AMSTERDAM AND SURROUNDINGS
I visited Amsterdam in 5 magnificent days in which I went there for work, but then I stopped for a long weekend, in which I had the opportunity to visit both the city, but also the surroundings, in particular the wonderful towns of Volendam and Marken, Broek in Waterland, Zaanse Schans with its postcard mills, and tulip fields! I hired a car, and drove around Amsterdam all weekend. I was lucky enough to have 4 days of sunshine out of 5, and I have to admit that Amsterdam looks like another city with the sun, it’s so full of life and beautiful colors. It was a wonderful experience for me and I recommend anyone to visit this magical city at least once in their life! In particular, the view of the immense fields of tulips, in complete silence and only with the sound of the wind turbines that move with the wind, in front of this magical expanse of colors, is something truly unforgettable and that leaves you breathless.
10 things to do in AMSTERDAM AND SURROUNDINGS
1. HAVE A BEER AT HISTORIC BROUWEIJ T IJ
Brouwerij ‘t IJ, in the central district of Amsterdam, is a craft brewery located inside a windmill dating back to 1700. It is possible to have various types of beers, including blond and dark organic beers. It is also possible to try the tasting of 5 beers. In the evening it comes alive a lot and the parking lot is filled with dozens of bicycles, and the place is literally invaded, both the interior and the outdoor area shaded by plane trees.
The place is full not only of tourists, who are eager to have this experience, but also of local people.
I visited this brewery after a bike ride all over Amsterdam, and I definitely needed a thirst-quenching beer! There is nothing better than ending an intense day of walking and sightseeing with a good beer at sunset in a typical and historic place!
2. RELAX WITH A BIKE RIDE IN VONDELPARK
One day I decided to rent a bike, pass the museum area, go straight and arrive at the green lung of Amsterdam, Vondelpark, for a relaxing afternoon of sunbathing. Vondelpark is used for walking, jogging, picnics, concerts and other events (such as golf tournaments). Full of people chatting, relaxing, sunbathing, cycling, there is something for everyone. It is ideal for an afternoon away from the chaos of the city. I lay down near a pond where some nice ducks swam back and forth, and I spent the afternoon relaxing, before returning to the river of bicycles in the center of Amsterdam.
3. TAKE AN EVENING WALK IN THE AMSTERDAM-OOST DISTRICT, LOOKING AT THE HOUSE BOATS ON THE BANK OF THE AMSTEL RIVER
I visited this neighborhood because a dinner was organized there for work, and I liked it so much that I decided to go back a few nights later, exploring it better. There are plenty of restaurants along the bank of the Amstel river, and continuing straight and following the bank you will then arrive in the city center. But before reaching the center, out of the chaos of the city, it is possible to enjoy an extremely romantic walk, skirting the river at sunset and being able to closely observe the picturesque and colorful houseboats parked on the river bank. It is a truly romantic and relaxing sight, and a walk not to be missed, before or after having a drink or having dinner in one of the many international bar and restaurants on the riverside.
4. STROLL AMONG THE FAIRYTALE WINDMILLS IN ZAANSE SCHANS
Zaanse Schans is a small community of 40 houses located north-east of Amsterdam on the quay of the Zaan River. By car it is about 20 minutes from Amsterdam. In the 18th century this region was an industrial area with over 700 windmills. Many of these historic mills and some houses are still in excellent condition and represent a strong tourist attraction, so much so that in some it is possible to visit them inside and climb up different levels. All the windmills have separate admission tickets but that’s well worth the experience!
Taking a walk in this area makes you feel out of this world. I took this walk on a very cloudy day, and seeing these windmills silhouetted against a dark gray sky is a typical Dutch experience. In one of these mills cheeses of various flavors were sold and obviously I would not have missed the tasting for anything in the world!
5. STAY BREATHLESS IN FRONT OF THE IMMENSITY OF COLOR OF THE TULIPS FIELDS
There are so many experiences for which my trip to Amsterdam was an unforgettable experience and for which this city has immensely fascinated me, but nothing like the tulip fields.
This was an experience that literally leaves you breathless in the face of so much beauty.
I visited Amsterdam in May when many tulip fields have already been cut, so I decided to head north to the Flevoland area which is a more favorable area to find fields not yet cut at this time. I drove there and just let the color guide me! there was no need to search for anything, as this is a rural area full of fields, so wherever I turned I would see immense splashes of color and would stop there to take a million photos!
the immense expanse of different colors as far as the eye can see is something incredible. I found fields of yellow, pink, red, white. Now Amsterdam will always be not only in my heart but also in my home, because I decided to put a painting in my house with a photo taken that day in the tulip fields.
6.ENJOY A TOUR OF THE CANALS TO SEE THE DANCING HOUSES
Even though the Amsterdam canal tour may seem like a very touristy activity, in reality the canals of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are one of the main attractions of the city. There are tours of a purely tourist type, but canal tours are also a pleasant way to see the city. If you don’t want to admire the view through misted windows, choose a boat with deck seating. I went around the canals twice in my stay in Amsterdam, because the first time was too gray and cloudy, so I took advantage one of the days later, on a beautiful sunny day, to see the canals of the city. city with a different weather. The boat passes through the main canals of the city, and stops on a block of houses called “dancing houses” on the Amstel River. The ground was so swampy that the houses along the canals had to be built on stilts. At times it therefore seems that these houses “dance” due to their instability. These are one of the symbols of Amsterdam and seeing them from the water is a unique experience!
7. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE MIND OF AN ARTIST AT THE VAN GOGH MUSEUM
I am not a particular art lover, so I went to visit the Museum just because it is one of the main attractions of the city, but in the end I was really impressed and I loved it. This museum houses the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works. In particular there are some incredible paintings, with his unmistakable style of defined brushstrokes and chromatic marking, in one of the places where he lived and painted the most, namely in Provence. The museum is arranged on three floors, which trace the life of the author, two of the last two floors being the last years, since he voluntarily hospitalized in the psychiatric clinic of Saint-Remy. In this period his artistic power does not diminish at all, and it is amazing to see that even in this period masterpieces such as “Iris” were produced. The museum is an unmissable piece of world art, and retraces the works of art of a tormented genius.
8. TRY THE COFFEE SHOP EXPERIENCE
There are many rumors about the coffee shops in Amsterdam as an experience not to be missed, and indeed it is something that must definitely be tried, and it is absolutely not risky. The guys who work there are able to recommend the right product based on the normal use, and give something very light or heavier. They also ask if you want a pure marijuana cigarette or mixed with tobacco (obviously pure is much stronger, especially if you are not used to it). The cigarette is sold inside a cigarette case, so it is possible to store the cigarette and smoke it from time to time, not all at once. Obviously the feeling after smoking is simply relaxation and lightness, and it’s not so bad every now and then to take away the thoughts of work and daily stress!
9. CHILL OUT LISTENING TO ELECTRONIC MUSIC ON THE TERRACE OVERVIEW OF THE AMS LOOKOUT
If you like to see the panorama of a city from above (and who would not like to see Amsterdam from above?) you must not miss the view from the A’DAM Lookout. From Amsterdam Centraal station there is a free boat which takes you to the other side of the canal in less than 5 minutes and on the shore is the building that houses the A’DAM lookout. You will go up with an elevator that projects fluorescent lights during the journey, and at the top you will find both a covered terrace from which to admire the 360-degree panorama, and an outdoor terrace. In both terraces it is possible to sit and relax having a drink or a cocktatil, of course I opted for the outdoor terrace and a good glass of wine, with electronic music in the background, there is nothing better to admire the view of the city at sunset!
10. GET LOST IN THE CANALS IN WATERLAND
Within half an hour from beautiful Amsterdam you can immerse yourself in the Dutch countryside and spend a day discovering the Waterland region. It is, in fact, a territory in the heart of Holland, a succession of picturesque villages, waterways, tulip fields and windmills. It is a real journey into the traditions of these villages where tranquility reigns and even time seems to have stopped. The houses with pointed roofs and colored bricks alternate with green meadows where cows and sheep graze undisturbed. Broek in Waterland, Volendam and Marken are among the most famous villages in this area. Broek in Waterland is one of the best, and easiest, day trips from Amsterdam, as you can also cycle there from Amsterdam Central in under an hour! This stunning historical village is home to postcard scenery, with pastel-colored wooden houses that sit on the banks of the water. I had lunch at Teagarden Overleek, a delightful bar specializing above all in sweets, directly overlooking the canal, for delicious coffee, tea, and cakes in a beautiful countryside setting! It is also possible to rent a whisper boat with them and cruise through the canals of Broek in Waterland!
When to go?
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
The best time to visit Amsterdam is from mid-May to mid-September, being the mildest. July and August are the relatively warmest months; however, it is advisable to bring a sweatshirt or sweater, a light jacket and an umbrella, hoping not to have to use them.
three unmissable stops
Best photos spots
I’m a photographer, so I’m always looking for the best corner in the world to make the perfect picture. Often, with great pleasure of my traveling companions, I also spend hours staring at the landscape, waiting for the perfect moment with perfect light. Therefore, when I decided to create my blog, I could not avoid to include a dedicated section to photography enthusiasts like me, always looking for the landscape that leaves you breathless. Hope you will enjoy these places where, in my opinion, you can enjoy wonderful landscapes and take the best pictures.
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