Location: Amsterdam
Day 1 - 1 Jun 2021
Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam
Content: Very nice hotel in the city center
MacBike | Bike Rental Amsterdam | Central Station
Content: When we arrived in Amsterdam, the first thing we did was rent a bike. Cycling in Amsterdam was one of the things on my bucket list, so I just had to do it. We rented ours at Macbike Central Station. I highly recommend renting a bike while in Amsterdam. It's the quickest and easiest way to explore the city in a short time. But you should also know, it can be really dangerous if you're not careful enough. Believe me, I saw my life passing right in front of my eyes a few times.
Damrak
Content: We drove straight down from the Central Station to the famous gingerbread facades on the Damrak.
Dam Square
Content: After taking a few shots at Damrak, we continued to Dam Square. Dam Square connects the main shopping streets in the city, so if you want to go shopping this is a perfect starting point for you. Dam Square is also home to the Royal Palace. You can go inside to have a glance at royal life. Entrance 12.50€
Bloemenmarkt
Content: Next stop: Bloemenmarkt This is probably one of the most famous places in Amsterdam. And I can understand why. I've bought all my souvenirs there.
Rembrandtplein
Content: Just a few minutes from Bloemenmarkt, you will find Rembrandt Square.
Amsterdam
Content: After that, we drove all around the city looking for colorful bikes covered with flowers. But we only found one.
Amsterdam-Noord
Content: Then we returned our bikes and took a boat to Amsterdam Noord. There weren't a lot of tourists, so we really enjoyed walking around. And we found this amazing mural.
Pllek
Content: We finished our day by grabbing something to eat.
Location: Amsterdam
Day 2 - 2 Jun 2021
Cheese & More Flower Market
Content: After spending the first day cycling around, we decided to explore it on foot too. And I also wanted to try some of the must-try food in Amsterdam. First, we went to buy some delicious cheese. The staff was very friendly, and they even offered us some cheese to try.
Herring Stall Jonk
Content: Next on the menu: Haring. Taste a lot better than it looks.
Van Stapele Koekmakerij
Content: Finally, it was time for something sweet. The most delicious cookies I have ever tried. You should definitely try some of them.
van Wonderen Stroopwafels
Content: Next, we tried some delicious stroopwafels.
Ambassade Hotel
Content: To finish our little tour, we went for a glass of wine.
A'DAM Lookout
Content: Next stop: A'DAM Lookout Amazing view over Amsterdam, and if you are up for some adrenaline, you can go on Europe's highest swing. Entrance is currently 22.50€ (Lookout + swing)
Location: Zaandam
Day 3 - 3 Jun 2021
Zaanse Schans
Content: Are you searching for some picturesque places? Then you have to visit Zaanse Schans. Windmills – check! Wooden houses – check! Colorful wooden shoes – check! Cheese factory – check! You can explore the windmills from the inside (we paid 5€ to enter one of the windmills), take some pictures in large wooden shoes, and learn all about how to make cheese in one place. Zaanse Schans has all the cliches you need to see during your trip to The Netherlands. And if I ever go back there, I will do all of them again. Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum which means you don’t have to pay for the entrance. Like I've said, you only have to pay if you want to explore the windmills from inside.
Restaurant De Kraai
Content: Not the best Pannenkoek in the world, but we were hungry.
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam
Content: On your way back, we made a stop in Zaandam and explored the city center. The best place to take some photos is on the bridge in front of Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. I just keep imagining how great it would be to stay in this hotel!
Location: Muiden
Day 4 - 4 Jun 2021
Muiderslot
Content: Muiderslot or Amsterdam Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the Netherlands. The best part is that you can explore the whole castle on your own with an audio tour (I'm not a big fan of guided tours). It looks so simple from the outside yet so interesting from the inside. We walked around the castle and explored the gardens. Entering tickets for the castle is 15.50€, and it includes an audio tour.
Location: Amsterdam
Day 4 - 4 Jun 2021
Red Light District Amsterdam Centrum
Content: Rest of the day we spent walking around Amsterdam. And we also explored Red Light District. I always say, Amsterdam has so much more to offer than Red Light District, and it is definitely true. Nevertheless, being in Amsterdam and not seeing it, would just be wrong.
Location: Marken
Day 5 - 5 Jun 2021
Marken
Content: Marken is a typical Dutch fishing village. A place where time has literally stopped. It’s a perfect place to take a look at how Dutch countryside life looked like. With a lot fewer tourists around you, I promise you, you won’t be able to resist exploring this picturesque place.
Café - restaurant land en zeezicht (LEZZ)
Content: After walking around for a few hours, we decided to grab something to eat.
Location: Volendam
Day 5 - 5 Jun 2021
Volendam
Content: Volendam is one of Holland’s most popular fishing villages. So, of course, we had to try the traditional Haring there. Unfortunately, I don't know anymore where exactly did we buy it. But I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with any of the stands you find along your way. If raw fish doesn’t sound appealing to you, I’m sure you will have fun exploring Volendam’s colorful wooden houses, just like we did.
Woltje's Backerij
Content: We bought ourselves some delicious Stoopwafelsa and Poffertjes here.
Location: Amsterdam
Day 6 - 6 Jun 2021
Amsterdam
Content: On the last day in the city, we spent wandering around.
Anne Frank House
Content: The last place we visited before embarking on the return trip home was Anne Frank House. If you are interested in WW2, you should definitely visit this place.