Amsterdam

The best museums in Amsterdam and which museums to skip

November 1, 2019 by Karen 3 Comments

Last Updated on November 9, 2019

One of the best parts of visiting Amsterdam is to visit the many museums in Amsterdam. As an Amsterdam resident, I had the Museumkaart, which gave me access to the majority of the museums in Amsterdam (as well as the rest of the Netherlands), which meant that I’d often take an afternoon to explore a museum.

I hope that I can inspire you to visit some of my favorite museums in Amsterdam. I also include some advice about what ‘museums‘ in Amsterdam to avoid. (I put this in quotes as some claim to be museums, but I truly think that you can skip them as they are bonafide tourist traps.)

I’ll first go into the best museums in Amsterdam (in my opinion) with a note about who they’re suitable for and which museums in Amsterdam to skip.

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The best 10 Christmas markets in the Netherlands not to miss

October 21, 2019 by Karen Leave a Comment

Last Updated on November 14, 2019

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 the Netherlands and I’ll be updating this post with more experiences/photos this year!

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Your insider guide to a perfect layover in Amsterdam by a local

October 14, 2019 by Karen Leave a Comment

Last Updated on October 14, 2019

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 public transit connection with Amsterdam, its clear signage in English, and how quickly you can get out of the airport once you get your bags. This guide to a layover in Schiphol will help you think of some nice activities to fill up your Schiphol layover.

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Your insider guide to Schiphol airport with tips for traveling through Schiphol

August 26, 2019 by Karen 34 Comments

Last Updated on September 4, 2019

As someone who regularly travels through Schiphol airport, I figured that it was time to write a guide to Schiphol Airport, one of my favorite airports in the world, with some insider tips to help others traveling through Schiphol more easily find their gate, find good airport food, and get to their destination as quickly as possible!

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Where to stay in Amsterdam: 15 affordable hotels by a resident

August 12, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

Last Updated on August 12, 2019

As someone who has lived in Amsterdam, I’ve been asked frequently for recommendations on where to stay in Amsterdam. I’ve created a neighborhood overview with affordable hotels in Amsterdam worth visiting with the advantages/disadvantages of each neighborhood in Amsterdam. I’ve also asked fellow bloggers for their previous stays at hotels in Amsterdam. I hope that this insider guide helps you find the perfect Amsterdam hotel within your budget!

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

August 5, 2019 by Laura Verheijke Leave a Comment

Last Updated on August 8, 2019

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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Your perfect Netherlands itinerary by a Dutch resident

June 19, 2019 by Karen 14 Comments

Last Updated on June 19, 2019

After over three years of living in the Netherlands, I’ve been asked a lot about how much time to spend in the Netherlands. A lot of people speed through the Netherlands only stopping for one day in Amsterdam, but I’d recommend enjoying at least 7 days in the Netherlands if you have the chance. I’ll be covering the highlights of the Netherlands and tips for getting around the Netherlands in this Dutch itinerary.

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Secret Amsterdam: 30+ secret places to visit in Amsterdam by a local

May 23, 2019 by Karen 25 Comments

Last Updated on October 22, 2019

I’ve been putting off this guide to secret Amsterdam for a while as living in Amsterdam has made me worry about sharing my secret places in Amsterdam where I go to avoid the tourists. However, it’s not nice not to share. In this local’s guide to Amsterdam off the beaten path, you’ll be visiting some Amsterdam secret spots as well as some really non-touristy things to do in Amsterdam.

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

April 2, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

Last Updated on April 2, 2019

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

March 26, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

Last Updated on March 26, 2019

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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