Two backpacks landed in Amsterdam 🇳🇱

After years of dreaming about traveling through Europe with nothing but a backpack, we finally took the leap and hopped on a plane for a two-week adventure—starting in Amsterdam.

We knew the Netherlands had to be our first stop, not only to explore a new corner of the world but also to connect with Josh’s roots and see where his family came from.

Living out of a backpack and hostel-hopping might have sounded a little crazy to some, but I’m endlessly grateful we didn’t listen.

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Day One - Amsterdam 🇳🇱

📍Dam Square

📍Café Pazzo

📍Madame Tussaud’s

📍De 9 Straatjes

After our red-eye flight, we hopped off the plane and headed straight to the city centre for our first hostel experience. We dropped off our stuff and set out to explore. First stop: a drink at Café Pazzo to people-watch and relax.

Next, we walked over to Dam Square—it was so beautiful, surrounded by all the historic buildings. We grabbed some frites and bitterballen (absolutely delicious, by the way).

When it started to rain, we wanted to protect our film camera, so we made a last-minute decision to go into Madame Tussauds. It was such a cool (and slightly creepy) experience. I even got to see one of the 13 Taylor Swift wax figures in the world—she was wearing the pink and orange outfit from 1989. Seeing all the detailed models up close was such a fun addition to our first day here!

After the rain cleared, we wandered through De 9 Straatjes, a stunning little neighbourhood full of pretty alleys and cute shops. After a long travel day, we finally headed back to our hostel to chill and get some much-needed rest.

Day Two Amsterdam and Rotterdam 🇳🇱

📍Rotterdam

📍The Markthal

📍Stopped by Louis Davids Monument

📍Heineken Experience

📍Dinner at Pannenkoekenhuis de carrousel

📍Canal Cruise

Today started with an hour-long train ride to Rotterdam so we could explore a second city in the Netherlands. Once we arrived in the city centre, we headed straight to the Markthal for coffee and breakfast. After fueling up, we spent some time wandering and seeing what we could discover. One of the coolest things we came across was an excursion where people were actually surfing in one of the canals. We also stopped by the iconic Cube Houses, a recommendation from my dear friend Fionna. Walking beneath them was insanely trippy, but they’re such a fascinating and unique piece of architecture.

Next, we headed back to Amsterdam to visit the Heineken Experience, where we learned about the history of the beer and, of course, got to do some tastings. It was such a fun and immersive experience, especially seeing where the company originally started. Afterward, we grabbed some delicious pancakes for dinner before hopping on a canal cruise through the city. Our guide was wonderful and shared so much insight about the neighbourhoods, architecture, and culture throughout the Netherlands.

One thing I’ve really noticed and loved about Amsterdam is how welcoming and accepting it feels. As we passed a set of noticeably crooked canal houses, our guide joked, “Our houses are just like our people—tall, slim, pretty, and not always straight.” He also pointed out the city’s town hall, where the first same-sex marriage took place when it became legal in 2011, making the Netherlands the first country in the world to do so.

After the cruise, we walked back to our hostel for a drink and a game of chess before heading to bed. Onto the next day ♥️

Day Three: Northern Holland 🇳🇱

📍 Zaanse Schans

📍 Edam

📍 Simonehoeve

📍 De Lunch Volendam

📍 Marken

Today we explored Northern Holland, starting with Zaanse Schans, a historic windmill settlement. We were treated to stunning views of several windmills that are still in use today. The Netherlands is an incredibly flat and often windy country, which is why windmills have played such an important role in producing energy over the years.

Next, we wandered through Edam, where traditional Dutch cheese markets began back in 1526. While the markets are no longer held regularly, the town was buzzing with life thanks to an annual fair filled with games and rides.

We then stopped at Simonehoeve, a local cheese producer, where we learned how many of the cheeses enjoyed throughout Holland are made. We also visited their clog workshop to see the process firsthand. We couldn’t leave without buying a tiny pair of clogs with our last name—especially meaningful since Josh’s grandfather, Albert, was born here in the Netherlands.

For lunch, we headed to Volendam, a charming fishing village, and enjoyed the most incredible calamari and fish and chips right along the water.

Our final stop of the day was Marken, a small village surrounded by water. We learned that over hundreds of years, the village has experienced many floods, which is why the Netherlands places such a strong emphasis on water control to prevent this from happening in the future.

Day Four: Amsterdam ➡️ Brussels 🇧🇪

📍 Anne Frank House

📍 Jordaan Neighbourhood

I didn’t take many photos today, aside from this one of an incredible stroopwafel I enjoyed on our walk back to the hostel. Much of the day was spent learning and reflecting as we wandered the streets of Amsterdam. Visiting the Anne Frank House was a deeply moving and heartbreaking experience, but one I knew was important to have during our time here.

We ended the day strolling through the Jordaan neighbourhood, where Josh made the spontaneous decision to get a tattoo—a memorable way to close out our time in the city. Now, we’re on a bus headed to Brussels, Belgium.

Amsterdam, you were a dream ♥️