The train journey from Brussels to Amsterdam whizzed by much faster than expected. I nestled into my plush, first-class coach seat intending to read, but in no time, we were pulling into Amsterdam Centraal station. I grabbed my luggage and hailed a cab outside, which took me to my flat in the Museumplein district, just a short 6km from the center.

Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the sheer number of bikes, even more than in Paris! It seemed that everyone in Amsterdam got around by bike, with numerous bikes chained along the streets and canals, and cyclists swiftly navigating the roads. The city is well-organized with designated bike lanes, sidewalks for pedestrians, and separate lanes for cars and trams.

I collected the keys from a friend of the owner who was waiting outside the flat and settled into my new home. It’s a beautiful, open one-bedroom with plenty of light and situated in a fantastic neighborhood. That night, I took a stroll around and noticed that even at 11 p.m., people were still out, chatting, drinking, and laughing in the local pubs.

Amsterdam’s city center is quite compact and very bike-friendly. The numerous canals threading through the city give it a feeling somewhat reminiscent of a mix between Venice and Paris, though it leans more towards Parisian vibes. I quickly realized that biking was the best way to explore and rented one for only €5 per day.

Exploring Amsterdam by bike is a joy – riding along the canals past all the ‘Coffee shops,’ where the air is tinged with the sweet scent of sensimilia. The Red Light District also presents an interesting scene with women in storefront windows engaging passersby, some of whom step in for her services.

The Dutch’s laid-back and tolerant attitude is something I’ve come to greatly admire. There’s a prevailing ethos of living well, enjoying life, yet still getting things done.

One of my highlights was taking the ferry across the canal and cycling through the Dutch countryside. Seeing an old windmill and riding through quaint, charming villages was absolutely stunning.

I’ve fallen in love with Amsterdam!