I’m currently living in the Netherlands, in the beautiful city of Amsterdam, renowned for its red light district and coffee shops rather than its tranquil canals, peculiar architecture and Dutch cycling utopia. Amsterdam has so much to offer that is often obscured in the media and behind people’s preconceived perceptions.
Just like many, before arriving, the coffee shops were all I heard about and being able to smoke cannabis legally, which to be frank was of no interest to me because I didn't smoke. I found the red light district less entertaining, but was rather saddened as women paraded their naked bodies in windows for what supposedly ‘money could buy’. But in a city where prostitution is legal it is less surprising to see so many women take to the brothels when they receive so much, money that is. On a city tour, the tour guide revealed that some prostitutes could make up to €3000 in one night! Sadly, I was no longer surprised as to why the red light district attracted so much attention. Nevertheless, there are a few more insightful things for the eye to see if you’re thinking of coming to Amsterdam or would just like to change your perception...
Firstly, take a canal cruise
This is a great way to see the city and also learn about its history
2. Rent a bike
I must say without a bike I wouldn't be half as much enjoying the full Amsterdam experience. It is a fun and efficient way to get around and there are loads of rental shops around the city. Unlike in the UK there are designated bike lanes on every street corner. However, do beware of the bustling and sometimes not so cautious pedestrians who throw themselves in the bike lanes seconds before the traffic lights give you the go ahead! Oh and before I forget to mention its a great way to keep fit too.
If you’re coming into Amsterdam central for the first time then in matter of seconds you will be greeted by the 3 floor bicycle park!
3. Explore!
Amsterdam has some rather interesting and creative architecture and also small streets with beautiful vintage shops and boutiques.
4. Eat
Bagel and beans is a franchise that can be found in several locations across Amsterdam. As it says in the name their specialty is bagels, and ‘beans’ less obvious refers to coffee. I’m not such a big coffee drinker myself and if you’re like me then you will love their creative approach to having hot chocolate which I totally love and would recommend. You have an option of several bagels to choose from and various different fillings
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| Cinnamon and raisin bagel with walnut and honey cream cheese and a milk hot chocolate |
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| Tuna melt - multigrain bagel, melted cheddar cheese, capers and red onions with milk hot chocolate |
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| Cheesecake |
Almost on every major street you will also find a ‘frites’ or ‘chips’ store. The Dutch love their chips! There are also a variety of sauces to have on top, my current favourite is knoflook (garlic sauce) or ketchup, mayonnaise and fresh onions, might not sound so good, but don’t dismiss it till you try it.
There are also several lovely Surinamese restaurants in Amsterdam, but before I write about these beautiful dishes here is a little background information. Suriname is a country in northern South America and was first colonised by the British and was later captured by the Dutch. The official language of Suriname is Dutch and Suriname is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the Americas. Most of its people are of African, Indian and Indonesian descent. Ethnic and political issues are one of the reasons for the migration of thousands of Surinamese to the Netherlands. Thus there are loads of Surinamese cuisines in the Netherlands.
My friend and I visited one of these cuisines in Albert Cuypstraat which is a street market in Amsterdam, with Albina (the Surinamese restaurant) located at the end.
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| Roti with a mild chicken curry, boiled egg, roast potatoes and lettuce |
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| Moksi Meti - roasted chicken, pork and green beans in a sweet sauce |
I totally loved both dishes being my first time tasting Surinamese food I would definitely recommend. The roti was soft and soaked up the curry sauce beautifully and the chicken was tasty and tender easily falling off the bone. My eyes clearly bigger than my belly that evening, I ordered the moksi meti to accompany the roti having thought it would not sustain me. In an attempt to prove to two men on a neighbouring table that we could finish this meal, my friend and I attempted a few spoon full’s of the moksi meti but we embarrassingly failed having reached our limit. I did manage to have the dish the next day and it tasted even better and full of flavour.
5. Visit the museums
I am yet to visit the range of museums that Amsterdam has to offer but I now have a 'museumkart' which cost only €50 and allows me to visit all the museums in Amsterdam. To date I have only visited the National Maritime Museum where I was able to board the replica of a Dutch trading ship. However, there are many more such as the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum which are a few of the main tourist attractions.
6. Jazz Cafes
In the busy bustling heart of Leidseplein is a small Jazz cafe full of life and vibrant people. Cafe Alto. I decided to visit here with my friend and her family for an evening night out. The cafe although small had a cosy atmosphere and once the jazz band got going we sat back and even at times had to restrict ourselves from getting up to dance. The drinks were also very cheap and there were regular intervals for us to use the toilet and refill our cups. Only a fee of €5 at the door I would recommend for a chilled and musical night out.
If you've been to Amsterdam why not leave a comment below of other places you visited or tasty food you had to eat.
