AMSTERDAM || The City of Bicycles and Canals
A free spirit—that’s metaphorically what Amsterdam is.
What struck us the most about Amsterdam was not its intricate network of canals, nor its awkwardly-tilted, charming historic buildings lining the banks, nor the recurrent smell of marijuana wafting from the crowds as we squeezed our way through packed streets—it was the staggering amount of bicycles parked on the streets, on small bridges over the water and pretty much everywhere else one could imagine. To the people who lived there, it might be commonplace. But for us, it was a shocking scene. A quick google on fun facts of Amsterdam led us to learn that there were over a million bicycles in Amsterdam. Compare that to its population of just more than 800,000, there were more bicycles than people in the city!
The weather turned sunny during our leisure stroll.
It was sometime in the month of June when we hopped on a direct train from Paris to Amsterdam to marvel at this city of canals and bicycles. The weather was as pleasant as it could be. Getting from one point to the other within the central district was mostly done on foot and by the occasional tram rides which were pretty fun per se. If you know how to bike, then cycling around the city would definitely be the preferred mode of transportation which would also grant you the additional adrenaline surge as you zip through Amsterdam’s compact boroughs. After all, with that many bicycles lying around, it must be one of the best cities to take one for a spin.
People seen cycling and jogging at Vondelpark.
During our time there, we visited a few iconic museums like the Van Gogh Museum, pampered our taste buds at both casual and upscale restaurants, ate the most incredible chocolate cookies, found zen at Vondelpark, and captured the city’s picturesque canals and edifices.
There was also something about the people there that made our stay so enjoyable: they were happy, cordial and relaxed. There was an unmistakable sense of ease in the air and we found ourselves naturally slowing down our pace as we roamed around the city. Perhaps that was the real charm of Amsterdam having an effect on us.
Nothing but nostalgia as we look back on these photos!
The Van Gogh Museum.
An everyday scene along one of the many canals in Amsterdam.
Pretty walkway and facade of someone’s house.
Intricate 'miniminis' (tiny tarts topped with jewel-like fruits) sold at Petit Gateau.
A canal cruise carrying tourists.
Plant situation at Wildernis.
Charming, historic buildings of Amsterdam. You can see the angled tilt near the top.
Outside the Rijksmuseum.
Incredibly decadent chocolate cookies with warm, molten centres displayed at Van Stapele Koekmakerij.
The White Room at Hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky.
Photography by James Yang