Our Trip To Europe Part One Amsterdam

Our Trip To Europe Part One Amsterdam

As promised here is Amsterdam; an overview of one of the cities we visited on our wonderful summer holiday this year, over the next two weeks I will show the other two parts.ย  Since we visited fourย cities on our European tour, it would be too long to fit into one or even two blog stories, so I have decided to divide it all into three blog stories, with part one hereย being Amsterdam, part two will be Bruges and part threeย Brussels and Antwerp.

We flew to Amsterdam with a stop at Londonโ€™s Gatwick airport for a few hours, where we had a quick full English breakfast at the airport (eggs, fries, beans, bacon, sausages and toast), yes the works and then took an EasyJet flight to Amsterdam.ย  EasyJet is a European airline that has frequent flights to all the major cities all overย Europeย at very reasonable prices.ย  We stayed in Amsterdam for three nights which I think was good enough for us.ย  I think anywhere from 3-5 nights will work for Amsterdam depending on how detailed you want to be in your sightseeing.ย  The hotel we chose was the Double Tree byย Hilton right next toย the central train station, which we found to be a very nice hotel with great rooms, an amazing breakfast buffet and a great Sky Lounge terrace on the roof with fantastic views of the whole city. The hotel isย situated in a central area, pretty close to everything including canal cruises, restaurants and its right on the water. One thing that took some getting used to pretty much everywhere we went was the slow food and drink service, but then we had to remind ourselves that we are in Europe and to take it easy and enjoy.

Amsterdamโ€™s name derives from the cityโ€™s origins as a dam of the river Amstel and the city itself is so unique and magical with canals running throughout the city, the boat cruises are so worth it and give you a great introduction and perspective of the city. This was the first thing we did on day one, we took the canal cruise for an hour to see the city from the canals which was really enjoyable. Oh did I mention there are also lots and lots of bicycles all over the city, it is their number one form of transportation and let me tell you โ€œbikes have the right of wayโ€ so watch out for them as they will not watch out for you! You can even rent bikes to explore the city as well which looked like alot of fun but we did not opt for that as it seemed someone might get hurt!

Here are some of the places we visited over the 3 days:

  1. The Van Gough museum
  2. The Heineken Experience (my husbandโ€™s favorite)
  3. The Rembrandt House
  4. City Canal Tour
  5. Lots of walking in the streets and enjoying the sights

We wanted to see the Ann Frank house but the line to get in was super long and we were told it was a two and a half hour wait so unfortunately we did not make it. ย The lines for alot of the museums were also long , but then we found the trick is to pre-purchase your tickets for the attractions at the many kiosks etc around the city. Then you can just walk to the front of the line at the attraction and go straight in.

The food was great everywhere we ate, we especially loved an Italian restaurant called “Italia Oggie” and we also had some yummy Thai food at the Bird Thai Restaurant.ย  Thai food is very popular in Amsterdam.ย  The shopping was also pretty good, it is not exactly Paris or London, but you can find some nice little boutiques here and there and I managed to buy my first fall booties there which I love. I also bought another pair of G Star Raw jeans, I have a pair that I love that I bought years ago in Spain. ย I had no idea that G Star Raw is manufactured in Amsterdam, so there was a store on every corner and the prices were a lot cheaper than here, almost half in some cases.

I also have to mention the famous “coffee shops” in Amsterdam which are not where you get your coffee; they supply a variety of marijuana for smoking or ingesting in baked goods or sweets. Mariujuana is completely legal in Amsterdam and you smell and see people smoking it freely in the streets.

Overall I loved Amsterdam, it’s such a beautiful city,ย I would highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of visiting.ย  The only thing I didnโ€™t like about the city was its โ€œRed Light Districtโ€.ย  Not only is prostitution completely legal there, but it is displayed in such a dehumanizing way to women.ย  When you walk in this area, you see provocative and scantily clad women behind shop windows beckoning and waiting for customers.ย  You canโ€™t really miss it because it is right in the center of town and it is a harsh contrast to the rest of the beauty of Amsterdam.

I hope you enjoyed thisย quickย recap and if any of you are thinking of traveling to Amsterdam and want to ask me more questions, you can email me at [email protected] and I will be happy to help. ย Also if you have been to Amsterdam and want to share your experience I would love to hear about it in the comments. ย You can see some of our photos below.

Last but not least don’t forget to take advantage of our “End of Summer” sale where you can get 20% off when you spend $100.00 or more with adding code EOS2015 at checkout. ย This sale will end at the end of Labor Day weekend, September 7th, so you have another couple of weeks.

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36 responses to “Our Trip To Europe Part One Amsterdam”

  1. Liv Avatar

    Sounds like an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing!

    Liv

    http://www.livforstyle.net

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Liv,
      Yes it was, thank you for stopping by!

  2. No Fear of Fashion Avatar

    This is so funny for me. With nearly every photo I think “oh I know where that is”… Like the one with the bike and the flowers behind you, is near the Rijksmuseum haha.
    What a pity I didn’t you were coming. We could have had a coffee together. If you want to enjoy Amsterdam a little longer.. there is a tab at the top navigation of my blog called Amsterdam. There are several posts in there which lead you through Amsterdam shopping areas. (Not much good to you now eh?)
    The red light district? Yep I know, it is not pretty, but that is the reality of the world for you. Fortunately you can avoid it when you know where it is.
    Coffeeshops with marijuana? Yes there are quite a few, but frankly I only know one. If you don’t need them, you don’t notice them. And I am glad to say there are more “normal” coffeeshops than “special”coffeeshops.
    You had nice to reasonable weather by the look of it. I am so glad. When Susan of Une femme d’une certain รขge was here, it rained almost all the time.
    Greetje

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Greetje,
      Wow honestly I didn’t know you live in Amsterdam! I would have loved to have coffee with you and especially found out where the best shopping areas are. We definetly lucked out weather wise as I know it rains a lot there. Thank you so much for stopping by and your lovely comment.

    2. No Fear of Fashion Avatar

      I don’t live in Amsterdam itself anymore (alas.. sigh), but in a small, just as pretty town nearby, called Haarlem.

      1. JacketSociety Avatar

        I am sure Haarlem is just as lovely ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Aida Allen Avatar
    Aida Allen

    Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures with all of us! Love to see the pretty surroundings you visited and the cool, chi chi outfits you wore! Inspiring!!

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Aida,
      You are so welcome, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I love hearing from my readers ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Anne Woodyard (@MusicandMarkets) Avatar

    One of my favorite cities (as you know by my comments on your Igrams ;)) – enjoyed your photos, and am looking forward to hearing (and seeing) the rest of the trip – thanks!

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Anne,
      I enjoyed all your comments on my IG while we were traveling. You are the expert and the seasoned traveler after all. I really enjoy all the pictures you put up of your travels on your IG. Thanks for stopping by.

  5. Susan Avatar

    Wow this sounds amazing! What a beautiful part of the world! I am so glad you got to visit! And you are the definition of chic! Susan

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Susan,
      Yes it truly is beautiful and worth a visit, thank you so much for your lovely compliment ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Jaymie Ashcraft Avatar

    Simply stunning!!! I’d love for you to join my Fridays Fashions link up. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Jaymie
    http://www.jaymieashcraft.com

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Jaymie,
      I’ll check it out, thanks for stopping by.

  7. Michele Avatar

    Such a wonderful and detailed post. I have never been to Amsterdam but would like to visit one day. You have such a wonderful sense of style. Loving all your outfits in the pictures. Thanks for sharing. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Greetings from Canada

    http://www.chicuturnonglitz.blogspot.com

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Michele,
      Thank you so much, I think you should definetly visit Amsterdam, its worth it.

  8. Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom Avatar

    These photos are all just too gorgeous. I love the photo of you behind the painting of Van Gogh! Awesome! The night photo of you and your husband is beautiful, too and I love the dress you are wearing.

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Carrie,
      Thank you so much! That dress is old but one of my favorites, I actually wore it to one of my very first blog stories 2 years ago ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Mary Avatar

    You look amazing in each and every look you’ve shared here, Nora! Love your clean, minimalist aesthetic!

    PS. After a short hiatus, I’m back with a newly refreshed website and plan on sharing much more personal style. Please stop by when you have a moment.

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Mary,
      Thank you so much, I will check out your blog and welcome back!

  10. Glenda Avatar

    The entire time I wondered if you met up with Greetje.
    The pictures are so pretty. I lived vicariously through you. I’ve always wanted to take a tour through Europe. Perhaps someday I will. You look casual, but very pulled together with each of your looks.
    What history. I don’t think I could have seen the Ann Frank house. I’m not brave enough to take those types of memories.

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Glenda,
      Unfortunately I didn’t get to meet Greetje ๐Ÿ™ It was a truly amazing trip…I love traveling and try to do as much as I can while I can. I hightly recommend it as it is good for your soul and body. Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my long story ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. Suzanne Avatar

    What a great recap and fantastic photos of a wonderful city. I was lucky enough to have locals show me around when I was there. Greetje was a brilliant host.

    bisous
    Suzanne

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Suzanne,
      Thank you so much, I am sure having Greetje as your tour guide must have been wonderful ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Petite Silver Vixen Avatar

    I was nodding along with Greetje at her comments, as I’ve been to Amsterdam and my husband is Dutch! Bicycle is king in The Netherlands and woe betide you if you don’t look out for them! Glad you enjoyed your trip.

    petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Yes bicycles are kind in Amsterdam, that’s for sure…thank you so much for stopping by.

  13. Jill Avatar

    What a wonderful trip! Your photos are amazing! I would love to travel there someday!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Jill,
      Yes it was and I hope you do get there someday, its beautiful. Thanks for stopping by.

  14. Dawn Lucy Avatar

    Who looks this fab traveling?!! Oh so chic, Nora! Great pics!
    Love having you at Fun Fashion Friday!
    OXOXO
    Dawn Lucy

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Dawn,
      You are too sweet ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for stopping by.

  15. Ada Avatar

    Isn’t Amsterdam Fantastic? It is definitely one of my most favorite cities. I bet you had a fantastic time with your husband. Awesome pictures and fantastic outfits.

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Ada,
      Yes it sure is, I’m so glad we went there, I had always wanted to see Amsterdam. Thanks for stopping by.

  16. jess Avatar

    I love all of the pictures, and of course you look stylish in each one. Love the leather jacket, boots, the top from Zara, and the mustard dress, love the pic of you and hubby! I would love to go to Amsterdam sometime, really enjoyed the photos of the scenery, sounds like you had a great time!
    Thanks for linking up with Turning heads Tuesday!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Jess,
      Thank you so much! I hope you do visit Amsterdam someday,it is beautiful ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. Happiness at Mid Life Avatar

    Looks like you and a great weather when you were in Amsterdam! Such a beautiful city with so much history.

    Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    1. JacketSociety Avatar

      Hi Alice,
      We lucked out with the weather in Amsterdam as it usually is pretty cloudy and rainy. It was beautiful we had a great time, thanks for stopping by.

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