(I’m writing this a year later, so bear with me.) Amsterdam was so fun I had to go again! I planned an entire solo Euro-trip starting and ending in my favorite European city. This time I focused on doing things my friends and I didn’t have time to do the previous year. I walked farther, rode the bus, and took the train this time.
I started off by visiting my favorite smart shop, then heading over to the Rijks and Van Gogh Museums (buy your tix in advance). While I’m not an art aficionado, I really felt like I understood what Van Gogh was trying to capture in his paintings (read- my previous activities before visiting the museums). After getting my fill on beautiful paintings and pretty colors, I decided to get some food in me. While I am a stickler for eating local foods when traveling, Amsterdam is pretty (U.S.) American as far as cuisine goes, so I had a hamburger.
The Hague
Later, I took a train for a day trio to The Hague. I took a taxi from the train station to the Peace Palace. The palace was closed at the time of my visit, so I ended up strolling thru the area and window shopping at some local boutiques. After a while, the beach started calling my name. Now, Amsterdam is pretty chilly in March, and there was a mini rainstorm earlier, but I didn’t let that stop me from living my best selfie life under the boardwalk. Along the beach are several restaurants and mini malls. I went up the pier beside a ferris wheel to have a Dutch pancake with a view. The day wore me out so much, I ended up napping on the train back to Amsterdam.
Keukenhof Tulip Garden
The tulip season was also in full bloom, so i made my way to the Keukenhof. To get there (assuming you buy the tickets with shuttle transfer), take the free ferry by the Central Station, and head over to the Amsterdam tours building. They have a bus that’ll leave/arrive every half hour/hour I believe, so if you miss one, just grab a bite in the cafe and wait a bit. The flower garden is a huge floral maze with gift shops, indoor installations, and food carts spread throughout. Be sure to take one of the boat tours thru the tulip farm and eat a stroopwaffle while you wait!.
Don’t forget to stop at the Cheese “museum” before you leave! That fig mustard and smoked goat cheese are to die for.
