I recently had the chance to add another country to my journey — the Netherlands.
I’d heard a lot about it, of course. But what I found there was nothing like what I expected.
The streets felt like something from a miniature world — calm, cozy, and full of gentle detail. Amsterdam wasn’t just a city; it was a spirit. A place that held both silence and freedom in the same breath. From the first moment, it welcomed me.
My Gallery
The City That Feels Like a Pause
What surprised me most was the rhythm of the city.
I come from places where everything feels fast — people rushing, things always moving. But here, in Amsterdam, time felt slower. Not lazy. Just… mindful.
Tips
🛫 Getting there was part of the magic
I used Kiwi.com to book my flight.The flexible search helped me find a calm route that matched the energy I was seeking — simple, direct, and with time to breathe.
A Swing Over the Sky
One moment stays with me most: the swing at the top of A’DAM Lookout.
It’s not just a ride. It’s something else.
You lean back… and suddenly the city is beneath you, stretching out in all directions. The canals, the rooftops, the quiet. It was both terrifying and grounding. I felt like I could see my entire life from that height — the things I’ve lost, the things I’ve become.
I remember gripping the handles, laughing, crying a little. It was a moment of release.
Tips
For those breathtaking rooftop moments
If you’re curious to try the swing at A’DAM Lookout, book in advance through Tiqets. It allowed me to skip the line and savor the view with ease — and with a little less trembling.
Bicycles and Bouquets
What I love most about traveling is noticing small things.
Like the way people park their bicycles here — casually, like they’re leaving part of themselves behind for a moment.
Or how the canals sparkle differently depending on the hour of day.
There’s music on every corner — not loud, not showy. Just someone playing a violin by a bridge, or a guitarist leaning against a red brick wall. I passed them in silence, feeling like I was walking through a memory.
Tips
Stay close to the streets that speak softly
I found my hotel through Trip.com, filtering by location and guest reviews. My little room overlooked the water — and the morning light was something I’ll never forget.
A Warm Drink by the Water
One of my favorite parts of the trip wasn’t an event.
It was a morning.
I sat at a tiny café beside the water, holding a warm cup of glühwein. It was raining just a little — that soft, poetic rain that doesn’t need an umbrella.
I remember thinking: “This is enough.”
No crowds. No big plans. Just me, the canal, the stillness, and a kind of happiness I hadn’t felt in a while.
Tips
Let the city guide your pace
Wandering is where the real beauty lives. I used no maps, no plans — just a warm drink and the soft rhythm of the city. If you want to feel the same, choose a place to stay near the canals, and begin your days without a schedule.
What Amsterdam Gave Me
This city didn’t ask me to be anyone.
It just let me exist.
That was the gift.
No pressure to be excited all the time. No need to perform.
Just walk, sit, breathe, look — and it would quietly hand you beauty.
I think we all need places like that.
Amsterdam was mine, and maybe — if you’re reading this — it could be yours too.
Light Travel Tips from Me to You
(not part of the story, just helpful if you’re planning)
✈I used Kiwi.com to find a flexible, affordable flight. You can mix transport options like flights + trains easily.
🛏 For my hotel, I booked through Trip.com — lots of cozy spots along the canals, perfect for quiet mornings.
The rooftop swing I mentioned? I booked it with Tiqets. It saved time, especially on a busy day.
🎟 And to make the arrival smooth, I used GetTransfer for a private airport pickup. Just easier when you’re traveling alone.
🧳 Travel Gear: Shop the Journey Glows
✨ Book now and let your own Travel story begin.
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