Have you ever been to Amsterdam? I recently visited in December and was delighted by pretty much everything I saw. It’s pretty cool – figuratively, yet most people don’t hit up Holland in winter. Since their weather is much milder than ours, it’s great time to escape our frozen climes and explore without crowds.
If you do go in winter, try and time it so you catch the Amsterdam Light Festival. But really, Amsterdam is cool anytime of year. Below are a few of my favourite shots. Hope you enjoy.
There’s a lot to see and do in Amsterdam, but if you’re pressed for time, it is possible to do Amsterdam in a day. You’ll have to be strategic with your time, though.
Like hitting up an atmospheric pub like the one pictured above. Perched beside the canal, it had crooked floors and emitted an amber glow all night long.
You’ll get your IG shots, a break for weary legs and will feel like a local while soaking up the history (it first opened in 1695!). Naturally, they also served the very best warm cocktails inside.
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The best fries in Amsterdam
Fry carts are everywhere in the capital (and the country). Stumble out of a pub and soak up the alcohol with these beauties – available on most street corners.
Fries must be served in a cone with a dollop of mayo. Not ketchup. Of course the fries are sure to taste better after you’ve visited an Amsterdam Coffeeshop. Not that I would know…
Bikes in Amsterdam
If you’re a pedestrian, you’ll need to watch out for the aggressive bikers. Better bikes than cars, though. There are so many bikes, I found it hard to get images without bikes in the shot. No matter. Everywhere you look, they’ve managed to meld the old with the new. This fin de siècle inspired poster (above) is a perfect example of that.
Why don’t we have these massive bike boxes for kids? So much cuter and less pretentious than a double-Chariot, don’t you think? And why don’t we Canadian moms dress like we give a damn?
Day trip to Haarlem
These buildings are in Haarlem, an impossibly pretty town (and shopping enclave!) less than an hour away from Amsterdam. It’s definitely worth the trip out even for a day. There’s plenty of cool cities in this country. Here’s a look at the best cities in the Netherlands.
You could easily drive there, but there are so many trains in the Netherlands, that’s usually the best way to go. In fact, travelling all over Europe is a breeze if you have a Eurorail pass, which I highly recommend.
If you’re a budget traveller, it’s best to do Haarlem as a day trip. Of course there’s plenty of hotels to stay at in both cities, but if you’re looking for cheaper accommodation, these are the best, budget hostels in Amsterdam for backpackers.
In Haarlem they had hundreds of Alms Houses used to house poverty stricken elderly women. You can tell the homes by their jaunty red and white shutters.
About 20 of these Alms Homes are still operational today. They’re tiny, but they each look onto a lovely courtyard.
Have you ever been to Amsterdam? What do you recommend hitting up?
Have you ever been to Amsterdam? What’s your favourite thing to do in the city?
Three of my girlfriends and I went to Amsterdam in February years ago and loved every minute. We ate incredible food, visited the tourist destinations, walked everywhere and lost five pounds. It was fabulous!
You know, I never thought of Amsterdam as a girlfriend getaway destination, but it would be perfect for that. Lucky you losing 5 pounds! Thanks so much for commenting!
Amsterdam is such an incredible city! I love how everyone bikes everywhere. I wish I could walk/bike everywhere back home in AZ!
There’s a lot to see and do in Amsterdam, but if you’re pressed for time, it is possible to do Amsterdam in a da