Amsterdam, The Netherlands: A City of Canals, Art & Timeless Beauty

Did you know Amsterdam has more canals than Venice? Over 100 kilometers of them! Add in charming bridges, cozy cafés, and a seriously bike-loving culture, and you’ve got a city that’s as captivating as it is unique.

Amsterdam had been on my travel wishlist forever—and when I finally made it there, it absolutely lived up to the hype. Between the storybook canals, crooked colorful houses, and the scent of fresh stroopwafels drifting through the air, the city just felt alive. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time wandering, and honestly, that’s part of the magic.

First Impression

After checking into the hotel, I hit the streets, ready to explore.

First stop - the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, just a short walk from Central Station. The interior? Absolutely stunning—quiet, golden, and full of intricate detail. Sadly, photos aren’t allowed inside… but hush hush, I managed to sneak one discreetly (don’t worry, I didn’t disturb anyone). 😊

Then came my favorite part: strolling along the canals. The reflections of those colourful gable houses in Damrak dancing on the water? Pure postcard perfection.

Amsterdam's gable houses in Damrak

I wandered over to Dam Square, where majestic buildings and a flurry of tourists brought the city to life. I wrapped up the afternoon browsing De Bijenkorf, a high-end department store that made for some excellent window shopping and people-watching.

part of Beursplein

So, what’s my first impression? Amsterdam is surprisingly easy to navigate, there are grocery stores on nearly every corner, and yes—the smell of you-know-what lingers in certain areas (you’ll know when you’re there 😉).

Amsterdam Tip: Ditch the map —just walk! You’ll stumble upon cafés, quirky boutiques, and unexpectedly beautiful corners. Just remember to watch out for bikes… they’re fast, and they stop for no one!

bicycles are everywhere

Hidden Gems & History on Foot

As I mentioned, Amsterdam is super easy to navigate—but I still joined a walking tour to soak up some history and fun facts. Honestly? It was the best way to dive into the city’s past while ticking off a bunch of iconic sights:

slanted buildings towards/in Chinatown

✔ Zeedijk, Nieuwmarkt & Chinatown – One of the oldest streets in Amsterdam, now buzzing with market stalls, eateries, and the city’s vibrant Chinatown—home to the stunning He Hua Buddhist Temple.
✔ Dam Square & Beursplein – Historic, photogenic, and packed with stories.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

mall behind Dam Square

✔ Begijnhof – A peaceful hidden courtyard straight out of the Middle Ages.

✔ Anne Frank House (just saw the outside) – Haunting, powerful, and important. It's highly recommended to book tickets in advance to guarantee entry.

Anne Frank House (Museum)

✔ Grachtengordel (Canal Ring) – UNESCO-listed and ridiculously charming.
✔ Rembrandtplein & Portuguese Synagogue – Cultural gems nestled in lively neighborhoods.

After the tour, I wandered over to the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)—adorable, classic, and crazy photogenic—and spent a dreamy hour exploring Jordaan and Prinsengracht, a neighborhood full of boutique shops and charming cafés.

Prinsengracht canal

Once I’d snapped enough photos, I rewarded myself with a warm, gooey stroopwafel from a street vendor near the Anne Frank House. Crispy, sweet, and 100% addictive. Near Dam Square, I noticed a long queue outside a shop and, naturally, had to see what the fuss was about—it turned out to be frites, one of the must-try Dutch snacks on my list. Worth it. 🤤

And yes, I took a quick peek at the Red Light District while the sun was still up. It’s definitely eye-opening, but also an intriguing glimpse into a very unique and historical side of Amsterdam’s culture.

Amsterdam Tip: Walking tours are often “pay what you want” and full of local insights. Just bring good shoes—you’ll be covering serious ground!

Art, Views & a Sunset Canal Cruise

After the countryside tour, we went for something quirky and cool - the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam Noord. The ferry terminal is just behind Amsterdam Centraal, and after a quick (and free!) ride across the IJ River, we stepped into a colorful world of bold, thought-provoking street art. Highly recommend it for a burst of creative energy! 

With a sunset canal cruise booked for later, we still had a couple of hours to kill—so we decided to track down a colorful building we had seen online. A quick train ride took us to Zaandam, and just a few minutes' walk from the station, we found the Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. With its stacked, fairytale-like façade and vibrant colors, it looked even cooler in person!

Then it was time for the sunset canal cruise—and oh my… the golden-hour glow on the water, the gentle rocking of the boat, and the quiet hum of the city? Pure magic. We nearly fell asleep (in the best possible way). Seeing Amsterdam from the water adds a whole new layer to its charm.

Amsterdam Tip: While we didn’t get one this time, the I Amsterdam City Card might be worth considering if you plan to visit multiple museums or attractions. It covers public transport, ferries, and even offers discounts—and it adds up quickly!

Final Thoughts - Is it Worth Visiting Again?

✔ The canals? Even dreamier in person.
✔ The energy? Chill yet vibrant.
✔ The food? SO. MUCH. CHEESE.

churches in Amsterdam

There’s still so much I didn’t get to see—more museums, hidden gems, day trips to other cities, and countryside tours. But that’s totally fine. Did I enjoy Amsterdam? Absolutely! The whole experience was unrushed and relaxed—we saw and experienced so much without feeling like we were in a race.

We had extra time that could’ve been used to pack in more sights, but honestly? We just wanted to slow down and savor every moment.

Until next time, Amsterdam! 💙