Off-Voyage!

Yes, it’s always a good idea!

Amsterdam is the first European city I traveled by myself. Just before the pandemic (~2 months before) I went to an Erasmus exchange to WUR and Amsterdam was my first trip outside of Wageningen. I always enjoy walking between the canals without rushing to be somewhere and thanks to that I discovered many places that turned into my favourites. So let me tell you about my favourite things in Amsterdam! 

We Never Miss the Breakfast!

Years passed since my first visit and I don’t even remember how I found this place but I always start my day with an early breakfast at Koffiehuis ‘De Hoek’.

There are so many other fancy places in Amsterdam that you can probably find fancy options but I just love this place. They have delicious dutch pancakes with different topics and a  good coffee of course! 

I think the best way to discover Amsterdam is to walk around, so don’t forget to pack comfy shoes! In the center, everything is walking distance to each other and very pretty. Before you ask, yes I did try the boat tour which is not at the top of my highlight list but it was fun especially weather is not behaving well. 

There are museums you can visit if weather is not the most charming such as Rijksmuseum! Here you can find a selection of beautiful art pieces!

Don’t miss the Museum of the painter of Sunflowers!

And when no hope left in sight, on that starry starry night, you took your life as lovers often do. But I could’ve told you Vincent, This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you!

If you like spending time in museums and learn about classical art, Van Gogh Museum is a must!

 Vincent van Gogh is a painter I always sympathise with and curious to learn more about. His ending breaks my heart every time I read/watch about this talented painter. One of the pieces I read about him was saying he would loved to be named as the painter of sunflowers and that’s  why he painted so many sunflower paintings. This lives rent free in my head since then and I feel like we all owe him this title. 

Turning back to the  museum, there are so many famous pieces you will be charmed there however tickets must be purchased 1-2 weeks before the visit, it is a very popular spot and sold out super quickly but it is absolutely worth it!

If you feel hungry after spending time in the museum, I know art can feed your soul but not technically you stomach, I got you! First suggestion of mine is Fabel fries which I’m slightly shamed to discover soo late! High likely there will be a que for the fries and eating it without sitting somewhere can be a bit tricky! 

My second suggestion is for the people who would like to try some dutch food! Kibbeling is a fried fish you can get it from multiple places at the center, I like Rob Wigboldus Fishmonger one but wherever you try it, you cannot really go wrong with it. 

After having your dinner/lunch if you fancy some dessert,  you should head to Van Stapele Koekmakerij for their delicious melting chocolate cookies that I always buy a box of many so that I can deal with my post Amsterdam sadness and I highly suggest you to do so!

(Thank you my dear friend Zeynep for the photos, turns out I don’t have even 1 single photo from there)

Good Vibes Only!

If you still have some energy left after all that walking, let me take you somewhere fun to end your day! Bourbon street is my favourite stop to have fun in Amsterdam, I must admit I’m not a night club kind a girl and I really like how cosy this place feels with good vibes and talented musicians! 

I’ll say good bye to you for now, see you on the other pages and other trips! 

-Basak  x

Ps. All these photos belong to me! Don’t even try to steal because I can find you!