Canals, Bikes, and Crooked Houses
Hop on a bike with us and wind through Amsterdam’s charming streets and scenic canals, where history, art, and cozy cafés (and coffee shops) are around every turn. Our European adventure in this captivating Dutch city was the perfect summer trip!
A Last-Minute Trip to Europe
When your hubby ramps up business travel and asks you to join him, you say YES. What a trip!
We kicked off our Amsterdam adventure with six nights at the Sir Adam Hotel, perched inside the city’s iconic A’DAM Tower. Since Mike still had a few days of work, we chose a spot near Amsterdam Central Station so he could zip off to wherever he needed with ease.
Sir Adam Hotel occupies the first eight floors of the A’DAM Tower, an architecturally striking 22-story building perched directly across the IJ River. Each day, we’d wheel our bikes onto the free ferry right outside the hotel and glide across the IJ to the heart of the city. I was surprised at how often the ferries went back and forth and how many people/bikers got on board at any given minute.
Bike Tour
We booked a bike tour with Bike City on the first full day I was in Amsterdam, and it turned out to be perfect start of our trip. The bikes were classic Dutch style—comfortable, sturdy, and perfect for cruising through the city’s charming streets and along the canals. We pedaled past rows of narrow, gabled houses, hidden courtyards, and flower-filled window boxes, stopping now and then for little history lessons or fun tidbits about the city from our guide, Shakira.
The tour took us through some of Amsterdam’s most iconic and picturesque spots, like the Jordaan, with its cozy cafes and boutique shops, and along the Amstel River, where the Magere Brug – also known as the Skinny Bridge – stood proudly in the sunlight. Legend has it that “couples who hold hands and kiss passionately while crossing this bridge will be in love forever.” 😍
Canal Boat Cruise
One afternoon, we decided to see Amsterdam from a completely different perspective—by water. We hopped aboard a small private boat and instantly fell in love with the slower, more peaceful pace.
The tour took us through some of the most famous canals as well as quieter stretches where locals sipped coffee on their stoops alongside the water. Passing under centuries-old stone bridges and spotting charming houseboats along the way gave us a glimpse into everyday life in the city and an idea of where we want to visit “next time”.
Amsterdam’s iconic leaning canal houses aren’t just quirky—they’re clever too! Built slightly forward to hoist goods up safely and settled over centuries on soft marshy ground, these crooked façades give the city its charming, storybook look that’s instantly recognizable along the canals.
Biking the Streets
Amsterdam is home to more than 880,000 bicycles, surpassing its population of around 800,000 residents. Roughly 60% of Amsterdammers use their bikes every day for commuting and errands.
Biking isn’t just a mode of transport in Amsterdam—it’s woven into daily life. With one of the highest cycling rates globally, the city’s infrastructure, culture, and geography all support the pedal-powered lifestyle. Locals and visitors alike were absolutely everywhere, with the former getting somewhat irritated (at times).
If you know us, you’re already aware that we try to bike when we travel if at all possible. It’s a great way to see a new city and since I have a foot thing, it makes it easier for me to move around. On the days that Mike had to work, I zoomed around the city by myself taking in the sights and sounds, and doing a little shopping along the way.
In Amsterdam, bikers are impressively confident, fast-moving, and very accustomed to sharing the road – though their “polite” often comes with a hint of Dutch directness. If you’re a tourist, you need to get onboard with this way of moving or stick to walking!
The little two-seater cars (pictured below) you see zipping around Amsterdam are usually microcars, often called “brommobielen” in Dutch. 🚗 These microcars are perfect for the city’s narrow streets and tight parking, and what’s interesting is that they often follow the same rules as bikes. You’ll see them using bike lanes, stopping at the same lights, and keeping to the city’s gentle pace, which makes them feel like a quirky mix between a bicycle and a car.
Ambassade Hotel
After enjoying the views from the Sir Adam Hotel, we packed our bags and headed to The Ambassade Hotel for the last four nights of our stay. Nestled along the scenic Herengracht canal, this historic hotel offered a completely different vibe – old-world luxury infused with literary charm. Swapping skyline panoramas for peaceful canal-side views was the perfect way to experience two very different sides of Amsterdam in one trip.
We found it interesting that the Ambassade occupies 16 historic canal-side houses (canal mansions) along the Herengracht and Singel canals to host their 56 guest rooms, lobby, kitchen, etc. The steps throughout the hotel were made for tiny people, so Mike stuck to the elevators most of the time.
Zaanse Schans
One sunny morning, we biked from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, enjoying the Dutch countryside along the way. Green fields, grazing cows, and charming farmhouses made the ride feel like a real-life postcard.
At Zaanse Schans, the windmills stole the show. We biked through the quaint streets, admired the turning sails, while artisans worked in traditional workshops crafting cheese, clogs, and other Dutch treasures. Plus, we picked up a few local souvenirs to take home.
On the way back, we biked into Zaandam and stopped to enjoy some local beer and a bite to eat, soaking up the lively town atmosphere. After a relaxing break, we hopped on a train back to Amsterdam Central Station, happy and a little tired from a perfect day exploring the countryside.
Pride Parade
We were lucky enough to catch Amsterdam’s Pride parade, and it was an absolute blast. The city was alive with color, music, and energy – boats floating down the canals were decked out in rainbow flags, and everyone was celebrating love and inclusivity with pure joy.
Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels
Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels is a must-visit spot in Amsterdam, renowned for its freshly baked, warm stroopwafels made using a traditional family recipe. Located in the heart of the Albert Cuyp Market, you’ll find the food truck near number 182, marked by the historic building with the golden angel on top.
We first learned about Rudi’s from the “Somebody Feed Phil” show. Phil said that these stroopwafels were the best place to try them, and wow, we agreed 1000%!
Upstairs Pancakes
Upstairs Pancakes is a hidden gem in Amsterdam, renowned for its intimate setting and delicious Dutch pancakes. Located in the city center of Amsterdam in the historic Grimburgwal area, this cozy restaurant occupies a historic building dating back to 1539. Established in 1961, it proudly holds the title of the smallest pancake house in Europe, featuring just four tables and seating for 18 guests.
Upstairs Pancakes serves traditional Dutch pancakes that are thin and large, perfect for both sweet and savory toppings. We split a strawberry banana pancake and a bacon and cheese one – both so delicious!
Delicious Food
Amsterdam’s food scene is a delicious mix of traditional Dutch and inventive modern cuisine. From fresh stroopwafels and hearty Dutch pancakes to herring stands and artisanal cheese shops, there’s something to satisfy every craving – and we tried it all (almost).
Mike and I loved our breakfast outings the most, savoring fresh coffees, buttery croissants, warm crumpets, and a variety of other delicious morning treats. We also indulged in classic Dutch dishes, from hearty beef stew and savory sausages to fresh, flavorful goat cheese salads and tomato soup.
More days than not, we found ourselves settling into a cozy café to enjoy a cold beer and soak in the local atmosphere. Whether tucked along a quiet canal or in a bustling square, these little stops became the perfect way to relax after pedaling around the city.
The following are some of the restaurants we enjoyed:
- The Pantry for traditional Dutch food
- Smelt for fondue
- Wolf Bakery for breakfast and pastries
- ONS Cafe for goat cheese salads, red pepper soup, and cheese platter
- Cafe Cris for Bitterballen and fried cheese
- The Butcher for burgers and fries
- The restaurant at Ambassade Hotel for ravioli
- Proeflokaal A. Van Wees for everything!
- And more!
Coffee and Such
We love stopping for coffees and beers on trips because it’s the perfect way to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. In Amsterdam, these pauses weren’t just about the drink in our hand – they were about enjoying the view, watching locals pedal by, listening to the hum of conversation, and feeling part of the city’s daily life.
To be clear, if you ask advice on coffee shops, you’re NOT getting coffee. A coffee shop in Amsterdam is a licensed establishment where you can legally buy and consume cannabis (marijuana and hash), LOL. They’re different from a “café”, which in Amsterdam means a normal place to grab coffee, food, or sometimes alcohol.
