Amsterdam is definitely one of my favorite European cities. While I may not love it as much as Berlin or Budapest, it’s definitely a very cool city. If I was to ever consider leaving Germany, I’d actually consider relocating to Amsterdam to live and work.
When visiting for a long weekend one December, I tried to discover an alternative side to Amsterdam. I generally avoided the top-rated tourist sites and instead sought out more unusual places, such as a cat sanctuary on a boat and a museum featuring nothing other than cat art.
As I walked through the streets, I soon found myself falling in love with the more traditional aspects of the city too. I suddenly dreamt of having an Amsterdam apartment with a canal view and thought excitingly about how I’d bike to and from work each day alongside the thousands of other enthusiastic cyclists.
First Impressions Of Amsterdam In Pictures
Every city leaves an impression on you. You remember what it felt to be there, what it smelled like, what it looked like. Each and every very impression involves a highly unique personal experience. These photos highlight just some of my personal impressions of Amsterdam.
I’d also highly recommend checking out these beautiful photos of Amsterdam, when the streets are empty of the usual tourist crowds.
What are your favorite impressions of Amsterdam? Can you recommend any offbeat sites that I should check out when I’m there next?
Good To Know
1) If you need somewhere to stay in Amsterdam, I’d recommend checking out available options with booking.com.
Booking.com2) Make your time in Amsterdam memorable by going on a guided tour.
3) Get more Europe travel inspiration by checking out some of our most popular posts.
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Nice pics! I especially love ‘Amsterdam by night’ – great colours!
Wowowow gorgeous photos! Need to get myself to Amsterdam – flown through the airport a few times, but never gotten myself into the city. Love the window with the hearts in it, and the focus on the bike with the canal in the background 🙂
Looove the window reflection shot. Very good photos!
@Andrea & @Marie – Thanks so much! <3
@Waegook Tom – It’s a city you definitely need to check out. Such a cool place.
Avoiding the real touristy sights is great way of getting a feel for a city – I try to do the same. I love your photo of the canal with the bikes in the foreground – that is exactly how I imagine Amsterdam 🙂
Lovely cross section of photos, Cheryl. I was in Amsterdam back in the 1970’s and these make me want to go back!
Your photos just remind me that I need to visit Amsterdam! Still can’t believe I haven’t been yet…
@Cherina – I still took in some of the tourist sites but I really looked for a different side of the city. Was a good time! And thanks re: the bike photo. 🙂
@Nancie – Thanks! You should return, it’s still just as great.
@Adam – Hurry up and get there! 🙂
I’m interested to see how you like Brussels, I spent 12 hours there and didn’t think much of it but I’m sure there has to be another side.
@Ayngelina – I think I’m going to like the beer, I know that much. 🙂
Amsterdam is such a unique place! I loved all your photos
@Brock – Thanks so much! I love Amsterdam too … can’t wait to return someday soon.
Gorgeous photos, but I missed the cat photos from the boat cat sanctuary 🙂
@Laurel – Thanks! I tried to add in some new photos this time, not relating to previous posts. And oh I lvoe that sanctuary! 🙂
Great shots Cheryl! Amsterdam is such a vibrant and cool place. And you really managed to find some offbeat places, I need to explore more when I go there next time.
Cheryl these pictures are amazing!! I really need to learn your post processing tricks!
@Jarmo – Thanks soo much! I heart Amsterdam too … can’t wait to back.
@Nicole – Thanks! Let’s have a nerdy meet-up soon. I have loads to ask you and Adam.
We fell in love with Amsterdam – it’s such a vibrant, beautiful city. I really like the night photos you took of the canals! Ours came out a little…. blurry. 😉
@Christy – Thanks! I had to use my tripod and snap many many many shots before I got ones that worked! 🙂
Love the photos, Cheryl! You are so talented at night shots… something I struggle with so much!
@Jade – Aww, thanks! It took my tripod and a lootttt of takes to get those shots. 🙂