Amsterdam, Netherlands

Lazy Sundaze

I have been to Europe twice in my life, and both times, I have carved out time to visit Amsterdam. You could attribute this to my hipster world view or my love of the herb (it’s legal in Seattle), but either way, this city holds a special place in my heart. Strolling along the canals on my most recent visit reminded me of why I love this city. The combination of the smell of marijuana, and the overzealous restaurant owners is enough to make anyone feel at ease.

If you haven’t been to Amsterdam and are worried about adding it to your itinerary because of the connotation alone, you need to change your mindset. Sure, Amsterdam is known for its liberal view on drugs and prostitution, but the city is so much more than that. Over the past decade, this city has become a melting pot for the open-minded, drawing ex-pats from all over the world. The result is a blended population of young adults who have created a culture that exists nowhere else.

Though there are a few “attractions” in Amsterdam that everyone claims you “MUST SEE,” I genuinely believe that the best way to experience this city is by bike. Rent one, buy a cheap one, do anything you can to make sure you can spend your sunny afternoon in Holland riding around like a local. Ride it to the windmills. Ride it to the Anne Frank house or the Bulldog Cafe. Ride it wherever you need to go. Biking is a way of life in Amsterdam, and if you do not participate, you are missing out on one of the things that makes the Netherlands unique.

Also, go to a coffee shop. I don’t care if you smoke pot or not. The experience of visiting a coffee shop and even just mingling with the locals is unexplainable. Where else in the world can you sit amongst a group of diverse, open-minded, friendly stoners and hear about their views on world politics, life and love? Nowhere.

How to choose the perfect coffee shop for you:

The perfect coffee shop is different for everyone. Some people enjoy a loud, hazy space with lots of people to watch and great bud to smoke. Others prefer a more laid back atmosphere with leather couches, good food and minimal distractions from the goal at hand. Whatever your preference, Amsterdam has something for everyone. I could ramble off a list of the best coffee shops I have been to, but that would be pointless because you may be looking for a different experience than I was. Your best bet is to walk around, find one that looks inviting and stop in for a toke. Please avoid the Bulldog chain though…They are expensive and overrated. Who cares if they are the oldest coffee shops in the city? Adapt or Die Bulldog.

To make the most of your coffee shop experience, buy a pre-roll, a stroop waffle, and a cappuccino. Find a cozy space to curl up, and possibly make a feline friend. Forget your worries and light up. You will not be disappointed. Because of the wide array of cultures that are melding together in Amsterdam, the culinary options are vast and plentiful here. Thanks to the hard-working Turkish folks, every street has a 24 hour gyro stand, so your late night munchies are covered. Street food stalls are filled with everything from frites to pickled herring and fruit-topped Belgian waffles. You can pay a bit more and sit down at any of the restaurants off the Prinsengracht canal. Be aware that all the restaurant owners are VERY competitive in this area, and many of them will approach you to try to entice you to choose their restaurant over others. It is fine to walk away from them when they approach you on the street. It’s rude, but the owners are used to it. You aren’t being a complete bitch. I promise.Please spend at least four days in Amsterdam. The city is larger than it seems and it will take you at least that amount of time to see all everything. I would recommend skipping all of the museums, as they are overpriced. The Anne Frank house is small and super crowded, so unless you are willing to get up at 6AM and stand in line, skip that too. Be a traveler, make friends with locals, and see what they recommend. The tourist attractions in Amsterdam are strictly that, attractions for tourists. Remember that and you will have the time of your life in this beautiful city.