When I look back on Amsterdam, I don’t remember it as a carefully planned itinerary. I remember it in snapshots.
A reflection shimmering in a canal. The scent of fresh waffles drifting through narrow streets. Church bells echoing over rows of gabled houses. Ferries gliding across the water while cyclists hurried past without a second thought.
Rather than retracing every step, this is Amsterdam as I remember it—a city best experienced one photograph at a time.
Stepping out near Amsterdam Central Station, the city immediately felt different. Water wasn’t something you visited—it was everywhere. Historic buildings leaned gently over canals that have shaped Amsterdam for centuries, creating one of Europe’s most recognisable cityscapes.
The first few hours were spent simply wandering, letting the city reveal itself naturally.
Just opposite Central Station stands the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, its grand twin towers offering a striking welcome to visitors arriving in Amsterdam. The blend of Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance architecture feels both imposing and elegant, providing a glimpse into another chapter of the city’s history beyond its famous canals.
One of the unexpected highlights was taking the free ferry across the IJ. It wasn’t just about getting from one side to the other. Standing on deck, watching the skyline slowly change as modern architecture met centuries-old church spires, offered a completely different perspective of Amsterdam. It reminded me that this has always been a city connected by water.
If there’s one image that defines Amsterdam for me, it’s Prinsengracht. Elegant canal houses reflected in still water. Flower-filled houseboats quietly moored along the banks. Bicycles parked almost carelessly against old bridges. There was no rush here. Every few metres seemed to offer another perfect photograph.
Following the canal eventually led to Westerkerk and its iconic Westertoren rising above the rooftops. The church sits beside one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighbourhoods, where quiet residential streets meet bustling cafés and hidden courtyards. Even without climbing the tower, it becomes an unmistakable landmark that constantly reappears as you explore the city.
Moving away from the busiest streets revealed another side of Amsterdam. Historic buildings like those along Weteringschans showcased grand nineteenth-century architecture that contrasted beautifully with the older canal houses. Every neighbourhood seemed to have its own character while still feeling unmistakably Dutch.
One thing I hadn’t expected was just how much I would enjoy simply looking up.The Rijksmuseum’s magnificent atrium blends historic and contemporary design effortlessly, while the Scheepvaarthuis showcases the expressive style of the Amsterdam School movement. Even without stepping inside every building, Amsterdam feels like an open-air architecture museum.
Museumplein offered a completely different atmosphere. Open green spaces replaced narrow streets, while the reflecting pool mirrored the surrounding museums and changing skies. It felt less like a tourist attraction and more like Amsterdam’s communal living room, where locals and visitors simply slowed down for a while.
Amsterdam is famous for its Red Light District, but visiting the Red Light Secrets Museum offered a more thoughtful perspective. Rather than sensationalising the area, it explored the history and realities of sex work through personal stories and interactive exhibits. It added depth to a place that is often reduced to stereotypes.
As evening arrived, the city transformed once again. Bridges glowed with warm lights. Reflections stretched across dark canals. Boats drifted quietly beneath illuminated arches while conversations spilled from cafés onto the streets. If Amsterdam is beautiful during the day, it somehow becomes even more magical after sunset.
The striking copper-green shape of NEMO Science Museum stood out immediately against the skyline. Nearby, Oosterdok revealed another contrast between old and new, where historic church domes overlooked modern apartments and busy waterways. It perfectly captured Amsterdam’s ability to preserve its history while continuing to evolve.
One building that immediately caught my attention was the Scheepvaarthuis (Shipping House), now home to the elegant Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam. Built in 1916 as the headquarters for six Dutch shipping companies, it’s considered one of the finest examples of the Amsterdam School architectural style. Every detail seemed to celebrate the city’s maritime heritage, with ships, sea creatures and intricate carvings adorning its façade. Even today, as a luxury hotel, much of its original character has been beautifully preserved, making it a fascinating reminder of Amsterdam’s rich seafaring past.
One of my favourite views in Amsterdam was across the Oosterdok, where the city’s past and present seemed to come together effortlessly. In one direction, the distinctive domes of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas rose above the skyline, while on the other, modern waterfront buildings and the striking copper-green NEMO Science Museum reflected Amsterdam’s contemporary side. Once a busy harbour, Oosterdok is still alive with sightseeing boats and canal cruises, making it a wonderful place to pause and watch the city unfold. It perfectly captures what makes Amsterdam so special—a place where centuries of history blend seamlessly with modern life.
Some of Amsterdam’s most memorable moments came not from famous landmarks, but from simply wandering its streets. Crossing the Museumbrug (Museum Bridge) was one of those moments. Overlooking the Singelgracht, the bridge offers a picture-perfect view of the historic Villa Weteringschans, framed by colourful flowers, graceful canal waters and vibrant Pride flags fluttering overhead. It was one of those places where I found myself stopping for far longer than planned, simply taking it all in. Sometimes, the best way to experience Amsterdam is to slow down and enjoy the views that reveal themselves along the way.
One of Amsterdam’s most enjoyable surprises was stumbling upon the life-sized bronze recreation of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch in Rembrandtplein. Created by Russian artists Mikhail Dronov and Alexander Taratynov and installed in 2006 to mark Rembrandt’s 400th birthday, the 22 bronze figures bring the famous painting to life in three dimensions. Walking among them, discovering details from every angle—even the little bronze dog—was a wonderfully interactive way to experience one of the Netherlands’ greatest masterpieces beyond the museum walls.
Some of my favourite photographs weren’t of famous landmarks at all.
No visit to Amsterdam feels complete without a stop at the Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market. Set along the Singel canal, its floating stalls are bursting with colourful tulips, fresh flowers, bulbs and traditional Dutch souvenirs. Even if you’re not planning to take any flowers home, it’s a wonderful place to wander, soaking up the colours and atmosphere. More than just a market, it’s a reminder of how deeply Amsterdam’s canals are woven into everyday life—even a flower market has found its home on the water.
As our time in Amsterdam came to an end, we made our way back to Amsterdam Central Station, ready for the next chapter of the journey. One of the best things about travelling through Europe is how effortlessly one destination flows into another, and before long we were aboard a comfortable train bound for Brussels. Watching the Dutch countryside drift past the window, it felt like a gentle transition—from Amsterdam’s peaceful canals and historic streets to the grand squares, rich flavours and vibrant atmosphere that awaited us in Belgium.
2 good vibes