Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Several weeks ago, while (totally unsuccessfully) attempting to fall into a deep sleep, my mind wandered to travel, as it so often does. I reflected a bit on my brief visit to Europe this past autumn, dreaming of Sicily’s Mediterranean charm, and Montmartre’s quaint, French architecture (though, not literally dreaming. Ah, I wish).

“But which cities do I truly love, love?”, I wondered. My immediate thought was, “All of them, of course!”, but I then shook my head, dissatisfied. Fast forward an hour and… an itty-bitty list of my Top 5 Cities (that I have had the opportunity to see thus far) had been compiled.

1. Paris, France

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

3. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

4. London, England

5. New York City, USA

Yes… Amsterdam is definitely one of my absolute favorite destinations. In the whole, wide world.

Now, a bit on my history with this particular European metropolis…

I first visited Amsterdam at the age of nine, in the company of my father and maternal grandmother. Though I was fortunate enough to spend sufficient time in both Brussels and Rome on the same trip, Amsterdam was the city little third-grade me fell head-over-heels in love with.

Five years later… I set foot in Holland once again, this time with my father and younger brother, Jake. Dad was conducting business in Amsterdam, and I was just ecstatic to tag along. In spite of the fairly boring trade show, I had a wonderful time… the lovely museums in this delightful place never fail to blow me away.

Ah, and then – Autumn 2014. I accompanied my father on yet another business trip this past fall, and Amsterdam was our final stop prior to flying home. We were in the city for a single full day, half of which was devoted to meeting a Dutch customer in The Hague. I spent the latter portion of daylight hours roaming about the hustling, bustling urban area, leisurely taking photographs and exploring.

Now, as for where you ought to go & what you ought to see while visiting this pretty-pretty city:

Van Gogh Museum – I completely and positively adore this remarkable/extraordinary/marvelous art museum. Van Gogh’s talent is otherworldly, and each and every painting possesses magical, unique beauty. Love, just love.

Anne Frank House – Oh, this museum is an absolute must-see. Anne Frank’s diary is an utterly profound work, and the historical significance of this home… it is incredible. So, so incredible.

Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum is, hands down, my favorite museum of all-time. My favorite painting of all-time can be found here, as well.

Vondelpark – Because it’s pretty!

The ‘Dancing Houses’ – This Dutch architecture is downright gorgeous. I heart it.

Canal Tours – The canals of Amsterdam are breathtaking, in all respects. Please, oh, please take a tour! It is a spectacular experience, truly.

I am so smitten with this darling place. I hope you visit. I hope you love it, too.

xoxo,

Abby