DK Travel : Amsterdam : Places of interest

A Van Wees Distillery

A visit to A Van Wees Distillery in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam is an experience. It’s the last authentic distillery left in Amsterdam, and specialises in Old Dutch Genevas and liquors. We were shown around the distillery, and tasted the products, purchasing a fruit gin to bring home. Other drinks available include lemon gin, orange liquor, advocaat, apricot brandy, chocolate liquor, cinnamon liquor and ginger liquor – any of which would make Christmas an extra special experience to share with your friends. There is also a tasting room at 'De Admiraal' pub at Herengracht 319 in the centre of Amsterdam.
Heineken Experience

The first-ever Heineken Brewery has been converted into Heineken Experience. Once inside, you'll be taken on a hi-tech multimedia tour that chronicles the lager's journey from its humble origins to its current status as a worldwide best seller. Great fun with lots of interactive displays, free drinks & a free gift!
Heineken Experience

Great fun with lots of interactive displays, free drinks & a free gift! Very popular with American tourists.
Magere Brug (Amstel)

The city’s best-known bridge – worth a wander for perfect photo opportunites, the stunning views, or simply to watch the drawbridge in action. Romantic at night when it’s all lit up.
Sauna Deco

A flashback to 20's Paris in the heart of Amsterdam.

The interior of Sauna Deco is made from the brass and stained glass art deco fittings of Paris's original 'Au Bon Marche' department store.

Like being transported back to the twenties (naked!), this is something truly unique.

Upon entering you are given a towel and a locker key, then left to roam. There are various steam and spa rooms as well as warm and cold plunge pools, foot baths and, my favourite, the outdoor sitting areas.

Take your time, lie on the loungers, doze, sit outside with your skin steaming. Read, enjoy some fruit salad and tea from the bar or maybe go for a relaxing treatment. This is not an experience to be rushed.

My top tip is to go there between 12noon and 3pm for the early discounted price of 16euros. Full day spa packages are also available.

Enjoy.
The flower market

You have to rise early and arrive by car ( 6am) to see this amazing site, things get going from 4 am when the traders participate in the famous dutch auction (ie backwards- high price to lowest), millions of flowers are shipped in from all over the world and sold by auction, staff travel around on electrified trolleys at amazing speed in all directions ( it looks like a scene from metropolis) and the sold flowers are sent in batches overhead to the lorries to be sent around europe. The colours and smell is lovely and the level of organisation stupifying!
The Skinny bridge

As an alternative to a lot of the usual activity that takes places in Amsterdam we took an evening canal boat cruise. Part of it involves sailing under the ‘skinny bridge’ (across the river Amstel and opposite of the Carré theatre). At the time we were told that if you kiss whilst under the bridge that person will be your true love and you will stay together forever, Well, that was 5 ½ years ago and we are now coming up to our 6 month wedding anniversary!
TunFun

Amazing underground, indoor play area for children up to 12 years old. €7 Euros entry for children and Adults are free but only allowed in with a child. Cafe and seating area for the grown upw while they wait.

Giant slides, ball pits, infalables and ten pin bowling are just a few of the things the kids can do
Walking along the canals for hours

My favourite Amsterdam moment was walking along the canals for hours, with no sense of time or distance or needing to be anywhere else. The Norwegian band Kings of Convenience sum it up perfectly: "these canals it seems / they all move in circles / places look the same / but we're the only difference".