Let’s be real: Amsterdam is the best city in the world. Sure, there are other great cities out there—Paris has romance, Tokyo has sushi, and New York has… well, an abundance of bagels—but no city quite does it like Amsterdam. Here’s why:
1. Bicycles Everywhere (Because Walking is So 2010) 🚲
In Amsterdam, bikes are not just transportation; they are a way of life. Need to get somewhere? Jump on a bike. Going to the supermarket? Bike. Visiting friends? Bike. Even if you have to cross the entire city, the bike is your trusty steed. And don’t forget—it’s basically a crime to not look cool while cycling. Bonus points if you can do it without ringing your bell in a tourist’s face.
2. Canals, Canals, and More Canals 🌊
Who needs roads when you can have picturesque canals that look like they were plucked straight from a fairytale? You can take a canal cruise, but the real fun comes from trying to not fall into one while dodging the sea of cyclists. It’s a balancing act of dodging traffic, keeping your head up, and not being distracted by the endless photoshoots happening around you.
3. It’s Always Either “Cozy” or “Way Too Hot” ☔
In Amsterdam, we have two seasons: cozy (which means wet) and way too hot. Whether it’s raining cats and dogs or you’re bundled up in a cozy café sipping hot chocolate, Amsterdam knows how to make you feel right at home. The fact that the locals embrace this and find joy in every soggy moment just adds to the charm!
4. Coffee Shops: Not What You Think ☕
We know what you’re thinking, but Amsterdam’s coffee shops are not just about the “coffee”. They’re a safe haven where you can indulge in a variety of treats, chill with friends, and chat about life. Plus, if you’re not into the whole “other kind of coffee,” there’s always a local café where you can drink a latte and pretend you’re the coolest person alive (because, let’s be honest, you are).
5. “Gezellig” Is the Word You’ll Hear Every 10 Minutes 😌
The Dutch have a word—gezellig—which has no direct translation in English but basically means cozy, friendly, and just plain nice. It’s how you feel when you’re hanging out with friends, sitting in a pub, or walking along the canal in the crisp autumn air. It’s the perfect word to sum up the warmth and charm that makes Amsterdam so special.
So there you have it: Amsterdam is simply the best city in the world. Between the bikes, canals, cozy vibes, hot vibes (wink) and fries, it’s a city that gives you exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Plus, if you can survive the bike traffic, you can survive anything. Welcome to Amsterdam, where everything is a bit quirky, a little wet, and completely unforgettable!