Combining a city and beach break... and other things to do in Singapore

Charles Dickens may have spoken of a tale of two cities; however, Singapore is like a tale of three or four! From the laid-back vibes of the island of Sentosa to the metropolis of the city and its combination of traditional and futuristic, Singapore offers a bit of everything. 

Now, I can't speak about Singapore's politics or anything like that; I'm speaking purely as a tourist. I really loved my trip. I travelled with my friend and former flatmate, with whom I’ve visited Brussels, Budapest and Copenhagen, and we had a great time. Topline: the people are super friendly; the cost of food and drink is like London; transport is cheaper than London; and everything just seems to be super organised and run like clockwork.

Beach break

We opted to stay in Sentosa, a man-made island in the south of Singapore. In fact, the most southerly point of South East Asia was on our resort grounds. With the beach and pool mere moments away from our seaview room and the plethora of hotel restaurants, we were in paradise. After a very long flight and little sleep, we made our way for dinner and to enjoy an evening dip in the pool to start the holiday as we meant to go on.

We'd nabbed a deal at the Shangri-La - very fancy, I know - and the resort had everything we could need for a relaxing stay. We spent mornings, evenings and sometimes even full days lazing poolside reading, in the pool itself, or sitting in the jacuzzi section. While it was one big pool for both adults and children, an area was sealed off for adults only and it made a big difference. The cocktails served poolside were incredible, my favourite being a summer spize, which was watermelon, jalepeno and tequila. It wasn't overly sweet nor overly spicy. I didn't neglect the other watermelon cocktails on the menu though... but I did bypass any that didn't contain the pink fruit. What can I say? I love watermelon.

A short amble away was Siloso Beach, with a little private section for the hotel, plus the bit for the general public. I spent time on both, actually preferring the latter with its softer sands (originally shipped in from a couple of the neighbouring countries) and views behind the little islets of the many boats. From the hotel section, you had an enviable view of the cable cars, which my travel buddy went on, and was very complimentary of the island views from the high up spot.

I'm so glad we chose to stay on the island - we truly got the best of both worlds: city break and resort life. The weather was hot for the entire duration of our stay; however, we did have a few tropical showers. These were bursts of 10 minutes tops, then back to sun, and at one point I was able to swim in the rain, which was a rather cathartic experience. It was in this pool that I finally started making progress on another of my 30 before 30 items: I started swimming again, thanks to my friend.

My biggest indulgence on the trip has to be the two, back-to-back treatments I had in the spa. First, I had an aloe wrap to soothe my skin after all the sun; I've had one before, which was great, but this was even better. As well as being wrapped like a little cling film, aloe gel burrito, the therapist added a heated blanket on top of me while the aloe sunk in. It was so blissful that I drifted off to sleep. Then second, my God, I had the BEST massage I've ever had in my life. I've had many a massage in many a country and many a hotel, and none even came close to this experience. It was meant to be a neck and back massage, but the therapist massaged my whole body with techniques I'd never felt before. It felt like she had 10 hands, massaging and healing my sore back. It was heavenly. I'd not have batted an eyelid if she'd had quoted me £300 for it, but it didn't even cost a third of that.

Lush flora

Surrounding our hotel was an abundance of flora and fauna, and in the morning, we could hear beautiful bird song from our balcony. We spied the perpetrators of these different songs on our balcony and around the resort grounds, plus a plethora of other creatures like peacocks and large monitor lizards.

On one of our mornings, we joined a jungle walk. Well, we meant to join a group one, but in the end, it was just us two and the guide. I had hoped to see some monkeys, given the signs around the hotel and on balconies warning guests to mind their possessions in their presence, but we learnt that while they do frequent the area, they are coming out and about less and less.

Speaking of flora and fauna, many will be familiar with the joys of Changi Airport, and the plethora of things you can do there, such as seeing a waterfall, visiting a butterfly garden, watching new releases at the free cinema, and admiring a cactus garden... it's like a full day out! Word of warning though, apart from the waterfall and the shopping mall (the Jewel), everything else is only accessible after you check in. Many airlines do allow for early check-in, but BA is not one of them...

Sightseeing in the city

The most recognisable landmarks of Singapore are in the city centre; Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel building, and the merlion statue to name a few. We visited all but the statue - though we did see it across the bay from a distance.

First up, Marina Bay Sands. As we walked around the bay and towards it, you could see it in all its majesty. A taxi driver expressed some discomfort that it was so synonymous with their country, which as a commercial entity - a hotel - I could see why, but it is an imposing structure that is impressive both inside and out. It smelt gorgeous upon entry on the ground level, and that precision of excellent ambience continued up to our drinking spot of the evening, located on the 57th floor. We had a few drinks at C'est La Vie as day turned to night, and the panoramic views over the city were very impressive. My friend made the booking a month in advance to secure our spot, and it was worth it. Like everywhere else on our visit, the staff were friendly, and the service quick. Note, because of the lofty heights and the fact it is outdoors, it was windy, but to be honest, in the 31-degree plus temperatures, the breeze was welcomed.

Gardens by the Bay is a must visit, not least for its twice-nightly light shows at the Super Trees. We first visited the Cloud Garden, which had a temporary Avatar installation. To be honest, it was pretty cool without the Avatar angle - think Barbican Observatory on a larger scale. Following this visit, we ambled though the outdoor area to bag a prime position for the ever popular light show. We got there a good 45 minutes prior and people were already claiming spaces. The iconic structures come to life with light and sound effects for around 15 minutes once it got dark, and it was absolutely epic!! It's super dramatic and captivating, as the movement of the light matches the sounds; we heard classical compositions as we watched the lights.

As I mentioned earlier, I really loved the juxtaposition between old and new in Singapore. As well as these futuristic landmarks, we also visited the Sri Mariamman temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, which is adorned in ornate statutes on the outside and beautiful, colourful murals on the inside. Guests and locals alike can visit, but you must remove your footwear outside and have your legs, chest and shoulders covered. Covering shawls and scarfs are available at the entrance. We also passed by the Buddha Tooth Relic temple, but didn't venture inside.

As for the rest of the sightseeing, we took a brief meander east of the centre to snap photos of the colourful houses of Koon Seng Road, then got the bus to Little India. If you're in the market for jewellery; my goodness, this is the place to go: gorgeous, gold jewellery twinkles out of most shops. I was like a magpie, but managed to resist... until I went on a full on shopping spree in Chinatown that is. Hey, I needed souvenirs!

A dedicated sightseeing bus aside (yes, of course I went on one here, y'all know I love them), when it comes to travelling around the city, the MRT (tube) is SUPER easy to use. You tap in and out using contactless - same goes for buses too, actually - and even though it goes against every fibre of a Londoner's being, you stand on the left when on the escalators. I've got to note, a little novelty for me was the ceiling handles on the tube being low enough for me to comfortably hold and balance myself with, unlike ours here!

A foodie destination

Singapore is 100% a foodie destination. The dedication to flavour is fantastic. I couldn't get enough. As is the running theme of juxtaposition, the food is influenced by multiple cuisines: Chinese, Indian and Malaysian fare, and it's all so damn good. Starting at my hotel, which usually wouldn't be a fair representation of a country's cuisine, there were four types of breakfast available each morning and I had more nasi gorengs than I care to admit. For a couple of my poolside lunches, I had this is open sandwich with sundried tomatoes and ham. Nothing to write home about, right? Wrong! Even with such a basic order, they added layers of flavour to the dish. Add the fact these and the cocktails were bought directly to our deckchairs with just the swish of a QR code... perfection.

As for the city, well, the Hawker Centres are renowned. Huge food markets that are a large part of Singaporeon culture, these centres host a variety of vendors serving a wide range of food for affordable prices. Some even have Michelin-starred vendors! We visited two Hawker centres during our stay, including the famous Lau Pa Sat. I ventured away from my nasi goreng here, and tried the signature chicken rice, which although looks plain, is packed full of flavour. Another spot we made sure to dine in was Chinatown. We made a beeline for the recommended dim sum restaurant Yum Cha. My fave dish there was the bbq pork bao - soft, sweet and savoury all at the same time.

I didn't go to Singapore with any expectations at all as I'd been so busy with work and various responsibilities. However, I'm glad, as I was very pleasantly surprised. If the country was closer to the UK, Singapore would be somewhere I returned to again and again fairly regularly.

How to properly unwind on a city break... and other things to do in Budapest, Hungary

To say life has been hectic recently would be an understatement. Work, freelance, running a business, medical appointments, coordinating a surprise event... it's been a lot. Throw in the threat of a third world war, the constant flow of demoralising news day in, day out, and it's enough to make anyone want to curl up in a ball and just sleep for a week.

Often with my city breaks, I plan to pack in as much as possible, as not to miss a thing, but not this time. This trip to Budapest would be a well-earned break. However, down to the last few hours before travelling, the trip nearly didn’t happen; we ummed and ahhed about even going, given the devastating and scary situation in neighbouring Ukraine. However, after a lot of late-night research the night before, we decided to still board our flight early the next morning.

Pace things out

Usually, my city breaks are two to three days long. However, the addition of just one extra day made all the difference for Budapest. We were able to enjoy activities without watching the clock, often coming back to the hotel mid-afternoon for an hour or two to relax, before any evening activities. We had time to stroll and just take everything in. On the first day, we impromptu went to the Castle District where we could linger at lookouts, stroll the area and wall walk, and admire the ornate buildings at a slow pace. Perhaps in an unrelaxing turn, we headed ascended on foot, but we were sure to get the funicular back down the hillside. From above, the view over the Danube River and surrounding buildings were like something out of a postcard.

Seek out a spa

Is there anything more relaxing than a spa day? I think not. As we were staying for four days, we were able to dedicate a full day to visiting Szechenyi Baths, the largest medicinal baths in Europe. Made up of 18 thermal baths, with temperatures varying from 28 to 38 degrees, Szechenyi is HUGE, situated in a gorgeous neoclassical yellow building. Outside, you’ll find two large baths and one swimming pool, and inside lie the 15 more (including a beer bath…) We were going to have a phone-free day, and marked out our route from the hotel on a map, but Covid passes were required for entry, so in the end, we took one phone. It is worth noting that the only two times we needed a Covid pass were to enter the country and to enter this spa. We opted for a private cabin each when we pre-booked our tickets. There are hundreds of them, each secured using a digital key on your wrist. They felt very safe to leave our belongings in and were great to freely get changed in with privacy; the alternative is the communal changing areas with lockers, like at a UK swimming pool.

Despite the nippy 12 degree temperatures, with the sun on our face and warm waters surrounding us, it felt truly like we were on holiday and all our cares washed away. For something a little more up-tempo, you can head into the middle of the left pool, which has a current running through it, whisking you around in a circle around a central bath. I attempted it in one of the slower settings - it was fun! Inside, the various baths feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to Ancient Rome, or the like, where you’ll relax under grand ornate ceilings. Frankly, we felt it had a Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Specifically, a series of individual versions of the bathroom the trio brew polyjuice potion in, for any Harry Potter fans out there.

Eat, drink and be merry

Oh, how we ate on this trip; and eating feeds the soul and helps us feel content, right? We started with two breakfasts on the day of arrival - a humble croissant at the airport, followed by a sit-down, cooked breakfast at the grand Gerbeaud, a Parisian, old world-style eatery, established in 1858 - and continued on a similar path.

Hungarian food is quite meat-heavy, so as I was travelling with a vegetarian, we opted for more world foods, with Hungarian twists. One great dinner we had was at Osteria, a delicious Italian in Pest. I had a roasted duck, caramelised onion and chilli pizza, followed by a gorgeous chocolate pannacotta. There was also a creative selection of cocktails - I tried basil wine, but then went firmly back to rose margaritas - as well as a range of gin and tonics, including floral, local, and tropical options.

On another evening, we went for an Israeli-Mediterranean meze at Mazel Tov. With a 'bring the outdoors inside' style and live acoustic guitar music, the whole dining experience here was very relaxed. Yet again, we had two courses, eating the delicious dips, salads and pita, until our stomachs and hearts were full. Soothing live music seemed to be the theme of that evening, as we also stopped by Doblo wine bar on the way back to the hotel who, under their atmospheric lighting, had a live singer to accompany our nightcap.

Of course, you can't visit Budapest without checking out a ruin bar (or two). Housed in derelict buildings or unused spaces, these bright and bold bars offer refuge from the cold, good vibes and cheap drinks. The closest to our hotel was the well-known Szimpla Kert. The best way I can describe it is a series of bars next to each other with the fronts cut out and communal seating for all - think food market but indoors, without the food, and with live music. It is perfect for a casual few drinks (or for many drinks, if you’re on a stag or hen!)

Other spots we visited on our travels were the anglicised, but still lovely Cafe Brunch Budapest - situated opposite Central Market Hall, which we had intended to visit but it was closed - and brewery Mad House, where I tried a beer, gin and lemonade cocktail, and ate more duck.

Leisurely sightsee, instead of ‘go, go, go’

Anyone who either knows me personally or follows my travels knows I love a sightseeing bus. Yes, they're touristy, but they're oh so convenient and offer introductory knowledge to the city you're visiting. We opted for a 48-hour ticket in Budapest, which included a boat tour. It enabled us to see a lot of the city centre from both land and water with ease, learning about the buildings and their history, as we basked in the sun (and wind on the bus’ top deck...) The following day we did another loop of the bus just to pass the time, and enjoy the city in new weather: in the snow. We were lucky, as we stayed opposite the beautiful Dohány Street Synagogue, so we were able to join the route with ease. Nothing seemed rushed or stressful, but we managed to pack in a lot.

Speaking of religious buildings, Budapest's St Stephen's Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches I've ever been in - a record previously held by Barcelona's Sagrada Familia. Fairly modern in the scheme of things, as it was completed in 1905, the gold, the frescos, and the grandness of it all were incredible. I personally find religious buildings soothing and peaceful, so it was another way to relax and take some time to reflect. Less peaceful though was the panoramic terrace at the top of the dome, which we accessed by a kind of precarious winding metal staircase (but got the lift down, thankfully); however, it was lovely to see the city from above again, similar to the way we started our trip in the Castle District.

Contradictory to our chilled-out vibes on the rest of our trip, we also visited the House of Terror, the museum that detailed the Soviet Union's rule after World War Two. The museum taught me a lot about a period I knew nothing about. Ironically, we stumbled across a support rally and concert for Ukraine after our spa visit the day before, which was run by this museum.

For the whole trip, we took things at a good pace, had a lot of respites, and my travel partner (my ex-flatmate) and I ensured we did things we both enjoyed. We found the city was great in the day, and even more lovely by night, all lit up - something my brother has specifically pointed out after his visit a few years ago. The Hungarian people were lovely too, from taxi drivers to waiters and waitresses. The thing that really made us smile was the drivers when we were pedestrians crossing the road. We’re not sure if it’s a rule there, but they always went out of their way to stop and let us cross. All in all, a thoroughly relaxing escape.

Admiring amazing architecture... and other things to do in Seville, Spain

From the moment you enter many of Seville's hotels, with their imposing wooden doors that lead to a pretty internal courtyard or thoroughfare before you even reach the main door, the city's beauty is inescapable. Wander the streets for only a few moments, and you're pretty likely to stumble across (maybe literally - hello, cobblestones) sweeping arches, intricate architecture and bold colours, shaded by pretty palm and orange trees. One of the most beautiful cities I've been to for sure, with striking elements reminiscent of Cuba and Morocco. The architecture is predominantly Moorish and Gothic, with a strong Christian and Islamic influences, so those similarities make a lot of sense.

Royal Alcazar

If you've got a long weekend upcoming, or just want a little mini-break, Seville is the one. We spent just two full days in the city, and got loads done - everything is within an easy walking distance of one another, especially if you stay near the centre; in fact, the only transport you need is an airport transfer (we used Welcome Pick Ups; their drivers were so friendly and very punctual). We stayed at El Escondite de Maria (its decor, service and location was unbeatable), near the Metropol Parasol, and the furthest out we walked to a landmark was 40 minutes. So, grab your flight and hotel, and tick these beauties off your list: 

Cathedrals

Of course, a visit to the city's eponymous cathedral is essential. UNESCO-listed Seville Cathedral is like a signpost when walking in the city; we passed it countless times in our 48 hours. Upon arrival to the first landmark of our visit, we queued, drinking in its beautiful, intricate exterior while we waited. Once inside, it was just as impressive - so huge and beautiful with impressive pillars, and ceiling architecture. It is also home to the Giralda Tower, which boasts fantastic views of the city. Unfortunately, the tower, and roof tour, was sold out in English by the time we arrived (midday) and you can't do it without a guide, so it's best to buy tickets beforehand.

Area outside the cathedral

Along one side of the cathedral is the Patio de las Naranjas, which is a beautiful area lined with the city's famous orange trees, fruitful even in November. We tried some vino de naranja - orange wine - at a tapas bar-restaurant called La Moderna, a four-minute walk from this area. Boyyyyy, was it sweet! The portion sizes of the tapas at this spot were generous, especially the patatas bravas and seafood, and so tasty.

Your cathedral ticket also affords you a free trip to Iglesia del Salvador - do NOT skip this one. Formally a mosque, now a church, personally, I thought it was more gorgeous than Seville Cathedral. A bright pink exterior leads to the most breathtaking gold, intricate pieces of artwork and sculptures on the inside, stretching high up into the fantastic frescoed ceilings. Maybe it was just because of the time of day we visited, but the light streams through the stained glass, showering rainbows all over the place - I was awestruck.

Palaces

The Royal Alcazar, the oldest used palace in Europe, built in the 14th century, is one of the city’s main attractions. It's opposite the cathedral and this is one I definitely recommend pre-booking as the queues can be long, however, sooo worth it. Get ready to get lost amidst sprawling gardens, with landscaped, maze-style bushes, palm trees and fountains, fantastic bold colours in the walls and stone, intricate ceramics and mosaics, breathtaking artwork, stunning frescos, and so much more. My Morocco comparison is even more valid here, as there was an area literally the spitting image of my hotel in Chefchaouen.

Now, not really a palace but I've put it under this category because, MY GOD, it deserves it: Plaza de España was like being in another world. It’s like a little Venice, with pretty bridges and boats sailing down the water, mixed with Montmartre-Paris vibes, thanks to the pretty streetlights, each adorned with unique ceramic tiles, and, also, classically Spanish with live music and outdoor flamenco shows peppering the area - an elite take on our street performers, if you will. It was my favourite spot in the whole city.

Modern structures

While Seville is steeped in historical architecture, there are more modern gems, too, namely the Metropol Parasol. The highest wooden structure in the world, it is also a sight to behold from street level. However, its criss-cross design truly unveils itself when you get to the top: it’s like a mini-city of intertwining walkways, with stunning city views to boot. After you're done wandering this marvel and getting selfies galore, treat yourself to sangria and tapas (we went for Spanish omelette, and started what ended up being an intense nine-egg day for us both) - both were delicious here, and served with a side of cool rooftop views.

Other buildings

Some buildings here aren't about what they look like - though a stroll through the colourful Santa Cruz area (Jewish Quarter) by the cathedral and Alcazar defo is - it's what you can do inside them: eat and drink! On our first night, we went to a traditional local tapas bar, Los Coloniales, where we ate like the locals - standing and eating, and chatting at the bar, like we may have a pint in an English pub. It was so fast-paced, and we were surrounded by Spanish speakers. We learned you don't need to form an orderly queue and press your stomach or chest against the bar to get served either, which is great.

Another dining spot we visited was Taberna La Subasta, where we dined alfresco in the middle of November, thanks to the heaters; there's just something about eating outside that reinforces holiday vibes, amiright? The paella here was so tasty, and the sangria more so. However, the most lethal sangria of the lot was the one we had at The Second Room - there were at least four different types of alcohol along with the fruit and wine, including Cointreau and vodka. Also, if you get the time, check out El Rinconillo, the oldest tapas bar in Seville. However, it's best to go in the day and it is teeming with people come evening.

Have you stayed longer in Seville? What other recommendations do you have?

Culture, cafes... and other things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

In the last 10 years, I've visited Amsterdam twice - once in 2015, again in 2023. This blog posts details elements and recommendations from both visits. 

Amsterdam is a city where you can have a city break as hedonistic or wholesome as you like. With an abundance of museums, pretty canals, and a sobering history, side by side with cafes selling weed, sex museums, and more, it really is a tale of two halves.

Churches

While not everyone is religious, there’s no arguing with the beauty of churches - or most religious buildings, to be honest. Amsterdam is no exception and its most famed is the 17th-century Westerkirk. With its towering spire, it’s pretty hard to miss… as are the queues to the Anne Frank Haus next door. A great idea to go explore this beauty is to travel with others and take turns visiting the church next door, while some wait in the queue. Although the architecture was fabulous, I was most impressed by the candle holder in the shape of a bush; a literal burning bush. Be wary of the early closing times though.

Museums

As mentioned, next door is the Anne Frank Haus and an absolute must-visit in Amsterdam. Like many others who went to school in England, I learned in great detail about the 13 year old and the horrendous things her family and community went through, but it was really something else to see the actual house in person. The tiny corridors, the dark rooms, everything - it was really sobering. You can see the diary itself when you head downstairs to the artefact section of the museum.

Rijksmuseum is another one to tick off. I was lucky enough to visit the first time when the big ‘I am Amsterdam’ sign still sat outside and I got the obligatory pic after strolling the spellbinding paintings. From Rembrandt’s grand canvases to cool installations (there’s one I really loved about sitting in a dark box after seeing something incredible so your brain can process the beauty), you can spend hours exploring. On my second visit, I didn’t have a lot of time to browse the museum itself, so just spending time outside the Rijksmuseum in its adjoining garden offered a lovely alternative. We sat there after a long walk, and we're among the many adults who joined kids playing in the fountains that trap you in the middle and you have to take your chance to escape...

Another great art museum is the Picasso Museum - it was another subject we studied intently at school, like Anne Frank’s diary, which was brought to life for me on this trip.

One of the things I like about Amsterdam is they seem to take away the taboo essence of certain topics, one of course being sex. The Sex Museum, moments from Central Station, takes a less salacious - though sometimes comical - look at sex throughout history and in various cultures. I can't say I'd want some of those curios in my house though!

Parks and canals

In front of the Picasso Museum is the sprawling Vondelpark, a great spot for a picnic or to catch your breath after a whirlwind sightseeing tour. Locals seem to come here at lunch, kids play frisbee - when we went in August, it was a picture-perfect summer spot.

In a similar vein, be sure to get on a boat around the city’s defining canals. On my first visit, we used the tour cruise as a sort of mode of transport, like I often do with sightseeing buses - get your bearings, but also use it as a great way to get from landmark to landmark from the hotel. You’ll learn a lot about the city, for example, why the buildings are slightly tilted and why they have cool hooks at the top.

Somehow on my 2023 trip, everything was just timed perfectly on our first day - from heading to a restaurant and nabbing table just as it got busy, to arriving for our tram moments before it arrived, all day long. The best win though was sauntering up to a boat tour, and despite being a public group tour, we were the only ones on it. With drinks included (white wine spritz, please!) we had a wonderful guided tour of the canals, as we lazed at the bow of the boat. An aside: our good timing ran out though when we arrived at the airport for our flight home and it was cancelled. What ensured was us trying to find a hotel and heading back into the city for our bonus day.

Cafes and restaurants

From alfresco eateries to the coffee shops, Amsterdam’s cafe culture is renowned. Some of the coffee shops simply sell (non alcoholic) drinks and a selection of weed, while others have board games, video games, and more.

Despite my day job, when it comes to restaurants abroad, I never know where to look! We visited pancake house Moak, and while I respect their marketing big time, the food was very disappointing. I had a much better spread of pancakes, delicious sides (hash brown, sausage, bacon), and drinks at Staring at Jacob - I highly recommend it. On a summer's day, set up shop alfresco by the canal.

I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to food halls - I find all the choice overwhelming (*whispers* and don't want to sit communally), but the Hawker centre culture in Singapore opened my mind to this approach to dining out. Foodhallen is a must visit if you're in Amsterdam. The food and cocktails are absolutely banging; I had one of the best tacos in my life here. 

Head to the rooftops

New to me on my 2023 visit was the A'Dam Lookout, a rooftop bar and swing, which opened in 2016. I had high hopes - pun intended. Word of warning, I don't recommend buying your ticket with drinks included, as the tokens offer very limited drinks, while there are much nicer options to buy on site.

The look out sits just behind Centraal Station, a quick (and free) ferry ride across the canal. You take a zoomy lift, with a light show, up to the top, where you can dine at the restaurant or head out alfresco to the bar… and the swing. This swing enables you to feel like you're flying above Amsterdam. I was petrified. I was on it for about 10 seconds LOL. Needed that big drink to steady my nerves after that. 

Take a stroll

Amsterdam is so pretty that, sometimes, there’s no need to have a plan; just stroll. On my 2016 trip, we stayed not too far from Dam Square, which while packed with tourist, is still a great spot to stroll through. We pretty much stumbled across the infamous Red Light District not too far from here and, it really isn’t as seedy as you’d think. In the evening August light, with the atmospheric red glow, families strolled through the area, commuters storming past, just like on any street. Come nightime, it’s like any raucous nightlife spot. Without demeaning these women, you could almost liken it to living Barbies in their boxes.

Just before you head home, don’t miss the daily Floating Flower Market, where you can buy a whole range of flora. The vendors will be happy to advise you on what you can and can’t carry back overseas.