One of my favorite quiet spots in Amsterdam Centre to sit and think is the Begijnhof. This beautiful hidden courtyard has recently become a tourist sensation, but it’s a great free place to enjoy while in Amsterdam. I include information about the history of the Begijnhof, where to find the entrance, some great things nearby…
Local Guides

Off the beaten path Netherlands: 25+ quirky and strange places to visit
As a Dutch resident, I love exploring the Netherlands, but writing about the Grote Markt in a town can get a bit tiresome. For a while, I’ve been pursuing some really off the beaten path places in the Netherlands and these are my favorite quirky places in the Netherlands to add to your Dutch bucket…

Your guide to St. Pete, Florida with the best things to do in St. Pete, Florida
You may be familiar with things to do in Orlando, Florida, where most families spend time during the summer traveling to Walt Disney World, but have you heard of a small town called St.Petersburg, Florida? St. Petersburg, Florida is located in Pinellas County on the west coast of Florida. Today, Amanda, a St. Pete, local…
Prince’s Day in the Hague: Events and Tips for seeing the Dutch Royals
As a recent immigrant to the Netherlands, I’m not yet over my obsession with the Dutch Royal Family. They’re so normal yet fascinating. One of the best days of the year as a visitor to the Netherlands or as a resident of the Hague is Prince’s Day as it’s our chance (as plebs) to see…

12 beautiful churches and religious buildings in NYC by a New Yorker
Like many major cities, New York has houses of worship and churches for every religion and denomination. Strolling through the city, you can appreciate the architectural beauty – regardless of your religious beliefs or spirituality. Spend a day exploring these historic buildings, or spend a few minutes visiting if you pass one in your travels….
The coziest brown bars in Amsterdam to drink like a local
One of the best things to experience in Amsterdam is a cozy brown bar. As a resident of Amsterdam, I experienced many of Amsterdam’s charming cozy brown bars and I hope that this article convinces you to experience a brown cafe in Amsterdam! These classic Dutch cafes are known for their gezelligheid (a Dutch word…

Your insider 420-friendly guide to cannabis in Amsterdam by a local
Amsterdam has long been considered to be ‘The OG Stoner Hotspot’–the place to go to get high and let loose long before the decriminalization and legalization of Marijuana started sweeping the globe. Visiting a Dutch coffeeshop is still a rite of passage for the many tourists who flock to the city every year, but it…

Is the A’DAM swing overrated? An honest review of the A’DAM lookout
I spent over two years living in Amsterdam, so I was naturally curious about the A’DAM lookout after reading about the swing over Amsterdam. I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so when my friend asked me if I’d go out on the A’DAM swing with her, I went for it. However, was the A’DAM…

13 Interesting Dutch Spirits & Liquors You Must Try In the Netherlands
Wondering what people drink in the Netherlands? This post is an in depth introduction to alcohol in the Netherlands. Today, my husband and bring you an article that is over two years in the making: 13 different liqueurs and spirit drinks that you should try in the Netherlands. When I’m visiting a new place, I…

Café De Vergulde Kruik: the Heineken star cafe in Leiden
If you’re a lover of Heineken or just old brown bars in general, you will want to check out Cafe De Vergulde Kruik in Leiden. This cozy brown bar is one of the oldest brown bars in the city with an incredible story about the Heineken Star. It’s one of my go-to places for a…








