Amsterdam

Where do I begin with Amsterdam? We decided on a whim to go to Amsterdam for three days to see our favorite band, Dave Matthews Band, perform. So.glad.we.did.

Let me just say that the stereotype of Amsterdam is really not accurate. Sure, if you want to partake in the promiscuous Red Light District, or toke up, you definitely can, but the city has so much more to it. The canals, row homes, flowers, people and food, have got me dreaming of this city long after we’ve left.

Lucky for us, the flight from Boston to Amsterdam was only 5 hours and 45 minutes (less than it would take us to get to California!).

We hit the ground running on our first day, dropping our bags off at our hotel (Eden Hotel) and headed to the Anne Frank House for a tour. It was amazing and eerie to be in the exact place where Anne, her family and some family friends lived/hid while the Nazis slowly invaded the Netherlands.

I recommend getting tickets in advance and as soon as they are available. The museum releases tickets 3 months in advance, so keep track of when tickets will be available for the time you plan to visit. Tickets were 10 euros for adults. Your ticket includes a walking guided tour that you can do on your own time and is offered in many languages.

Canal houses right outside of the Anne Frank House

Amsterdam was the perfect city to get lost in. It was so easy to meander down side streets, popping in and out of shops and cafes. I think my favorite area was The 9 Streets. Great shops and cafes. I designed a necklace in a jewelry shop called Beadies located in this neighborhood. Whenever I wear it, I’m instantly taken back to 9 Streets. I love picking up items like this when we travel. Different from the typical souvenirs that you are often bombarded with when you arrive in a new city.

Kind of embarrassed to admit this, but here it goes- we went to the IceBar in Amsterdam. 🙊🙈 Maybe if you’re studying abroad and not yet 20, it’s the place for you. But, for us, it was not what we were expecting and really not our thing. I won’t go in to details, but the smell, young 20-something American boy getting kicked out on our way in, and pirate theme were not for us. I would not recommend you book this- there’s plenty of better places to go for good cocktails.