Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself. One of my favorite parts of Amsterdam to go shopping for unique items in Amsterdam is the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes). This small Amsterdam neighborhood is home to Amsterdam’s best boutique shopping. I include my favorite shops in this stylish shopping district and some tips for getting lunch.
The Netherlands

The best 10 Christmas markets in the Netherlands not to miss
Although the Dutch Christmas markets are not as famous as their German counterparts, the Christmas markets in the Netherlands are absolutely charming. I ended up not ranking these strictly as people look for different things in different Christmas markets, but I’ve grouped it based on the opinions of friends. I’ve included ten Christmas markets in…

Releasing Seals into the Wadden Sea & Travel Tips for Friesland
Our weekend trip to Friesland was magical as it included releasing seals back into the wild (technically starting in Groningen, but we sailed into Frisian water), taking a boat tour to the UNESCO world heritage site of the Wadden Sea, enjoying the sandbanks/views of the Frisian islands, and exploring the traditional polder landscape of Friesland as well…
How to get to the Hague from Amsterdam by train in 8 easy steps
As someone who lives in the Hague who routinely visits Amsterdam and used to live in Amsterdam, I figured that it would be helpful to post a guide on how to visit the Hague from Amsterdam by train. You don’t need a tour. It’s super simple to take the train independently between these two Dutch cities! I…
Your insider guide to a perfect layover in Amsterdam by a local
As a seasoned traveler through Schiphol Airport who lives in Holland, I’ve been asked quite a few times about making the most of a layover in Amsterdam while transiting through Schiphol Airport. Although I’ve flown a lot, I find Schiphol to be one of the better airports that I’ve flown through due to its easy…

Vlaggetjesdag, Hollandse Nieuwe Haring, and herring in the Netherlands
Is there anything more Dutch than herring? This favorite fish is a staple of the Dutch diet, yet many foreigners know little about it. Ever since moving to the Hague, I was lucky enough to experience Vlaggetjesdag, an amazing yearly celebration of herring season in the Netherlands. I’ll be discussing Vlaggetjesdag, Dutch herring, and the amazing cultural…

Where to drink jenever in Amsterdam: 6 authentic genever tasting rooms
There’s nothing like sipping on a fine beverage in a beautiful environment. One of the small pleasures of life is seeking out beautiful places to spend a little time enjoying the quiet atmosphere of where you are. No matter if you’re a tourist in Amsterdam or a long-time resident, there’s a little comfort to be…

The difference between Holland and The Netherlands explained
As someone living in the Netherlands for nearly three years, I often say that I live in Holland when asked where I live. You might be wondering what is the difference between Holland and the Netherlands. (Will the real country please stand up?) Some people actually ask me how many countries exist in Holland or…
25 Essential Dutch phrases for traveling in the Netherlands
These are the most useful Dutch phrases for travelers (in my opinion) as a foreigner living in the Netherlands along with some my favorite words in Dutc of mine. I do my best to explain how to pronounce key words in Dutch, including how to say thank you in Dutch, as well as explain food…
The best museums for seeing Mondrian’s art in the Netherlands
One of the most famous Dutch artists is Piet Mondrian. As fans of modern art, Jacob and I were excited about seeing Mondrian’s most famous works in the Netherlands. This post will cover key locations to retrace Mondrian’s life in the Netherlands (and abroad!), the best museums to see Mondrian’s work in the Netherlands, and…