Amsterdam

I took a trip to the Netherlands based on an Editors concert in Amsterdam. I bought the ticket and decided to see the capital and hop down to Rotterdam and visit friends in Utrecht/Amersfoort. I had five days and made the most out of them.

I explored Amsterdam mostly by walking. Took a few metro rides as well as I stayed north in Bunk hotel and that M52 from Noorderpark was super convenient. I was also a regular on the free ferry from Centraal to IJplein. Bunk hotel was a great budget choice. Good location and such a unique accommodation - a very hip refurbished old church.

I visited the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum and Van Gogh Museum. I kept it light and did a fairly quick look to avoid museum fatigue as I visited all three museums one after another. Great experience, liked all of them! I also walked most streets and grachts in the centre. Didn’t really enjoy Old Centre much. Seemed too busy, developed and consumer-oriented. De 9 Straatjes and whole Jordaan however were exquisite. I also enjoyed Vondelpark, Hortus Botanicus garden and FOAM Photography Museum and A'DAM Lookout.

I have to mention food. Such huge selection of possibilities. I ate ramen, delicious burgers, proper Napoli pizzas, pastrami sandwich, apple pie etc. I didn’t manage to try much Dutch food, just had stroopwafel and plenty of cheese.

Rotterdam

On my 4th day I took an early train to Rotterdam, left my backpack at Centraal and started walking. Rotterdam was such a contrast to old Amsterdam. But can’t say I didn’t enjoy it.

I made a tour from Centraal to St. Lawrence Church, (closed) Market Hall, Cube Houses, Oudehaven, walked to and over Erasmusbrug and had breakfast at Fenix Food Factory. A water taxi then took me around S.S. Rotterdam and dropped me off at Euromast for a beautiful view over the modern city. I continued on foot through het Park, checked out Museumpark and finally reached the open Markthal to grab some lunch. Then again to Erasmusbrug to catch my boat ride to Kinderdijk. I had to do some circling around but made it work. Kinderdijk was a lovely windmill spot. Got a cup of coffee, an apple pie and took a walk around. I finished the busy day with a train ride to Utrecht.

Utrecht & Amersfoort

I spent my last day between Utrecht and Amersfoort. I really enjoyed both of them and wish I could explore them more thoroughly. Utrecht was super lively and caught me by surprise. My pal Aart took me around on a lovely tour abundant in dairy/Kaas facts.