☀️AMSTERDAM: everything you need to know!
Hello friends! I just got back from a ton of traveling these past weeks — so the travel posts are gonna start trickling in again 😛
FIRST UP - AMSTERDAM! I was so pleasantly surprised there are direct flights from SG to AMS, for as little at SGD 800. So… be on the hunt for travel deals girlies! For me it was just a train ride from Berlin tho keke 🤭
ANYWAY some introductions first for Amsterdam:
☁️ How long to stay? —> 4 days (without traveling) is a good duration to see everything at a good pace + slot in a day trip in between
☁️ How to get around? —> Trams are the main mode of public transport - you can tap in/out with your credit card easily so no need to pre-purchase tickets! Bolt and Uber are the go-to ride sharing apps.
☁️ Bicycles are king on the road — be mindful when crossing bike lanes! They move super fast.
⭐️ ATTRACTIONS ⭐️ - some notes on them!
1. Grachtengordel - the famous iconic canal system in Amsterdam; a UNESCO World Heritage Site! These streets had super cute shops — little jewelry stores, boutiques, coffee shops, etc. so allocate more time to roam around! :)
**Historically, Amsterdam was literally a swamp. So they had to pump water out of the swamps & built a canal system.
2. Van Gogh Museum was a HUGE highlight for us. There you can find the famous Almond Blossoms by Van Gogh, as well as his self-portrait. (Unfortunately Starry Night is in MOMA in New York haha).
**As an alternative, Rijksmuseum is also a good option!
3. Anne Frank House was admittedly a littleeee underwhelming just because you are visiting her now-empty house. But the stories shared throughout the exhibition were so moving & I still think it’s worth a visit to understand life during German Occupation.
4. Albert Cuyp Markt is a street-long market where you can find antiques, snacks, fresh ingredients, and the DELICIOSO RUDI’S STROOPWAFFELS - I really didn’t think I’d like Stroopwaffels this much but imagine biting into warm caramelly goodness in cold ass winter 🤤
5. Other things to do:
- OK I’m not a super big fan of photo booths, but the photo quality at BoothClub was so CRAZY GOOD. You get to try out different photo booths, including analog ones where they still develop photos the ‘old’ way :’) super cute!!!
- Door 74 Bar: Part of the World’s Best Discovery list, this hidden speakeasy bar was such a post-dinner treat! :) For when we went, the theme was the Passage of Life, where drinks were inspired by childhood, growth into adolescence, adulthood, old age, etc.
- Red Light District: I have mixed feelings about supporting the district by visiting it… but if you don’t think too much about that, it was really an interesting experience to see the windows & just be in the area in general. I felt very SAFE btw - so don’t worry. But do watch out for pickpockets!!
For the day trip, you NEED to go to Zaanse Schans to see the iconic windmills 😍 it was really SUCH a beautiful place and SUPER WORTH THE HYPE and only a 1-hour train ride from Amsterdam city centre.
Anyway, hope this helps you! Save it for your next trip ;)
#amsterdam #amsterdamtravel #travelrecommendation #foodreview #travelitinerary
Amsterdam's charm goes beyond its iconic canals and museums. When you visit Grachtengordel, not only will you experience a UNESCO World Heritage canal system, but also vibrant local life with unique shops and cozy coffee houses. The canal network itself was an impressive engineering feat, built on reclaimed swamp land to control flooding and aid city expansion. For art lovers, the Van Gogh Museum houses a priceless collection including Almond Blossoms and the artist’s self-portrait, however, don’t miss the Rijksmuseum nearby for Dutch masterpieces and historical artifacts. Visiting the Anne Frank House offers a poignant history lesson, providing insights into life during German Occupation through moving exhibitions despite the empty rooms. Foodies must stop by Albert Cuyp Markt, a bustling street market offering fresh produce, antiques, and delicious local treats like Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels—a warm caramel waffle perfect in chilly weather. For a mix of nostalgia and modern fun, BoothClub delivers exceptional photo booth experiences with vintage analog development, making for memorable souvenirs. Experience Amsterdam's nightlife with a visit to the hidden Door 74 Bar, renowned for its creative cocktails inspired by life stages, adding sophistication to your evening. The Red Light District, while controversial, safely offers a glimpse into one of Amsterdam’s unique cultural facets; remain alert as pickpockets can be a concern here. A highlight outside the city is the Zaanse Schans windmill village, just an hour by train. This picturesque spot lets visitors explore traditional Dutch windmills, wooden shoe workshops, and artisanal cheese farms—a perfect day trip to immerse in Dutch heritage. When getting around, trams are efficient and convenient with an easy tap in/out system using contactless cards, and bicycles require awareness due to their fast pace on dedicated lanes. Ride-sharing apps like Bolt and Uber supplement public transport effectively. Altogether, this comprehensive travel guide equips visitors with the best ideas for a 4-day stay in Amsterdam, balancing cultural sites, local experiences, and practical tips for a smooth and enriching journey.