While we’re working in Hawaii today, I’m heading back in my mind to a city that completely stole my heart! Amsterdam is one of those cities that you could wander for days, never really getting your fill. With cobblestone streets lined with trees, bridges covered in flowers, cafes spilling out onto the sidewalks and buildings so magical that you wonder if a city like this can really be real, this Dutch haven is a wonderful spot to escape to.
There are so many reasons to visit this gorgeous and historic city, but here are my top 5 reasons why you should book that ticket to Amsterdam!
The tall thin buildings that line much of Amsterdam might seem to be standing a little un-straight and they might be hundreds of years old but their charm and whimsy is what makes this city what it is. Canals lined with gorgeous row houses, all different colors and shapes but somehow seamlessly blending together make wandering Amsterdam a wonderfully lovely adventure.
I was somewhat prepared for the bike culture in Amsterdam from hearing about it from friends and coming from Portland where biking is a major part of the city as well, but honestly I’ve never seen a more efficient system than Amsterdam’s, where biking is more popular than almost all other forms of transportation.
Few places in all the world are as charming as the Nine Streets area of Amsterdam. Complete with perfectly tree-lined cobblestone streets, meandering canals and gorgeous row houses, you’ll find yourself coming back and over and over to this lovely area.
I was blown away by the greenery and lush plants all over Amsterdam. Bridges covered in fresh flowers, canals and streets lined with flowing trees, Amsterdam is a feast for the eyes. The city does an amazing job of keeping that whimsical feel alive with fresh flowers and trees almost everywhere!
And for an afternoon walk, Amsterdam doesn’t disappoint with Vondel Park. The vast sprawl of trees, grass, ponds and statues is gorgeous in the Fall as the leaves are changing and well worth a long meander through this large city park.
Traveling to The Netherlands?
See all of my posts on the country!
Marianne says
I’m (hopefully) heading to Amsterdam in February so this is awesome to read! I’m just hoping it will be as enjoyable in the midst of winter. Hope I win your giveaway cus I think it’ll help me out a whole lot!
Casey says
Oh, you’ll love it!!! It will still be beautiful in the Winter I’m sure!
Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki says
I am so excited for our trip to Amsterdam this Easter! We really have no idea what to do while in Amsterdam so winning the giveaway would be ridiculously helpful!
Casey says
I can’t wait for you guys to get to experience Amsterdam… it’s such a lovely city!
JustMelKate says
Amsterdam looks so beautiful! I’m excited to hopefully visit this year. Gorgeous post.
Mel
http://www.justmelkate.blogspot.com
Casey says
It’s such a beautiful city!
KC Saling says
Looks absolutely beautiful! We’ll be swinging through there this summer on the way to Copenhagen and I’m hoping to have some time to explore!
Casey says
Cant wait for you guys to stop through there.. and ps… I think you’ll really like Copenhagen too!
Christy Poelker Rodriguez says
I love Amsterdam as well! We’re hoping to squeeze a 12 hour layover in this summer on our way back from Cape Town!
Casey says
It’s great for a layover like that!!!
Jenn says
I want to visit Amsterdam for the history! And hopefully we’ll experience it next year!
Casey says
Such a cool city… you’d really like it I think!
Emily says
Amsterdam is on my short list to travel to soon. This post is making me want to even more. Thanks also for the tip about LUXE travel guides. I am constantly buying guides and it is good to know this brand is reputable.
Casey says
Luxe Guides are so great… check them out! And I hoe you make it to Amsterdam soon! 🙂
Sara Granados says
Yes you really hit the nail on the head with this one! I loveee Amsterdam and there’s SO much more to it than the “relaxed laws” its known for! Its so beautiful!
Casey says
So much more than all the negative stuff you hear about Amsterdam… it’s such a vibrant city!!!
Cynthia says
Amsterdam was the first city that I ever really fell in love with: ie, never wanted to leave. There’s something intangible about it that makes me feel really happy and at home, and it’s one of those places I always know I’ll be back to 🙂
Casey says
Love how you phrased that… it’s exactly how I felt about it!
Lea Binta says
I’ve been wanting to visit Amsterdam for a long time now! My husband’s cousin’s husband is from Amsterdam, so we want to take a trip there with them sometime. A guide would be perfect, to make sure we don’t miss anything..
Casey says
Oh wow… I hope you get to make it there!!!
Adelaide Haynes says
Amsterdam is so beautiful! I was pleasantly surprised because all you really hear about is the red light district and ‘coffee shops.’ The architecture, beautiful little streets and canals are gorgeous! Can’t wait to go back
https://worldlyaddiction.wordpress.com/
Casey says
Totally… I didn’t even notice that stuff. The main part of Amsterdam is just a beautiful city!
Laura says
I’m off to Amsterdam in March – this has made me super excited! It all looks so pretty – the gabled houses, the flowers, the canals. I can’t wait!
Casey says
Oh wow… you’ll love it in March!!!
Yvonne - The Tourist Of Life says
Amsterdam is an amazing city, everyone should visit it!;-)
Casey says
It really is!!! Such a worthwhile spot to visit in Europe!
Macy Gutermuth says
This post really sums up all of my favorites in Amsterdam. I can’t wait to visit again.
Casey says
Me too! It’s definitely a place I’ll be going back to!
Kay R. says
Amsterdam is wayyyy up on my list! Love Europe in general and on my next trip I must visit!
Casey says
YEs! It’s such a fantastic city!!!
Jackie K says
My husband and I are going to Amsterdam in March and oh man I can’t wait! Ever since reading Ann Frank’s diary a couple of years ago I’ve wanted to visit her safe house. I’m also really looking forward to walking and cycling along as many canals as possible!
Casey says
Oh wow, you’re in for a treat!!! It’s such a gorgeous city!
Elizabeth Georgian says
Amsterdam has been on my list for a long time because I’d love to go to the Anne Frank house.
Casey says
Yes! I went as a kid and it’s totally worthwhile!
Courtney @ Adelante says
I couldn’t agree more! Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world. If it weren’t for the weather, I would definitely try to live there someday!
Casey says
So true! It’s such a gorgeous city, I could totally see myself living there someday!
Kristina Fuchs says
I’ve been to Amsterdam before but that’smany many years ago. So I would like to refresh the memory now I guess.
Casey says
That would be wonderful!
Andrea @GreenandTurquoise says
Oh Amsterdam is so on my bucket list and this makes me want to visit it even more!
Love the photos too.
Casey says
It’s such a cool city! I hope you get to visit someday!!! 🙂
Lizzie @ Wanderful World says
I LOVE Amsterdam. There’s something so magical about it, like it’s a tiny toy fairytale town! I especially love the architecture 🙂
Casey says
Totally! It’s such a fantastic city!
Jalan2Liburan says
I just realised there is a domain changing in your blog 🙂
Casey says
Yes!!!! True Colours is now Land of Marvels! 🙂
Megan @ Semi-Charmed Kind of L says
Great list!! I especially loved the bike culture in Amsterdam when I visited. And the coffee, of course! 🙂
Casey says
Me too! So much fun!