Amsterdam.

I wanted to start with one of my favourite cities in the world. The city that just keeps giving and goes beyond its reputation, of which I won’t mention out of respect for this grand yet thriving place.

Even though I visited midweek, due to work schedules, Amsterdam still felt full of life. In March, the weather was a mix of sunshine and cloud, jumper weather, but no need for puffer jackets or gloves (unless you plan on spending too long in an ice bar).

After checking in at the hotel, right in the centre of town and only a short walk from the main attractions, I walked, and walked, and walked. Tempted by the many bike rentals, I held back, not wanting to annoy the locals who seem to manage the chaos very effectively. In fact, I think it would be more dangerous if I tried to join them. So I stuck to walking, and honestly, it’s perfectly fine to get around that way.

Given the sunshine and excitement, I did what Brits do best… ordered a beer. Not before texting Dad to tell him how much it cost, obviously. We have a habit of judging the cost of living in any country by the price of a pint and at €8 overlooking the Royal Palace, it was good value, especially given the front row seat of the best gig in town… people watching.

I’d loosely planned my food and drink stops around a TOPJAW video, which laid out a solid itinerary of local spots. That said, Amsterdam isn’t short of good places to eat or drink. It’s a city built for café & bar hopping. The bikes roll past with a gentle ring-ring, tables turn quickly, and service is sharp without ever feeling rushed. It’s very European, part Italian café culture, part Dutch orderliness.

Amsterdam is a fascinating city and deserves to stand alongside Europe’s more famous destinations. It’s rich in art and architecture, food and service culture, and carries a quiet confidence in its history. It’s also far more than the party reputation that often precedes it. The red-lit streets and occasional plumes of smoke add a touch of contrast to the city’s elegant canals and grand façades, but Amsterdam has a depth and character that go well beyond that image.

Dinner on the first night was at Cannibale Royale, tucked just behind the glow of Oude Kerk, the city’s oldest building, which dates back to the 13th century. The restaurant sits in a darker-lit street, giving it a mood that feels somewhere between brasserie and late-night bar. Inside, the décor is relaxed but bold serving up big cuts & craft beers.

After dinner, I headed to Rosalia’s Menagerie, a cocktail bar, inspired by Dutch heritage. It had that real speakeasy charm about it, with bartenders who seemed genuinely happy to be there, serving up drinks against a backdrop of the bars ceiling high spirits shelf, stocked with Dutch genever. When you step outside, you’re right on the edge of one of Amsterdam’s oldest canals with nearby lights twinkling on top of the water.

Breakfast the next day was at Bakers & Roasters, high on the TOPJAW list for a reason. Created by a Kiwi and a Brazilian who met on a night out in West Hollywood, this place has become an institution. The place was heaving, but with their smart ticketing system, I didn’t wait long. Me being me, I went all in with the B&R Special — fried eggs, sourdough, bacon, and pancakes which I drenched in the side jug of Canadian maple syrup. It was chilly outside after all. I can’t quite remember why I passed on the boozy milkshakes available on the menu…

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a stroopwafel, so I stopped by Melly’s, a small spot tucked away in the city centre. The Dutch have been perfecting these caramel-filled biscuits since the late 1700s, and for good reason. Fresh, warm, and just the right amount of sticky, it’s the sort of thing you tell yourself you’ll only have one of, then immediately queue again and buy a multipack.

A light drizzle later in the day led me to Café de Laurierboom, a quiet old chess bar where locals play and the beer is cheap. I spent a while playing several games watching the rain outside. Simple, slow, and probably one of my favourite hours of the trip.

When the weather cleared, I joined a very busy canal tour so I could take the opportunity to practice my Royal Wave. Seeing the city from the water gives you a sort of birds (or fish?) eye view from below. The narrow houses leaning over the water, the bridges stacked one after another, and life moving at its own calm pace, it had an almost peaceful rhythm that made it hard to imagine ever being in a rush here.

That evening, I dropped into Flying Dutchman, a moody little bar with good music and an even better atmosphere. The back bar, stocked with more than 800 spirits, towers behind the counter. The midweek vibe in Amsterdam is something else, and this place sits right at the centre of it.

The next day was for art. The Van Gogh Museum was a highlight. Calm, beautifully organised, and surprisingly personal. The audio guide is worth the few extra euros; it brings the paintings to life without over explaining them. Outside, the park was lively with locals and tourists cycling by and soaking up the sun. It seems the Dutch, much like the Brits, will switch to summer mode at the first sign of a few rays.

Breakfast the following day was a New York bagel at Tony’s, a small, easy spot with good coffee and even better people-watching. From there, I walked to the Rijksmuseum, which might be one of the most impressive places I’ve visited. The building itself is a masterpiece, and the Rembrandt collection is a absolute highlight.

Amsterdam has a sense of calm and flow but it’s full of life. It doesn’t need to shout about its charm, it’s just there, everywhere you look. I

I left feeling like I’d only scratched the surface, which is probably the best way to leave any city.

Where I Stayed: Monet Garden Hotel
Best Way to Get Around: Honestly, walking!
Cost of a Pint: €6 - €8
Favourite Find: Café de Laurierboom … a chess cafe!
When I Visited: Mid March - sunny with a slight chill, walking warms you up!
Would I Go Back?: Absolutely, there is still so much to see and do.