Amsterdam's own grocery supermarket!
Normally, I don't review supermarket and grocery stores, but when you shop there a couple of times during your stay in Amsterdam, Yep, a review needs to be done! It's pretty cool to have local supermarkets and grocery stores to offset any expensive dining out options - especially when you're traveling (especially too when going overseas!). Blending in with the local folk is great benefit too. With that said, I was here twice at the Albert Heijen supermarket in Amsterdam to pick up groceries and try to live cheaper through my travels. I also came here to purchase an OV Chipkaart for public transportation needs. Thankful that they sell these digital chip cards at any supermarket, if not, I'd be walking everywhere in Amsterdam!
The Albert Heijen supermarket and grocery store is located at Van Baerlestraat 33a 1071 in central Amsterdam. I walked here from my hotel near Vondelpark twice. There is a private parking lot next to the supermarket complex, so it was good for those who drive and for those who take public transport, a few routes come through Museumplein as well. Thankful that there is a bank across the street, so you can get cash, if you needed it. For me, I used what cash I had for my OV chipkaart and my grocery bill the two times I was here. The only problem that was apparently and glaringly obvious was the language and cultural barriers, but that was quickly overcome. What you assume is something in the states, they just call it something else here in the Netherlands. Same thing, different way of saying something. I just went with that logic when going about the shopping, sightseeing, and adventuring in Europe while not being a total american tourist. :)
The supermarket was very cool. It got me experiencing the other side of Europe that you never think of, till you see it. Amsterdam is a tourist town for the most part, but there are those like me who shop locally for the best, versus dining out and getting ripped off. The supermarket is well stocked and clean. I spent more time than I realized, trying to figure out what is what, even though majority of the stuff, like milk, eggs, soda pop, is what it should be, but labeled in Dutch. It's a definite learning experience for sure. The lady at the customer service booth at the entrance to the supermarket was helpful in getting my OV chipkaart. I eventually had to get it loaded at the Amsterdam Zuid train station. Still, the experience of the local supermarket may be more exciting than I thought it would be. The great thing about supermarket was the savings that it usually provides, providing shoppers with plenty of savings while providing a great experience. I got in and out without much hassle at the check out stand. Just smile and pay. Know how much it's going to be and get out of there. Best time of my life and saved a few euros versus eating out.
The overall experience may be mediocre to many, but when you're an American traveling overseas, these little things can excite you, as well as frustrate you. In the end, it turned out to be a good experience. Save money and live large at the same time. If you are ever in Amsterdam and in need of a supermarket, Albert Heijen is the way to go! I would recommend it to anyone traveling and even locals as well. It's pretty awesome!
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