It feels like such a long time since I’ve written a travel post – I feel like I don’t even know how to write these anymore. Anyways, after umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether it was a good idea or not, (jury’s still out on that one), I decided to ‘do it for the plot’ and go to Amsterdam!

After a flight just about long enough to get a nap in, I arrived at Schiphol airport. I bought myself a travel card, thanked the sweet baby Jesus that Citymapper worked in Amsterdam and headed to my hotel. My friend was arriving later in the afternoon so I decided to go for a wander around Vondelpark.

Amsterdam was showing off with blue skies and bright sunshine, but don’t get it twisted, it was absolutely freezing! Walking around Vondelpark was less of the relaxing stroll I was hoping for, as there was a constant whirring of bikes from all directions – I was seriously concerned about getting taken out by a cyclist, (who, by the way, do not wear helmets!). I can imagine this park being lush in spring/summer when the grass is green and trees in bloom. I ended up coming to a natural exit from the park and took that as my sign to see where the streets would guide me next. Initially, I ended up on what felt like Amsterdam’s equivalent of Bond Street with designer shops lining the road with Porche’s parked either side. There was even a no-fur protest going on outside of Tiffany. (Who knew jewellery companies used animal fur?).

After seeing where the money resides and remembering that’s not where I live right now, I kept walking and ended up in museum square. There were lots of people milling around and that’s where I really noticed how clean Amsterdam is. There was not a single piece of litter, not a single site of smushed gum on the floor. I kept walking, just trying to take in everything around me. Much of our days were like this, just trying to get lost on the chaotic streets, (really and truly I don’t know how I didn’t get taken out by a bike, tram or car).

We had bought the ‘I Amsterdam’ city card for our second day, which includes free travel on the trams and metros, which is all you need to get around the city. (I’d say you only need a train to get to and from the airport, or if you’re wanting to go outside of Amsterdam). Despite that, we spent most of the time walking. The townhouse lined streets, dispersed by the canals were all super pretty and would’ve been missed travelling by any other means than foot. It may have been the time of year but aside from specific junctions, the streets were not overrun with people – not at any point did I feel the irritation that often comes with walking down Market Street in Manny.

I wouldn’t consider myself the most cultured of cultured chicas, but I really enjoyed Moco Museum, (free entrance with the ‘I Amsterdam’ card, you just need to book a time slot), and my firm favourite was ‘Anne Frank House’. A museum literally built around the actual secret annex where Anne Frank and her family lived during Nazi occupation was definitely the highlight of my trip. You absolutely need to book online & in advance. In the summer months, tickets sell out weeks in advance. There is no buying tickets from the museum on the day nor do they allow walk-ins. Our tickets were approx. £15 and they release new tickets on Tuesday mornings.

I really liked Amsterdam and I would definitely go back. I want to experience the Red Light District properly, maybe visit some more museums and take a canal cruise when hypothermia isn’t a serious risk. It’s a lovely, clean and pretty city and I do understand why people are obsessed with it. I also feel like I might return by myself. I did a few hours by myself before my friend arrived and after she had left. I felt safe, secure and if I were in need, it feels like there would be a friendly person to help me. I feel ready to do a properly solo trip, just me, myself and I. I’ve heard good things about Rotterdam so maybe that should be my first choice – what do you guys think?