“Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth, it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin.”
John Green
I keep coming back to Amsterdam, each visit exceeding my expectations. There is a seemingly never-ending number of things to do and see, so I have chronicled my approach to the city. Now you too can fit everything you want to experience into your visit.
Day 1: I arrived into Centraal Station from the Eurostar on my interrailing visit, but flights are also a great option to get into Amsterdam; they are just over an hour from the UK, and the airport is a short train connection into the city. Stepping out of the station onto Damrak in the evening, I was greeted by the main street lit up with a welcoming warm collection of lights. The White Tulip Hostel is a short 10 minute walk over the main bridge, where lovers enjoy romantic night-time cruises along the canal, and inviting bars and coffee shops. The hostel adjoins its own bar, where guests can enjoy discounted drinks, and sits just into the Red Light District, where there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and evening activities to enjoy.
Day 2: Despite the location’s appeal to those who cannot revel in the Red Light District’s more ‘sinful’ attractions elsewhere in Europe, it is also only 15 minutes’ walk to the more conservative and sombre historical sites. I started my day with a coffee and pastry next to the hostel, before a walking tour with my trusty free Rick Steve’s Audioguide. I must recommend a visit to the Rijksmuseum and its neighbour the Van Gogh Museum; I was in awe of the entrenched history in both’s interactive displays of artifacts and artwork. Van Gogh created almost 900 paintings within a decade (sometimes one a day), and Starry Night, one of his most revered, was conceived in an asylum! His post-impressionistic masterpieces are so much more impactful up close, and it’s such a pity that he never saw their success and influence before his tortured life came to an end.
A day of emotional exhibits, I then took the walking tour along cobblestones through the city to the Anne Frank Museum. An unmissable opportunity to learn more about Europe’s most poignant history. There are permanent displays of the secret annex behind the false bookcase and the original manuscript of Anne Frank’s diary, right where she penned it. Temporary displays rotate every six months, but some have included photo archive presentations of the Jewish Persecution and the Frank family. Tickets are reservation only, so be sure to book in advance, so you have the chance to learn more about the tortuous tragedies of Anti-Semitism and war.
Day 3: To lighten the more sombre mood of yesterday, today was full of more scenic and palate-cleansing experiences. The Heineken Museum is an over 150 years old brewery, which houses incredible interactive tours, where I learnt about the Amsterdam-born beer, from conception to tasting. The experience of reaping hops and curating them into the infamous drink ends with three complimentary glasses; a great way to start the day!
Finally and most fantastically, I got to visit the most stunning and serene spring gardens I’ve seen in my life, Keukenhof Gardens. For an effortless experience, you can get a bus to and from the infamous Tulip Fields at Centraal Station. On the journey, our tour guide was passionate and informative, and once we entered the gardens, the flowers were so surreal. It is easy to forget where you are, lost in the sea of bright blooms; an unforgettable experience. Without rushing, you can explore for two-three hours, sprinkled amongst a variety of food trucks and an optional boat ride through the tulips. It’s important to note that the gardens are only open March- May, with peak bloom in late spring.
I struggle to describe this spectacular city in a concise way; its people beautifully maintain the balance of chaos and calm through its welcoming culture. By day, one can get lost in its urban landscape of narrow streets, unique homes, and canals, diving into the immersive and important history. But by night, the nocturnal tapestry of red lights come alive, and one can experience a freedom unlike anywhere else in Europe.
