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.
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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.
Hotel Abba
A nice hotel with spacious rooms
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.
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The cool layout
The options
And here
That’s my pick to start off. What’s yours?
Come let’s take a walk now
Past the Restaurants
The River
The Canals and the Bikes. Amsterdam’s lifeline
The Canal Rides
The Streets of Sint Antoniesbreestraat
Some souvenirs, some outfits
And then a peace walk through ‘Bianca Castafiore Plein’
Nice homes in a residential neighborhood
Residents love for flowers
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Rest a while before we get back to action again
A walk along the canals
As we head towards ‘Dam Square’
People relax
While some catch up on a few drinks & food
As we approach ‘Dam Square’
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.
Dam Square
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam
The National Monument
Some music on the go
As we walk towards Amsterdam Central Station
Passing this happening joint
Ripley’s ‘Believe It or Not Museum’
You could take a quick drop as we walk
And pick up some mementos on the way
We are at Warmoesstrat now
At ‘Hotel International’ where we had stayed last time
For a quich drink at their ‘Cafe Bar’
Amsterdam Central Station, a 2 min walk
With all your boat rides right here
In the heart of Amsterdam
Enjoying the Architecture
And the calm of an evening Amsterdam
A known spot for Conferences, Events & Exhibitions
Some shopping if you wish
With the top brands
As we head for an early Dinner
Amsterdam – A foodies Delight
Whatever your choice, you have it all
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.
Rene’s
They have it all & more
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.
Cannabis Museum Shop
The Smoking Guns
And more
And the consumables
Pick what you like
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.
Van Gogh Museum
Rembrandt House Museum
Anne Frank House
Amsterdam. A city I love and keep going back for all that it has on offer . You too must visit once and chances are you would land up visiting again and again.
I usually can’t think of anything else than a bicyle to explore Amsterdam but the spots will be more or less the same as the ones you suggested. I’ll always stop by Vondelpark, the foodhallen and a coffee shop when I’m in Amsterdam!
Yes with a bike you can cover more of the city much faster. It’s a great option.
Amsterdam is definitely the kind of city you need to explore on foot. Really charming, with tons of photo opportunities and great desserts shops (which are my weakness). Visiting the Van Gogh and Rembrandt museums is very high on my list and so is visiting Anne Frank’s house.
Yes Anda Amsterdam is just wonderful. Love to walk around.
I reckon I will enjoy visiting Amsterdam coz I like exploring places in a slow manner. The places you’ve shared are amazing especially those parks, their unique architectural buildings, coffee shops, ahh so much to see and enjoy. I can imagine that the locals in those small shops are nice as well.
Yes Blair. People are very nice.
Absolutely love this. What a beautiful guide about Amsterdam. The photos are fab and this has made us want to visit. Thank you x
Thanks Melanie.
A great guide to Amsterdam. Lots of interesting tips and great photos. I plan to visit this city for a summer weekend, and I’d love to use your tips. I want to visit Van Gogh and Rembrandt museum the most.
Thanks Agnes. Do book your museum tickets much before online as they may get sold off for the day you plan to visit.
Amsterdam has always been on my dream travel list for the future. There are so many beautiful pictures that I have seen come out of that area, and your pictures here are no exception. I love that there are so many beautiful flowers adding to the colour and aesthetic of the city as you’re out exploring. This has reignited my need to visit there at some point in the near future!!
Yes Britt you would love Amsterdam.
Exploring places on foot is definitely the best way, and what I usually do as well. I have a really pronounced sweet tooth, so I would really love Amsterdam and all the different desserts you mentioned. Thanks for taking me on this virtual trip!
My pleasure Kathrin.
I’ve been there once and it was quick trip. Your post make me want to go back there for a longer times and explore the city on foot like you did. I like seeing all the statues and the bunny popping out from the flower bushes. That’s really cute.
Yes Amsterdam such a cute place really. You must go back. I missed in 2020 and had to cancel all bookings.
Wow, you really packed a lot of information into this post! Amsterdam looks like it would be amazing to visit and explore, that bagel shop and the dessert shop look like two stops I’d want to make!
Yes Luna. Amsterdam certainly is an exciting destination.
I love foot tours and therefore good to know Amsterdam is great city for foot tours. A walk along canals here would be my first choice as these canals are very beautiful and magical. Canal cruising and bike rides would be another great choice to see this wonderful city. Thanks for all tips and information.
My pleasure Yukti. You would enjoy walking around Amsterdam.