Amsterdam

Your insider 420-friendly guide to cannabis in Amsterdam by a local

August 5, 2019 by Laura Verheijke Leave a Comment

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 can still be pretty overwhelming. Here’s my Amsterdammer’s guide to safely experience the city’s gorgeous ganja. This local 420 guide to Amsterdam includes the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam and what you need to know about cannabis in Amsterdam before you toke up written by a former coffeeshop employee!

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Catspotting: A crazy cat lover’s guide to cats in Amsterdam

October 17, 2018 by Karen 20 Comments

I love cats. This is a detailed guide to my beloved Amsterdam with the best places to meet cats in Amsterdam, officially and unofficially, with my favorite cats. If you’re a fan of Catspotting, you’re going to love this guide to Amsterdam. I’m a crazy cat lady and meeting cats when traveling is one of my favorite hobbies.

While living in Amsterdam, my husband and I hunted down the locations of cats in Amsterdam because we are that cat crazy. We found cats living at one of the cat cafes in Amsterdam, roaming the halls of a historic canal house/cat museum filled with cat art, cozying up to potential owners on de Poezenboot (the Catboat), sleeping in various shops, or even breaking into museum gardens.

This also includes coffeeshops with cats…. That said, I was not successful in petting them all. Keep reading for our favorite cat locations in Amsterdam with a map.

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25 Essential Dutch phrases for traveling in the Netherlands

February 4, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

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 allergies in Dutch. I hope that this Dutch language guide for travelers helps you a little.

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One Day in Giethoorn, the Dutch fairytale village without roads

March 5, 2018 by Karen 11 Comments

You’ve probably seen photos online of the prettiest village in the Netherlands, Giethoorn. Visiting Giethoorn from Amsterdam is a doable day trip from Amsterdam if you’re patient enough to spend two hours getting there independently.

I personally preferred staying overnight at Giethoorn in the picturesque village, so you get to enjoy the sunset over the calm canals without the crowds… Keep reading for my tips for visiting Giethoorn, the Netherlands without a tour. I also include information on how to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam!

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Begijnhof: A beautiful hidden courtyard in Amsterdam that you must see

April 2, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

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 (e.g. a delicious cookie to enjoy in the hofje!), and some etiquette for visiting the Begijnhof.

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Where to drink jenever in Amsterdam: 6 authentic genever tasting rooms

December 18, 2018 by Karen Leave a Comment

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 taken in spending a lazy afternoon (or evening) sampling genever (jenever) at a proeflokaal. I’ve found the most beautiful and coziest genever tasting rooms in Amsterdam and I hope that it inspires you to sample a little genever at an old brown bar to learn about the history behind this Dutch liquor!

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25 Dutch foods that you must try in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

April 21, 2018 by Karen 4 Comments

Trying to figure out what to eat in the Netherlands? Your list of the most famous Dutch foods that you’ll want to try while visiting Amsterdam, the Netherlands written by a Dutch resident. I also include tips on where to find these typically Dutch foods in Amsterdam. You’ll find a downloadable checklist of 25 foods to try in Amsterdam (or the Netherlands) at the bottom!

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The best tickets for traveling by train and public transit within Holland

March 26, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

Traveling around the Netherlands can be quite frustrating to foreigners as there are so many modes of transportation. This article will discuss the best train tickets and public transit tickets for traveling in the Netherlands. I include recommendations for the best ticket to use within Amsterdam as well as the best ticket option for a day trip from Amsterdam with helpful information on how to purchase train and public transit tickets in the Netherlands.

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Your perfect weekend guide to Amsterdam by a former resident

February 12, 2019 by Karen Leave a Comment

As a former resident of Amsterdam, I made this itinerary for a perfect weekend in Amsterdam as a way of showing friends the best of Amsterdam. Although two days in Amsterdam isn’t enough, it’s a good taste of what the city has to offer. I include some local secrets along with the best things to do over a weekend in Amsterdam. Enjoy Amsterdam no matter how brief!

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Secrets of the Red Light District in Amsterdam: Etiquette and Hidden Gems of De Wallen

March 24, 2019 by Karen 3 Comments

So many visitors are curious about the Red Light District in Amsterdam. A former resident of Amsterdam, I have quite a bit to say about the Red Light District (known as de Wallen), which is one of the most debated neighborhoods in Amsterdam. This post will include etiquette for visiting the Red Light District, the history of De Wallen, and hidden gems of De Wallen.

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