Travel Diaries: Amsterdam 2019
I’ve been feeling nostalgic lately which is why I decided to continue on with this little travel diaries series. In my previous post, I wrote about my study abroad experience in London, well living in the UK for 6 months was a gateway to traveling to other European cities. I couldn’t believe how accessible it was to travel to different countries and thanks to England’s many bank holidays, I was able to take advantage of such holidays to go on my own little holiday on the weekends. My first holiday abroad was Amsterdam in April 2019.
Amsterdam was one of the cities I always dreamed of visiting, and I am so grateful to have it checked off my bucket list. The city is rich in history of the legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. It is also known for its narrow houses with gabled facades and elaborate canal system. Here are a few of my recommendations with clickable links if you are interested in traveling to Amsterdam.
Top Places to Visit in Amsterdam:
Heineken Experience- this is more than just a museum and brewery, it’s an experience! Not only will you learn the history and the process of making beer, but you will also get to try your fresh creation. An absolute treat and the freshest, crispest beer you will ever taste!
Canal Boat Tour- the best way to experience the elaborate canal systems of the city would be taking a boat tour. You’ll be able to soak in all the cute houses and fresh air (you’re lucky if you book your tour on a sunny day by planning your visit in the Spring/Summer season).
Dam Square- Just a five-minute walk down the Damrak from Centraal Station takes you into this jam-packed square, jostling with locals and tourists day and night at the heart of Amsterdam.
Vincent Van Gogh Museum- discover the life and Post-Impressionism art work of renowned the artist, and you will surely be moved by the artist’s story.
MOCO- is a boutique museum with a wide range of inspiring modern and contemporary art. With artists like Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, JR, KAWS, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, and more. A one-of-a-kind experience aimed at a wide audience, a visit to Moco is a true eye-opener. My favorite exhibit was Daniel Arsham’s Pluto sculpture, his puts an eccentric twist on pop-culture & classic icons.
Vondelpark- is a public urban park of 47 hectares in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is part of the borough of Amsterdam-Zuid and situated west from the Leidseplein and the Museumplein. The best way to experience this green scenery is to rent a bike; and what’s more Dutch than a classic bike ride.
Oude Kerk- Translates to “Old Church,” is Amsterdam’s oldest building and youngest art institutes. The area around Oude Kerk is also a great area full of cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Bloemenmarkt- Translates to “Flower Market”, was once the world's only floating flower market. Founded in 1862, it is located on the Singel canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein in the city's southern canal belt. A total picturesque location, where you will find the Netherland’s national flower in array of colors: the tulip.
NEMO Rooftop- The roof of the NEMO Science Museum building is the highest city square in the Netherlands. There you can find the open-air exhibition Energetica, a large terrace and a restaurant, all with beautiful views of the city of Amsterdam. This is where you’ll find the best view of city!
Jordaan District- is a district in the city-center of Amsterdam, known for its beautiful houses, nice restaurants and original shops. The narrow canals and streets of trendy Jordaan are flanked by indie boutiques, cozy pubs and hip eateries.
Vegan Junk Food Bar- is located near the Jordaan District & Amsterdam Zuid, this was my favorite restaurant in all of Amsterdam. Based on their name, they have the best comfort food but all in vegan options
Amsterdam Night Clubs & Red-Light District- this experience is very *NSFW, but if you are looking for a fun time you have to explore a night out in Amsterdam! I recommend Club NYX for a night of dancing! Another tip, you can engage in the special “perks” and legalities of the city by visiting coffeeshops (FYI, “coffee” is the last thing you will find at these shops *just saying)
Stach Food- They make healthy breakfasts every day in our their kitchen, from gluten- and lactose-free granolas with fruit to fresh crispy croissants, it’s the perfect quick spot to grab take-away brunch and snacks to fuel your excursion around the city!
Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a rich history. There are many reasons why this is one of my favorite cities I ever visited. To name a few, the city is absolutely unique and the experience you will have here will be truly one-of-a-kind. The folks who are native to Amsterdam are one of the coolest and kindest people you will ever meet, and they have a “laid-back” and unpretentious attitude to them that I certainly want to emulate. I enjoyed taking long strolls with my friends around the city, having a refreshing Heineken and leisurely just chilling by the canals enjoying Amsterdam’s views!
