Amsterdam: Where I’d Wander Along the Canals
Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels effortless. It has all the beauty people expect — the canals, the narrow houses, and the bikes everywhere — while maintaining a casual cool vibe most cities just can’t match. It's perfect for an exploration on foot: wander from neighborhood to neighborhood and stop whenever something catches your eye.
Now that I’ve been there, here’s how I’d spend my time in Amsterdam: Start at Albert Cuyp Market to fuel up (there are so many delicious things to try - more on that later) before heading to the Van Gogh Museum - an absolute must, and worth booking in advance. I spent hours there, but even if you only plan to see a few highlights, it’s absolutely worth it! From there, walk a few minutes into the neighborhood just below Vondelpark, where you’ll find quiet, tree-lined streets like the particularly scenic Lomanstraat, as well as cafés, local shops, and plenty of places to sit outside and people-watch. It’s the perfect area for an easy evening stroll; you may catch a glimpse of an enviable dinner party or someone practicing their grand piano through an open window .
The Anne Frank House is another experience I would consider essential. Reading The Diary of Anne Frank is one thing; standing inside the Secret Annex is another entirely. It is an incredibly moving visit that stays with you long after you leave.
I also recommend taking a canal boat tour early in your trip. Beyond its relaxing vibes and beautiful views, it gives you a fascinating introduction to Dutch engineering, architecture, and the history of the city. Plus, my tour gave me a whole plate of Gouda to snack on! More cheese than most can handle, but just the right amount for me.
What to Eat
I’m still dreaming about quite a few Dutch treats:
Poffertjes – tiny fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar
Stroopwafels – nowhere in the world does them better than Amsterdam. Fresh off the griddle is a completely different experience from the packaged versions you'll find at home
Bitterballen – crispy fried bites typically filled with beef, though many places also offer vegetarian versions
Kokosmakronen or cocoballen – delicious chewy coconut cookies similar to macaroons - these were a revelation to me!
Cheeses - Gouda is the most well known, but there’s a whole world of Dutch cheeses to dive into. Don’t miss your opportunity to sample them all!
Easy Day Trips
One of the best things about Amsterdam is how easy it is to explore the rest of the country. The train system is excellent, and several beautiful cities are less than an hour away. I highly recommend you visit as many as you can!
Leiden was probably my favorite day trip thanks to the picturesque canals, historic buildings, and a lively atmosphere.
I also really loved The Hague. If you go, don't miss the Mauritshuis, where you can see masterpieces like Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Goldfinch. I also had a great time exploring the Escher in the Palace Museum, dedicated to the mind-bending works of M.C. Escher. The city is also home to the International Court of Justice, which is worth spending some of your day on; it’s a striking building with fascinating global significance. And, if it interests you, stop for a drink or coffee at Hotel Des Indes, where many Allied spies stayed during World War II. As a history nerd and spy film enthusiast, it was a must-do for me.
Utrecht is another great option, with lovely sunken canals and a beautiful historic center.
I didn't make it to Gouda, but if you're a cheese lover, it would be cool to see where Gouda cheese originated. Fun fact: it’s actually pronounced "HOW-da," not "GOO-da"!
Finally, I visited Haarlem, which was pleasant but didn't stand out to me as much as the others. Unless there's something specific you want to see there, I'd prioritize Leiden, Utrecht, or The Hague instead.
It’s worth repeating - all of these destinations are incredibly easy to reach by train, making Amsterdam an ideal base for exploring the Netherlands.
