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We were staying at my uncle’s apartment in Picpus, Paris when Akshit (my brother) took charge of our next adventure—booking an overnight bus to Amsterdam. He chose FlixBus, one of the best bus services in Europe, and we were all excited for this leg of our trip. Amsterdam had been calling us!
We arrived at Amsterdam Centraal by 6 AM, and instead of heading straight to our hotel, we couldn't resist our first stop—a local coffee shop. It was the only one open at that early hour, and we were eager to dive into the city's laid-back culture. We kicked off our first day with a hot cup of coffee and our first “doobie”—an experience we’d been looking forward to.
Afterward, we headed to our hotel in Zwanenburg, just a few metro stations from Centraal. This was my first time traveling in a double-decker metro, and I was excited about the view from the top!
After checking in, we agreed on a quick power nap to recover from our overnight journey. We woke up seven or eight hours later, refreshed and ready to dive into the vibrant city. The doobie and the long journey made the rest much-needed—no regrets!
Our main goal in Amsterdam the city of canals was clear—visit every famous coffee shop near Centraal Station. So, we set off to explore, and the atmosphere in the city was everything we hoped for. Picture this: taking drags from our doobie, sipping coffee, and having picturesque canals right in front of us—it was the ultimate Amsterdam experience.
We spent the day hopping between coffee shops like De Kroon, Cafe 420, The Bulldog, and Kadinsky. Each spot had its own unique vibe, and we were loving every moment. The canals made the perfect backdrop for a relaxed day of roaming, socializing with fellow tourists, and simply soaking in the city's laid-back energy.
By the end of the day, Akshit reached out to his friend Jamjam, whom he’d met in London during his graduation. Akshit invited him to join us in Amsterdam, and Jamjam was more than happy to meet up.
One of the most iconic food experiences in Holland is trying their famous fries, and the best place to get them is Mannekenpis. These fries are absolutely delicious, and the best part is that you can customize them with any sauce you like—there are so many options to choose from!
Next on our list was the “I Amsterdam” sign, one of the most famous spots in the city. Naturally, we were excited to snap some pictures in front of it. But, as expected, the area was packed with tourists, making it a bit challenging to get a clear shot. Still, we managed to capture the moment—because, let’s face it, you can’t visit Amsterdam without posing in front of this iconic sign!
After meeting up with Jamjam, the first thing he told us was that we had missed one of the best spots in Amsterdam—Grey Area Coffee Shop. As someone who had visited the city multiple times, Jamjam considered it his favorite, so we were eager to check it out. And it didn’t disappoint. The vibe was incredible, with currency notes and small writings from people all over the world covering the walls. It was such a unique and lively place to experience.
Next, we decided to explore a different side of the city—the Temple of Venus, more famously known as the Sex Museum. It’s one of Amsterdam’s quirky attractions, and while it might seem a little out there, it’s definitely worth a visit for the curious-minded. Later that evening, we ventured into the iconic Red Light District, where photography is strictly prohibited. The atmosphere was unlike anything we’d seen, and it gave us an eye-opening perspective of Amsterdam’s famous nightlife.
Until now, Akshit and I had mostly been exploring around Centraal, but when Jamjam arrived, he introduced us to a whole new side of Amsterdam—Buiksloterweg, also known as Noord. Located just behind Centraal Station, there’s a free ferry that takes you across the water to Noord. This area is popular with students, and it has a cool, relaxed vibe.
Jamjam’s friend, Seto, lived in a unique spot there—his room was in a building with cubical chambers, a modern and quirky living space that gave the area a creative edge. It was a refreshing change of pace from the bustling heart of the city, and we enjoyed exploring this hidden part of Amsterdam.
After deboarding the ferry in Buiksloterweg, the first thing that caught our eye was the towering A’dam Lookout. This 20-story building features a restaurant and bar with an amazing view, but the real highlight is the Over-the-Edge Swing—Europe’s highest swing. The thrill of swinging high above the city with jaw-dropping views was an unforgettable experience.
Amsterdam is truly one of a kind. If you’re in Europe, it’s a must-visit. The city is so chill and peaceful, and the people here are incredibly kind and always seem happy. The cycling culture is also something special—it’s such a cool way to explore the city. While Amsterdam may not have the dramatic scenic beauty of other places, it offers something even better: the perfect atmosphere for vibing, relaxing, and enjoying life at a slower pace.
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