TL;DR:
Amsterdam’s a small city, but that’s what makes it nice and cozy. It feels both like a capital and a village all in one.
You can bike anywhere in no time and there’s always something going on. It’s also mix of old history and a modern vibe, which keeps it interesting.
What I like most is that it feels relaxed here - not too big, not too rushed. When the sun’s out, everyone’s outside - on a terrace, in the park, or by the water with a drink.
People are pretty straightforward, but friendly once you get talking.
💬 Languages
Dutch. But English is very widely spoken
☀️ Best season
April for the tulip fields, July and August for warm and sunny weather, December for holiday charm!
😋 Local dish & where
Bitterballen & frikandel at Café 't Smalle
💸 Currency
EUR (€)
🚌 Getting around
Public trams, buses and ferries are easily accessible. Tap on and off with your debit/credit cars. Bicycle, of course, but only if you are a confident cyclists. Taxi hailing apps like a Uber & Bolt are available.
📍Jordaan
It feels like the heart of Amsterdam without being too flashy. The canals there are narrower, the streets are full of little cafés and bars, and you can just wander around for hours.
It’s cozy, a bit quieter than the city center, and you still get that classic Amsterdam look with all the old houses leaning slightly over the water.
👄 Musts:
Farmers’ market every saturday with fresh organic produce, cheeses, bread and vintage stalls
Personal favorite, very laid-back bar with a grunge vibe, pool, pinball tables & a canal-side terrace
Main street through Jordaan, full of small shops, bakeries, and cafés. On Mondays, there’s also a huge market that's great for second-hand clothes and local finds.
