I visited Amsterdam in August 2019 for my boyfriends birthday and we had a fantastic time!
This was not my first time in Amsterdam as I visited when I was 15 with my parents! Since I had already done all of the big sights such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, alongside the important historical monuments such as the Anne Frank House, we decided to give these a miss on this occasion.
Since I was not a blogger when I went, I did not think to keep track of our itinerary. I do not feel like I am in a good enough position to portray Amsterdam in the way it deserves however, being a travel enthusiast, I took a lot of photos!
So what better way to highlight a country than with a photo diary?
Now I am by no means a photographer and, as I previously mentioned, I wasn’t taking these with a blog in mind. However, I think it was a really fun trip and it would be nice to be able to look back on!
Summary:
Getting There:
Our trip to Amsterdam was off to a slow start as our plane was delayed by over an hour. Luckily there was sushi in the Airport that we could have for dinner!
When we finally got to Amsterdam it was already dark so we called it a night there and checked in to our hotel.
Walking Tour:
The first thing we did the next day was a free walking tour! I am a huge fan of walking tours as I think they are a great way to see the city, and learn a bit about it, that you can then base the rest of your trip off of.
We stopped to discuss the history of Amsterdam and our guide covered everything from Prostitution to Coffee Shops, Canals to Tulips.
We then went to the begijnhof, a housing estate exclusively for single women. The whole area was stunning and wasn’t something I was aware existed prior to the walking tour.
Red Light District
After our walking tour we headed to learn more about the infamous red light district by visiting some museums. I didn’t take a whole lot of photos in either of these places however they were an important part of the trip and were incredibly interesting!
Red Light Secrets is a prostitution museum that explores everything from the history behind the districts windows to experiences that actual women have had. There is even a wall for you to write your own secrets anonymously!
We also visited the Sex Museum in Amsterdam-Centraal. This museum was a lot more light-hearted and fun than Red Light Secrets with a lot of bright lights and moving parts.
We also went to visit Amsterdam’s Condomerie which is a delightful place that sells models made out of condoms. It’s a fun place to visit and home to some of the most unique souvenirs you’ll ever find!
Brigadeiros
We started day 2 on the hunt for some brigadeiros. I had read online about a sweet shop that specialised in them and, since Matias is Brazilian, I couldn’t help but want to go.
It was definitely worth the trek as ‘Sweet Bob Amsterdam’ had such a huge variety and, though a bit pricy, was worth every penny.
We went back almost every day afterwards!
Kattenkabinet
I am a huge fan of getting off the beaten path and discovering hidden attractions in the cities I visit. One of these gems that I discovered when researching Amsterdam was Kattenkabinet: a building dedicated to cat memorabilia!
House of Bols
The House of Bols experience is another one of those that I thoroughly enjoyed but, looking back, took next to no photos of. It was such a fun way to learn about the local gin, do a bit of a tasting and have some cocktails!
A’dam Tower
The absolute highlight of my time in Amsterdam was the A’dam Tower Lookout which we arrived at in time for sunset. Our reservation for the lookout wasn’t for a while so we spent an hour in the Skybar watching the boats taking people back across to Amsterdam-Centraal.
Once we got to the lookout we watched the sun set over the city. Finally our reservation came around for us to take our place in line for the swing over the edge of A’dam Tower.
The view was spectacular and was one of the best things I have ever done! I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Amsterdam!
Moco Museum
Our final day in Amsterdam was spent trying to gather our things and attempting to explore the city whilst lugging around our backpacks.
We had seen a lot of posters advertising a museum featuring Banksy and it did not disappoint! The Moco Museum had such a fun range of art that ranged from completely interactive pieces such as a room made entirely of purple spheres to political artwork. It was an unexpected gem!
Conclusion
There were so many beautiful sights in Amsterdam, some of which I was able to photograph and some I couldn’t. I have a lot of uncategorised photos of the canals and scenery so I will finish this post with some of Amsterdams beauty!
Have you ever been to Amsterdam?
Did you do anything I missed?
All you pictures are beautiful! Also I could never swing over the edge like you did even though the view seems truly amazing!
Anna / http://www.stralthy.com
Thank you! I’m planning on getting a proper camera so photo diaries from future trips will hopefully be a bit better aha. I was nervous getting on the swing but once I got on it was too pretty to be scared!
That swing looks terrifying and awesome at the same time…I want to go! Love the idea of a photo diary. It’s so personal to your trip and really gives a feel for the city x
I think I’m going to do another photo diary for Rotterdam! I was only there for one day but I took so many photos 😂 the swing was genuinely really cool and once I actually got on it the views were too pretty to be scared x
I’ve been wanting to do the A’dam Tower (and the swing) now for ages, love the photos you got there!
Unfortunately we got there after the professional photographers finished but the people behind us in line were kind enough to take photos for us! It was definitely a highlight of the trip!
I miss Amsterdam. The last time I visited there was in 2006. I only did a virtual tour to Amsterdam last 3 weeks. Hehehe.
Aha it’s a lovely place! Hopefully you will be able to visit again!
Amsterdam looks so wonderful! We were supposed to go in June but had to postpone. Saving this for when we finally get to go!
-Hillary
http://www.hillarybush.com
I’m glad you enjoyed! It’s a wonderful city I hope you get to visit soon! x
I’ve visited Amsterdam twice and it’s one of my favourite places. Both trips I visited the Sex Museum, it was hilarious! I went on a pizza cruise on the canals too which was an amazing way to soak up the scenary. I’ll definietly be visting for a 3rd time once it’s safe to travel again!x
One thing I’m yet to do is a canal cruise so I guess I have to go back 😂
These are great photos and memories. I do the same thing by posting old pictures from trips taken before I even thought I would write about them
It feels a shame to not to post about them!
Great photos! Those Brigadeiros look amazing. We did a overnight stop on a ferry several years ago so didn’t get chance to see all of Amsterdam, but would love to go back one day!
It’s definitely worth it! The Netherlands as a whole is a beautiful country with some incredible day trips and cities
I love these photos. Amsterdam is definitely on my bucket list. I would love to just bike around and take it all in. I’ll have to work up the courage for the swing though because it looks amazing.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Josh | http://www.bluecollarrising.com
Love this! I have been to Amsterdam and loved it so much. We went to the Anne Frank house and went to De Hallen for food and drinks which I would recommend 🙂
I did the Anne Frank House on my first trip however missed De Hallen! Will have to add to the list for a future trip!
You definitely found a few treasures we missed (though it’s been 10 years since we last went). Definitely the best thing to do is wander in that city. Did the women in the windows in the Red Light District threaten to attack people with cameras? Good times.
They didn’t threaten anyone whilst we were there but perhaps there weren’t any cameras to be upset about 🤔 it’s definitely worth another visit when you’re able!
This is a very good write-up! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading! I was a bit worried about putting my photos up since they’re not the best but I’m glad I did!
It looks like you had a such an amazing time. I love Amsterdam, I can’t wait to one day go back there x
It is lovely! Definitely worth the trip back when we can travel again!
I have never made it to Amsterdam, we were hoping this year but that is unlikely to happen. I loved following you trip, you’ve got some really lovely photo’s here.
Thank you for sharing x
Thank you for reading! Tried my best to find photos that were of a reasonable quality! In hindsight I wish I’d taken more!
Still haven’t been but Amsterdam looks very pretty. Wonderful photos of the sunset too..
Thank you so much!
Hello! I love your blog it looks incredible! I really enjoyed the Amsterdam blog as I have that on my bucket list to visit in future. Just a note I was able to see all the photos in the Amsterdam blog but when I read about Portugal I could not see photos. Keep it up awesome!!
Yes I’m having some issues back end with photos on my old posts! Thank you for letting me know! I’m really glad that you enjoyed my Amsterdam post x
That looks so amazing! I really want to go to Amsterdam. I was meant to be booking a holiday with my flat mates but obviously that’s not happening now!
Ah that sucks! Hopefully you’ll be able to go soon! It is such a lovely city 😊
Loved how you described your experience. Makes me want to go to Amsterdam again! Great post.
You definitely should visit again at some point! Thank you for reading I’m glad you enjoyed x
A city I’ve yet to visit. You make it sound fantastic. An excellent read!
Thank you so much! It’s a stunning city, very lively and fun! I highly recommend going at least once.
I want to visit Amsterdam so bad and so thank you for allowing me to live the trip through you haha! Visiting the red light secrets museum is definitely on my bucket list!
It was such a fascinating museum! Hopefully you’ll be able to visit sooner rather than later!
I’ve never been to Amsterdam but it’s on my bucket list! Thanks for the great tips. I definitely want to try that swing. And the chocolates!
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
Its a great city! There is so much life there. The brigadeiros are so tasty I highly recommend them, and the swing is a fantastic experience!
Wow this looks amazing! I hope you had a good time.
It was a lot of fun for sure! Thank you for reading!
Your trip looks like it was amazing! Me and my boyfriend were supposed to go this year but have obvs had to cancel. Hopefully when we go next year, we can check out some of these attractions! They sound so much fun and I love the view from the tower! Great post leaving me with lots of ideas for when I can go! Thanks for sharing!x
Thank you for reading! My boyfriend and I had to cancel a trip to Paris too so I know how you feel! It’s definitely a brilliant place to go as a couple and when you do make it you’ll have so much fun!
No problem at all! And oh I’m sorry to hear! Me and my boyfriend went to Paris last year and it was truly amazing so believe me, it’ll be worth the wait! You’ll have the best time when you can go!x
Definitely a bucket list for me! LOVE the pics 🤗
Thank you so much! It’s definitely a great bucket list destination
I love Amsterdam so much!! Looks like you had a lot of fun. I didn’t do the A’dam tower when I was there a few years ago but it looks so good… will have to do this when I eventually get the chance to return! xx
Yes definitely! It was a huge trip highlight!!
That swing looks amazing yet also terrifying! I don’t think I’d have the nerve to try it
It felt a lot scarier before I got on but once I was doing it I completely forgot about the nerves!!
Wow that place looks amazing! We were supposed to be doing a 4 months Europe trip and Amsterdam was defo on the list but… Well covid happened 😂😂 your post has given me some things to add to the list for future though! I actually had no idea about the swig or…. Well anything you mentioned actually! How do all the YouTube travel videos miss that stuff?
Aha! I had a great time and I’m sure you will too when you are able to go! I always find blogs to be the best place to track down things to do that aren’t on the traditional tourist path and that’s where I find most of the things I do! I hope you get to go sooner rather than later x
Kattenkabinet looks beautiful, and such a unique shade of green! I am hungry for some truffles now . . .
I want to visit Amsterdam for the sake of looking at the condom models! Something about that just tickles my curiosity, and I love the looks of Red Light Secrets and the Sex Museum.
They were all so unique and interesting! I really wanted to buy one of the models because they weren’t too expensive at all but I was worried about getting it back home in transit! I hope you get to visit soon!
i’ve always wanted to travel here! looks like so much fun and those sweets look delicious! xo
It’s such a fantastic city! You should defo try and visit if you get the chance
Wow! I never knew Amsterdam would be a freethinkers place for sex museums. That’s awesome and it’s the first time I’m seeing anything like it.
Thanks for sharing, this is expository.
It’s such a fascinating place to go for things like that!
Thank you so much for reading!
This really makes me want to go to Amsterdam! Love it!
You definitely should! I’m glad you enjoyed!!
As if I didn’t want to go to Amsterdam bad enough, these photos have me looking into planning my trip already!! I’ve wanted to go to Amsterdam since I was a girl but knew it would only be better if I waited until I was a responsible adult to play there. May not be an adult, but I’m definitely ready to go play!!
Amazing post, I’ll definitely be hoping to visit some of the places in these shots!
Awesome post,
xo Bri
Aw thank you so much! It’s such a fantastic city!! I really hope you are able to visit soon!!
[…] To see what I got up to when I visited the Red Light District check out my Amsterdam photo diary! […]
[…] way around this may be a walking tour, like the one that I went on in Amsterdam. They are typically a lot more streamlined than just wandering around on your own but can still […]