We set off at 8.45am – leaving Düsseldorf in the pouring rain with a queasy feeling. Would the weather in Amsterdam throw a spanner in the works? But we set off full of anticipation. After almost two and a half hours we arrived at the Park & Ride. We quickly bought a day ticket for the tram online (which would come in handy later!) and set off towards Central Station.
We arrived in Amsterdam and the rain had stopped! The timing was perfect and it stayed that way all day – it even got better!
First impressions and lots of food
Arriving at Central Station was impressive. The huge, beautiful architecture immediately immersed us in the atmosphere of Amsterdam. But first breakfast! Carlo insisted on trying an egg drop sandwich. So we went to the Chun Café – small, cute, a bit expensive, but absolutely delicious.
After breakfast we let our minds wander. Strolling through the narrow alleys, we came across the Polaberry shop, which tempted us with its artistically decorated strawberries. We had to try them, of course! Four strawberries later – and with a sugar shock in our blood – we continued our vintage shopping. Amsterdam is known for its second-hand treasures and we found lots of cool stuff, even if we didn’t take anything home this time.
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a helping of Dutch fries! Carlo was in the mood for one, so we stopped off at Fabel Friet. The queue was long, but it went quickly and the wait was rewarded with incredibly tasty fries. We then continued our walk through the picturesque streets, admiring the typical leaning houses and visiting the floating Bloemenmarkt. Even though it wasn’t spring yet, the little flower shops were bursting with colour; it was magical!
Lots and lots of delicious food! We also really liked the strawberries haha. Cute shop and the berries so beautifully decorated – and then so delicious. Wow!
An emotional moment in the Anne Frank House
Our next destination was a place steeped in history: the Anne Frank House. Before visiting, we took a short walk around the house to take in the view from a distance. Then it was time to go inside. Advice: Make sure you get your tickets in advance, they sell out quickly!
Inside the museum, you can leave your coat and bag for free and use the audio guide, which is available in many languages. In the first rooms we learned a lot about the war, the helpers and life in the secret annex. The most oppressive moment came when we entered the actual hiding place without the audio guide, so that we could record everything unfiltered. The small, dark rooms, the original walls with Anne’s pictures, the remaining bookshelf that hid the hiding place – it was all deeply moving.
In the end, we learned more about Anne’s fate after the deportation and heard the voices of survivors, including her father, Otto Frank. We were deeply moved. As we left the museum, the sun suddenly shone like a silent sign and bathed the sky in a beautiful light.
Everyone should visit the Anne Frank Museum at least once. We have studied the subject at school, especially the diary, but to be in the place where Anne really lived, where she hid, was simply overwhelming. What a strong girl, so poetic and yet so tragic. Thank you, Anne, for sharing your story with us. And yes, you have become a writer!
The sweet finale – Stroopwafels and a bitter surprise
After so much history, we needed a moment to take it all in. Over an iced matcha, we reflected on what we had experienced before making our way to the Rijksmuseum. The sunset bathed the city in warm colours and nearby we discovered the Van Gogh Museum.
To round off the day, we stocked up on Stroopwafels. A little tip: they are much cheaper in the supermarket than in the tourist shops! Happy and tired, we finally made our way back to the Park & Ride.
But there was an unexpected surprise: in order to benefit from the reduced parking rate, we had to print out our tram ticket – something we hadn’t realised before. Instead of €6, the parking fee was a whopping €30. An annoying ending, but looking back, the day was so nice that we quickly forgot about it.
That can’t be true. We were really annoyed, everything was digital, we were even advised to get the ticket in the app, until we were told when paying that you can only scan paper tickets. Unbelievable…
Amsterdam enchanted us with its mix of culinary delights, leisurely strolls, cultural discoveries and thought-provoking moments. The day was a rollercoaster of emotions, but that’s what makes a trip unforgettable.
