“How do I get on this thing?” I asked, eyeing up the black metal rack on the back of my bike. “Do I just have a seat or should I take a running leap and hope for the best?” It was New Years’ eve in Amsterdam and my friends and I were trying to work out the best way […]
6 reasons to visit Amsterdam in winter
Whether you’re looking for a pre-holiday get-away or a festive shopping spree, Amsterdam is a great place to visit in November or December. Check out my top 6 reasons why: 1. Festive shopping at de 9 Straatjes In the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district you’ll find the quaint shopping area “de 9 Straatjes”, or in […]
Today is Sinterklass Day in the Netherlands – but what is it?
It’s Sinterklass day here in the Netherlands! Celebrated by many Dutch families (as well as by families in neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg and Northern France), this tradition is observed instead of, or for some families in addition to, Christmas. Sinterklass is a Santa-like figure, which delivers gifts to good children and, according to […]
The allure of the man’s market (Mannenzaken) in Amsterdam
“This doesn’t look like the type of area where a market would be held”, I muttered suspiciously as I cycled into a barren shipping yard on a crisp Sunday afternoon in November. The area was still, lifeless, except for the distant figure of a security guard huddled in a doorway, smoking a cigarette. I cycled towards her. “Excuse […]
Tasting the street food in Amsterdam’s Oud West [Photo Essay]
On Thursdays throughout the summer, Kanen Bij takes over Amsterdam’s Ten Katestraat to host close to a dozen food trucks for a street-food festival specializing in dishes from around the world. Framing the small street, the food trucks lined the curbs and surrounded a stretch of picnic tables in the centre of the street. Decorated […]
Exploring Amsterdam’s Local Goods Market
I just love supporting local producers and checking out all of the cool things they’re creating. So when I heard that a local goods market was taking place over the weekend, I just had to check it out. The Local Goods Market at De Hallen, Amsterdam, takes place once a month and is filled with […]