This post is the first in a 4-part series capturing my unforgettable journey through Amsterdam—five days of bikes, bites, boats, and beautiful moments you won’t want to miss!
Arrival Day: Touchdown in Amsterdam – Canals, Cobblestones & Chai
Canal in Amsterdam
After ten hours in the air and a surprisingly successful attempt at sleeping in an airplane seat (thank you, footstool, extra recline, and melatonin), we touched down in Amsterdam—groggy, excited, and more than ready to soak in our new surroundings. The journey from Schiphol Airport to our Airbnb in the Jordaan neighborhood was a quick Uber ride, followed by even quicker showers. Jet lag didn't stand a chance—we were out the door and into the streets within the hour.
And what streets they were! Jordaan immediately stole our hearts. Picture this: quiet cobblestone lanes winding alongside mirror-like canals, charming houses with flower boxes, bikes darting past every direction (how do they do it?), and the occasional adorably tiny car tucked into spaces that barely seemed large enough for a bike. It felt like stepping into a storybook.
In our quest to fool our bodies into thinking we'd had a normal night’s sleep, we made a crucial pitstop at a cozy little corner café. Iced chai in hand, I took a moment to appreciate the simple joy of sitting on a sun-dappled patio with nowhere to be except exactly where we were. It only took about two hours for Amsterdam to completely steal my heart. Wandering through its narrow streets, I found myself enchanted by the little local shops, each one bursting with personality, charm, and often a delightfully quirky sign in the window that made me smile. Add to that the sea of bicycles zipping by in every direction, and the adorably tiny cars tucked between canal bridges and storefronts—some so small they looked like toy versions of real vehicles—and it all felt like a scene out of a storybook. There's a certain rhythm to the city that’s both peaceful and alive, and from the very first stroll, I knew this place had me under its spell.
Jodi in front of a store in Amsterdam
But the highlight of the day? A canal boat tour with The Dam Boat Guys—and wow, what an introduction to the city. Our captain, a fellow American who moved to Amsterdam 25 years ago and never looked back, gave us the inside scoop on the city’s quirks, hidden gems, and why he never left. One of the best parts? You’re welcome to bring your own beverages (yes, including adult ones!) and snacks on board. So there we were—cruising through Amsterdam’s iconic canals, sipping drinks, snacking, laughing, and soaking in the beauty of centuries-old buildings from the water. It was intimate, relaxed, and felt like an afternoon spent with friends rather than a tourist attraction.
Dinner followed at a cozy Spanish restaurant tucked just a short stroll from our Airbnb. Tapas, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of being somewhere magical capped off the day. I barely made it to 9:30 p.m. before crashing into bed, happily exhausted.
Tomorrow, the real exploring begins. But for now—sweet dreams from Amsterdam.
Day 1: A Day in Amsterdam: Chai, Canals, and 25,000 Steps of Wonder....
Jodi with the artist and new painting
There’s something magical about slow mornings in Amsterdam—the way the light bounces off canal water, the sound of bike bells in the distance, and the promise of adventure just a few steps away. Morning Bliss: Sweet Chai & Canal Views By 8:15 AM, we were out the door, wandering cobbled streets in search of a warm drink and a quiet corner. We found just the spot—an unassuming little café where, by pure luck, a fresh pot of homemade sweet chai had just been brewed. I took my seat at a tiny outdoor table, wrapped my hands around the warm cup, and watched as the city stirred to life. Cyclists glided past in clusters, dogs tugged at their leashes, and the cobbled canal streets shimmered in the early light. It felt like the kind of morning you want to bottle up and keep forever.
Market Wandering & Artistic Finds
Next, we made our way to the Albert Cuyp Market, a vibrant stretch of local vendors, sizzling street food, and unexpected treasures. Among the colorful chaos, we found a local artist whose work instantly spoke to me. One conversation later, I was the proud owner of a new art piece—and even snagged a photo with the artist herself.
Crossing the Water: Street Art on NDSM Island
From there, we caught a tram to the ferry, bound for NDSM Island—once a shipyard, now a reclaimed haven for artists and creatives. Our main stop: the STRAAT Museum, a massive industrial warehouse turned modern temple of street art and graffiti. With over 150 works by international artists, the museum blends urban culture with museum-worthy curation. It was loud, bold, and endlessly inspiring. From the moment you step inside, you're surrounded by towering murals, bold colors, and thought-provoking pieces created by artists from around the world—many painted directly onto giant walls within the space. What makes STRAAT so special is its raw energy; it feels less like a traditional museum and more like walking through a living, breathing urban gallery. Each piece tells a story, whether it's political, personal, or purely expressive, and together they form a dynamic, ever-evolving snapshot of contemporary street culture. It's bold, beautiful, and a must-visit for anyone who loves art with edge and authenticity.
Jodi at the STRAAT Museum
As we wandered, we stumbled across a giant pop-up vintage store—only open Thursdays and Fridays. A serendipitous find and another reason to love this city’s hidden corners.
Futuristic Feels: The Nxt Museum
Interactive art at the NEXT Museum
A short walk later, we arrived at the Nxt Museum, Amsterdam’s first space dedicated entirely to new media and digital art. If the future of art has a home, it’s the NXT Museum in Amsterdam. Tucked into a sleek industrial space, this museum is a mind-bending fusion of technology and imagination. Here, art doesn’t just hang on the walls—it moves, pulses, reacts, and even surrounds you. Every installation is an immersive experience, blending light, sound, motion, and digital wizardry to challenge your senses and stretch your idea of what art can be. It’s where visionary creatives meet cutting-edge tech, resulting in interactive pieces that feel like stepping into another dimension. For anyone curious about the intersection of creativity and innovation, NXT is a must-see—and a reminder that the future isn’t coming, it’s already here.
Afternoon Pause: Cheese Plates & Dam Square
With tired feet but happy hearts, we boarded another ferry back to Central Station and wandered into Dam Square. We found a sunny café patio, ordered cold drinks and a cheese plate, and let ourselves soak it all in—the hum of street performers, the clatter of passing trams, and the gold-tinged afternoon light.
A Stroll Through Red Light District (as the sun set)
Our final stroll took us through Amsterdam’s famed Red Light District, where modern spectacle meets centuries-old history. No trip to Amsterdam feels complete without a walk through its most infamous and misunderstood neighborhood—the Red Light District, or De Wallen. More than just neon-lit windows and adult-themed venues, this historic quarter is a fascinating blend of contrasts. Set against a backdrop of centuries-old buildings and winding canals, it’s one of the oldest parts of the city, pulsing with life both day and night. Yes, there are the red-lit windows and sex shops that give the district its name, but there’s also an unexpected richness to the area—art galleries, cozy cafés, boutique bars, and even the stunning Oude Kerk (Old Church), which quietly anchors the district in history. Walking through the district is a sensory experience: the buzz of crowds, the glow of lights reflecting on the canal water, and the feeling of a place that exists unapologetically on its own terms. Whether you come out of curiosity, cultural interest, or simply to people-watch, the Red Light District offers an unfiltered glimpse into the layers of Amsterdam’s identity—provocative, open-minded, and always evolving.
After 25,000 steps and a full day of exploring, it was time for a little rest—just enough to gear up for dinner and whatever tomorrow might bring.
Amsterdam, you have my heart.
And that’s a wrap on our magical first one and a half days in Amsterdam—jet-lagged but totally enchanted. From dreamy canal cruises to chai-fueled strolls through Jordaan’s cobbled streets, this city has already carved out a cozy corner in my heart. But the adventure’s just getting started! Stay tuned for next blog post... Day 3, where we trade city streets for a charming day trip to Haarlem, followed by a floral wonderland out at the tulip fields—a postcard-perfect glimpse of Dutch springtime in full bloom. You won’t want to miss it!