Amsterdam is known for a lot of things...some you may already be familiar with, others not so much. Either way, let me explain what I learned and did in only 24 hours in this very unique city!
I've always had a passive interest in visiting Amsterdam...but this year, in planning my European adventure, I decided to make Amsterdam the first pit stop en route to my other destinations.
So my knowledge of Amsterdam before this trip consisted of the Red Light District and the loose Marijuana laws lol. I would soon discover there is more to this city than just those civil liberties. As I mentioned earlier, Amsterdam is known for a lot of things. It is often referred to as the Venice of the North due to its many canals...but to be quite honest, I have been to Venice, and to me, this is more Venice than Venice is lol.
Here is a closer look at the Canal Rowhomes that have now stood for over 300 years!
Amsterdam is also commonly referred to as Bicycle City...and that is no exaggeration. Never in my life have I seen more bicycles in 1 place other than a store!
Now, the infamous Red Light District. During the day it is pretty low energy, but come the evening time, that's when things get active! All hours of the day and night, you can take advantage of a variety of entertainment...from sex shops, strip clubs, peep shows, sex theaters, and yes...prostitutes. My tour guide broke down how it works. The ladies rent out a space and make their own hours. Just that simple. I liken it to a relationship between a barber and a barber shop owner...they just pay for their chair and make their own hours. Personally, none of those things are my kind of vibe. Me being the saint that I am, I wasn't there to partake in any of the action...just take in the culture lol.
Additional Note: My tour guide told me another interesting tidbit. Just as you see in pics and videos, The Red Light District is just that...lit up throughout the night with Red tints and awnings soliciting sex. But there is also something known as Blue Light. Now, these places that have a blue awning and lights are where people more commonly known as "ladyboys" work. I will leave it at that lol.
Aside from civil liberties, Amsterdam is also known for chocolates and pancakes of all things. Very similar to how we tend to load our pancakes up with all kinds of toppings, out there, dutch pancakes are flatter as opposed to fluffy like we do in the states. Still very good eating!
Amsterdam is hands down one of the most interesting and unique cities I have ever experienced.
I appreciated the rich history, culture, food, architecture, and various sights and sounds. I certainly cheated myself by only reserving 1 day in this marvelous city. But in the words of the great European actor Arnold Schwarzenegger..."I'll be back!":)
