Amsterdam
Canals, Cafés, and Cozy Winter Vibes
I visited Amsterdam for a week with a girlfriend in January 2020, just two months before the world shut down. I'm so grateful I got to experience this beautiful city when I did. The weather was cold but perfect for cozying up in cafés, strolling along the canals with a warm drink in hand, and embracing the charm of Amsterdam in the winter. Turns out, all you need is a hot stroopwafel and warm tomato soup!
That One Time We Randomly Went to Amsterdam
One of my best friends from college (who is just as spontaneous as me) and I were casually talking one day when we decided, “Hey, let’s go to Amsterdam.” No real planning, no overthinking - just a quick “Should we?” followed by immediate flight confirmation emails. So, we threw together a one-week itinerary, packed our bags, and flew to the Netherlands.
Going to Amsterdam in January was actually the best move. No crazy crowds, just us galavanting through the streets, hopping into cute cafés to warm up, and pretending we were locals who just happened to have an American accent. We even stumbled upon Dam Square’s Tulip Festival, which was basically a floral fever dream in the middle of winter.
One Night Out, No Regrets
We dedicated one night to Amsterdam’s nightlife, and let me tell you - we did not waste it. We started with dinner and drinks at a vibey restaurant, but the real fun began when we ended up befriending the bartender and DJ. One minute we were sipping cocktails, the next we were dancing behind the DJ counter like we were locals. They even gave us some of the best hidden gems throughout the city. Moral of the story: always befriend the bartender. 10/10 experience, highly recommend.
A Little Culture, A Lot of Fun
The rest of the trip, we were on our best behavior (mostly). Here’s a rundown of our more cultured activities:
Wine and cheese tour – because when in the Netherlands, you eat all the Dutch cheese.
Amsterdam Light Festival Canal Tour + Happy Hour – we floated through the city while sipping drinks, living our best cozy winter lives.
Anne Frank House – a deeply moving experience and an absolute must-visit.
Van Gogh Museum – admired some iconic masterpieces and left feeling at least 10% more cultured.
Lots of shopping – because resisting cute European boutiques is simply not in my skill set.
WONDR Experience Amsterdam – a super fun, immersive art and play space that basically made us feel like kids again. Think ball pits, neon rooms, and endless photo ops.
Amsterdam, You Were a Dream
One of my favorite things? Just wandering through all the little streets and alleys, taking in the canals, the architecture, and the vibes. Oh, and the food. I became obsessed with stroopwafels (warm and gooey perfection). Also, the coffee here just hits different - smooth, strong, and the perfect excuse to keep café-hopping all day.
This trip was the perfect mix of chaos and coziness, and I already know I’ll be back. Amsterdam, you were everything I didn’t know I needed.
Now that you've heard my Amsterdam story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May): Best for tulip fields, mild weather, and blooming canals
Summer (June to August): Best for festivals, outdoor cafes, and long daylight hours. Lively but crowded and expensive.
Fall (September to November): Best for crisp air, golden canals, and fewer tourists. Cooler temps and more rain, but still charming.
Winter (December to February): Best for Christmas markets, ice skating, and cozy cafes.
Location: Stay in a central area like Jordaan, De Pijp, and the Canal Belt. Ideal for first-timers - walkable, scenic, and close to everything.
Rent a Bike (If You Dare): Biking is the best way to explore the city like a local. But fair warning: Amsterdam cyclists are not messing around. If you're confident, rent a bike and cruise the canals. If not, stick to walking!
Packing Essentials: Amsterdam’s weather is all over the place. Bring layers, a rain jacket, and comfy shoes. Expect rain at any time.
Coffee Shops ≠ Cafés: A coffee shop in Amsterdam sells weed. A café sells actual coffee. Know the difference before asking for a latte!
Be Respectful in the Red Light District: If you visit, know that photos of workers are strictly prohibited.
Accommodations
Eden Hotel Amsterdam - Prime location, right along the Amstel River, and within walking distance to Rembrandt Square, museums, and great restaurants. Some rooms have a canal view!
Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences
Dam Square - The city’s central square, always buzzing with energy.
A’DAM Lookout - Panoramic views + the highest swing in Europe.
Amsterdam Light Festival (Winter Only) - A magical nighttime canal experience.
Keukenhof Gardens (Spring Only) - One of the most beautiful tulip gardens in the world!
Canal Cruise - The best way to see Amsterdam (go at sunset for extra magic).
Jordaan District - Cute streets, indie shops, and cozy cafes.
Cultural & Historical Sites
Anne Frank House - A powerful, must-visit experience (book tickets in advance).
Van Gogh Museum - Home to some of Van Gogh’s most iconic works.
Rijksmuseum - Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam - A stunning, historic palace in Dam Square.
Our Lord in the Attic - A secret church hidden inside a 17th-century canal house.
Fun & Unique Experiences
Heineken Experience – A fun, interactive tour + beer tasting.
WONDR Experience – A colorful, immersive playground for adults (perfect for photos).
De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) – A shopping paradise full of cute boutiques.
Red Light District – Worth a walk-through just to experience this infamous part of the city.
Restaurants & Food Picks
Amsterdam has an amazing food scene, from cozy cafes to indulgent Dutch treats. Here are some must-try spots and experiences!
Fromagerie Abraham Kef - Cheese & Wine Pairing: One of my favorite things we did! This cozy fromagerie specializes in high-quality, artisan cheeses, perfectly paired with unique wines.
Why it’s fun: You get to taste a variety of Dutch and European cheeses, each matched with a complementary wine. They’ll teach you how different aging processes change flavors. It’s the perfect cozy-day activity!
Café de Jaren - a waterfront cafe that’s perfect for a cozy meal. We were obsessed with their mint tea and tomato soup
Pluk - a bright, cozy café that also doubles as a little concept store selling home goods and gifts.
Pasta e Basta - Dinner and show! They have delicious handmade pasta and singing waitstaff - yes, the servers literally perform while you eat. Get the truffle pasta if you can.
La Favela - This place is such a vibe! Moody lighting, great cocktails, and a mix of Latin and Asian-inspired dishes. It’s the kind of spot where you start with dinner and somehow end up staying all night (and where we met the cool bartender and DJ!)
Van Wonderen - The BEST stroopwafels! These warm, gooey caramel-filled waffles come topped with all kinds of extras, from chocolate drizzles to cookie crumbles.
Pigs & Punch - A great cocktail bar that also happens to serve incredible BBQ.
Door74 - A hidden speakeasy
Shopping Hotspots
De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) - The best spot for boutique shopping, trendy fashion, and vintage finds.
PC Hooftstraat - Amsterdam’s luxury shopping street with designer stores like Gucci and Chanel.
Albert Cuyp Market - A street market full of local goods, Dutch snacks, and souvenirs.
Magna Plaza - A beautiful, historic shopping mall with a mix of high-end and mainstream stores.
Waterlooplein Flea Market - A great place for vintage clothes, antiques, and unique finds.
