Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam was unbelievable to say the least. Everything about the city seemed to be better than we initially expected and I'm already looking forward to going back next time I'm in Europe. Luke and I were fortunate enough to spend seven days in the Amsterdam-West area of the city in a nice Airbnb with a few local guys. We rented bikes for our entire stay and began exploring the city right when we arrived.

Due to the fact that the food was one of our most favorite things about Amsterdam, I'll be starting off this blog post with a food and beverage segment. The city has all types of cuisines as well as endless Dutch pancakes. Below are some of my favorite meals we had.

A cappuccino accompanied by a little cookie to start off the day.

Amsterdam has tons of open-faced sandwich options that are all delicious. This one above happened to be Pesto Chicken: one of my personal favorites.

After taking the Pesto Chicken Sandwich down, I was still hungry and decided to order this 3-egg open-faced sandwich.

Location: Cafe Berkhout, Amsterdam

One of my all time favorite meals thus far in Europe was at Mook Pancakes. At Mook, they serve sweet pancakes as well as savory ones. To start off the meal, Luke and I ordered these avocado halves.

Avocado topped with cream cheese, dates, walnuts, and honey.

Avocado topped with hummus, bell peppers, and olive oil.

Stack of pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberries, and coconut. Nutella and honey on the side.

Location: Mook Pancakes, Amsterdam

Raspberry smoothie, huevos rancheros, and yogurt topped with fruit and muesli.

Location: Bar Spek, Amsterdam

Barbecue chicken with sides of coleslaw and applesauce.

Location: Van't Spit, Amsterdam

Pictured far to near: Club sandwich, eggs benedict, and an open-faced club sandwich. We were hungry.

Location: Green Woods, Amsterdam

Open-faced chicken caesar sandwich.

Chicken couscous salad.

Location: Hendrix, Amsterdam

Green chicken curry.

Location: Kevin Bacon Bar, Amsterdam

Sesame chicken salad.

Side of sautéed spinach and potatoes.

Location: Foodism, Amsterdam

Extra cold Heiny.

Location: Cobra Cafe, Amsterdam

Below are some pictures of the Foodhallen in Amsterdam. It's a huge building with an overwhelming amount of delicious street food options. If you are in the area, I would plan on stopping by.

Location: Foodhallen, Amsterdam

Heineken has always been one of my favorite beers and I had been looking forward to touring the Heineken Brewery for quite some time. Below are some of my favorite memories from the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam.

At the end of the Heineken Experience Tour, they teach you how to properly pour a Heineken and then let you try it for yourself. You are supposed to tilt the glass at roughly a 45-degree angle until almost full and then immediately tilt the glass vertically, allowing the foam to overflow out of the glass. After, you take a foam knife to the top of the glass in order to get rid of the excess foam. At this point, the Heineken is ready to enjoy!

Officially a "Certified Pourer" now I guess.

Location: Heineken Brewery, Amsterdam

If you are in ever in Amsterdam, something you must do is visit The Art of Banksy. It's an abstract art gallery full of Banksy's most famous art pieces.

Banksy is one of the most mysterious artists to ever live. He is originally from England and is a graffiti artist as well as a political activist. Still to this day, he has an unverified identity so no one really quite knows what he looks like. His art is absolutely fascinating and he will forever be a legend.

Location: The Art of Banksy, Amsterdam

If you are looking to do something weird and out of the ordinary in Amsterdam, go to the Electric Ladyland Fluorescent Art Museum. Although it's fairly small, it was the most unique art museum I've ever been to. I can't say I was a huge fan of the museum as a whole but it was definitely an interesting experience.

Location: Electric Ladyland Fluorescent Art Museum, Amsterdam

Vondelpark, pictured below, is the largest and most popular park in the city. It is a great place to picnic, workout, ride bikes, relax, and spend a summer day in. If you visit Amsterdam, please take a moment to sit down and appreciate all the nature Vondelpark has to offer.

Location: Vondelpark, Amsterdam

Below are some of my favorite shots of the many canals, buildings, and flowers that make Amsterdam so unique and memorable.

Lastly, here are a few pictures we took at the famous I am Amsterdam Sign during our last day.

Location: I am Amsterdam Sign, Amsterdam

Thank you all so much for reading and for all the support! Next stop: Tomorrowland Belgium!