The capital of the Netherlands offers so much more than the casual coffee shops that you think of first, when you hear Amsterdam. It is a European must-visit city and I like to tell you why. This is what I loved about Amsterdam during my short (but sweet) four day stay:
1. The Nice People
The Dutch are one of the most kind, friendly and helpful people that I have met on my travels so far. Almost all of them speak English really good, which makes it easy to communicate. If you need help with directions, do not hesitate to ask them as they will always try to help you.
2. The Many Canals
Every few minutes you could hear my saying “Oh, how beautiful! Look at this canal!”. It is no miracle that the so called “Grachten” are also placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Make sure to take a typical tourist canal cruise through Amsterdam to have a different view of the city. PS: Take a walk by the canals in the evening. It looks quite romantic!
3. The Shopping Opportunities
Well, what can I say: I’m a girl and I like to shop! Amsterdam’s main shopping streets are Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat in the center of the city, but you should visit one of the many markets, too. We wandered around Waterlooplein Market during our trip, which I can recommend to visit.
4. The Atmosphere
Amsterdam is quite a small city compared to other European capitals, which is definitely an advantage. It did not take long for me to get used to this city so that I felt comfortable really quickly. I love that it has a youthful and laid-back vibe!
5. The Dutch Bikes
Bikes everywhere! Every since I saw a mint green colored Dutch bike in Amsterdam, I want to have one! I love that bikes are the most popular transportation there (and I’m not just saying it because I am not an owner of a driver’s license).
6. The Culture & History
If you are a history buff and a lover of everything cultural related, than your next destination should be Amsterdam. Amsterdam is home to a lot of famous and unique Museums like the the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh museum. Furthermore, it is home to several nationalities and cultures. Keep an eye out for China town in Amsterdam.
7. The Beautiful Buildings
Strolling around the city and gazing at the architecture was my favorite thing to do in Amsterdam. I found a lot of future dream houses there! Make sure to get lost through the smaller streets as you will discover charming places and corners.
What are your top reasons to love Amsterdam? Would love to read them in the comments section below!
Hey! Great post. Very timely, too. One of the travel suppliers I work with is Viking River Cruises, and one of the many European itineraries they offer is a sailing from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland. And I just completed their online training for that journey because I plan to sail it in 2015.
I want to go to Amsterdam even more now because of what I learned in the training. Absolutely fascinating stuff. I’d never heard of places like the Anne Frank House or other museums. And I never knew about the 90 little islands that comprise the city or the fact that it has the most museums per square mile of any city in the world. And all those doggone bicycles! It’s crazy.
So the information in your post only served to intensify my desire to visit that beautiful country. I’ll have to give you my take on Amsterdam after I visit next year :-).
Hey!
Thank you for your comment 🙂 I’m glad that you enjoyed my post and I’m sure you will love it there! Hope you have great time sailing and visiting Amsterdam!!
I really love Amsterdam, so enjoyed this post. But you forgot the chocolate! Amsterdam is also known for producing some very fine Dutch chocolate.