Coffee Break: Back from Amsterdam

Hello my Dear Friends!

I have so many stories and travel tips to share — but as always, I’m constantly running out of time. And I got sick right after we got home. So many people were sneezing and coughing on the plane.

The funny part? I actually brought masks with me, thinking ahead… but because we were such greedy tourists — trying to squeeze in every last moment of Amsterdam’s beauty — I forgot to pack them in my carry-on. Of course, almost the entire plane was coughing, and the masks were lost somewhere in the suitcase.

We came home pretty sick. And this time, jet lag hit me hard. I thought I’d just take a nap… and I basically turned into Sleeping Beauty — nothing could wake me up for days.

I think I’m back to normal now — back to work, back to my cats, back to coffee breaks with you.

And I have to say — we need to have a coffee and chill, Amsterdam-style. Because if there’s one thing they do beautifully there, it’s slowing down, sitting by the canal and just enjoying the life.

Before I start sharing my stories, I want to say Thank you. Thank you to everyone who gave suggestions, ideas, and helped us choose this destination. It really helped.

The truth is, the more I travel, the harder to choose where to go next. Sometimes I catch myself thinking: “Should I go there? I’ve seen better.” No offense to any place — it’s just what happens when your memory is full of beautiful places and your expectations keep growing. Some of you my dear travelers will know exactly what I mean.

But still… after every trip, I always have lots of impressions and things to share.

What Amazed Me in Amsterdam

The Biking Culture

What amazed me first in the Netherlands was not a museum, canals, or fancy coffee — it was the bikes.

Biking in Amsterdam isn’t just a way to get around — it’s a way of life. It’s fast, efficient, healthy, fun, and deeply woven into the city’s culture.

You’ll see:

• Parents biking with toddlers in front carts
• Couples riding one bike together (yes, literally two people on one bike!)
• Seniors biking like pros without helmets
• People texting, drinking coffee, or walking their dogs while biking
• And bikes parked everywhere — stacked, locked, hanging, in massive parking garages just for bikes.

We rented bikes using Donkey Republic bike rental – super easy and way more affordable than most rental shops.

It’s a self-service bike rental app that works through your phone. You unlock and lock bikes via Bluetooth, and pick up/drop off from designated spots around the city. Super convenient. Cheaper. And it works in many countries in Europe.

Honestly, biking in Amsterdam made me feel free. You see the city differently — you become part of it, not just a visitor. We rode along canals, crossed bridges, parks, and felt like locals for a while.

I think this is an amazing way to explore the city.

The Canals

I admit it — part of me thought maybe Amsterdam was a little overrated. Too many photos online. Too many tourists. But when we arrived and started walking… I changed my mind.

The canals are pure magic.

Every corner of the city opens up to a dreamy scene: crooked old houses leaning toward the water, trees draping over boats, reflections dancing under bridges. Day or night, they’re mesmerizing. We walked for hours — along the water, over bridges, through quiet neighborhoods. And the more we walked, the more we fell in love.

The mix of calm, beauty, and vibrant life around those canals is unforgettable. It’s the kind of place where your heart slows down and your senses open up.

Cashless Society

Another thing that truly amazed me in the Netherlands — especially in Amsterdam — is how cashless everything is. You almost don’t need physical money at all. We barely used cash during our entire trip! From cafés to museums, train stations to public bathrooms, everything runs smoothly with a debit or credit card, or even better — your phone or watches.

It was so convenient. Just tap and go. No need to search for coins or wait for change. Even tiny bakeries, market stalls, or coffee stands in the park all had card readers. Some places even had signs that said:“No cash, card only.”

I read later that the Netherlands is one of the most cashless countries in Europe. Over 80% of all payments are done by card, and most locals use contactless payment with their phones or bank cards.

It makes everything feel modern and efficient — no stress, no wallet full of coins. You just tap and move on with your day.

One small tip:

Not every place accepts foreign credit cards, especially Mastercard or American Express. In some shops or public toilets, they only take Dutch debit cards (like Maestro or V Pay). So it’s good to have a backup — or use a mobile payment app like Apple Pay or Google Pay that’s linked to your bank.

Still, the idea of walking around a city — eating, shopping, taking transit — and never using cash was amazing to me. It felt like a peek into the future. The Dutch don’t just ride bikes — they glide through life without coins in their pockets.

Public Transportation

The tram and train system in the Netherlands is a dream.

Trams are clean, quiet, and super easy to use — with English-friendly signage and real-time updates. We just tapped our phones or watches to get on and off — no tickets, no confusion.

We even took trains to nearby cities like Haarlem and Rotterdam — fast, comfortable, and punctual.

Tip: When you get to team, train or metro you have to tap in and don’t forget to tap out. Otherwise the system will think that you are still riding on the transport and they will charge more. When you use this payment it will be more cheeper then buying tickets in kiosk. Original ticket will cost you 3.20 Euro but paying by MasterCard they will charge by distance which might be much cheaper.

Tall People (Like, Really Tall)

I knew Dutch people were tall — but I didn’t expect everyone to be this tall!

It’s not just a stereotype. The Dutch really are the tallest people in the world! The average height for men is around 6 feet (183 cm) and for women about 5’7” (170 cm). But many people we saw were even taller.

But more than that, they’re relaxed, graceful, strong, stylish, incredibly efficient and very straightforward. And everyone speaks perfect English.

Highlights of my trip.

I always ask friends and myself the question after the trip— “So, what was the highlight?”

To be honest, it’s getting harder and harder to answer that. The more I travel, the more I see, the more I compare. Beautiful places start blending together in my mind. I look at new destinations and catch myself thinking, “Hmm, I’ve seen something like this before,” or “Should I go there? I’ve already seen better.”

It’s not arrogance — just the way your perspective changes when you’ve seen a lot. Experienced travelers will understand what I mean.

Beside the canals and architecture which took my breath away I can highlight couple more attractions.

Rijksmuseum – Must see

One of my highlight of the trip was our visit to the Rijksmuseum.

I knew it was famous. I knew it was full of masterpieces. But I didn’t expect how deeply peaceful and moving it would feel to walk through it.

The museum itself is a masterpiece. From the moment you enter, you’re surrounded by beautiful architecture, tall windows, soft light. It makes you slow down and really look and observe the art and masterpieces.

Of course, the stars of the show are all there: Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Vermeer’s Milkmaid, and Van Gogh’s self-portraits — all up close, more powerful than any photo can show. I stood in front of some of those paintings for several minutes, just stunned by the colors and emotions frozen in oil and canvas for centuries.

But what amazed me most wasn’t just the famous works — it was the way the entire collection is curated with care, from furniture to dollhouses to naval models. You don’t feel overwhelmed. You feel invited — to notice small things, to connect dots between centuries, to reflect on everyday life long ago.

One of my favorite spots was the Rijksmuseum library. It’s like a dream — tall bookshelves, spiral staircases, and soft golden light. You can’t even touch the books, but just being there made me feel like I had stepped into a scene from an old European novel.

Another small thing that really caught my attention at the Rijksmuseum was the light on the stairs. As we walked down, I noticed this soft light slowly moving. It was a special light installation.

It was quiet and peaceful — almost like the museum was breathing. It made the whole space feel calm and beautiful.

Just a soft, moving light… it made the moment feel magical.

I also loved watching other visitors. Some people rushed past, checking things off a list. Others stood completely still, letting the art speak to them. It reminded me how lucky we are to be able to see and feel this kind of beauty with our own eyes.

The Rijksmuseum is more than just a building with paintings. It’s a place that helps you remember — the power of detail, the weight of history, the way art connects us across time. That’s what makes it a true highlight.

STRAAT Museum – A Hidden Gem of Street Art

One of the biggest surprises of our trip was the STRAAT Museum — and I honestly think more people should talk about it!

Located in a massive old warehouse at NDSM Wharf (a former shipyard turned into creative space), STRAAT is one of the largest street art museums in the world. But don’t expect boring halls and tiny plaques — this place is alive. Huge, colorful murals cover the industrial walls from floor to ceiling, and the whole building feels like a raw, open gallery where every piece has a story.

What I loved most was how bold and modern everything felt. These aren’t just pretty pictures — the artworks are powerful, emotional, political, funny, strange.

The whole museum is open and airy, with high ceilings and natural light pouring in — a totally different vibe from traditional museums. You can take your time, get close to the art, and even watch short videos about the artists and their process.

We easily spent a couple of hours there, and it was honestly one of the highlights of the trip.

If you’re into color, creativity, and culture with an edge — STRAAT is a must.

A’DAM Lookout – Must do

I’m afraid of heights. That’s not a secret. But sometimes, travel gives you the courage to try things you normally wouldn’t.

So… we went to A’DAM Lookout — that futuristic tower across the river with the giant swing that dangles you over the edge of the building, 100 meters above Amsterdam.

And let me tell you — I was terrified, but the same time it was amazing.

The views from up there are breathtaking.

It ended up being one of the most fun and memorable parts of our trip.

So if you’re scared of heights… maybe still go.

Free Ferry Ride – A Little Adventure Across the Water

One of the things I loved in Amsterdam — and didn’t expect to enjoy so much — was the free ferry ride from Central Station to NDSM Wharf and other locations.

Yes, free. No ticket, no scan, just hop on!

The ferries run all day and are used by locals and tourists alike — people on foot, on bikes, even with scooters and strollers. It’s so simple and casual, but somehow also felt like a mini adventure. As you ride across the river, you get a completely different view of Amsterdam — water, sky, city skyline, and boats going in all directions.

The ride only takes about 15 minutes, but it gives you a quick break from the busy city center. The breeze, the wide open view, and the feeling of being on the water — it’s surprisingly relaxing.

And once you arrive at NDSM, you step into a creative, artsy part of the city — with cool street art, cafés, and the amazing STRAAT Museum right nearby.

It’s not just transportation — it’s a little part of the Amsterdam experience. And it’s totally worth it.

Be Your Own Captain – Canal Cruising in a Self-Drive Boat

One of the most fun things we did in Amsterdam was renting our own little boat to explore the canals — and guess who was the captain? My husband!

We rented a self-drive electric boat (no license needed), and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and special parts of our trip. No tour guide, no schedule — just the two of us cruising through the canals at our own pace for 3 hours.

It’s such a different way to experience Amsterdam. You see the beautiful houses, bridges, and locals going about their day from the water, which gives you a whole new perspective. It was peaceful, charming, and sometimes even a little funny as we navigated under low bridges and past fancy canal houses.

The boat was super easy to steer — quiet, clean, and slow enough to feel totally safe. We brought snacks, took a ton of photos, and just enjoyed the city from a calm, quiet seat on the water.

Why Do People Keep Coming Back to Amsterdam?

Now I understand why.

It’s not just the beauty — it’s how balanced everything feels.

The culture is rich, but not overwhelming. The vibe is relaxed, but never boring. It’s a place where you can enjoy art, food, nature, shopping, or just sit with coffee and watch the water ripple past. You don’t need to rush to “see everything” — because just being there is the experience.

People return because Amsterdam isn’t about ticking boxes.

It’s about how it makes you feel. And honestly? I already miss that feeling.

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I’ll write more soon. I have so much impressions and and travel tips to share.

But for now, I’ll say this:

Amsterdam is more than tulips, cheese, and clichés.

It’s a city that makes you slow down and fall in love with everyday beauty.

Thank you for this wonderful coffee break. I hope it wasn’t boring.see you soon.

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