When I (often) discuss my love for Amsterdam I am quite frequently met with a glazed expression and the question, “of all the places in the world, Amsterdam?” and my answer is and always will be, YES. I have travelled to Amsterdam numerous times over the years with Mr C and I have also visited as a young child on countless occassions to visit family friends in Holland. It feels like I should have been born there. I feel so familiar with the destination that I’d happily walk the streets on my own, on a night. That can’t be said for various towns & cities in the UK. Not that I have to explain myself, but I thought if I could persuade you all with my 5 reasons why I love Amsterdam, you might just all come round…
One. The Food
It seems so cliche, but really, ALL THE FOOD. There are areas in and around Amsterdam (such as Leidesplein & Rembrantplein) where restaurants line the street one by one. From Chinese to Steakhouses, from Pan Asian to Traditional Dutch delicacies, there is always room for more. The street vendors are pretty cool too, pop in a few euros and out pops burgers, croquettes and other fast food delights. You will be spoilt for choice when eating out so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to try all the different cuisines when in Amsterdam.
Two. The Ease of Life
What city do you know that you can hop on a tram and be across the city within about 5 to 10 minutes flat? Not many. The ease of travelling in and around Amsterdam is something I quite often wish the UK would reflect upon. Even walking from street to street is much easier. More relaxed than anything I have ever known here back home. I could quite easily get lost wandering the streets and hop on a tram and find myself back to where I started. Back here I would worry if I had got on the right bus or train. There’s just something so easy about Amsterdam.
Three. Open Green Spaces in the Middle of the City
This mainly refers to VondelPark, a huge park (built on a swamp!) is such a refreshing place to go when you want to escape the buzz of the centre. Mr C & I wandered aimlessly for a good few hours and then made our way to a little cafe for a hot beverage to warm our cockles. I have never felt so relaxed to just escape it all. I can’t wait to spend a summer weekend there, lazing around & topping up a tan.
Four. It is only a 50 minute flight from Leeds Bradford Airport
Yes, you heard me. If you remove the check in time off a flight, it is quicker for me to fly to Amsterdam than it is for me to get on a bus to Leeds/York or Harrogate City Centre. How is this possible? But I’m not complaining! It just makes going back to my sacred city a whole lot easier. Thank the lord for Jet2 and their daily flights.
Five. The Culture
Amsterdam is home to so many museums and raw history that it’s hard to cram everything in to just one weekend break. We have found ourselves going back time and time again and missing various sightseeing because there is just so so so much. The one place that I have to recommend you go is the Anne Frank Museum, this has to be one of the places you must visit if you only ever intend to go Amsterdam once. So harrowing and bitterly raw it really gives an insight in to what a lot of the Jewish community was put through there during the War. With the Reijksmuseum renovations now complete I hope to return to view all of the collections.
Amsterdam is somewhere I could quite easily call home. In fact, I’m often found looking for apartments and houses there that in the hope one day I win the lottery and can have some sort of home there. A girl can dream! It’s a place that speaks to me through its history, it’s building and the beautifully kind people who reside there. I am at home when I am there.
Is there somewhere that you feel connected to like I do with Amsterdam? I’d love to know.
Bee xxx
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