If you’re fortunate enough to travel the world you know that there are certain places that make you want to uproot your entire life, learn another language, take a new job and completely start anew. All for sake of a country or city you find to be so beautiful, that it’s worth it! To me, Amsterdam is one of those few places. The people are friendly. You can take a bike (or a boat) wherever you want to go. The architecture is stunning. The streets are clean. Everyone seems to have a green thumb. The art and culture scene is amazing. This is a one of the world’s best cities. It’s easy to see why everyone falls in love with Amsterdam.

I do love a city where driving is completely unnecessary. I’m a New Yorker. I don’t drive. Walking or biking is the only way to go for me. So, I feel very at home in a city that has the same mentality. The citizens of Amsterdam love to bike. They rule the roads rather than the cars. Finding a place to chain your bike is the only disadvantage. Every bridge (and there are about a thousand of them, literally) is a parking spot for bikes. But, this healthier and more active lifestyle lived here is one that is easily enjoyable in a city this beautiful.

The city of Amsterdam is filled with canals and bridges like the ones above. So many, in fact, that the city is actually composed of about 90 tiny islands all of which are connected by over a thousand bridges. The blend of bustling urban life and serene water views is the most beautiful combination one could ask for when looking for a travel destination. This city is thriving yet tranquil. Few cities can compare.

The Tulip Museum is one of the cities coolest attractions. Holland loves tulips. Every bridge, every street corner and every apartment window seems to have a bed of tulips. Learning the history behind this cultural obsession is a must. The museum is located directly across the canal from the Anne Frank Museum. And as the Anne Frank Museum typically has a line around the block, The Tulip Museum is far less crowded. Also, it’s the perfect place to pick up a real Dutch wooden tulip. The quintessential Amsterdam souvenir. Holland certainly has a unique history and the Tulip Museum is just a small part of a fascinating and artistic region of the world. Fun Fact: During the Golden Age a single tulip bulb was worth more than a house. Now they flourish through the streets of Amsterdam, inside apartment windows and on door steps. Holland certainly has some odd history and the Tulip Museum is great example of this. Definitely an Amsterdam must.

Throughout the Lowlands you’ll notice a mastery of the art of chocolate. Amsterdam is certainly the place to go to indulge your sweet tooth. Passing by the beautiful windows filled with every truffle imaginable is a sight for sore eyes and eating them is a little bit of heaven. Grab some caramel sea salt or champagne truffles and cop a squat at one of the canals. You’ll never want to leave.

The Rijksmuseum is a world-class art museum and a must see in the city. But, the public gardens that are its backyard are just as beautiful as the masterpieces inside. It has classic sculptures, contemporary pieces and even a giant chess board. Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum garden has a little bit of everything.

As I stated, the Dutch love their tulips and gardens. It’s pretty inspiring to see how nature can thrive in big cities. After you visit you may want to start a window garden of your own. So why not take a little bit of Amsterdam home with you by going to the Bloemenmarkt? The Bloemenmarkt (AKA The Flower Market) sells bulbs and seeds of countless variety and color. All of which are safe to travel with internationally. Except the cannabis starter kits!

Europe simply isn’t Europe without the street art. Every city has it’s own signature street art and Amsterdam is no exception. While Amsterdam is more of a clean city that isn’t littered (and I mean that word positively) with street art the way Paris is, it still has fun pieces to be found down every other street. They are a little inconspicuous but I have an eye for finding it. It’s good to keep your eyes peeled in Amsterdam for some fun public art.

After visiting Amsterdam you may just fall in love. This city is a photographer’s dream. It’s easy to consider this one of the best cities in the whole world. This is an endlessly fascinating culture and you simply won’t want to leave.

Goede Reis!

That’s Dutch for Bon Voyage;)

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My name is Shannon. I am a travel photographer and I have made it my mission to spread my joy of wanderlust to the masses. Through my lens I see the world and all its beauty and want to inspire others to get on that plane and fly. It's just me and my camera. My name is Shannon. I am a travel photographer and I have made it my mission to spread my joy of wanderlust to the masses. Through my lens I see the world and all its beauty and want to inspire others to get on that plane and fly. It's just me and my camera.