Day 1: From Dublin to the Canals of Amsterdam

My adventure started bright and early with a flight from Dublin to Schiphol Airport. I love the buzz of airports—so many stories in one place! After landing, I quickly made my way to Centraal Station, where my granddaughter met me.

The station itself is a masterpiece—absolutely stunning with its Gothic design. It was packed with tourists wheeling suitcases and taking selfies, and I couldn’t help but join in for a photo in front of this magnificent landmark.

We didn’t waste any time and headed straight for the canals. Standing by the water with rows of tall, narrow houses on either side was a surreal experience. Did you know Amsterdam has over 100 kilometers of canals? They’re not just beautiful—they’ve been vital to the city’s history and trade.

Day 2: Over the Edge Thrills and Dutch Culture

The next day, we crossed the river by ferry to reach the A'DAM Lookout, where a daring swing called “Over the Edge” perches atop a tall building. While I wasn’t quite brave enough for the swing, I enjoyed taking in the stunning views of the city skyline. Even the ferry ride itself was delightful—it’s free, and the water offers a whole new perspective of the city.

Later, we wandered through the narrow streets of Amsterdam, where the buildings have those iconic tall arched windows. The scent of cannabis wafted from nearby cafes, which took a little getting used to! Amsterdam’s “coffeeshops” are famous for their relaxed approach to marijuana, a reflection of the city’s liberal and open-minded culture.

Day 3: Meeting the Locals and Exploring History

One of the highlights of my trip was sitting on a bench beside a bronze statue of a man with round spectacles. I couldn’t tell you who he was (if you know, do tell!), but he seemed like the perfect spot for a quick rest and a laugh. Of course, I nearly toppled over when I got up, much to my granddaughter’s amusement!

From there, we visited the Red Light District. It was daytime, so the area was quieter, but I loved walking along the tree-lined canal and spotting the famous Moulin Rouge in the distance. I can imagine it must be buzzing at night!

Later, we stumbled upon a medieval-looking building with turrets. It turned out to be the Waag, a historic city gate now surrounded by a lively market square. It felt like stepping back in time.

Day 4: Art, Markets, and a Grand Farewell

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a trip to the Rembrandt House Museum. Walking through the great artist’s home and studio was an incredible experience. It’s amazing to think that someone so influential lived and worked in those very rooms!

We also explored the tram system, which made it easy to zip around the city. I highly recommend using them if you’re visiting—they’re efficient and offer great views of the streets.

Our last stop was the flea market, which sadly wasn’t bustling when we went. But all was not lost! The street art and murals in the area were absolutely fantastic, and we found a massive artist studio nearby where we warmed up with coffee. It was a wonderful hidden gem.

Before heading back to Dublin, we stopped at an Amstel Hoppe Bar for lunch. I tried the local beer, Amstel, and loved the atmosphere. Sitting by the river and watching the world go by was the perfect way to end my trip.

What I’d Love to See Next Time

There’s still so much of Amsterdam I didn’t get to explore, like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Vondelpark. But that just means I’ll have to come back!

Amsterdam is a city like no other—full of charm, history, and surprises around every corner. If you haven’t been yet, I can’t recommend it enough.