Amsterdam on foot - Walk & explore the city

Founded as a fishing village first around the thirteenth century, Amsterdam the capital city of Netherlands developed during the fifteenth century. Amsterdam underwent rapid development then, which laid the foundation for the Golden Age. Only very few medieval buildings survive today in a city which is a traveler’s delight with its canals, bridges, boats, museums, food, beer, desserts and more importantly its tolerant character. But if you wish to feel the real pulse of the city, nothing like Amsterdam on foot. Just walk and explore.

It was our second trip to Amsterdam in two years, a city we fell in love with the first time. While last time we were here for four nights, this time it was just a two day trip before we took a flight back to India after a longish European holiday. Our last four days in Belgium had been just awesome exploring Brussels, Ghent and Bruges, while staying at our brother-in-laws place and enjoying some great home cooked food . The FlixBus from Brussels reached Amsterdam in the early hours of afternoon and soon we were off to our city center hotel in Overtoom and reached there in fifteen minutes.

We checked in and freshened up quickly, changed and in no time we were out on the streets of Amsterdam. The hotel being very strategically located with a tram stop just outside, we took a tram to reach one of our favorite food joint.

Hunger Pangs

We were really hungry having had a very early breakfast and just a coffee after that. So it was time to fill up with some of our favorite food at Bagels & Beans.

That’s my pick to start off. What’s yours?

Come let’s take a walk now

The Canals and the Bikes. Amsterdam’s lifeline

And then a peace walk through ‘Bianca Castafiore Plein’

Nice homes in a residential neighborhood

Rest a while before we get back to action again

While some catch up on a few drinks & food

Dam Square

Dam Square lies in the historical center of Amsterdam, at the original location of the dam in the river Amstel. On the west end of the square is the neoclassical Royal Palace, which served as the city hall from 1655 until its conversion to a royal residence in 1808. Beside it are the 15th-century Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Wax Museum. The National Monument, a white stone pillar designed by J.J.P. Oud and erected in 1956 to memorialize the victims of World War II, dominates the opposite side of the square.

As we walk towards Amsterdam Central Station

At ‘Hotel International’ where we had stayed last time

A known spot for Conferences, Events & Exhibitions

Amsterdam – A foodies Delight

Amsterdam Desserts

Amsterdam is the perfect place to be in if you have a sweet tooth. Even if you don’t, you must not miss out the variety of Dutch Apple Pies, Stroopwafels, Chocolate cookies, Ice cream, Brazilian brigadeiros and more when here. One of our favorite joint is Rene’s.

Amsterdam & Weed

Amsterdam is considered the weed capital of Europe, and it shines as a great beacon of acceptance for the consumption of soft drugs around the globe. But despite what you may have heard, cannabis is not actually legal in the Netherlands, something many people outside of the Netherlands do not know. Weed in the Netherlands is actually decriminalized (‘toleration policy’). This basically means that it’s tolerated.

So if you are one of those who wishes to get a little high for a day or two, be careful not to fall into a tourist trap. The best places to visit are the Coffee Shops. Bull Dog is the most famous brand while there are many other places too if you wish to check them out.

Amsterdam & Museums

Amsterdam is famous for its Museums and when there you must not miss out on the renowned ones. Till there you could take these virtual tours of these three Museums with us which we visited. They are on the life of 3 famous Amsterdamers every Dutch and the world is proud of.