Amsterdam Travel Guide

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most charming cities -- between the vibrant architecture, fun-loving attitude, and picturesque canals, it's hard to not immediately fall in love after your first visit.

And I've fallen madly in love with Amsterdam.

It's one of my favorite cities in the world and one I would move to in a heartbeat. There's something about the warm glow of the sunsets, the still-life beauty of the city's flowers, and the endless rows of quaint houseboats that just makes me want to pack up and move over there permanently.

It's European sophistication without the snobbery. It's culture, art, community, cuisine, and architecture all bundled into one stunningly beautiful yet oh-so-walkable city!

SPOTLIGHT ON:

The Rijksmuseum

The Netherland's most visited art museum isn't to be missed on a trip to Amsterdam! After almost 10 years of STUNNING renovations, the Rijksmuseum reopened to the public in 2013 and it's well-worth a visit just to see the incredible remodel. It certainly helps that it's housed in one of the most architecturally stunning buildings you'll find in all of Europe and has some of the world's best art pieces on display, most famously Rembrandt's 'Nightwatch'.

Beyond paintings, the museum is brimming with stunning furniture from the Dutch Golden Age as well as clothing, armor, and countless homages to Amsterdam's maritime past. And the Rijksmuseum library (in the above shot) is truly one of the most stunning libraries in Europe.

I'm working on a full Rijksmuseum post to show you why I love this museum so much -- stay tuned!

"Pass the joint, man..."

Don't be fooled! Coffeeshops and coffee shops are NOT the same thing in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has long been a progressive haven for cannabis lovers around the world. And while you can easily avoid the legal cannabis in Amsterdam if you DON'T want to participate, there are TONS of spots to choose from if you do. Just make sure you understand the difference...

Coffee shops are where you go buy lattes.

Coffeeshops are where you buy cannabis.

But not all of Amsterdam's coffeeshops are created equal -- some are beautiful and swanky while others are... in a word, terrifying. Choose wisely and be sure to follow this list of charming Dutch tips on responsible cannabis consumption.

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Afternoon Tea at the Waldorf Astoria

For my 30th birthday I KNEW I wanted to spend it in Amsterdam with my closest family and enjoy it over a really lovely afternoon tea. The Vermeer-inspired tea room in the Waldorf Astoria (truly one of Amsterdam's most beautiful hotels) is not to be missed and made for a truly memorable birthday experience.

The selection and afternoon tea themes change seasonally but are ALWAYS beautiful and delicious. Not to mention Instagrammable!

Read my entire afternoon tea experience here.