Amsterdam is a lovely place filled with unending canals and charming architecture. If you're considering a trip, here are some things you will want to try to fully experience the country.
Taken by Darcy Banjo with Canon EOS Rebel T5
- Go to the flower market
The bloemenmarkt is a series of floating tent-structures that line up to form a market of mainly flowers, but other goods as well. While some are touristy, some of the shops are very charming and have beautiful hand-made gifts for sale. But even just gazing at the flowers is worth a visit.
- Bike
One thing that I regret not doing in Amsterdam is biking/ taking a bike tour. The city itself is pretty flat and easy to ride on, and you can go quite a few landmarks and historic places. (And of course across the bridges of the famous canals)
- Try some Dutch snacks
Stroopwafels and cheese are just two of the Netherlands's well-known cuisine staples. Stroopwafels are a popular dessert often had with a hot beverage. And it's quite easy to find a good cheese shop (especially ones that specialize in Gouda) The city of Gouda is also in The Netherlands.
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum
Our favorite museum in the country was the Van Gogh Museum, featuring many famous paintings and a very sufficient self-guided tour. You can also have a guide. The building is also very interesting looking.
- Stay at an old hotel
One of the more charming things that we found to be evident was our hotel. It was smaller, peaceful, and in an old building from around 1800. It even had cats in the lobby and pretty iron gates in front of our windows. Finding somewhere a little less chain-hotelly to stay can really make it feel like you are really abroad. (Of course this is just the opinion of some...) This also doesn't mean things have to be more expensive. Plenty are affordable, and safe.
-DB