As a blogger who runs a travel and lifestyle blog focusing on both domestic and international trips, I’m excited to share the latest entry in my series about my solo trip to Europe: the Netherlands edition. In this post, I’ll take you through the places I visited during my stay in Amsterdam, highlighting the charm of exploring the city on foot and how Amsterdam’s atmosphere changes from day to night, revealing a different side of the city.
・Daytime Amsterdam tourism
The area around the hotel where I stayed in the Netherlands in late April was perfect for walking around, with canals nearby and lively areas just a short walk away. Before the trip, I had researched various hotels in advance, but in the end, I was really satisfied with how convenient this one turned out to be.
・How about staying on a houseboat along the canal？
One thing you often see along the canals are houseboats.
These houseboats have been converted for residential use, allowing people to live in them, which is something you don’t often see in Japan. It’s fascinating to witness such a unique sight.
It feels like a scene from a movie, and with the gentle flow of the canal water, it seems like the perfect way to enjoy a peaceful moment. Imagine sipping coffee in the morning while gazing at the quiet canal scenery, or enjoying the reflection of city lights on the water at night—there’s no doubt it would be a special experience.
Since they’re designed for living, the houseboats are equipped with showers, kitchens, and even internet, making them fully livable. You can even stay in some of them through vacation rentals, so how about treating yourself to a luxurious experience that feels like staying in a waterside villa?
・Amsterdam’s fashionable tourist area “9 Stratjes”
The Nine Streets area on the west side of the city is a trendy spot in Amsterdam, lined with unique shops offering everything from home goods and fashion to cosmetics. It’s a popular destination for those seeking stylish shopping.
At Het Zwarte Fietsenplan, one of the most well-equipped bike shops in Amsterdam, you can conveniently rent a bicycle for exploring the city.
Shopping for cutting-edge souvenirs or treating yourself to special items in the Netherlands is always a fun experience.
Some of you may already be familiar with it, as it’s featured in KLM Airlines’ amenities, but I highly recommend the aroma candles and diffusers from Marie-Stella-Maris, an Amsterdam-based lifestyle brand focused on water, hygiene, and health.
・Magna Plaza shopping center in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Magna Plaza, located near Dam Square and the Royal Palace, is a historic shopping mall that was created by converting the old central post office. The building’s Gothic-Renaissance architecture gives it a European charm, and at first glance, it doesn’t even look like a department store. Inside, you’ll find luxury brands and designer shops. Why not stop by for some sightseeing or shopping?
I also found a record store in the area. Zap Records Amsterdam is the perfect place to browse for vinyl records, with a focus on soul, funk, and South African house music—perfect for finding your next favorite album.
South African music is really quite fascinating!
・Around Rijksmuseum
As you head further south on 9 Straatjes, you’ll find a collection of famous landmarks where you can experience art, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.
The Rijksmuseum is a must for those who wish to take their time appreciating works such as medieval paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Rijksmuseum Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Personally, I’m more interested in the Moco Museum, which specializes in contemporary art, with exhibitions featuring artists like Basquiat and Andy Warhol. Explore according to your preferences. When it comes to art in Amsterdam, this area is the place to remember.
These streets in the photos are around Pieter Cornelis Hooftstraat, which I also featured in my Dutch gourmet article, an area lined with top luxury brand shops.
There are plenty of accommodations around this area as well, making it a great place to stay. You can enjoy shopping, art, and the canals all in one spot, so it’s highly recommended for your stay.
・Where is the toilet?
There are public restrooms along the canals that you’d never see in Japan—especially the ones for men. They’re so open and exposed that it’s quite shocking!
・Rainbow-colored bench / Homomonument
There is a rainbow bench located near the Anne Frank House.
The Netherlands is known as the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, and nearby this bench is the Homomonument, a memorial built to honor all LGBTQ people who were
・Amsterdam sightseeing at night
In late April, the sun sets around 9 p.m. in Amsterdam, making the days feel longer. The surroundings gradually grow dim, and the streetlights start to come on.
From here, I’ll share some of my impressions of Amsterdam at night.
・A deep yet touristy spot: The Red Light District
When it comes to Amsterdam at night, the famous deep spot has to be the Red Light District, right?
The Red Light District in Amsterdam is a world-renowned entertainment area, lined with windows illuminated by red lights. It’s a popular tourist destination and is well-known for its legal prostitution.
I feel like it reflects the freedom of the place that such areas have become tourist attractions, but it might be interesting to experience the unique atmosphere while walking along the canals. There are plenty of bars and cafes, but since there are so many tourists, pickpocketing incidents seem to occur frequently, so be mindful of your belongings.
Even though it’s a tourist spot, there are people working behind the windows, so please be considerate when taking photos.
・Smoking regulations in the Netherlands
As for smoking regulations in Amsterdam, none of the shops selling tobacco in the city carry menthol cigarettes. It seems the law has changed, and menthol cigarettes, which are popular in Japan for their refreshing sensation, are banned due to their addictive nature. In the Netherlands, the sale of menthol cigarettes has been prohibited since May 20, 2020. Additionally, it seems supermarkets will be prohibited from selling tobacco starting in 2024.
It’s quite curious that while tobacco is regulated, cannabis can be smoked in coffee shops (note: these are not cafés).※Please be sure to follow the laws of your own country
Originally a police station, this unique coffee shop in Amsterdam has been repurposed for business. The Bulldog is a chain, so you can find it all over Amsterdam.
The Bulldog Ex-Police Station Coffeeshop Leidseplein 17, 1017 PS Amsterdam, Netherlands
I’ve introduced how to explore Amsterdam during both day and night, along with some recommended areas—how did you find it?
It feels like a very tolerant country, and there seems to be no problem with the food culture either, so I thought moving here wouldn’t be a bad idea as I explored the city. However, to be honest, it’s hard to fully convey its charm after just one visit, so I’d love to return during a different season.
That concludes my Netherlands series for now. Next, I’ll be flying from Amsterdam to Helsinki.
