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Morning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mornings in Amsterdam are slower, of course, but you can still see the canals in their best state, calm and reflective. You can see the narrow houses that lean a little and it\u2019s the kind of place that encourages you to go with the flow rather than be strict in your movement. You can turn any random corner and find yourself led to something lovely, like a quiet bridge or a bakery or a cozy cafe with the smell of fresh coffee drifting inward. As the city wakes up slowly, you will find it easy to settle into its pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find a cafe for breakfast; perhaps a coffee with a pastry, or even a full meal. If you’re headed out of the station in the morning, head through the main plaza and off to your left. Here you’ll find a number of small cafes and narrow streets. A few of the best cafes and breakfast restaurants include De Bakkerswinkel Centrum, Omelegg, and Crepes Mondial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renting a bike is a must (well, an option but it\u2019s a must in our opinion) but walking does take less time and lets you take in the details. If you want to rent a bike at the station, you can get an OV-fiets<\/a> (a public transport bike) for a small fee, or you can rent from one of the many private bike shops around town. Then, you can explore further, as you can get anywhere in the city center in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Street markets and flower stalls border the colorful little shops and even a short wander can feel memorable here. By midday, you\u2019ll be hungry but you\u2019ll find that there\u2019s no shortage of delicious and satisfying food around. Local fries and sandwiches are popular and there\u2019s no rush – meals are a part of the experience in Amsterdam<\/a>. By 12:00, most restaurants are open and serving a variety of European and international foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the afternoon, dive into museums and galleries and if you prefer to stay outdoors, picnicking in the parks or along the canals is going to give you what you need, no pressure. If you want to visit one of the many world class museums, such as Van Gogh or the Rijksmuseum<\/a>, you might want to make a reservation in advance, especially during the busy summer season. But plenty of other museums are around where a reservation is not needed, such as the Torture museum, the Maritime museum, the Holocaust museum, or Microbia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evenings are softer here, with lights glowing. It\u2019s the perfect time to find a small, local restaurant to eat like a local and enjoy one more moment before heading on. If you’re looking for something elegant, try ARCA, which is conveniently located near the train station. Or, head through Chinatown for some authentic Asian fare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Commuter](\"https:\/\/www.budgetyourtrip.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/IMG_4359-850x566.jpg\")
Lunch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Afternoon Activities and Museums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dinner and Departure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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