If you ask me to name my favorite cities around the world, Amsterdam is at the top of the list. It isn’t that hard to fall in love with Amsterdam. Its laid back attitude towards sex and drugs attract young party goers. For me, Amsterdam is more than the flashing red lights and “coffeeshops.”
Amsterdam is beautiful. My first visit to Amsterdam was during the fall. The summer crowds have gone and what was left was an exploration haven for a solo explorer. Well, semi solo as I accompanied Mark during a conference he attended. While he was working, I was free to explore. Explore, I did. I walked through cobblestone streets, crossed the many bridges over the canals, rested my weary feet in one of the cafes, and explored some more.
The bicycles, they’re everywhere. Look before you cross the street. I watched enviously as stylish girls rode their bikes past me and drooled over the well dressed men in suits. Amsterdam is an organized chaos. Bikers and pedestrians weave through the crowds, cars, and metro with ease.
If you’re a flower lover like me, you’ll enjoy visiting the Bloemenmarkt on Singel canal. The shops had a diverse collection of tulips and many more exotic looking plants. I went back several times admiring the different orchids, tulips and other plants they had in display.
Wander and get lost. You never know what you’ll stumble upon in Amsterdam.
And there’s the cheese. Amsterdam opened my eyes and revealed the world of cheese. I didn’t know there were so many different types of cheese in the world. They give samples too! If you’re a budget traveler you can wander from one cheese shop to the next just snacking.
A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without taking a canal cruise. There are plenty of companies to choose from. We chose the ones that had outdoor seating. It was a wonderful way to explore Amsterdam, giving us a different perspective of the beautiful city.
Amsterdam was an excellent base for several daytrips. We rented a bike and visited Weesp and Muiden. We also visited the windmills of Zaanse Schans. While it can get touristy in the warmer months you can explore in peace during the fall season. Look for deals during this time of year at a range of Amsterdam hotels online. Don’t forget to sample the cheese in one of the shops and watch a clog making demonstration.
If I can live anywhere in the world, Amsterdam would be my top choice. It’s such an amazing place! Check out this Amsterdam travel guide from the New York Times for more tips.
