Dear readers of Fairness Magazine, today we want to take you to a magical yet modern place, with its picturesque canals and endless fields of tulips. Our journey begins in Amsterdam. The capital of the Netherlands is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its winding canals, brick-paved streets, and vibrant culinary scene, Amsterdam is a perfect place for a four-day visit, whether you’re with your loved one, in a group with friends, or solo. Together with Fairness Magazine, you will explore the fascinating history of the city, its gastronomic delights, picturesque canals, and countless activities that are simply unmissable!… Shall we begin?
Day 1 – History and Architecture ⬇️
Your first day in Amsterdam should start with a visit to the Rijksmuseum ➡️ https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl, one of the world’s most prestigious museums. Here you can admire artworks by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer and discover the history of Dutch art and culture through the centuries.
After a cultural morning, head to the Anne Frank House Museum ➡️ https://www.annefrank.org/en/, located in the house where Anne Frank hid during World War II. This museum offers a poignant testimony to the Jewish history of Amsterdam (and beyond).
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Jordaan district, with its picturesque canals, traditional houses, and art galleries. Then, head to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en the Madame Tussauds Museum (nearby) for an overview of the history of the Dutch monarchy and a fun interactive experience with wax celebrities.
For dinner, we recommend tasting traditional Dutch dishes such as pork ossobuco, marinated herring, and the famous stroopwafel in one of the many local restaurants.
Day 2 – Canals and Nature ⬇️
The second day begins with a boat ride along Amsterdam’s famous canals. Did you know that these canals are UNESCO World Heritage sites? Yes, but more importantly, they offer a unique opportunity to explore the city from a water perspective, so you can opt for a sightseeing boat tour or rent a boat and venture out on your own (always responsibly, of course).
After the boat ride, visit the Hortus Botanicus, a spectacular botanical garden located in the heart of the city. This lovely place is perfect for a relaxing break and a stroll among exotic plants. In the afternoon, we recommend visiting the De Pijp district, known for its outdoor market, the Albert Cuyp Market ➡️ https://albertcuyp-markt.amsterdam/ – Here you can taste local delicacies like the famous Dutch pancakes (poffertjes) and kroketten.
Day 3 – Culture and Shopping ⬇️
The third day is dedicated to contemporary culture and shopping. Start your day with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum ➡️ https://albertcuyp-markt.amsterdam/ where you can admire a vast collection of works by the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.
Next, explore the De 9 Straatjes district, known for its chic boutiques, design shops, and trendy cafes. Here you can shop for unique products and taste local treats like artisanal stroopwafels (delicious!).
In the afternoon, head to the Stedelijk Museum ➡️ https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Then, visit the Diamond Museum ➡️ https://www.stedelijk.nl/en where you can learn about the history of the diamond industry in the Netherlands (maybe you’ll even get a little gift for your partner..).
For dinner, try the rijsttafel, a unique culinary experience consisting of a selection of Indonesian dishes served with rice, at an Indonesian restaurant (for those with a strong palate).
Day 4 – Day Trip Outside Amsterdam ⬇️
For your last day, I recommend a day trip outside the city. Take a train to Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village just 20 minutes from Amsterdam. Here you can explore traditional windmills, wooden houses, and take a tour of the ancient cheese factory.
Upon returning, head to the Amsterdam Weed Museum, where you can learn all about the history and use of cannabis in the Netherlands.
To conclude your trip, enjoy a dinner at one of the restaurants along the Keizersgracht canal, admiring the city lights reflecting on the water (if you’re with a partner, I assure you it’s very romantic).
Best Hotels in Amsterdam to Stay ⬇️
Amsterdam is one of the most charming cities in Europe, with its intricate canal system, rich cultural history, and vibrant atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip to the “Venice of the North,” it’s essential to choose the ideal place to stay. We at Fairness Magazine point you to where you can stay with a mini-list of the best hotels, B&Bs, and accommodations available in the Dutch city ⬇️
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam – Located along the Herengracht canal, the Waldorf Astoria is a luxury property offering impeccable services and breathtaking views of the city. With a multi-award-winning restaurant and elegantly furnished rooms, this hotel promises an unforgettable stay.
Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam – This hotel is a true hidden gem, nestled among the canals of Amsterdam. The rooms are tastefully decorated, and the atmosphere is elegant yet cozy, with the inner courtyard garden adding a touch of serenity to your experience.
De L’Europe Amsterdam – Situated on the Amstel River, this hotel offers an ideal location for exploring the historic center of Amsterdam. The rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated, and the “Bord’Eau” restaurant is renowned for its gourmet cuisine, where exclusivity, luxury, and comfort reign supreme.
Best Bed & Breakfasts in Amsterdam ⬇️
Breitner House – This luxury B&B is located in a 19th-century villa in the artists’ quarter. Each room is a design masterpiece, and the friendly staff ensures personalized service. Breakfast is a gastronomic and culinary experience not to be missed. Excellence is the hallmark here.
The Collector Bed & Breakfast – This B&B is a paradise for art and antique lovers, with carefully decorated rooms filled with unique art objects. Its central location makes it easy to explore the city on foot.
The Blue Sheep Bed & Breakfast – A cozy and intimate B&B, the Blue Sheep offers comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast. Its location is perfect for exploring the Jordaan neighborhood and its numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes nearby.
If you’re looking for Alternative Accommodations or prefer a more authentic experience or have a limited budget, you can also consider other options ⬇️
Airbnb Apartments – Amsterdam is full of apartments for rent on Airbnb, offering the flexibility of having your own space. This option is ideal for groups or families.
Hostels – Amsterdam has a wide range of hostels for budget travelers. Many offer beds in shared dormitories, but some facilities also provide private rooms.
Houseboats – For a unique (and wild) experience, you might consider staying in a houseboat. Amsterdam is famous for its houseboats along the canals, offering a unique atmosphere.
Exploring Tulip Fields and Windmills near Amsterdam ⬇️
The Netherlands is famous for its picturesque landscapes and iconic symbols, including tulip fields and windmills. No trip to the Netherlands is complete without a visit to the colorful tulip fields and characteristic windmills. And the city of Amsterdam provides access to many of these fascinating attractions in its surroundings. A visit to the tulip fields and windmills near Amsterdam is an unforgettable experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty of the Netherlands, so be sure to include these magical places on your list of destinations to visit during your trip to Amsterdam.
Tulip Fields – Keukenhof ⬇️
Located just a 40-minute drive from Amsterdam, Keukenhof is one of the most famous flower gardens in the world. Every spring, from mid-March to May, this park transforms into a sea of colors thanks to thousands of blooming tulips. It’s a breathtaking sight not to be missed for flower and nature lovers.
At Keukenhof, you can stroll through an incredible variety of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring blooms. Every year, the park presents a different theme for its garden designs, so you can expect a variety of unique flower shows.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam during the tulip season, Keukenhof is a must-see. You can easily reach it by bus or train from Amsterdam Centraal.
Windmills – Zaanse Schans ⬇️
To immerse yourself in the traditional Dutch atmosphere and admire authentic windmills, you must take a short excursion to Zaanse Schans. This historic village is just a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam and is a veritable open-air museum of windmills, crafts, and traditional Dutch architecture.
You can explore restored windmills and discover how they were used in the past to grind grain, produce oil, and perform other industrial activities. (Some windmills also allow visitors to climb up for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside).
In Zaanse Schans, you can also visit museums and craft workshops, including a cheese production, a wooden clog factory, and a Dutch liquor distillery.
But what is the Best Season to Visit Them? ⬇️
➡️ Tulip fields are most beautiful between mid-April and the first week of May, but exact dates may vary depending on weather conditions. It’s always best to check in advance to ensure you don’t miss the peak bloom.
➡️ As for the windmills of Zaanse Schans, they are open all year round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for visiting the village and enjoying the good weather.
As we come to the end of this mini-journey together, we can affirm that Amsterdam is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and four days will allow you to discover many of its fascinating facets. Dear friends of Fairness magazine, whether you’re art enthusiasts, history lovers, or foodies, we’re sure this city has something to offer to every type of visitor.
Happy travels from Fairness Magazine!🌷
Ig – @fairness_mag
