🌟 My Experience

There’s a vibrant buzz in Amsterdam that’s hard to describe until you’re there. I was impressed by how easy it was to get from the cruise port and train station right into the heart of the city — and I felt completely safe. Everything felt easy to navigate, and the atmosphere was welcoming and full of life.

We stayed at The INK Hotel, a boutique property with a clever twist: it’s themed around a former printing factory, and the decor brings Amsterdam’s stories to life. Our room featured a map of the city annotated with quirky personal notes like “where I grew up” and “my ex-girlfriend’s place.” It was fun, personal, and perfectly located for exploring on foot. The staff were warm and incredibly helpful — even suggesting Uber over taxis when the trains were down, to avoid getting ripped off.

One of our highlights was a free walking tour through GuruWalks, led by a local named Sebastian who had grown up in the city. His stories, humor, and insider tips made the experience truly special. We snacked on stroopwafels, sampled Dutch bitterballen, and had a traditional meal at The Pantry — a charming little spot (definitely book ahead!).

Later, we hopped on a canal cruise. Our guide was another lively local, full of fascinating stories and good vibes. Seeing the city from the water, especially after exploring it by foot earlier in the day, offered a whole new perspective.