deVivre Destination: Amsterdam
Traveling is one of our main passions in life here at deVivre Concierge. They say that life is about the journey, so shouldn't the journey be as wonderful (and as effortless) as possible? From expert tips to curated itineraries, our travel concierge services are the only way to fly. This month's destination: Amsterdam.
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
We highly recommend visiting in the Summer, as the weather can be a bit temperamental the rest of the year. One of our favorite cities to explore sans car, nothing feels better than breezing along the canals on a bike or exploring cobblestone alleys by foot...just be careful when crossing those big roads!
Once you arrive in this beautiful, accessible city we recommend ditching the map, skipping the red light district, and going off the beaten path. Our recommendations for discovering the lesser-known Amsterdam? Right this way...
- While everyone else is sweating in line at the Rijksmuseum, we recommend skirting the crowds with a 1-2 punch of the Stedelijk Museum and The Van Gogh Museum. Conveniently located next to each other on Museumplein in the SW part of the city, you can get your modern + contemporary fix at The Stedelijk followed by an ear-blowing journey through the art (and context of the tortured soul) and artistic genius of Van Gogh... all with time left over for patatjes met and an ice cold Heineken. - Want help with museum tickets + restaurant recs? deVivre's got you covered.
- One of our favorite ways to experience a city like a local is to hit up a public park. When the hustle and bustle of the city can get to be a bit too much, the best place to get away from it all for a few hours is the largest public park in Amsterdam, the Vondelpark located in the Museum Quarter. Grab some tiger bread (the Dutch equivalent of a baguette) and some deep golden aged gouda and have a picnic on the lake. Or, if you want to have the Dutch biking experience a without having to dodge traffic, rent a bike and explore by cycle. Want us to (literally) grease your wheels? Let deVivre book that bike tour.
- If you're looking to treat yourself Amsterdam style, a VIP canal tour with Sushi and bubbles with AllTourNative is one of our favorite city splurges. Taking in the sights from the perspective of the city's legendary canals is a rare and unique opportunity, the magic of cruising under picturesque bridges with the reflections of the lights twinkling in the water is made all the more special by the relaxed vibe, expert tour guides, exquisite spread, and a little celebratory bubbly, of course. There are open and closed boats so you can plan for the weather no matter what time of year you visit. Sound like fun? Let deVivre make your VIP reservation.
- If you're looking for an easy + lovely day trip, check out the city of Haarlem. Only 30 minutes west of Amsterdam by train, the town is full of charming restaurants, bucolic scenery, and great vintage shopping. It's also home to the intimate Corrie ten Boom House. Everyone should visit the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, and sometimes it feels like everyone does- it is always insanely busy. The ten Boom house was also a refuge during WWII but with its "small private tours only" policy you get a much more quiet, private, and moving experience. Due to the extremely limited space, tours should be booked five weeks in advance, which, of course, deVivre can handle booking for you.
Ahhhh, Amsterdam. We already can't wait to go back. And, whether it's a big trip to a far flung romantic city abroad, a last minute jaunt upstate, or simply a perfectly executed staycation, deVivre is always here help you plan your next adventure.