What is Amsterdam Famous For?

With its amazing cycling culture, huge parks, and typical architecture overlooking the canals, visiting “The Dam” is a trip that must be at the top of everybody’s bucket list. Not only does the architecture match the city’s quirky way of life, but it definitely shows how unique the city is in itself.

If you still aren’t too convinced about going, know that one of the main dishes is fresh french fries!

From the Anne Frank House to Rijksmuseum to Dam Square, these attractions are always full of people admiring their beauty and significance. With your pass from Go City, you can visit as many attractions as you want and save up to 50% on top attractions. It’s all accessible on one digital pass, making exploring easier.

However, there is more to Amsterdam than these attractions.

The city of Amsterdam is extremely old and holds many secret places and hidden gems to see that very few know about too. Although the main attractions of the city are excellent, seeing the non-touristy side of Amsterdam is even more exciting.

There is more to the city than being crammed in the city centre with thousands of other tourists. There are other different areas around the city that aren’t all jam-packed with tourists and are actually enjoyable to hang around at. Depending on where you stay, Amsterdam actually has some exceptional local secrets that are off the beaten path.

In this post, we are spilling the beans of some of the best-kept secrets of Amsterdam and what Amsterdam is famous for!

Let’s start with some practical information about Amsterdam.

Where is Amsterdam located?

Is Amsterdam a country? No! Amsterdam is in Netherlands and is its capital.

How big is Amsterdam?

Amsterdam occupies a geographical size of 219.3 km². Compare that to London which is 1,572 km², Singapore which is 721.5 km² and New York which is 783.8 km²!

Amsterdam has a really small population of 800,000. Already, the tourist numbers way surpass this population, at 3 million per year.

Street names were a little confusing for me at first as Dutch words are so long. If you observe the map of Amsterdam above, you’ll see the city is shaped like a horseshoe surrounding the Centraal Station. That’s why the streets appear long.

Weather in Amsterdam, Netherlands

In the summer months of June to September, the weather is generally fine. The average temperature in Amsterdam is 17 °C (62.5°F) in July and August. June is the month with the longest daylight hours.

Winter months begin from November to March, with the shortest daylight month in December. It’s mostly cloudy in the winter months, with the occasional rare appearance of the sun. he average temperature in Amsterdam is 3°C (38.5°F) in January and February. Snow does occur in Amsterdam, though usually only occur in the form of light snow. Equip yourselves well with this winter packing list for Europe.

The dry season is usually from February to June, with the driest month in April.
Amsterdam’s wet season begins from July to January, with the wettest month being December.

The Netherlands has notoriously lousy and unpredictable weather; rainy days being the norm here. It’d be bright and clear one minute and a downpour or snow-pour in the next, for about 30 minutes or so, then (thankfully) it’ll clear.

That’s why I recommend packing a lightweight raincoat in case of any showers, as well as some sunglasses for those brighter days in summer! Here are my packing tips for summer.

The best time of year to visit Amsterdam is thus from late June to early September.

What language do they speak in Amsterdam?

Everyone predominantly speaks English, but as a Dutch country, their mother tongue and official language is Dutch.
There is no problem with language as long as you can speak conversational English.

Where to stay in Amsterdam?

Some of the most highly-rated hotels in Amsterdam centre are:

• Hotel The Craftsmen
• Banks Mansion
• Hotel Estheréa

If you’d like to stay near the Red Light district, these hotels work great:

• Misc Eatdrinksleep
• Red light district B & B canal view
• House of Arts – City Centre Apartment

If you’d like to do some late-night shopping, stay here:

• The Dylan Amsterdam
• 1637: Historic Canal View Suites
• Nine Streets Inn

Getting Around Amsterdam, Netherlands

By Public Transport

As comprehensive as public transport is in Amsterdam, getting around in the metros, buses, trams, ferries or trains are a pain when I first visited Amsterdam. I tried to master it but the long names don’t help me one bit. If you are getting around with public transport a lot, a way to save money is to get a I amsterdam City Card, which allows unlimited rides on the GVB public transport system for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

By Taxi

All licensed taxis have blue number plates and roof lights with the official logo and the name of their operator at the roof. All licensed taxi drivers will have transparent fees and are metered. Taxi prices start at €3.19, and increases €2.35 every mile or €0.39 every minute.

Is there Uber in Amsterdam, you might ask. Yes! It’s an alternative to regular taxis. Remember to download and register your account beforehand.

Are taxis faster than public transport? Not necessarily, depending on the traffic conditions

By Foot

The best way? Go on foot, since everywhere in the city centre is reachable by walking!

By Cycling

Otherwise, being the cycling capital of the world, you can definitely get around easily with a bicycle!

How many days in Amsterdam?

I recommend at the very minimum 4 full days, if you want to do everything I list below at a leisurely pace yet be able to people-watch and leave time to shop. 3 days is really stretching it, and don’t even bother if you only have 2 days in Amsterdam.

Strangely, we always have the 7pm-8pm block where we’ll find ourselves with not much to do. We would be done with dinner but it would be too early for drinks.

With 4 days in Amsterdam, we didn’t really have time to people-watch, on hindsight. The only time I did that was when I was in the car on the way to the Centraal Station when leaving Amsterdam… :/ It was only then that I really observed and took in the cycling culture, like how the girls can cycle in heels and skirts without effort or how they can carry their handbags and still be able to cycle so effortlessly.

We didn’t party nor get high either, which is a pity if you’re in Amsterdam! Amsterdam is well known for its nightlife and party spots, so if you’re visiting even just for a couple of days, I encourage you to let loose in the night!

What currency does Amsterdam use?

As part of the European Union (EU), Amsterdam, along with the rest of the Netherlands, uses Euro.

 

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And now… the very answer that we’re most curious to answer – what is Amsterdam famous for?

23+ Cool Things that Amsterdam are Known For

1. Windmills

Recall seeing the beautiful windmills of the Netherlands? A day trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is like stepping into a world of another.

Green pastures interspersed with white tapestry houses make for a very picturesque sight.

Of course, the highlight there is the traditional Dutch wooden shoes or clogs (klompen), which are an important part of Dutch heritage.

2. Red light district

A unique attraction that is common only to Amsterdam, the Red Light District in the city centre is definitely a sight to see. The Red Light District is quite possibly the highlight of Amsterdam, and what Amsterdam is most famous for.

With its bright lights, multicultural population (that range from cops, carpenters, prostitutes, and clerics) and bar scene, visiting the district will definitely give you a couple of memorable stories to tell.

Who knows, you’ll be smoking weed for the first time in Amsterdam too, since it’s so commonplace.

If you notice close enough, there are multiple ‘XXX’ signs marked along the streets here. It is one of Amsterdam’s trademark to indicate the Red Light District.

Thanks to Florian, we found the Blue Light area that we never knew existed! Who would have known they are hidden in this red light district?! It was pretty amusing looking at the transvestites bathed in blue light.

It surely is entertaining peering into the windows of this district. We spotted one really steamy window pane and giggled. I did what I do best – checking out them chicks. Not that I’m encouraging you to actually “shop” in it, but visiting the oldest neighbourhood in Amsterdam is definitely something a visitor might be interested in seeing.

Not recommended if you’re travelling with children and don’t fancy an awkward conversation afterwards.

3. Bike rides

What sets Amsterdam – or rather Netherlands – apart from the rest of Europe’s cities is its amazing cycling culture. The Netherlands actually comes on the top of the list when it comes to cycling.

With more bikes than cars on the road, Amsterdam has become a great city to bike around and is known as the ‘bicycle capital of the world’. Netherlands has in fact over 800,000 bicycles – that is more bikes than people!

It comes without surprise that every time you mention Amsterdam, images of cyclists and bicycles parked by the canals come to mind. There really is no finer way to explore the city’s streets, canals and attractions than by pedal power.

Not only are there huge bike garages, endless cycle paths, and city tours on bikes, but you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re living in the city like a local, and without leaving much of a carbon footprint!

Riding bikes is thus one of the many free things to do in Amsterdam.

Once you hop on a bike in Amsterdam, you will know for sure that is riding a bike and wandering around the city is a way of life, so I definitely encourage you to ride a bike in Amsterdam!

4. Canal cruises

Coined as the “Venice of the North”, taking a canal cruise through Amsterdam is definitely a must. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam alone! It comes as no surprise then that Amsterdam is almost synonymous with its beautiful canals.

Equally beautiful during the day and night, the canals were created to keep the sea at bay, and the result was not only for the safety it offers the city, but also the beautiful postcard-perfect water maze it now represents.

Many different cruises are available, and you can either choose to hop off and on the boat, or make it one long cruise. Regardless, you’ll want to get your camera ready!

5. Brunch on the canal

If you are a brunch-lover, why not combine it with having it along a canal?

You’ll be in for a treat while visiting Amsterdam. Brunch in Amsterdam is fantastic. This city offers some of the best food options in the world.

There are a ton of different restaurants by the canal to choose from located all around the city, each with amazing dishes and picture-perfect interiors.

If you don’t have a lot of time in the city, these recommended things to eat in Amsterdam will help you plan your brunch restaurants wisely to make it to the best ones!

There are two brunch restaurants in Amsterdam in particular that very few know about that offer an amazing off-the-beaten-track experience – The Pancake Boat and G’s Really Nice Place.

The Pancake Boat sails around the IJ River for 75 minutes and all those on board get unlimited Dutch pancakes. G’s Really Nice Place sails around the inner canals of the city on a canal boat and offers a full bunch menu complete with drinks, coffee, a meal, and dessert!

Both of these options are very cool and unique brunch experiences that will give you a new perspective of the city in a way that Amsterdam is most known for – between canals and a different brunch experience than other travellers.

6. A houseboat for cats

Fancy another excuse to be on Amsterdam’s famed canals?

De Poezenboot is an offbeat attraction that is mainly for cat or animal lovers. It is a cat sanctuary that is home to the homeless cats of Amsterdam.
There is another significant aspect to this attraction – the whole sanctuary is located on an authentic, Amsterdam houseboat!

If you are not a huge cat lover but are dying to step foot on one of these iconic houseboats, this is a great opportunity. However, do not abuse this privilege, if you go onboard, pet some cats – they will be irresistible!

Do note that the boat is only open a couple of hours a day, so be sure to check online before visiting.

Here’s another cool fact about Amsterdam: These long house boats on the river are also liveable. Yes, people make permanent homes out of them! It can occupy up to 80 square metres, and apparently the rent is not cheap either!

So, if you are a cat lover and want to see some cute kitties while on your Amsterdam adventure, take a pit stop here.

7. The narrow houses by the canals

I love every single iconic, narrow house along the canal. They space upwards instead of sideways.

That’s because back in the 17th century, locals were taxed based on the width of their properties. Thus they built upwards instead of sidewards, if that means not having to pay extra tax for a larger area of the house, since tax is calculated based on area of land occupied.

How do they bring furniture up the narrow houses then?

Because the houses along the canal are very narrow, it is difficult to move bulky items up the house. They devised a clever method using a pulley system. At the tip of every house, a hook is installed, where former sailors would use a pulley system to pull items up.

Because of this, most houses are tilted forward. How ingenious! I never noticed these details until a local shared it with me.

When you’re in Amsterdam, you might also notice that most of the houses are slanted and seem to be leaning on one another; never parallel to the ground.

That is because Amsterdam was built on marshland. So, houses slant and lean on the neighbouring house, which leans on another. Funny how they won’t collapse! Once I found out about this, I cannot help but notice the off-kilter houses lining the canals. Ha!

One other interesting fact about Amsterdam: these houses by the canal used to be made from wood, but because wood catches fire, most houses along the canals are made of bricks now.

I LOVE BRICK HOUSES.

Add to the lit lamp posts along the canals at night, it lends such a romantic feel to it, especially when it was snowing heavily on the first night we arrived! I would brave the cold to soak in the sight once more…

8. Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets)

Negen Straatjes, which translates to Nine Streets, is a lovely trendy boutique shopping area, a grid of 3 streets crossing 3 canals. It goes without saying then that if you’re looking for shopping in Amsterdam, this is the place to be. These streets are good for browsing and a wonder. Everywhere has lovely cafes to stop at.

You can find vintage shops as well as other big names including Amsterdam Scotch & Soda (local version of Hollister/ A&F) and Paul Smith.

If you’re into shopping, here are the best places for shopping in Amsterdam:

Dam Square

You want to be hanging around Dam Square. You can find never-ending shopping on the streets surrounding the square. Brands such as Forever 21, H&M, Esprit, Urban Outfitters, Timberland, Body Shop.

PC Hooftstraat

The designer street like old Bond St, massive G Star Raw shop at the top of the road, and Viktor & Rolf – the most famous Dutch brands, also Tiffany etc.

Kalverstraat

This is the Oxford St of London, big versions of all the high street style shops.

Cornelis Schutstraat

A lovely up-market shopping street in Oud Zuid is a small but lovely place to wander.

9. Anne Frank house

One of the sights Amsterdam is most known for is the Anne Frank house.

Visiting this spot will definitely have you thinking about what Anne went through, and will allow you to experience, on a minimal level, what it felt like living in those conditions for 2 years.

A sombre and moving experience which, of course, is very important to remember and respect.

This is also a great educational spot for you to visit with your children who may have already read Anne’s diary before your visit.

10. Van Gogh Museum

Another museum that Amsterdam is famous for, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-see when in Amsterdam.

Holding the world’s largest collection of works by the renowned artist, the museum is so popular that queues are likely, but fear not, it is possible to purchase your Van Gogh museum tickets in advance so you can avoid most of of the long queuing involved.

This museum outing will be a treat for you and your travelling companions. Whether you’re with your significant other, children, or simply among friends, the museum is a great spot to visit.

11. Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

If you’re into museums, then Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is another one for you. It collectively showcases modern art, contemporary art, and design located around Amsterdam.

12. Electric Ladyland

Amsterdam is absolutely packed with museums of all kinds; you can find a museum with art exhibits of animals, bacteria, bodies and more!

However, there is one museum in Amsterdam that is kept an extraordinarily secretive and differs from all other museums on one fundamental level.

This museum is the Electric Ladyland.

If you love art and want to experience an art museum unlike any other, the Electric Ladyland museum is the one for you. This museum is the world’s first and only fluorescent light museum that is located a few blocks from the Anne Frank museum, right in the heart of the city. It focuses on minerals, art and other items that create a fluorescent glow.

This museum is very different from all others, mainly because it is a participatory art museum, where visitors become part of the artwork during their visit. It is not a traditional museum where visitors view the art. At only 5€ for admission, you can be a part of the creative process!

More so, this museum is educational in showing how regular rocks emit different colours and fluorescent lights under different wavelengths. It is a brilliant show of the wonders of nature.

13. Museum of Bags and Purses

As previously mentioned, Amsterdam is a museum gold mine. There is one for everything and adding to this list is the Museum of Bags and Purses.

This museum is completely dedicated to bags that date back to the 1600s. The bags walk you through fashion history, reflect Amsterdam’s culture and it is quite impressive, whether you are interested in fashion or not.

The Museum of Bags and Purses is located inside a traditional Amsterdam house, so this is the perfect opportunity to snoop inside one and see what it is really like behind Amsterdam’s famous brick walls.

More so, very few people know about this museum, so it is never jam-packed, and you can look around without hordes of people around you.

14. Soak up some culture in Museumplein

While we’re on the topic of Amsterdam’s culture, you will feel the cultural beating heart of Amsterdam once you step foot in Museumplein, home of Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art.

Once you spot the leafy district from the 19th century Oud-Zuid to the open square between the buildings that pulses with activity all day, you know you’re in the right place.

With open-air exhibitions, markets and a large paddling pool to dip your toes into, warmer days will be so much fun. In winter months, the square transforms into a vast outdoor ice rink to skate among the most beautiful sights.

15. Get lost in arty Jordaan

Known for being the most beautiful neighbourhood in Amsterdam, once you start wandering in the Jordaan, you will feel as if you’re travelling in time. Once you get lost in the narrow streets and quaint buildings, you will know immediately that it is a working-class neighbourhood.

Dotted with independent art galleries, antique shops, courtyard gardens and atmospheric restaurants, lose the map and get lost in the labyrinth of narrow lanes that sprawl eastwards from Prinsengracht canal where Nine Streets sit – one of Amsterdam’s most rewarding shopping experiences. You will not regret it.

16. Explore Amsterdam Oost

Amsterdam, like most cities, has a bunch of different neighbourhoods that all have diverse offerings. From the Joordan to the city centre to De Pijp, Amsterdam is a playground of areas just waiting to be explored.

This neighbourhood of Oost may not be as well-known as Joordan, but it is one of the most exciting ones in Amsterdam. In Oost, you will find great restaurants, lovely streets, a park, and even the Amsterdam zoo. It is a trendy and hip area that is full of surprises and beauty.

If you are an aspiring photographer, this is the best area to capture some dope photos. The streets are not even close to busy, and you can get the beautiful Amsterdam houses and surroundings with absolutely zero people getting in the way.

17. Amsterdam’s street food and pancakes

Other than the delicious French fries, The Dam is also known for its pancakes (called pannekoeken). You’ll be surprised to know that they are considered to be a legitimate dinner dish as well – that’s a childhood dream come true!

The pancakes are slightly thinner than the regular breakfast pancakes, but equally delicious. They serve both sweet and savoury kinds.

And once you’ve had your serving of the pancakes, try out one of the many famous Dutch food along the street.

You’ll most likely come across food stands that serve the typical herring. The best period to try the fish is between May and July, and you can add garnish to your serving.

18. FoodHallen

Amsterdam restaurants are all so unique and delicious that sometimes it can be hard to pick an option out of all the well-known ones. Foodhallen is one food place that I highly recommend in Amsterdam.

FoodHallen is a very unique ‘restaurant’ concept that involves multiple restaurants in permanent food trucks all in one great hall. The options range from alcoholic drink stands, specialty hot dogs, pizza to dim sum, ice-cream, and more!

This food hall is the perfect place to go if you’re with a group of picky eaters or you can’t agree on where to go. There is sure to be something for everyone that will make the whole group happy.

19. Tulip fields

Perhaps you weren’t aware of the wonderful flower scene in Amsterdam, but let me tell you, it is definitely a sight to see!

Not only can you visit the famous blooming tulip fields that is called Bollenstreek (or the more popular Keukenhof) if you’re there during the springtime, but any other time of year, take a stroll through the famous Bloemenmarkt, a market home to tulips and tulip bulbs.

If it’s your first time to Amsterdam, you’ll absolutely LOVE visiting Amsterdam’s food, flower and second-hand markets. Below are some other famous markets in Amsterdam to check out:

Noordermarkt

ONLY open on Saturdays! A farmer’s market selling organic food.

Albert Cuypmarkt

My favourite market because they have food stalls as well as knick knacks e.g. bags, winter accessories, clothing at affordable prices!

Waterlooplein

Flea market selling second-hand goods and antiques.

But psst, you can skip the touristy fields and visit a field full of tulips here instead!

20. Hortus Botanicus

Hortus Botanicus is a vast botanical garden inside a greenhouse located in the Plantage district of Amsterdam.

The construction of this garden dates back to 1638, making it one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. It was created in the 1600s to grow medicines that doctors would use to treat illnesses such as the plague.

These botanical gardens are not only filled with beautiful flora and fauna, but also full of significant history.

Despite the story and importance behind Hortus Botanicus, it remains an Amsterdam secret that brings in few visitors. This is a good thing though; exploring the gardens is quite relaxing and made even better when there are fewer people around.

The botanical gardens are one of those off-the-beaten track attractions in Amsterdam that surprises all visitors with its beauty and charm.

21. Colourful graffiti and murals

We all know how vibrant, creative and full of energy the Amsterdam culture is. This is best represented by the graffiti you can find along the streets of Amsterdam.

I LOVE this street with all the vibrant colours. I was so happy when we chanced upon all the graffiti. We easily dubbed it one of our best highlights in Amsterdam. Every brick was shouting in different colours at me.

22. Rooftop bars

Night time in Amsterdam is when the city comes alive. When the sun is gone, the street lamps turn on, and the city is alight with signs and bars and late-night events. There is a plethora of options for things to do at night in Amsterdam.

One of which is to go to a rooftop bar. The most enjoyable and beautiful rooftop bar in Amsterdam is the SkyLounge. This bar is located beside the central station and has a vast rooftop terrace for people to sit on at night. The terrace overlooks the city of Amsterdam and offers an in-house DJ.

23. Theatre Tuschinski

With the erratic weather that Amsterdam is known for, planning some indoor activities for a wet-weather plan is a must. One activity that is sure to wow you is watching a film at Theatre Tuschinisk.

Although it may seem odd to see a movie while travelling, this theatre is unlike any other.

It was built in 1921 and offers a cinema experience beyond the film on the screen. The interior of the theatre is stunning, complete with ornate details, and the seats are plush and huge.

If the weather is not optimal or you would like to see a movie in a new and unique environment, this theatre is the stop for you!

In case you were wondering, they do play English movies in Amsterdam.

Other Interesting Facts about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Shops are open the latest on Thursday (9pm), and close the earliest on Sundays (6.30pm).

Party nights are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Apparently, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days for students to have fun. Saturdays are also party nights.

Amsterdam’s city branding is EVERYWHERE.

Reminds me a lot of New York‘s. You see “I Amsterdam” plastered on every imaginable souvenir item.

The trees by the river are not for decorative purpose.

They are elm trees, used to hold the canal in place with its roots.

Love-lock bridges don’t solely exist in Paris…

The most expensive house in Amsterdam is…

This building is the widest house by the canal and has the highest value on the property market. Know why? They used to own a weapon & trade business.

Why is there a restaurant in the middle of Nieuwmarkt square?

This restaurant, In de Waag, was part of a border that allows people into Amsterdam. Now it’s transformed into an expensive restaurant in the middle of a square at Nieuwmarkt.

Amsterdam has a temple too?

A temple actually exists in Amsterdam, right in the heart of the Chinatown street. This goes to show what a cosmopolitan city Amsterdam really is.

There are 1753 bridges in Amsterdam.

That is almost 3 times more than Venice! Above shows a crowned bridge, the Blue Bridge. It’s situated near Intercontinental Hotel, which explains its royal look.

The Dutch are one of the tallest people in the world.

I tried going on a Dutch hunt but it was so so difficult to identify a genuine Dutch because everywhere we go, tourists infiltrates! So based on Florian’s description, a stereotyped version of a typical Dutch male is: tall with long hair swept behind. Haha!

The first gay marriage in the world happened at Waterlooplein.

Gay flags are displayed proudly at a couple of shops here. My tour guide claims Amsterdam is a pretty liberal and diverse place that is comparable to NYC. But I’m sceptical about that after having witnessed New York’s vigour for 14 days.

I haven’t seen any peculiar or queer living beings in Amsterdam either, except on 1 encounter, where a guy wore matching blue with white stars pyjamas & socks on the street.

Average Spend in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Travelling experts have made a study to see what exactly is the average amount spent by travellers in Amsterdam while taking in the full experience of the city.

This reflects what everyday travellers tend to spend in Amsterdam. Think mid-range – most of the major attractions, a few cab rides, maybe a big night out, and a bit of shopping on the side.

It doesn’t include the cost of hotels or car hire in Amsterdam as these are often booked in advance.

Eating Out: €34 per day
Entertainment (tours & attractions): €34 per day
Transport: €20 per day
Shopping: €48 per day

Want to see where it all goes? Read on!

Cost of Entertainment in Amsterdam

Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €34
Rijksmuseum – €17.50
Vondelpark – Free
The Jordaan – Free
Lovers (boat trip) – €10
“Staff Pick” Over the Edge Swing €17.50

Cost of Food and Drink in Amsterdam

Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €34
The Pancake Bakery – €8 (Average traveller transaction)
Wildschut – €30 per head
Rijsttafel (a type of Indonesian food) – prices vary
Cup of coffee – €2.50
Café Loetje – €59 (average traveller transaction)

Cost of Transport in Amsterdam

Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €20
Taxi from airport to the centre: €45
Train from airport to city centre: €4.20
Bus to Venice dock from the airport: €9
24hr water bus pass: €20

Cost of a Shopping Trip in Amsterdam

Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €48

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Apart from shedding light on some activities Amsterdam are famous for, I hope this post shares some ideas on the things to do, see and eat in Amsterdam. Make your trip to Amsterdam one to remember with these cool Amsterdam facts.

All in all, my first impression of Amsterdam is that it’s a beautiful city with beautiful people, both inside and out. There was a time when a passer-by called out “beautiful ladies!” to us as we strutted past him along the streets. They all have good hearts. Everyone dresses well here.

Don’t spend your entire trip rushing from the many Amsterdam attractions on your trip there. Take a moment to sit outside a café next to one of the canals, with a cool drink at a famous Amsterdam coffeeshop and relax as the world goes by. The Dutch are a laidback and open-minded group of people, so take on some of their chilled out vibes, and enjoy!

Once you arrive Amsterdam, you will be having a spectacular vacation, what with cheap flights to Amsterdam from all around the world!

I will miss the tourist crowd that’s absent where I lived in Rouen, France.
I will miss the rows of shopping stores that make the whole place so lively.
I will miss conversing in English (coming from a town in France that speaks almost none).

Being brought back into a land of my native language made me realise how I’ve become more acute to body language when you don’t understand the language being conversed.

That said, I hope to be able to understand French better by the end of this trip!

“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
– Florian.

Oh, how I will miss you too. Who knows when I’ll see you again.

30 Jan 2015, Fri - 3 Feb 2015, Tue
Expenses
Train from Rouen, France-Amsterdam: 140 € return