pijp.

OUD ZUID
In a nutshell: Lovely Vondelpark, chic restaurants and expensive shopping.

WEST
Good Clubs

EAST
Better Clubs