Amsterdam Museum/Tourist Help?

[chargirlgenius]

Jeff’s taking a business trip to Meppen, Germany in a bit (non-specific time, since this is not filtered. Suffice it to say it’s sometime before the end of the year). He can take a few days on either side of the meetings, to do the touristy thing. Meppen is on the far west side of Germany – he’ll actually be flying in and out of Amsterdam. So, Amsterdam or surrounding areas. Any medieval must-sees? I know what Amsterdam is *known* for, but keep in mind that he has a security clearance to keep… ;-)

Comments

[grieve-not.livejournal.com]

One of those "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you" trips, eh?

I don't think he'll be too terribly far from Aachen, Karl der Große's capital.

[chargirlgenius.livejournal.com]

Oh, the non-specific time? Nah, I just don’t like talking about Jeff being out of town on unfiltered posts. Random strangers and people that I don’t know well don’t need to know when I’m alone in the house.

[grieve-not.livejournal.com]

oh yeah, understood. I usually mention my trips after-the-fact for just that reason.

[greta-k.livejournal.com]

Aachen has a beautiful cathedral, with the finest mosaics north of the Alpes.

I believe that there is a history museum around the corner from the cathedral - also very good.

[greta-k.livejournal.com]

Just looked up Meppen. Too bad he won't be closer to Aachen :-(

[chargirlgenius.livejournal.com]

He might be willing to travel a bit for just the right thing, but it'd have to be very topical.

[thatpotteryguy.livejournal.com]

Heineken Brewery. Not medieval, but pretty fun, and non-security-clearance endangering. A walking tour of the Red Light District can be...eye-opening. Alarming, even.

[chargirlgenius.livejournal.com]

I'm guessing he can look, but not shop!

Though maybe he could do a little shopping for me... ;-)

[jljonsn.livejournal.com]

The issue is "How much time to spend alone in Amsterdam". One day, just to get acquainted, or two if there's something to see and do. Keeping in mind that I'm not so good at sitting in one place for very long.

[chargirlgenius.livejournal.com]

Will you bring me some beer? Remember that Christmas beer we had in Bordeaux last year? Mmmm.

[snolan.livejournal.com]

Bicycles! Holland is the bicycle capitol of the world! Recumbents, trikes (both tadpoles and deltas), uprights, racers, comfort bikes, ... ... ...

Bicycle heaven!

I think mussel season is about over there... sadly.

[m-nivalis.livejournal.com]

(here via frualeydis friendslist)

I went to Amsterdam and Belgium (Bruges, mainly) last year. Bruges is lovely and recommended, and hopefully it'll be out of the tourist season by this time of year. If he wants to see famous 15th C. artwork IRL, the art museums in Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp have quite a few. Have a look at my travel posts (Amsterdam (http://m-nivalis.livejournal.com/107605.html), Belgium (http://m-nivalis.livejournal.com/106042.html)) for inspiration and tips on what to see and do.

[chargirlgenius.livejournal.com]

He luckily had the chance to go to Brussels a couple of years ago when on a job interview. *totally jealous* I’m trying to convince him to go down to Bruges. :-)

[lorebubeck.livejournal.com]

Yes to Bruges! I went there with a friend on a day trip a few years back. Very nice!

[caoilfhionn.livejournal.com]

My Dutch friend says:

Do have him visit the Begijnhof (http://www.amsterdam.info/sights/begijnhof/)
The Old Church (in the middle of the red light district) is 13th century, the New Church is 15-16th century (and usually has exhibitions).
De Waag (Weigh House) is one of the oldest buildings in town (1488) and started out as one of the city gates.

Depending on when he goes, the Ruins of Brederode – about half an hour drive from Amsterdam, or by train to station ‘Santpoort Zuid’ about half an hour + 15 minutes walk (guesstimate). It’s closed from November 3 till March 1. There’s a big medieval market at the site on November 1 & 2 http://www.kastelenhollandzeeland.nl/brederode.htm

In Amsterdam the Amsterdam Historical Museum (http://www.ahm.nl/)
Muiderslot (castle) – also about half an hour from Amsterdam by car, or the same by bus (from Amstelstation, I think). From November through March only open in the weekends from 12.00-17.00. In October every weekday.
http://www.muiderslot.nl/
http://www.stadswandelkantoor.nl/navigation/rondleidingen/beschrijvingen/oldcity.html is a possibility…

[chargirlgenius.livejournal.com]

Excellent! Thank you!