Amsterdam: Tulips, Bikes, and Van Gogh
Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels effortlessly cool—a mix of history, art, nightlife, and endless canals. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by bikes everywhere (seriously, they outnumber people), charming streets lined with tall, narrow houses, and the laid-back Dutch vibe.
Art & Museums
Amsterdam is packed with incredible museums, and we made sure to hit some of the best:
Van Gogh Museum – A must-visit! Seeing “Sunflowers” and “The Bedroom” up close was surreal, and the museum does a great job of telling Van Gogh’s life story.
Rijksmuseum – Home to The Night Watch by Rembrandt, plus stunning works from the Dutch Golden Age.
Ship Tour (Zeemagazijn) – We explored a historic Dutch ship, learning about Amsterdam’s maritime history and how the Dutch basically ruled the seas back in the day.
The Heineken Experience
This brewery-turned-museum was a fun, interactive way to learn about Amsterdam’s most famous beer. The tour included some history, a bit of beer science, and of course, freshly poured Heinekens at the end.
Exploring the City
Amsterdam is best explored on foot or by bike (just don’t get run over—these bikers don’t mess around). We wandered through:
The canals – Picture-perfect and great for a boat tour.
The Royal Palace – An impressive historic palace right in Dam Square.
Oudekerksplein Square – Right in the middle of the Red Light District, this beautiful old church is surrounded by some… interesting sights.
Nightlife
Amsterdam has some wild nightlife, but two spots stood out:
The Ice Bar – We put on warm coats, sipped drinks out of glasses made of ice, and pretended we weren’t freezing.
The Red Light District – One of the most famous (or infamous) areas in the world, it was definitely worth a stroll—neon lights, bars, and a vibe that’s totally unique to Amsterdam.
A Side Trip
We left the city for a quick visit to The Hague, home to Dutch government buildings and embassies. While there, we stopped by Madurodam – A park full of miniatures of famous Dutch landmarks—basically Holland in tiny form. Super fun and detailed!
What We Missed
One of my biggest regrets? We missed the tulips! Keukenhof Gardens (the famous tulip fields) weren’t in bloom while we were there, so we’ll have to come back in the spring!
Amsterdam is one of the coolest cities in Europe, blending history, art, nightlife, and charm all into one. Whether you’re cruising the canals, admiring Van Gogh’s masterpieces, or sipping a Heineken in a freezing bar, there’s always something exciting to do. Next time, I’m coming back for the tulips and maybe even renting a bike… if I’m brave enough. 🚲💨
Samantha Shammas, Author
A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.
