24hrs in Amsterdam

Amsterdam. A city of contrasts and engulfing aromas. 

Never have I ever been to the Netherlands. Despite my penchant for maxing out my annual leave with quick, convenient European city breaks and more recently, my company’s Dutch heritage, it took a recent Eurostar sale to allow me to tick off this fragrant capital. 

Just as I believe that the majority of people are in fact in no man’s land when it comes to Marmite appreciation, my impression of Amsterdam was twofold and I both loved and hated it simultaneously. The ease of our journey from London definitely contributed to the city’s air of a European idyll. Arriving at lunchtime in the early afternoon sun and walking from the station to the centre, was an excellent first impression. ‘I could just live here and commute to London’ I thought, as helmet-less cyclists cruised past. ‘Everyone just looks so Dutch!’ was another frequent exclamation during our 24hr stay. The fact we happened to arrive on National Tulip Day was certainly an integral part of the almost Truman Show-like cliche we felt we’d walked into. Every second person was clutching a bunch of brightly coloured flowers, bulbs and all. 

The size of the city is another contributing factor to it being a perfect place for a quick spin. We walked everywhere and quickly got to grips with the different areas, enabling us to opt for quieter canalsides to avoid the hoardes, and I mean hoardes, of tourists. I dread to think how busy it gets in summer! 

On the recommendation of friends and family who’d visited recently, we threw together a quick itinerary, starting with lunch at Café de Jaren. The quality of food matched the spectacular views across the canals and it appeared to be a local hotspot so was a great place for some people watching.

Fuelled by chips and apple cake, we then set off to stroll through the flower market, into various arts and crafts churches and finally, jarringly, through the Red Light District. Fortunately it was only around 6pm, as I imagine it gets more exciting post-watershed. 

Dinner at a seafood bar next to our hotel, in a much quieter part of the city was a perfect way to wrap up the day. 

Sunday started off strong with a few hours spent in the Rijeksmuseum. World class is an understatement. Then, following a restorative sandwich in the museum cafe, we emerged into the winter sun for a stroll around the nearby Vondelpark. Whether it was our looming departure time or the inescapable smell of weed, we cut short our walk for a mooch back to the station along some of the less populated canals.

I’m grateful to have seen Amsterdam in such perfect winter weather. The sun and watery reflections did wonders for my impression and experience of an otherwise slightly seedy, conflicted city. (Hope that’s not too harsh to the Dutchies out there)!