Amsterdam; Sunday, 01 December, 2019

I had a good night’s sleep and a decent breakfast before heading out of the hotel and aiming to go into town. The issues with the trams the previous night had clearly not been completely sorted out as there were big gaps in the service, and lots of people waiting at the stop – so I started by heading the six stops or so south to the end of the line on a tram that did actually arrive and then promptly turned out to be the next northbound tram anyway, so I had a seat all the way and by the time it got back to the original stop was close to full and only had standing room left.

I changed trams on the edge of the centre to catch one that was actually heading up to the station and once at Centraal station walked through the building and out the back to the ferry terminal located on the IJ to take one of the frequent cross-IJ ferries to North Amsterdam.

Located next to the ferry terminal on the north bank is the A’DAM Toren – one of the tallest buildings in the city and home to a viewing platform on the roof of the 21-storey building. I spent some time taking in the views over Amsterdam and beyond before stopping for a drink in the bar located on the viewing platform.

Back down at ground level I picked up a ferry back across the IJ and caught the tram down to the Botanical Gardens, located near Waterlooplein. I spent quite a bit of time exploring the gardens, including their Butterfly house and impressive large greenhouse containing three different environmental zones.

Leaving the botanical gardens, I had a wander back towards the centre of town, stopping off at the Rembrandtplein where there is a statue to the famous painter along with one of his most famous works – The Night Watch – recreated in statues underneath his statue.

I headed up towards the Rokin, where I was able to join a late afternoon canal cruise that was due to set off in time to catch the sunset. Unlike the previous night’s cruise this time it was possible to get a window seat, and to hear the commentary, as well as being able to take quite a few pictures as we sailed round the centre of the city.

By the time we got back to Rokin the last of the light was dying, so I went for a bit of a wander through the centre of the city with the Christmas, and red, lights visible. I then started to head back towards the south of the city centre, to get close to the tram back to the hotel and stopped near Leidseplein to get some dinner before finally heading back to the hotel and turning in for the night.