Amsterdam: Canals, Culture and the Sweetest Stroopwafel of My Life
Amsterdam was our final stop in Europe, and it turned out to be the perfect way to slow down after such an intense adventure. Between world‑class museums, long walks along the canals, and stroopwafels the size of my face, the city kept surprising me in the best possible ways. Here’s how our two days played out, the good, the weird, and the delicious.
Arrival Evening: Burgers, Donuts & a Dutch Supermarket Run
After the absolute circus that was our journey from Berlin, arriving in Amsterdam felt like finally exhaling after a long day. We dropped our bags, inhaled a giant burger, and wandered into Dunkin’ Donuts, where, in a rare win from the universe, we were handed free donuts because they didn’t have the ones we ordered.
Before heading back to the hotel, we stopped by Albert Heijn, the Dutch supermarket chain you see everywhere. We grabbed snacks, drinks, and breakfast supplies for the next morning. Exploring a foreign supermarket is always fun, discovering quirky local products and stocking up for the next day. With our supplies sorted, we headed back to the room and called it a night.
Day 1: Exploring Dam Square & the Rijksmuseum Museum
We woke up early and headed straight into the city. Dam Square was our first stop, with the Royal Palace towering over the trams, cyclists, and crowds. The sound of the tram bells made me think, I could live here. A car‑free life suddenly felt very achievable.
We wandered through narrow alleyways and along the canals, grabbed a late breakfast, and made our way to the Rijksmuseum. Inside, we found everything from suits of armour to gold coins, historic libraries, and famous paintings like The Night Watch. It was partially under maintenance, but we could still see most of the artwork. A large section was dedicated to Christianity and Dutch art, and it was genuinely fascinating.
And because something strange always seems to happen to us, this time it was a man in the museum bathroom who simply… didn’t shut the door. Just sitting there, smiling, making eye contact with everyone walking past.
Afterwards, we walked to the Van Gogh Museum, only to discover it was completely booked out. One lovely staff member shared a little‑known tip: check the website at 5pm for last‑minute tickets. So we did and bingo, we got in.
Travel tip: Book both museums well in advance.
Dinner that night was a return to the burger place from the night before, but the magic was gone. Wrong order, a smashed beer bottle beside our table, and staff who acted like we were inconveniencing them.
Day 2: Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, Van Gogh & Canal Walks
The next morning we hunted down Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, the Instagram‑famous shop that looks like something straight out of Harry Potter. The stroopwafels were enormous, stuffed with melted caramel and topped with chocolate or marshmallows. Delicious, messy, and definitely a two‑person situation. One was enough for a lifetime.
Then it was time for the Van Gogh Museum. This time, with actual tickets. The layout was brilliant, and the audio guide was worth every cent. It walked us through Van Gogh’s life from beginning to end, his creativity, his struggles, and the heartbreaking challenges he faced with mental health. Seeing his most iconic works in person was surreal.
Dinner that night was the complete opposite of the previous evening: the Hard Rock Café Amsterdam. We’d eaten at the Hard Rock Café in Singapore before, so we already had good memories of cold beers and the chocolate fudge brownie. For our final meal in Amsterdam, it felt like the perfect comfort‑food choice. With window seats overlooking the canals, it ended up being one of the best meals, and best service of the whole trip.
We took the long way home, strolling along the canals at sunset. We passed the Anne Frank House, unable to get tickets, but still wanting to pay our respects by visiting the outside and being able to say we’d been there.
Back at Dam Square, we stopped at Febo, the bizarre Dutch automat fast‑food system where you put coins into little lockers and pull out pre‑made snacks. I’d seen it on Richard Ayoade’s travel show (Moss from The IT Crowd), so of course I had to try it. Not amazing, but definitely entertaining.
Last, we headed back to Albert Heijn to buy some breakfast for the following morning, since we had to leave early to catch our flights. We grabbed a few final Amsterdam souvenirs before heading back to the hotel to pack our bags for the long journey home to Sydney via Dubai.
Heading Home: Souvenirs & a Final View From the Sky
As we waited for our Uber to the airport, it felt bittersweet. Amsterdam had been the perfect wind‑down to our Europe adventure, but we were also ready to get back home to Australia.
With certain airspace closed due to restrictions, our flight took the long way toward Dubai, and as we were landing we spotted the Burj Khalifa glowing below us, a final, unexpected highlight to end the trip. Because our plane was running late, our connecting flight waited for us, and thankfully the airport staff were there to guide us straight to where we needed to go.
I loved Amsterdam because I never once had to step inside a vehicle. Every place was walkable, making the city feel calm yet energetic and alive with people, a place that invites you to slow down, wander, and simply enjoy being there. It was the perfect way to end our Europe adventure.
Practical Tips for Visiting Amsterdam
- Book the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum Museum well in advance.
- Check the Van Gogh website at 5pm for last‑minute ticket releases.
- Van Wonderen Stroopwafels are delicious but extremely sweet, share one!
- Febo is fun to try once.
- Walking the canals at sunset is a must.
- Amsterdam is incredibly walkable, you can easily explore without a car.
- If you want to visit the Anne Frank House, book weeks ahead.
- Albert Heijn is perfect for snacks, cheap breakfasts, and local treats.
FAQ: Amsterdam Travel Questions
Is Amsterdam walkable?
Yes, extremely. Most major attractions are within walking distance, and the city is designed for pedestrians and cyclists.
Do you need to book the Van Gogh Museum in advance?
Absolutely. Tickets sell out quickly. Check the website at 5pm for last‑minute releases if you miss out.
What food should you try in Amsterdam?
Stroopwafels are a must.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
Two to three days will be enough to see the highlights but there is a lot to do there.
Comments
Post a Comment