August days in Amsterdam

I can’t say I fell in love with Amsterdam at first sight. It grew on me. As an avid cyclist, Amsterdam’s biking culture is enviable. I found the dedicated bike paths alongside walking paths and roads to be thoughtfully designed and human-centered. I saw a touching moment while sitting at a cafe - two parents (assumed) biking together with their toddler sitting at the front of the bike. The dad tickled the baby. Baby giggles ensued, parents smiled in return all while pedaling to their destination. I am sure biking in the cold of winter isn’t fun here, but there is something to be said about shared moments on a bike with family or by yourself after a long day of work or school. I see so many upsides to working through an arduous work day on a bike ride home or starting the day with movement.

Amsterdam has been a lovely start to my summer sabbatical. I made sure to balance lots of wandering time with organized time at museums and a canal tour. I visited the Rijksmuseum and Moco museum. I spent hours lounging in the gardens at the Rijksmuseum. There was a lovely elderly woman next to me sketching the flowers in the garden. It was soothing sitting next to her.

This vintage store and record store were cool finds.

My most memorable experience in the Netherlands will be my day long spa experience at Spa Zuiver. For the first time in about 15 years, I had no access to my phone or technology for about 8 hours. It was locked away per the hotel’s no phone policy. Oh, how I loved being free from not being accessible for hours, lounging in a garden, reading, going from sauna to steam room to pool and back again and again. It was the epitome of a leadership pause.

The food scene leaves you wanting. However, I do recommend this Turkish spot and this one.

Oddly enough, the water is something to write home about it. There are many signs in Amsterdam touting that the tap water is safe to drink. I get it. It’s really good. It’s quite hydrating and satisfying. I had a brief thought contemplating how to ship Amsterdam tap water back to the states.

I stayed at Volkshotel. It’s a hotel and a co-working space. It has an industrial design feel. It’s tastefully decorated with vintage decor. The staff is very helpful and welcoming. There’s a rooftop restaurant and bar and a dance club in the basement.

I took a day trip to Rotterdam to visit a friend who is native to Amsterdam. Rotterdam is very different from Amsterdam. It has a more modern feel and it is incredibly diverse. Not just in terms of people but diverse food offerings as well.

You can easily experience Amsterdam and a few neighboring cities in 3 or 4 days but I am glad I stayed for 6 days. It allowed me to take a languid approach to absorbing the city.

Post script: I circled back to Amsterdam after traversing South of France. I found a new found love for Amsterdam this second round. In addition to the recommendations above, I’d add a night out at Paradiso Amsterdam. It’s a club and live events venue. I had a blast there.

Add this pizza spot on your list as well.

I was lucky enough to return to Amsterdam when the largest vintage market is held monthly. I found great vintage pieces here. Plan to spend a half day going through the stalls. Some stalls were not impressive, but there are a few gems. And the prices were basement prices.

Across the street from the vintage market is the STRAAT museum. This is an expansive space with large scale modern art. It has an open outdoor warehouse design that makes you feel like you are part of the art.

I visited Haarlem this time around. Haarlem is worth adding to the list. It’s a quaint, smaller version of Amsterdam. I like the pace of this town.