An ode to Amsterdam

I visited Amsterdam three times in twelve months, but my third trip was different — and the most memorable. I stayed with a Dutch friend, and the city felt alive in a way it hadn’t before. Wandering the streets with someone who knew every quiet canal and hidden courtyard, it felt like an authentic experience I could never have had on my own. There’s something magical about seeing a city through a local’s eyes — it slows you down, makes you notice the little things, and makes you feel at home.

A look back at a few of my favourite corners of Amsterdam that made my time there special.

I spent a lot of time in Jordaan: Amsterdam’s Charming Labyrinth

The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most picturesque neighbourhoods — narrow streets, quiet canals, and historic houses that seem frozen in time. Wandering through it feels like stepping into a lived-in postcard. Each corner holds a little discovery: a hidden courtyard, a boutique you didn’t expect, or a tiny café perfect for lingering over coffee.

It’s easy to lose track of time here, simply wandering, noticing the reflections in the water and the soft rhythm of the streets. The Jordaan has a timeless, effortless charm, where history and modern life blend seamlessly, making it one of Amsterdam’s most inviting and unforgettable neighbourhoods.

R. de Rosa: Where Time Slows in Amsterdam

Tucked along a quiet Amsterdam street, R. de Rosa feels less like a wine bar and more like a moment you stumble into and never quite leave. We sat outside first, under soft candlelight, the kind that flickers just enough to make everything feel slower. The street was calm, conversation unhurried, and for a while it felt like time had disappeared completely.

It was there I tried orange wine for the first time — earthy, bright, and perfect for the mood. Later, we moved inside, into what actually was an old home — wooden beams, soft lighting, and a warmth that felt instantly familiar.

They had this lovely little touch — a stack of postcards and pens for guests to write notes to friends or family while sipping their wine. There was a tiny post box by the counter where you could drop them in, and for a few euros, the staff would send them anywhere in the world.

It was simple, but somehow unforgettable. Maybe it was the wine, or the feeling of being somewhere that makes you want to pause, write, and remember. I still think about that night — a cozy corner of Amsterdam where time stood still.

Oud-West: Amsterdam’s Effortless Edge

Oud-West is is one of those parts of Amsterdam that really stands out — calm, creative, and full of character. The streets feel local but stylish, with independent shops selling everything from streetwear and design pieces to vintage finds. Each store has its own vibe, with clean layouts and friendly staff.

The area has a nice rhythm: people moving between cafés and boutiques, bikes passing by, and music spilling from open doors. It feels authentic and modern at the same time — the kind of place you can wander around without a plan and end up exploring for hours.

It’s relaxed, stylish, and definitely one of Amsterdam’s best areas for shopping.

Café P96: A Local Favourite on a Charming Canal

Set on a charming canal in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jordaan district, Café P96 is exactly the kind of spot you hope to stumble across — low-key, authentic, and full of locals. Good food, fair prices, and the kind of relaxed canal-side vibes that make it perfect for afternoon drinks and bites, away from the tourist crowds.

Café Thijssen: An Authentic Corner Spot in Amsterdam

Café Thijssen is one of those understated spots you almost walk past without noticing — a corner café bar with a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it perfect for people-watching. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, and for locals, it probably isn’t anything out of the ordinary. But for me, it felt exactly what I value when discovering a new city: authentic, unpretentious, and full of life.

Inside, the vibe is calm but welcoming, and the crowd is mostly locals, which instantly gives it that real sense of place. I was there for drinks only — though I hear their breakfast is renowned — and it was the kind of spot where you can sit back, sip slowly, and just watch the world go by.

Vondelpark: Watching Amsterdam Life Unfold

Vondelpark is touristy, yes — but for me, it never got old. Sitting on the grass and just watching the world go by is one of those simple pleasures that feels timeless. There’s a rhythm to the park: workers on their lunch break, mums riding bikes with little trailers carrying their kids, teenagers riding past — so many different people living their lives, all moving in their own directions.

A simple ritual I really enjoyed was picking up some Dutch cheese (my personal favourite) and fresh fruit at the local Albert Heijn, then hopping on a bike to ride to the park. Riding in Amsterdam can feel a bit intimidating at first, but there’s a freedom to it that’s hard to beat. It’s the perfect way to feel like a local and get a real sense of how everyday life moves here.