First Impressions of Amsterdam on a Self Guided Tour

In December, 2024, we dedicated a couple weeks to Amsterdam. Neither of us had spent much time in the city before — Mike for a few days in college, and Jürgen once on a photo assignment — so our first order of business was getting to know it a little. And what better way to learn about a city, than by wandering around? So we set off from the iconic Centraalstation on a random tour, walking along whichever streets looked the most interesting. Better make yourself pretty, Amsterdam! It’s time for some first impressions!

We headed west from the Centraalstation, hemming close to the canals. It was a winding route, as almost every small alley or cute bridge beckoned to us. Already, we could feel an impression taking shape — we obviously knew that Amsterdam has canals, but we didn’t realize how many there were! Especially in the city center, canals define practically every block. With the crooked houses leaning against each other and water everywhere, our first impression was of a very old city, which has slowly been sinking for centuries.

Amsterdam Walking Video

Impression #2: miserable weather. During our three weeks in Amsterdam, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds just once, and only for a few minutes. Winters in Amsterdam are known to be wet and grey, and that was definitely the case for our visit.

Woah, watch out! Our third impression of Amsterdam just whizzed by and almost knocked you over! Cyclists rule this city. They are the apex predators of the streets, and everyone else bows to their dominance: cars, pedestrians, dogs… everyone. Sure, there are crosswalks for pedestrians, and cyclists are supposed to stop at them. But they don’t, they go even faster, and they don’t care about your stupid right-of-way. We’re cyclists ourselves, and the idea of acting with such impunity back home in Valencia makes us giddy.

Winters in Amsterdam might be cold and wet, but the upside is that most tourists stay away during this season. Often on our walking tour, even while in central, touristy zones, it felt like we had the whole city to ourselves. Another impression of the city we gained was that winters here are miserable but cozy. We loved all the bars, the bookshops, and the beautiful old houses, which we could often peek into because people seem to leave their curtains open — probably desperate for any bit of light they can get. Sorry folks, you want light but that means you also get creepy foreigners staring into your homes!

Begijnhof Courtyard

During our tour, we wandered into an interesting area called the Begijnhof. This was originally a sanctuary for devout Catholic women, who wanted to live like nuns without taking the formal vows. To this day, the gorgeous buildings which surround this peaceful courtyard are strictly for women only. We left the Begijnhof with yet another impression: every corner of Amsterdam is steeped in history.

So, three hours of walking and at least five solid first impressions — that’s a good day’s work, and we decided to reward ourselves with beer and Dutch bitterballen (hearty little meat croquettes). It had been a rewarding day out, and made us excited to see what else the city had to offer. Stay tuned for more posts about Amsterdam, and please consider subscribing to our free newsletter, so you don’t miss a thing!

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Amsterdam FAQs

What’s the best time to visit Amsterdam?

Spring, particularly from April to May, is a fantastic time to visit as the tulips are blooming, while autumn, from September to November, offers a more peaceful atmosphere and lovely weather for exploring the city.

What is Dutch cuisine like?

Dutch food features favorites such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, herring, cheese, and poffertjes, which are delightful mini pancakes. In addition, Amsterdam boasts a wide range of international dining experiences.

Are there any hidden gems in Amsterdam?

The Begijnhof courtyard is a serene historical gem, and the De Poezenboot, or cat boat, is a delightful discovery. Don’t forget to check out the quieter neighborhoods like Amsterdam-Noord for a taste of local life.

Amsterdam Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Amsterdam with The Rough Guide to Amsterdam! This comprehensive guide offers practical information on everything from must-see sights to hidden gems, transportation tips, and itineraries tailored to different interests. Packed with expert advice, beautiful photography, and color-coded maps, The Rough Guide to Amsterdam is your key to unlocking the best of this vibrant city.