Amsterdam

Wynand Fockink: An authentic Dutch distillery for jenever worth visiting

March 17, 2023 by Karen Turner 2 Comments

I love trying out new Dutch liquors, so I finally had to visit Wynand Fockink in Amsterdam. This authentic Dutch tasting room and distillery dates back to 1679, which makes it the perfect place for an authentic place to try Dutch genever without a tour.

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Amsterdam on a budget: Insider tips for the Netherlands on a budget

February 20, 2018 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

I’ve been living in the Netherlands now for almost three years with two years living in Amsterdam. As the Dutch capital, Amsterdam isn’t a cheap city to visit. Keep reading insider tips for visiting Amsterdam on a budget and surviving Amsterdam on a budget by an Amsterdam tourist turned local. …

25 Dutch foods that you must try in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

April 21, 2018 by Karen Turner 12 Comments

Trying to figure out what to eat in the Netherlands? Your list of the most famous Dutch foods that you’ll want to try while visiting Amsterdam, the Netherlands written by a Dutch resident. I also include tips on where to find these typically Dutch foods in Amsterdam. You’ll find a downloadable checklist of 25 foods to try in Amsterdam (or the Netherlands) at the bottom!

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Where to find authentic and cheap food in Amsterdam by a local

June 1, 2020 by Karen Turner 19 Comments

Finding the best places to eat in Amsterdam where you’re on a tight budget can be tricky as eating in Amsterdam seems expensive. As a resident of 2+ years of Amsterdam, I wrote this guide to where to eat in Amsterdam on a budget for anyone looking for cheap restaurants in Amsterdam who want to also eat at non-chains that provide some healthy options! It’s possible to stay on a budget while eating in Amsterdam, so keep reading for the best cheap eats in Amsterdam.

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The best tickets for traveling by train and public transit within Holland

March 26, 2019 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

Traveling around the Netherlands can be quite frustrating to foreigners as there are so many modes of transportation. This article will discuss the best train tickets and public transit tickets for traveling in the Netherlands. I include recommendations for the best ticket to use within Amsterdam as well as the best ticket option for a day trip from Amsterdam with helpful information on how to purchase train and public transit tickets in the Netherlands.

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Amsterdam Light Festival: The best thing to do in winter in Amsterdam

November 28, 2017 by Karen Turner 2 Comments

The Amsterdam Light Festival is a yearly festival in Amsterdam with changing lights (on an annual basis). I consider the changing light exhibitions created by artists from all over the world one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in winter.

You can see the Amsterdam Light Festival on foot, by boat, or by bike. Read for tips for visiting the Amsterdam Light Festival, which can only be done during January or December in Amsterdam.

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Ransdorp: A taste of the Dutch countryside within Amsterdam

January 22, 2019 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

For those looking for an easy bike ride from Amsterdam, I recommend visiting Ransdorp. Although you might not believe it, this scenic village is actually part of Amsterdam although you’ll feel a world’s away when you visit. This tiny village of about 300 residents will give you a nice taste of the Dutch countryside without leaving Amsterdam proper over a scenic bike ride that should take up part of an afternoon. Keep reading for more information about visiting Randsdorp and the best things to do in Ransdorp.

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Secret Jordaan: a self-guided walking tour of the Jordaan

November 12, 2018 by Karen Turner 10 Comments

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Amsterdam is the Jordaan. If you’re looking to escape some of the crowds of center and experience some of the charm of Amsterdam, you can follow this self-guided walking guide to the Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods, to see a few secrets of de Jordaan that you might not see otherwise. It’s based on my time living just five minutes away from the Jordaan.

I do my best to discuss history as well as some charming cafes, restaurants, hofjes and streets that I always love to stop into. The walking tour of de Jordaan should take about 1.5 hours. The total distance covered is 2 kilometers (~1 mile), but I encourage you to slow down. Map at the bottom of the post.

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One Day in Amsterdam: A local’s free self guided walking tour of Amsterdam

December 29, 2018 by Karen Turner 31 Comments

I recommend spending more than a day in Amsterdam, however that’s not always possible. I’ve been living in Amsterdam for over two years and this is an itinerary for 24 hours in Amsterdam with insider tips for Amsterdam.

This is a self guided walking tour of Amsterdam by a resident (7miles/11km) or an Amsterdam itinerary for one day with public transit (4 miles / 6km). It includes more than 20 attractions/famous food places in Amsterdam. Keep reading for the perfect itinerary for 24 hours in Amsterdam (starting bright and early). This guide to one day in Amsterdam includes a free downloadable map of your walking tour of Amsterdam.

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Van Stapele Cookies: The best cookies in Amsterdam that you must try

February 21, 2019 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

As a self-professed chocoholic, I must let you know about one of my favorite secrets of Amsterdam: Van Stapele Koekmakerij. This cookie-maker in Amsterdam produces some of the best damn chocolate cookies in the city of Amsterdam. I’ll just include some notes about visiting Van Stapele to avoid the crowds, some tips for visiting Van Stapele and the best place to enjoy your delicious cookie!

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