A few months after our honeymoon, we were blessed with the opportunity to once again travel to Europe. This time, our adventure started out in Amsterdam. We took a direct flight there and landed around 10am. It was too early to check into our hotel, but we were able to leave our luggage with the concierge. We then walked to Blushing (pictured below) to grab coffee and lunch...
Blushing, a cute coffee shop that is walking distance to the Museum District/Amsterdam sign
"Sawadee-Kip" (Grilled chicken roulade, tomato, boiled egg, cucumber, lettuce, cilantro, and homemade yellow curry sauce)
"Panini Paparazzi" (ham, cheese, and tomato)
View of the Rijksmuseum
One of the "I amsterdam" signs in front of the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum; Dutch art and history from the middle ages to present day (includes artists such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt)
Inside the Rijksmuseum
'Night Watch' by Rembrandt, 1642
Inside the Rijksmuseum
After the museum, we walked to the canal to take pictures. Several of the tour shops by the canal sell Heineken Brewery tickets. Not only can you purchase the tickets at a discounted rate, but you can also skip the long line outside if you already have your ticket in hand (highly recommended)!
The Heineken Experience is a self-guided tour that can take as long or as little as you'd like (we spent about 2 hours here, several floors and rooms to stroll around in). These copper kettles were installed in 1956.
The Heineken Tasting Room
A 360-degree TV room with various Heineken commercials in different languages
From the Heineken Brewery, we walked over to Albert Cuyp Market. It's an outdoor market that started around 1904. You can find everything from fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and clothing/cosmetics.
Freshly-made stroopwafel (1.50 euros) in Albert Cuyp Market
Stroopwafel is popular in the Netherlands (a waffle made from two thin layers of baked dough, filled with a caramel-like syrup in the middle)
The old homes and buildings lining the canals of Amsterdam have VERY narrow and steep staircases. At the top of each building, you will most likely find a large arm with a hook. This is so that large items can be hoisted to the upstairs floors (still in use today).
After walking around the market, we headed over the Kartika for dinner. A friend recommended this restaurant and mentioned that it was one of the best places for Indonesian food in Amsterdam (we would have to agree).
We ate outside and ordered the "rice table," which was 12 small dishes. All were very delicious and full of flavor!
If you're looking for a unique lodging experience, these houseboats are rented out as either bed & breakfasts or by their owners. They come fully equipped and are conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Because we hadn't had enough walking for one day, we decided to walk over to De Hallen. A former train depot that was built between 1902 and 1928.
Now, De Hallen is a building with a modern-feel that houses offices and shops for film, arts, fashion, and crafts.
De Hallen also has an indoor food hall with a variety of food stands; both savory and sweet.
We ended our very busy day with one more walk around the city. Amsterdam is yet another European town with so much history and beauty. Despite its 165 canals and 1281 bridges, it's hard to get tired of the view. There is something so unique about each building, flower, boat, bridge, etc. that you will discover something new with every street corner you turn. Another full day planned for tomorrow!