Amsterdam Diaries
For Mr E’s birthday, we planned a trip to Amsterdam for a couple of nights. Our main reason for the choice was sheer curiosity. Living in the UK, you are well aware that Amsterdam is the number 1 destination for stag dos and wilding out however, I had seen a few movies shot there which had a romantic touch to them and I knew that this city of canals would represent more than just a few drunken nights out and forgettable liaisons. With this in mind, Amsterdam slowly crept up our list of European cities to visit and true to my expectations, with its romantic and scenic views, I soon fell in love with Amsterdam.
From the peaceful, countless canals to the bicycles littered around the city, I would say Amsterdam snuck up on me and totally surprised me. It was so beautiful and peaceful. I’m not sure if it had something to do with the time we went but it was a sweet trip!
We decided to stay in the canal district for easy access to most parts of the city. Our hotel was gorgeous and they welcomed us generously with a bottle of wine and chocolates. We did a lot of wandering and getting lost in the little cobbled streets filled with flowerpots and kind eyes of strangers in Amsterdam Centraal and we could not be happier.
I have selected ten favourite things we did.
Top 10 things to do in Amsterdam
1. Take a cruise on the canal
One of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam is a canal cruise. It is so serene and beautiful and the most romantic thing ever. It felt like you were at peace with everything and the water was affirming your sweet thoughts. I have never experienced such serenity. I think it helped that our cruise started away from the popular areas so we felt like it was private even though we shared the boat with 3 other couples. If you are lucky, your cruise master will tell you the history of Amsterdam during the ride. You get to see lots of canal houses and in full gossip mode, actually peek through their glass doors. Don’t worry, you still have a lot of quiet time to take it all in.
Top Tip – Be sure to ask your hotel about canal cruises as many of them offer it for free and you only need to tip the cruise master.
2. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens
To see the iconic tulip fields (the flowers are in bloom between March and April). We went during their off season so we did not get to enjoy the scenery as we would have loved to but just being there, it was not difficult to imagine what beauty we had missed out on. I would definitely love to go back just for this view. Plan your visit.
3. The Red Light District
This one left a sour taste in my mouth; although it is quite a popular itinerary on your to do list in Amsterdam. I couldn’t help but feel that the girls might be exploited and possibly harmed even though prostitution is legally regulated in the Dam. After we went to the Museum of Prostitution and learnt about the history and current living standards of the girls and also, watch guys taunt them disrespectfully from the other side of the windows, I felt quite sorry for them to be honest. We walked through the numerous doors and watched the half naked girls call unto passers-by, some had their curtains drawn which meant that they had clients, some just sat looking bored. A few of the girls did look really happy and they seemed to have some sort of bond or sisterhood which made me relax a little.
4. For the art lover, Rijkmuseum
Whether art is your thing or not, visit the Rijkmuseum. There is a fountain with gorgeous greenery just behind the museum; it is another serene spot away from the hustle and bustle of the museum and its hundreds of daily visitors. Mr E and I sat here and had a little lunch and just took in the peace of garden and its surroundings. So perfect. Another popular picture-taking spot is The I amsterdam sign right in front of the museum. There are of course a few other popular museums like the Van Gogh museum so be sure to do a little research on which one you would like to visit!
5. Visit the Anne Frank house
Harrowing but necessary. I’m not sure what I was expecting from this visit but it was quite exceptional and very educative. You are required to book in advance as tickets sell out pretty quickly (we booked ours about a month before we travelled) but they are not expensive and worth every last penny! Hold your tissues and be ready for a little cry!
6. Eat the BEST chips from Manneken Pis at Dam Square
Yes, In Amsterdam. I was definitely surprised too. My colleague had been to Amsterdam a few weeks before and could not stop talking abut how amazing it was so i knew I had to go there. The queues are annoying but it is worth it in the end. You get to choose from a variety of toppings from the typical ketchup to more locally made sauces. Yum Yum Yum!
7. Go to Zaanse Schans
Which is on the outskirts of Amsterdam to see its famous windmills. You get to watch the locals at work, which is a plus! Zaanse Schans has an untouched vibe which makes it a really special little town tucked away. This could be a half day trip so if you are in Amsterdam for the day only, you might want to give this a miss.
8. The Jewish Historical Museum
If there is one thing I recommend you do in Amsterdam, it is to visit the Jewish Historical Museum and learn more about the city’s heritage. I recommend doing this as it was a massive eye opener for myself and Mr E. Amsterdam is such a city of contrasts and it is easy to visit and focus on the more touristy parts of the city but for some history and depth, the Jewish Historical Museum is a must to add to your Amsterdam itinerary.
9. Find your way to Leidsegracht
Once you find it, sit on the same bench as Hazel Grace and Gus from ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. If you have not seen the movie yet or read the book, you need to! The beautiful love story between Augustus and Hazel Grace which captivated our hearts.
Amsterdam represented the city where they fell in love, had their first kiss and he told her a very important news that was going to change their lives (Can you see that i’m trying my best not to spoil the movie?! lol) I cry and smile at the same time every time I watch the movie adaptation so I knew I had to pay homage to Hazel and Gus if I was ever in Amsterdam. Yes, I do love LOVE! Another plus is the location. Another serene spot. I was quite surprised it was empty as I had heard that the bench had been stolen a few times by fans so I imagined it would have been a prime tourist spot. However, I’m sure we were the only ones around which was quite cute.
10. Visit the Heineken Brewery
Take a trip to the Heineken Brewery for the Heineken experience’ to learn all about the famous beer. We got our tickets at the door and there was no queue. I found this tour a little boring, i’m not really sure what I was expecting but just from seeing the excitement on people’s faces, I guess it must really be worth it if you drink beer or care about the brewing industry. I went for the sites and to tick this one of my Amsterdam to do list! On the plus side, the view just across from the Heineken brewery is very pretty and after the brewery experience, we had a little stroll around. and ended up in a random car shop (Mr E is like a magnet to car shops lol).
BONUS:
Visit a coffee shop and buy some space cakes or if you are feeling more adventurous, go for the big smoke. Just make sure you are in the company of people you trust as I will not be held responsible for any misbehaviour LMAO
Travel Details
- Hotel – Max Brown Hotel Canal District. I totally recommend staying here! The most attentive and lovely staff you’ll ever come across. The reception doubles as a bar which I thought was pretty cool as well.
- Flights – British Airways
Both booked as a package deal on Expedia.
To Note
- Currency – Euro.
- Duration Needed – 2-3 nights.
- Best time to go – We went in November. However, Amsterdam is a year round destination that gets really busy in summer months.
- Level of Expense –It’s relatively average priced and you only spend more for the experiences.
Bisous, ‘Bugo x
6 Comments
Onyeka
I actually love your writing style! This post has totally sold the Netherlands to me. Quick question do you always book on Expedia? That’s what we always! Just want to make sure we are getting best deals available. xx
Bugo
Hi Onyeka, thank you for your lovely comment 🙂
I would say that 90% of the time, I book via Expedia as they have the best deals on package holidays in Europe (package holiday would be flights + 3* or 4* accommodation and sometimes I add taxi pick up to/fro airport). I also check the airlines deals (like BA or Eurostar city breaks could have a hotel + flight deal), have a look at skyscanner and google too. So it would depend on where I’m going. For Amsterdam packages, I would recommend Expedia. Hope this helps x
Mielle
So beautiful!! I’m so biased towards Amsterdam and the rest of Holland, I really need to find a new European country to usurp it in my mind. Would visit again and again.
P.s. shout out to Heineken brewery! took so many brewery tours everywhere my dad worked and it was always so exciting. But yeah, def not exciting for everyone.
Bugo
Paris maybe?!
I can understand the bias tbh; it’s a beautiful country.
Tife A
Having visited Amsterdam, your post couldn’t read any more true! Amsterdam really is such a stunning place and so under rated because everyone thinks it’s only great for stag dos and you know what! The people are wonderful and lots of sights to see – another great read.
Bugo
thank you!