The Unexpected Family Favourite

I’d always loosely associated Amsterdam with canals, bikes, and, well... the smell of cannabis. But what struck me most was how many families were visiting. Sure, the centre is tourist-heavy — it comes with the territory — but it was refreshing to see how family-friendly the city actually is, with parks, museums, and gentle walks (or rides) around every corner.

A City That Feels Like a Design Playground

If you love design, quirky knick-knacks, or just window shopping for things you never knew you needed — Amsterdam delivers. Every corner feels curated. The city is dotted with clever little concept stores and design boutiques that make you want to redecorate your home in a palette of Dutch minimalism.

A Culture of Openness

There’s something in the air in Amsterdam — and not just the cannabis (which yes, is everywhere and somehow just adds to the ambiance). The people are open-minded, the conversations easy. What really struck me was the city’s social housing model — in many neighbourhoods, homes aren't clustered by income. Rich or not, you live side-by-side. It creates this beautifully democratic energy that you can feel just walking down the street.

Museum Moments (and Must-Know Tips)

Amsterdam is absolutely packed with world-class museums. From the Van Gogh Museum to the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk, it’s a cultural heavyweight.
Hot tip: Book your tickets well in advance — even off-season, these museums are packed.

And if you're visiting the Rijksmuseum, don't miss the Cuypers Library — it’s the oldest and most beautiful art history library in the Netherlands. Tucked away on the upper levels, it's often overlooked, but stepping into that quiet, soaring space lined with books feels like discovering a hidden world. Even if you're not an art scholar, it's absolutely worth a visit.

But what I loved even more were the independent galleries we stumbled into. These smaller, often less polished spaces felt alive — full of stories, emerging artists, and passion. It’s where I felt Amsterdam’s creative energy the most: raw, unfiltered, and full of possibility.

Flat, Walkable, and Perfect for Two Wheels

If you’re confident on a bike, Amsterdam is your dream. Flat as a pancake and built for cyclists, it’s a joy to explore. For those of us who prefer walking (or pushing a pram), the pace is gentle and the distances manageable.

Must-Do Moments

• Private canal boat tour
  Hands down, our favourite experience. Whether with family or a partner, gliding through the canals with local cheeses and a good bottle of wine is magic.

• Countryside tour
  Take a private guide out to the lush green surroundings. Visit historic windmills, see a traditional wooden shoe-making workshop, and hear about the ingenious Dutch water management systems that have shaped the landscape.

• Anne Frank House
  A profoundly moving visit. Walking through the secret annex where Anne and her family hid during WWII is haunting and powerful. In today’s world, her story feels more relevant than ever — a reminder of resilience, the impact of prejudice, and the importance of speaking up.

Where We Stayed

We based ourselves at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky on Dam Square. The location couldn’t be better — right in the heart of the action, but still peaceful. We stayed in a suite — spacious, well-designed, and incredibly comfortable. The restaurant was excellent, and the breakfast, served in the most magnificent room, felt like an experience all on its own.

Eating

• Mr Porter at the W Hotel – sophisticated, buzzy, and delicious, with stunning rooftop views.

• Tozi – warm, inviting and vibrant. A modern Italian kitchen perfect for an easy dinner with depth.

Eat These – They’re Culture on a Plate

• Stroopwafels
  These sweet, syrup-filled waffle cookies are a Dutch icon. Get them fresh and warm from Van Wonderen Stroopwafels (great for Instagram) or head to Albert Cuyp Market for a more local experience.

• Hot chips with mayo
  A national obsession — the Dutch do it best. Try them at Vleminckx Sausmeesters, a hole-in-the-wall that's been serving them since 1957.

• Cheese
  Cheese is serious business in the Netherlands. Visit Henri Willig or the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for tastings and a little education on what makes Dutch cheese so unique. Aged gouda? Yes please.

A Word on the Red Light District

I’d imagined something far more confronting. It was… surprisingly tame. A few shadowy windows and the odd neon light, but nothing like the stereotypes suggest. It’s just another facet of a city that wears its openness with pride.

Anne Frank’s house was the most moving, human experience of our trip — especially powerful in today’s world.

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam felt like a city alive with ideas — grounded in history, but always reaching forward. If you’re looking for a destination that blends culture, creativity, family-friendly ease, and everyday magic, this might be your next great adventure.

Have you been? Let me know your favourite finds.