Amsterdam was a prelude to our Paris trip. We had 3 full days to explore and discover what’s in it for us during a chilly fall in November. Being a highly popular destination, this city is constantly swarming with tourists and sightseers, so no matter what season you visit, the mood may always be busy. Going in the off season may offer a bit of advantage in terms of crowds, airfare and accommodations. However, it doesn’t come without a drawback, and probably a major one in fall is missing out on the opportunity to witness its renowned tulip blooms. While this may be a deal breaker to some, I can personally attest that without a doubt, it is still a rewarding experience worthy to be considered. The city’s rich history, picturesque canals, world-class museums, diverse culture and classic architecture, all of which can be experienced year-round, are enough reasons to make any visit worthwhile regardless of the season.
Welcome to the dynamic vibe of one of the most uniquely fascinating cities in the world, where the sweet aroma of stroopwafels intertwines with the rhythm of chiming bicycle bells echoing through its iconic canals and waterways. Beyond its reputable status as the capital city of the Netherlands and the biking capital of the world, Amsterdam boasts a wealth of attractions, experiences, cultural diversity, not to mention a vibrant and sultry nightlife.
Our first day was tainted with a slight hiccup -- grappling to navigate to our hotel from the train station, while struggling to maneuver a wheel-impaired luggage (thanks to you Delta Airlines) along a rough and rugged pathway. When we finally made it to the hotel at around 10:00 am, front desk refused to accommodate an early check-in… bummer! Rather than losing valuable time waiting, we decided to put on our walking shoes, deposited our baggage and started our long stroll. First order of business: get a new luggage -- sounds like an adventure in the making! Fortunately, our hotel is strategically located and offers convenient access to a vast majority of amenities and places of interest.
The Doubletree by Hilton at Amsterdam Centraal is a pretty decent hotel with a contemporary and stylish vibe. Rooms are modest in size, as I’ve noticed on most European hotels, but are well kept and thoughtfully designed. As Hilton gold members, we were treated to an upgraded room with a nice canal view and a complimentary buffet breakfast. The food was an absolute delight. Location was perfect -- 5 minute walk each way to and from Amsterdam Centraal, a major international railway hub. Bus stops, restaurants, bars, shopping areas, museums and other key establishments are within easy reach. The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum are a short bus ride away.
Wandering along the streets of Amsterdam is like immersing in an enchanting fusion of old-world charm and contemporary vibe. The scenic waterways adorned with quaint vintage houses showcasing their intricate finish are such a delightful feast for the eyes. Being relatively compact, this city is easily explorable by foot, bus or bicycle, the latter being the most popular among locals and visitors alike. Clusters of bikes lined along the streets and canals are a typical scene almost everywhere you look, a scene that has evolved into a charming trademark of Amsterdam and a favorite photo op spot for tourists.
A canal cruise is one of the must do activities, especially for first time visitors. It’s a boat tour that loops around the city, usually lasting for an hour, passing by historic buildings, bridges and iconic landmarks. It’s an ideal option for those who have limited time to explore as it offers a glimpse of the city’s major highlights and key attractions. Unfortunately we were unable to squeeze one during our trip but will definitely make it a part of our itinerary if another opportunity to visit comes along.
Prostitution is legal and regulated in Amsterdam. It has three red light districts but the most famous is at De Wallen in the city center, ironically where an ancient legendary church also resides. Expect to see red-lit windows with women enticing customers for sexual services, erotic museums, adult stores, bars and coffeeshops, a.k.a. cannabis shops. Cannabis is not only legal in the city but also extremely popular among locals as well as tourists. Anyone can just casually go into one of the many “coffeeshops” to buy and smoke weed. There are no restrictions as to where you can smoke as evidenced by the pervasive scent that fills the air everywhere you go, which could be quite aggravating if you’re not into it.
Our second day was devoted to a pre-booked tour to explore the Dutch countryside. First stop was Zaanse Schans, best known for its collection of windmills and traditional Dutch houses. In addition, this lovely touristy village houses a cheese factory, an artisan workshop and some souvenir shops offering a wide selection of locally and beautifully crafted products ideal for bringing to family and friends back home. The highlight of the tour was Giethoorn, also known as the “Venice of Netherlands”, a small quaint village characterized by an enchanting waterways and neatly landscaped houses, nestled in a scenic countryside setting. This unique village has canals instead of roads. Cars are parked at a designated car park outside the village. Visitors can indulge in a leisurely walk, a nice lunch at one of the restaurants, a guided canal cruise or a private boat tour that takes you around to see and admire rustic wooden bridges and the various farm-style cottages with their lush gardens adorned in greens and colorful blooms.
Our third and final day was met with heavy rains and freezing temperatures, but it didn’t stop us from pursuing the planned agenda. With Rotterdam as our goal and no other day available, we felt we just had to make do with it. The early part of the day was still manageable so we seized the opportunity to capture more shots around the canals and the surrounding areas before making our way to the train station for our intended destination.
Rotterdam is another popular city in the Netherlands, about an hour away by train from Amsterdam. While the latter is known for its classic appeal and vintage atmosphere, Rotterdam, on the other hand presents a more urban and contemporary ambiance. Midway through our journey, the rain started to intensify. Hence, by the time we got to our destination, it was pouring heavily and made worse by gusts of wind blowing into our already freezing bodies. Since quitting was not option, we carried on and made the most of our situation, taking quick snaps and videos outdoor and then swiftly heading at the Market Hall to seek shelter. Of course we can't miss the unique yellow cube houses, one of the city’s prominent landmarks. What sets these houses apart is their unconventional layout and brightly colored appearance that never fails to attract and draw attention.
The Market Hall or Markthal to locals is a striking contemporary structure highlighting Rotterdam’s vibrant character and bustling spirit. Its innovative design is a perfect representation of architectural brilliance and ingenuity. It has a stunning arc-shaped façade and a lively colorful interior. The expansive glass ceiling is intricately decorated with elaborate shapes and patterns that create a zesty mood when reflected by natural light. The structure is a multi-use residential and commercial building. The lower floor houses multiple shops and restaurants, while the upper floors are used as residential and office spaces. As I stepped inside, I was immediately captivated by its radiance and dynamic vibe. The market hall was packed with visitors, some seeking shelter from the weather, others eager to savor a meal, while the rest simply wandered to explore. There were multiple options for dining and it was difficult to go for just one, so we decided to try on a variety of options to satisfy our pique. We didn’t have a chance to explore the city further due to the constraints imposed by the inclement weather. Nevertheless, the decision to go was still a more appealing choice than simply staying confined in our hotel room.
Our 3 days in Amsterdam may be short, but it was enough for us to experience the city’s charm and multifaceted culture. The breathtaking sights, rich history, delicious food, “interesting” nightlife and entertainment and so much more --- from sunrise to sunset, the city overflows with endless discoveries. Its magic and beauty will always hold a special place in our hearts, something we sincerely hope to get a chance of reliving again someday.
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