Our First Day in Amsterdam

This is part of our Europe travel series. Catch up on the first part here.

Our journey began on May 15 from Charlotte, with a layover in Washington, D.C. After a long overnight flight, we landed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol the next morning. One thing that immediately impressed us was how efficiently everything was organized. The train station is located directly beneath the airport an incredibly convenient design. From there, trains connect to every part of the country.

Within ten minutes, our train arrived right on time. That was the moment it truly felt real our European adventure had officially begun. We got off at Zuid Station and stepped outside. The air was cold, and the wind blew across the flat land. With no hills to stop it, the breeze moved freely. Thankfully, our hotel, Innside by Melia Amsterdam, was nearby. We could see it when we stepped outside, and it was only a quick two to three minute walk.

After checking in, freshening up, and downloading the GVB app, we purchased a three-day public transport pass. It gave us unlimited access to buses, trams, and the metro perfect for exploring the city freely. 

Amsterdam, the capital of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has an interesting origin. The city’s name comes from a dam built on the Amstel River. Originally called “Amstelredamme,” meaning “the dam on the Amstel,” the name gradually evolved into Amsterdam. From a small fishing village near that dam, the city grew into one of Europe’s most powerful trading centers during the Dutch Golden Age.

Our first stop was the lively Albert Cuyp Market, one of the largest and most famous open-air markets in the Netherlands. It was around 11 a.m., and the market was just beginning to come alive. Vendors were opening their stalls, displaying everything imaginable fresh vegetables and fruits, fish and meat, clothes, paintings, and even umbrellas.

For lunch, we tried a peri peri sandwich and falafel, both bursting with flavor. No visit to the Netherlands is complete without tasting stroopwafels, the country’s beloved sweet treat. We tried ours at Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels. We stood there watching as warm, gooey syrup was carefully sandwiched between two thin, crisp waffles. Freshly made and perfectly soft in the center, it was absolutely delicious.

Our next stop was Dam Square, the lively heart of Amsterdam, home to the Royal Palace, the Weighing House, and the National Monument. As we walked around, it was easy to imagine the history the square has witnessed.

As World War II was drawing to a close and hope was beginning to return, people gathered in Dam Square to welcome the Canadian soldiers who were arriving to liberate the country. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and relief. Suddenly, the celebration turned into chaos when German soldiers opened fire on the crowd. Several people were killed, and many were injured. Today, the National Monument stands in the center of the square as a solemn reminder of those who lost their lives during the war, even as the square remains busy and vibrant.

Our next stop was Begijnhof, one of Amsterdam’s most peaceful and historic hidden gems. Begijnhof is a Beguine courtyard, originally built in the Middle Ages for women who wanted to devote themselves to God and service, but without taking permanent vows like nuns. These women, known as Beguines, lived independently, worked to support themselves, and could even leave the community if they wished. For medieval times, this level of freedom was extraordinary and gave women a rare chance to live with autonomy while maintaining a devout life.

Walking through its entrance felt like stepping back centuries into a quiet world tucked away from the city’s bustle. The courtyard itself is serene, with green lawns and historic houses lining the paths. Some of these homes date back to the 16th century, and remarkably, women still live here today. At a corner of the Begijnhof stands a quiet church, and together with the peaceful surroundings, it creates an almost sacred atmosphere. Visiting Begijnhof felt like finding a secret pocket of history in the heart of Amsterdam, a place where the past and present coexist beautifully.

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After visiting Beguinhof, we headed to the Rijksmuseum. The museum building itself looked like a grand palace. We had learned that the 16th century was considered the Dutch Golden Age, and the country was economically thriving. This prosperity allowed merchants to become patrons of the arts. Until then, artists primarily created religious works or portraits for royal families. But with the support of Dutch merchants, artists gained the freedom to paint according to their own vision. This marked a new era in Dutch art. The artists from that period are known as the Dutch Masters. At the Rijksmuseum, we saw their paintings, as well as works related to Dutch history and a variety of sculptures, all beautifully preserved.

In the museum, our first stop was the Gallery of Honor. It’s a long hall lined with arches on both sides, and behind each arch are paintings by the Dutch Masters. Above the arches, their portraits are displayed. Let me tell you about a few that we especially liked.

One of the most famous artists we admired there was Rembrandt. He was a master of light and shadow, creating paintings that feel almost alive. Here, the Dutch Masters painting, which perfectly showcases his skill in capturing both the appearance and the emotions of his subjects.

Another masterpiece we admired was “The Milkmaid” by Vermeer. The painting is stunning in the way it captures light streaming through a window. You can see how one side of the objects is illuminated while the other side remains in shadow, creating a remarkable sense of depth and realism. The interplay of light and darkness makes the scene feel almost alive.

Another painting that caught our attention was “The Merry Family” by Jan Steen. Jan Steen’s works often carry a subtle moral message. At first glance, this painting shows a middle-class family enjoying themselves and having fun. But the underlying warning is that children often imitate the behavior they see at home, reflecting the idea that our actions influence the next generation. The painting is both lively and thought-provoking, capturing everyday life with humor and a lesson.

It wasn’t just paintings that caught our attention there were also 16th-century Dutch pottery pieces on display. We even saw models of ships that had been made for the Dutch East India Company, showcasing the country’s rich maritime history.

In the Asian section, there were several sculptures from India, including a Chola era Nataraja statue, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of that period.

While wandering through the museum, we didn’t even notice how quickly time had passed. By 5 p.m., jet lag was catching up with us, and we were feeling quite tired. We decided to stop at the museum café, hoping that a cup of coffee might revive us a little. After finishing our coffee and admiring a few more artworks, we realized we couldn’t explore much further and headed outside.

The garden next to the museum was absolutely beautiful. The weather was still pleasant, so we sat there for a while, soaking in the surroundings before heading back to our hotel.

To get to Zuid, we took a tram since it’s a little outside the city center. As we rode the bus through the city, we admired the houses, parks, and shops along the way — the relaxed ride slowly helped wake us up. After relaxing at the hotel for a bit, we headed to Foodhallen for dinner. The hall is set up with tables in the middle and food stalls all around. When we arrived, every table was full, and the place was buzzing with energy.

For dinner, we ordered Shishito Peppers and Sweet Potato Fries and somehow managed to grab two seats at a large, shared table. By the time we stepped outside around 10 p.m., the chilly air felt bracing and fresh. As the night slowly settled over Amsterdam, we made our way back to the hotel our very first day already filled with beautiful memories.

Our journey continues in the next post. You can read it here.