There’s something magnetic about Amsterdam that keeps pulling me back. Maybe it’s the charm of its winding canals, the hum of bikes echoing through cobblestone streets, or the way history and modern life blend so effortlessly here. Returning to this city feels less like visiting and more like rekindling an old friendship—familiar, yet full of new surprises. On this return trip, I was determined to go deeper than the postcard-perfect sights, to explore the corners I missed the first time, and to experience Amsterdam not just as a tourist, but as a curious traveler reconnecting with a place that somehow already feels like home.

Hotels

Hotel De L’Europe
  • Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel – One of the worst hotels I have stayed in, under construction with fire alarms going off at all hours, and deafening drilling all day. We dined at the Hotel De L’Europe one night and immediately booked a room there and moved into this amazing hotel.
  • Hotel De L’Europe – If Amsterdam is elegance in city form, then Hotel De L’Europe is its crown jewel. Nestled along the Amstel River with postcard-perfect views in every direction, this hotel isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a full-on experience in luxury and classic Dutch charm. Alfred ‘Freddy’ Heineken frequented the hotel in the 1950″s and he fell in love with the monumental building and the sophisticated atmosphere. He eventually decided to buy the hotel making De L’Europe the first and only family-owned luxury hotel in Amsterdam. And you can understand the love affair from the moment you step through the doors. I felt like I’d wandered into a Rembrandt painting… only with better Wi-Fi and room service. The rooms are a dreamy mix of timeless sophistication and modern comfort. With world-class dining, a bar that makes you feel like a 1920s socialite, and museum-quality art throughout the hotel itself, Hotel De L’Europe became more than just my home base—it was part of the adventure.

Tours / Festivals

Rolling Kitchens Festival
  • Rolling Kitchens Food & Music Festival https://rollendekeukens.amsterdam/en/ – The Rolling Kitchens Festival in Amsterdam’s Westerpark is a foodie’s dream come true—imagine over 100 food trucks serving everything from gourmet burgers to Dutch poffertjes, all set to live music and laid-back festival vibes. With no entry fee, it’s the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon: hopping from one delicious bite to the next, sipping local drinks, and dancing along to spontaneous street performances. It’s Amsterdam at its most flavorful and fun.
  • Grand Dutch Food & History Tour (Amsterdam Food Tours) – https://amsterdamfoodtours.com/ One of the highlights of our trip was the Grand Dutch Food & History Tour with Amsterdam Food Tours—part culinary adventure, part walking history lesson, and 100% delicious. Led by a passionate local guide, we strolled through charming neighborhoods while sampling everything from artisanal cheeses and herring to Dutch apple pie and jenever. Along the way, we learned fascinating stories behind the city’s food culture and historic landmarks, making it the perfect way to taste—and truly understand—Amsterdam. Come hungry, leave happy (and maybe a little obsessed with Gouda).

Museums

Vincent van Gogh

Amsterdam’s Museumplein is basically Disneyland for art lovers, and I made it my mission to hit the big four: the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk, and MOCO. The Rijks was a majestic deep dive into Dutch Golden Age masterpieces—I now consider myself on a first-name basis with Rembrandt and Vermeer. Next, I wandered into Van Gogh’s world, where his brushstrokes practically vibrated off the canvas (and yes, “The Bedroom” is even more emotional in person). The Stedelijk hit me with a burst of modern and contemporary cool—think giant installations, thought-provoking design, and at least one piece that made me say, “Wait, is that…art?” Finally, MOCO was the rebellious younger sibling of the bunch, full of Banksy, pop art, and social commentary with a side of neon lights. Each museum offered a wildly different vibe, but together they painted a perfect picture of Amsterdam’s rich and ever-evolving creative spirit.

Restaurants

Roux Restaurant

Amsterdam’s food scene completely exceeded my expectations (and memories) —and while I did my fair share of snacking on street fries and stroopwafels, the real stars of my trip were the incredible restaurants. Roux stole my heart (and appetite) with its elegant French cuisine and perfectly paired wines—every bite felt like a small, delicious celebration. Marie, tucked along the canals, charmed me with its chic brasserie vibe, fresh seafood, and the kind of ambiance that makes you want to linger over a second bottle of wine. Restaurant Bougainville was the crown jewel—an unforgettable fine-dining experience where each course was a stunning mix of flavor, artistry, and creativity. And then there was Kassbar, a vibrant surprise that brought the best cheeses in the Netherlands to our table! They have a selection of more than 30 delicious Dutch cheeses from local farmers and did the most unique pairings and the best wine combinations. Kassbar was the kind of place that made you want to stay for hours—and then come back the next night. These dining experiences weren’t just meals—they were highlights of the trip, each one adding its own unique flavor to my Amsterdam adventure.

As my time in Amsterdam came to a close, I found myself lingering a little longer by the canals, soaking in the golden light bouncing off the water and the soft chatter of bikes zipping by. This city has a way of balancing beauty and grit, history and modernity, calm and chaos—all with an effortless charm that keeps calling me back. From world-class art to unforgettable meals (I may never recover from how good the fries were), every moment felt like a new layer of discovery. Amsterdam isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to return to, again and again. Until next time, Amsterdam… and yes, I’m already thinking about my next cheese board at Kaasbar.

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