I loved our visit to Amsterdam so much, I broke my 1000 words max rule by 700+ words, and still, I was unable to fit everything in. The more I wrote, the more I had to say, and not just about the amazing museums and food and where to stay, but about the street art and bike bell shops, the everyday people, the city at night, and so much more. Rather than more talk I thought I would try and show you some of the sights and moments that cemented my love of this wonderful city!
Sunset over I Amsterdam
Trying for that perfect pic…
Walking through town the clouds were amazing!
The architecture both on land and in the water was so lovely!
Next time we visit I hope to stay on a houseboat!
The fuzzy warm glow of the lights at night. On the streets…
the canals…
the water, and
in the windows!
There were flowers…
and boats…
and bikes, everywhere! Sometimes all at once!
Not to mention the art, both inside…
and out, was superb!
I hear seeing a bride is good luck! No wonder we had such a great visit!
I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but after years of hearing what an amazing city Amsterdam is, I am happy to finally be able to say I wholeheartedly agree! A lovely and walkable city with no shortage of interesting sights and streets to wander we made the most of every minute. With it’s Seattle meets Europe vibe, I felt right at home and I would even go so far as to say, “I would live there,” a distinction I’ve saved for only the most special of places. Needless to say, I hope to return one day.
IAmsterdam
I Amsterdam is located behind the Rijksmuseum
Always looking for a fun photo opportunity I was excited to visit the I Amsterdam sign! You can’t miss it as the red and white sign is 2 meters tall and crawling with people. The city’s catch phrase, I Amsterdam, represents not just the city itself, but a state of mind and is a symbol of inclusion. It’s hard not to fall in love with such a positive message and it was clear from the crowds swarming on, in and around it that I wasn’t alone in my feelings. There are four I Amsterdam signs throughout the city!
Of course we joined the masses and posed in, on and around the sign doing our best to get that perfect shot!
I Arrive
Training from Bruges and arriving in the early afternoon we grabbed a taxi to the Hotel Sebastian in the Jordaan District, dropped our bags, and immediately set out to see what the city had to offer.
Meeting up with friends was a highlight of our stay!
Lucky for us, we had personal tour guides as some dear (Dutch) friends from the States were also in town. We met them for dinner and a walking tour through the city.
I Giggle
The Red Light District
One can’t write about a visit to Amsterdam and not mention the infamous Red Light District, so let’s just get it out of the way…
The Oude Kerk in the Red Light District
I’ll start by saying, It wasn’t a place I had on “my list” and definitely not with the kids in tow, but we did end up walking through. Talking and walking, and not paying attention we looked around and… Oops! Suddenly instead of retail shops, many of the windows had red curtains hanging in them, but only the occasional few had someone standing inside. The younger boys were oblivious (thankfully), and the older boys did a great job of pretending they were.
Many of the windows were empty
Funny enough it was the window displays in the “toy” shops, that brought out the giggles in the adults… thankfully the boys, too busy eating ice cream, didn’t notice. However, they did notice the “coffee shops”. The general consensus was: “Why would anyone go in there? It smells so bad!”
I Feel
Anne Frank’s House
As soon as we decided upon a visit to Amsterdam I knew I’d be visiting Anne Frank’s House. My experience visiting this special place was so profound, that I’ve given it a completely separate post. Keep in mind that getting tickets can be somewhat complicated, as the timed Tickets are only available from the official website exactly two months in advance.
I Wander
Walk or Bike Everywhere
A highlight of our visit were the many walks we took. In fact, we walked as many places as we could, rarely using any public transportation. I know you’re wondering why not bike? Unfortunately, Elliot just wasn’t confident enough to ride a bike in such a big city.
I Culture
Museumplein
The Van Gogh Museum
I loved this museum, which you might be surprised to learn was a surprise to me! Not only will you see the largest collection of Van Gogh works in the world, but you’ll learn Van Gogh’s fascinating life story along the way. Especially touching to me was the close relationship he shared with his brother and sister-in-law who were instrumental in his success and eventual world wide fame.
The museum’s layout was easy to navigate and the children’s activities were superb. This museum is incredibly popular, and I highly suggest booking your tickets in advance online as you’ll be able to skip the lines!
The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch National art and history museum. The museum is vast, so if like us, you’re traveling with a large group, or with children it might be a good idea to choose some highlights rather then try to see it all.
Studying Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch
On our can’t miss list were paintings by the Dutch Masters Rembrandt and Vermeer a painting of William of Orange, who I learned quite a bit about while in Belfast, the modernist exhibit from 1900 to 1950, a Van Gogh (of course), and the largest painting in the museum, Waterloo.
I loved this ship model
The MOCO
The MOCO (Modern Contemporary) is a brand new, privately funded, museum featuring what they themselves refer to as the “rock stars” of the art world. On display during our visit were works by two internationally famous artists: Bansky, a London based graffiti artist, and Andy Warhol, an American pop artist. If you’re interested in either of these two artists, you’d better hurry, the exhibits close January 31, 2017.
Keep in mind this is a very small museum. A visit here could easily be tacked on to either of the above mentioned museums. If you enjoy street, graffiti and pop art than this museum is definitely worth a look around.
I Shop
The 9 Streets
If you like to shop, then I you might like The 9 Streets. Located in the Jordaan Neighborhood The 9 Streets are home to galleries, cafes, restaurants and more than 200 retailers, many of them one of a kind, selling everything from modern design to vintage clothing. I especially enjoyed, Pluck, an adorable cafe/shop selling a bit of this and that. An added bonus they had a nice bathroom. If you’re a fan of whimsy then make sure to stop by the Amsterdam Rubber Duck shop, where you’re sure to find a rubber ducky that suits everyone in your party!
I Bloom
Founded in 1862, when flowers were still delivered daily by boat, the Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market. Beyond the expected tulips you’ll find the bulbs and seeds of many other flowers as well as marijuana seedlings and starter kits. Before you’re tempted to purchase anything make sure the items your after can be imported into your home country.
This area is also home to many souvenir and cheese shops, so even if you can’t purchase that rare flower or starter kit (wink wink), you’ll be sure to find something else to remember your visit by.
I Local
A Day in The life
View from Harriet’s balcony
Invited to join our friends at a local friend’s home we were excited to go inside a traditional Dutch house. The owner, a children’s book writer and amazing artist, was kind enough to give us a tour of her in-home art studio. I was so excited when I got to try-out her printing press!
A visit to The Vondelpark gave the kids a chance to run free while the adults enjoyed conversation, bitterballen and beer. We had such a lovely afternoon and felt very much like we’d just experienced a day in the life.
Walking back to our hotel through the park we came across this neat little art exhibit, findfence. Where art meets the lost and found!
I Holland
Day trip to Zaanse Schans
We spent the majority of our time in Holland exploring Amsterdam, but I felt I couldn’t visit Holland without seeing at least one windmill up close and personal! I know, I know, that’s a very touristy thing to do, but hey, sometimes I’m a tourist!
Located just a 30 minute ride from the city, Zaanse Schans was quintessential Holland! There are many things to see and do while visiting Zaanse Schans, the demonstrations of windmills, clogs, and cheese of course, but also walking and biking trails, boating and of course shopping.
I Eat
De Waag
Dinner on our first night in town, was at the lovely De Waag a restaurant cafe located in the Nieuwmarkt. De Waag (the weigh house) was built in 1488 and was originally one of Amsterdam’s City gates. We were lucky to find a table outside, but a reservation is a good idea!
Cafe Hegeraad
A neighborhood favorite for over 100 years and well known for their delicious apple pie, we made it a point to visit Cafe Hegeraad (Tim lOVES pie). The pie was fine, especially if you’re a fan of pie (which I admit I’m not), but I couldn’t get past the restaurant’s strange decor. Their were RUGS on the table tops. Actual rugs complete with fringe, which I found incredibly weird. I couldn’t get past the idea that rugs are for floors, not table tops.
Continuing our cocoa tradition
De Belhamel
De Belhamel, is a lovely and potentially romantic restaurant (we brought our kids) at edge of the Jordaan quarter. Located on a corner where two canals meet the restaurant’s outdoor dining area has a fabulous view of both canals. Unfortunately it was too windy for outdoor dining during our visit, thankfully the interiors are equally as wonderful and the food was delicious.
More friends from the States
I LOVED these mints!
De Reiger
Also in the Jordaan Quarter was the restaurant De Reiger. I enjoyed everything about this meal, the atmosphere inside and out, the service and the food. You can’t ask for more than that!
The Pancake Bakery
Hearing they had the best pancakes in town, we had to go to The Pancake Bakery. The table line was long, but moved fast. I’ve decided I’m not a fan of Dutch pancakes (sorry), but everyone else in the group enjoyed them. Elliot’s car pancake actually came with a giant toy car. Who knew!?
I Sleep
I highly recommend the Hotel Sebastians as both the location and service were perfect. The rooms and ensuite bathrooms were also lovely and spacious, but I admit the having the toilet inside the shower stall was a bit strange. If I wasn’t considering a houseboat stay on my next visit I would absolutely stay here again!
We Love
Can you tell by the length of this post, that We ALL loved our visit in this amazing city?
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We spent the majority of our time in Holland exploring Amsterdam, but I felt I couldn’t visit Holland without seeing at least one windmill up close and personal! I know, I know, that’s a very touristy thing to do, but hey, sometimes I’m a tourist!
Located just a 30 minute ride from the city, Zaanse Schans, is quintessential Holland! Beautiful meadows filled with grazing cows, fluffy white clouds and windmills, their sails slowly turning, in the distance.
There are many things to see and do while visiting Zaanse Schans, demonstrations inside the windmills, a wooden clog museum, and tasting cheese of course, but also museums, walking and biking trails, boating and of course shopping. We arrived later in the day, but made the most of our limited time. We all loved this experience which offered something for everyone and was a great taste of Holland.
The Windmills
There are eight windmills onsite, all of them are centuries old, and all are still operational. Although from a distance they look peaceful, it’s a different story on the inside where they are hard at work sawing, grinding and pounding. The noise is unbelievable!
The Zaanse Schans windmills produce, mustard, lumber, dye, and oil. We visited Het Jonge Schaap which is a sawmill and De Bonte Hen an oil mill. During our visit we learned about the processes from start to finish, but also about the lives of the people living in and operating them. I found this entire experience fascinating and incredibly worthwhile. Imagine living inside the mill all year long, the constant loud noise, the cold winters, your livelihood dependent on the wind.
The Wooden Clog Workshop
Located inside the Wooden Clog Workshop is the Wooden Clog Museum and I really got a kick out of all the different types of clogs on display. There were wedding clogs, ice clogs, carved, painted and art clogs to name just a few. It’s hard to imagine actually walking around in any of them, as I do best on a flat shoe!
The boys weren’t as interested in viewing the already made clogs, but enjoyed the how to demonstration, while I browsed the gift shop, filled with you guessed it: clogs! In every size and color they lined the walls making quite a pretty picture! For me the highlight was the large statue of Miffy the Bunny, a favorite of mine.
The Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm
Of course you can’t be in Holland and not eat cheese. The Catharina Hove Cheese shop is a replica of a cheese farm. Inside you’ll find the shopkeepers, dressed in traditional costumes, ready and willing to tell you all about the different types of cheese. There are samples available and of course you can purchase some to take with you. We happily picked up a few different varieties in anticipation of our upcoming train ride to Paris.
We had a wonderful time during our visit to Zaanse Schans. It was a perfect afternoon!
Anne Frank’s house was my first destination upon arriving in Amsterdam. Entering would have to wait as my tickets were for another day, but something in me just needed to see it. Standing outside this important place in history, which I’d read about my entire life, and that seemed to be just any other ordinary building, was surreal. I suddenly felt as if I were in a fog, I could see and hear the other people around me, but felt strangely outside myself. Sorrow, incredulity, anger rolled over me like a wave. In that moment, right there on that regular sidewalk the joy was sucked right out of me. Simultaneously I was grateful to be standing there. Outside. Grateful that I could be, and that no one was telling me otherwise.
Maybe you’re reading the above and thinking, why would anyone willingly put themselves through emotions like that if they didn’t have to? I don’t blame you, but I strongly believe that in order to protect future generations we must step outside our comfort zone. Keeping these memories alive, no matter how unpleasant, is paramount.
‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’ – George Santayana
The Anne Frank House is on the left side of the Canal
The next morning I got up early and knowing my family needed their rest, I wrote them a note and then went out for a walk around the neighborhood. I wandered back over to the Anne Frank House as I wanted time for a little introspection. I found a cup of coffee and a bench and watched the people go by.
Surprising to me, many of them posed happily by the front door, smiling and laughing while acting goofy. Some seemed to be making a show of being dramatic, a caricature of sorts. Somehow this felt wrong to me. Strange I thought… is this a happy place?
Canal across the way from the Anne Frank House
A short while later standing across the canal I listened in on a bike tour. Although the guide did mention the Nazi occupation, the secret annex and that their had been people hiding inside for over two years it was very perfunctory and felt quite shallow.
What you need to know before visiting
As soon as we decided upon a visit to Amsterdam I knew I’d be visiting Anne Frank’s house and with that knowledge immediately researched making it happen. As it turned out it can be somewhat complicated. Tickets are required, timed and are only available from the official website exactly two months in advance. Due to the museum’s popularity they will sell out, so I highly recommend setting a reminder on your calendar. Hopefully, you’ll have some flexibility, as even armed with this knowledge I was only able to secure two tickets during the entire duration of our five night stay. This worked out for our family as my little one wasn’t quite old enough for this experience.
Here are some other things to keep in mind when planning a visit:
The Anne Frank House is located in the center of Amsterdam at Prinsengracht 263-267
Visitors between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:30 pm must purchase their tickets in advance online.
You can show your ticket directly from your smart phone.
From 3:30 PM until closing time you can buy a ticket at the museum entrance. I don’t recommend this as the lines are extremely long and you won’t be guaranteed entrance.
Last entry to the museum is 30 minutes before closing time, but the queue for the Anne Frank House closes earlier. Depending on how busy it is, this can be as much as 2 hours before closing time.
No photographs are allowed inside the museum.
Strollers and large bags aren’t allowed inside the museum.
Thoughts on our visit:
Our timed entry was 2:15 pm, so after a morning exploring the city, Simon and I went to the Museum. Here are some of my thoughts as I wrote them directly after the visit:
It was simply heartbreaking, but so worth while. I silently cried my way through the entire thing.
Though Simon recently studied Anne Frank in school, and even after we stood in the very places Anne and her family stood, I’m not sure it really got through to him that her and her family only died because they were jews. That prior to going to hiding they weren’t allowed to swim at the beach, go to school, visit friends or really do anything at all just because they were jews.
Seeing the rooms, staircases and the bookcase, which hid the entrance to their secret annex was incredibly surreal. After reading and hearing about Anne my entire life and then to actually stand in the place where they hid for over two years is very difficult to put into words.
Peeking out the window onto the street below. Knowing that on the rare occasion that Anne herself could look out that she looked out these same windows. She saw the same things we saw, people freely walking by, laughing, playing, boats on the canal, heard the nearby church bells, only unlike us, she couldn’t leave.
The visit to the Anne Frank house is self guided, though Anne’s words are written on the walls throughout. You’ll walk through the office below the secret annex, the annex and have an opportunity to see Anne’s diaries. There are many.
The video interviews of Otto Frank, her father, and other people who knew her are fascinating and really help bring her to life.
With the exception of a few items on display most of the rooms are empty. This is deliberate as Otto Frank specifically requested they be kept this way as a symbol of all the people who never came back.
Surprisingly, even after this moving and educational experience I could tell that it was hard for Simon to grasp when he saw during our visit. How could he? Thankfully, he’s only known acceptance and tolerance. However, all the more reason why this visit was so important.
We spent the majority of our time in Holland exploring Amsterdam, but I felt I couldn’t visit Holland without seeing at least 
