Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and I must say that I really enjoyed the five days I spent there. Overall it is very clean and beautiful! The weather was really nice with only one rainy day. I wish I could have stayed longer and I recommend everyone to check this outstanding city out!

I will now tell you in detail what I did on this trip, which was in Mid- August 2016:

Day 1:

I arrived in the early afternoon and took a train from the airport to our lovely Airbnb, which was located near Muiderpoort Station. There was no elevator though, so I had to carry my luggage up to the last floor.

Here are some pictures:

Then I went to try the famous Belgian fries at the Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx and I must say that they were very good and not too overpriced! The queue wasn't so bad either.

A bit later I ate at a restaurant called Lt. Cornelis and I got a five-course menu prepared by the chef for 35 euros. The food and the service was excellent! Don't hesitate to go to nicer restaurants in Amsterdam, you really get more than you pay for :) (you don't pay that much when you see the insane quality you get)

Day 2:

On the second day, after a quick breakfast at Dam square, the central square of Amsterdam, I went on the free New Europe walking guided tour, which lasted around 2,5 hours. You get to walk and discover Amsterdam by foot, while the guide gives you all the information you need. Therefore, I really enjoyed it and the guide was very friendly and dynamic. I recommend! Make sure you book your tour in advance on the New Europe website, as the number of people is limited.

From left to right: Dam Square, Weigh House, Begijnhof

Then I walked through the Jordaan Area. Great canals, so beautiful! Definitely take a walk there!

I stopped at the busy Cafe Winkel for its famous apple cake and I didn't regret it. It was delicious: you need to try it!

You may have to wait for a table as the place is very crowded...

In the late afternoon, I went on a boat tour just in front of the central station. It gives you the opportunity to see Amsterdam from another angle and it was definitely worth the money. Prices can vary, so make sure you check out various offers!

Then I ate dinner at the beautiful Brasserie Ambassade at Herengracht 339. It was excellent and worth the money! Like at the Lt.Cornelius, you get a 5-course meal prepared by the chef for 35 euros or you can choose à la carte! I recommend, but make a reservation!

Day 3:

I checked out the famous Rijksmuseum, which is very big. There are many things to see, including famous paintings, sculptures and more!

It can be very crowded. I recommend to buy your ticket online.

Later I also went to the Van Gogh Museum. It was also very crowded, but the paintings you get to see are stunning! Don't miss out!

Just next to the museum is the famous concert hall of Amsterdam, the Concertgebouw. If you have time to go and you are a fan of classical music, definitely go there as the hall and the concerts given there are truly amazing.

In the afternoon, I walked through the Vondelpark, which isn't so far from the Van Gogh Museum. You can relax there and enjoy the tranquility. You could also have a picknick there. Many locals just relax there.

Then I stopped by the Albert Cuyp Market and the Tulip Market on my way home. The little stands look alike. Some sell the same as others, so it may get a little bit boring to go through to whole market. A good point is that you can try local food such as Stroopwaffels. Just take a look and see whether you like it or not. It was the same at the Tulip Market, a bit repetitive, which is completely normal because all merchants sell tulips :)

Expect to see many bulbs, not only grown tulips!

Day 4:

In the morning I checked out the Anne Frank House, which is kind of a must when you go to Amsterdam. You can go through in little time, but the house is so narrow that not many people can go at a time. Buy your ticket online and in advance, otherwise you must wait in long queues and you may not get a ticket. It is a well-known place with such an important history that shouldn't be forgotten!

Then I spent the afternoon shopping. There are many great shops in Amsterdam and there is a big shopping street in the city center.

Day 5:

I had a walk in the Oosterpark near my Airbnb and I also took a tram to the sea. I discovered the Flevopark. It was very relaxing to sit on a bench and to look at dogs swimming. There aren't many tourists, which is also a good thing about this park.

Overall I loved this trip and I definitely want to come back soon!! What I didn't mention is that Amsterdam is great for younger people, the bars are incredible and the people are very friendly! It is a great place for studying! Amsterdam just has so much to offer!

I would be very happy if you write me should you have any suggestions! :)

#Netherlands #Amsterdam