Welcome to the first weekend recap in a while. Mark and I flew Thursday night, spending three nights at the W Amsterdam. I have been to the capital of the Netherlands many times – after flipping back through photos and tickets, six times before this weekend in Amsterdam. My 7th trip had no real itinerary, just a last minute plan for mark and I to get away. London was having another heatwave and unlike our visit to the Canary Islands it was also quite warm in Holland. After working on Friday we had a nice time exploring the city despite the heatwave. Here are so my favorite shots.
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We rode around the “spiderweb” of the canals on a bike tour and given it was 34°C (93°F) the pictures of me from the actual tour are not cute, so here is a pretty Jordaan neighbourhood.
For three nights we stayed for three nights a the W Hotel, one of my favorite spots in the city, and enjoyed breakfast at Mr. Porter every morning.
We enjoyed an hour long boat tour through the canals of Amsterdam, we did not see even a fraction as there are 165 canals and 1,200 bridges but the highlights were gorgeous.
Took in all the greats at the Rijksmuseum, a museum is the national museum of the Netherlands dedicated to Dutch arts and history. My favorites were The Milkmaid by Vermeer and Self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh but the most famous is shown below, The Night Watch by Rembrandt.
I showed Mark around the flower market, Bloemenmarkt, the only floating flower market in the world. Unlike Columbia Road Flower Market in England this one does not have many actual flowers or trees, but there are countless bulbs and seeds.
In addition to breakfast we enjoyed good seafood – Friday night mussels at Mossel & Gin and tuna steak at Mr. Crab Seafood Restaurant on Saturday night.
Throughout Amsterdam there are many bikes covered in faux flowers and I thought this one was particularly cute despite its’ somber location outside of the Anne Frank house.
What did you do this weekend? Was it like our weekend in Amsterdam?
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Margo says
So fun to have those little romantic get aways.
Just got back from a three day mini vacation to Martha’s Vinyard.
Super beaches, biking and lots of fresh fish and sunshine. What’s not to love.
Keep your travel blogs coming Kelly!
TAMMY says
Happy to see that you and Mark had a great vacation in Amsterdam. Wow it was 93F there too. Its seems to be hot everywhere. I love the flower bike and your cute white dress paired with those flat t-strap sandals. Perfect dress with the flower bike. Got a cute short tropical sundress with cute sandals ready for this Saturday’s city streets bike ride with boyfriend on Park Ave NYC.
Betsy says
Amsterdam was one of my first foriegn cities to visit and I have such fond memories. The Heineken factory tour, the Van Gogh museum and those adorable canals everywhere.
Got a bit twisted around a few times but it is such a charming city and the people so nice that I was back on track lickety split.
I would certainly recommend it and go again and might try for the tulip season next time.
Ari says
I went to Martha’s Vinyard and went to the beach and did some biking and shopping.
Great people watching too and of course all the seafood, simply glorious spot. Met up with friends there and had a ball.
Have you ever been there? It is a must at some point.
Casey says
Looks like you had a fabulous weekend got away. The people who decorate those bikes are so clever. I always wonder who does that and then who goes and waters them.
Great city. I would encourage your readers to visit it. So many wonderful museums and things to do and it’s adorable.
Brian says
Looks like you had a great time. I have been meaning to plan a suprise get away for my girlfriend and I think she would like to do exactly what you did with your weekend.
Do you have any other tips for first time to Amsterdamers? I also looked at your other posts from your prior visits.
Thanks for the inspiration and kick in the you know what. She will be thrilled.