Amsterdam in One Day

As I mentioned in my New's Years Resolution post, here is my trip about Amsterdam in just one day. It was a tour from a travel agency. I have to tell you, Netherlands is such a beautiful country with beautiful people. It was definitely a really fun trip and I will be back for sure :)

7:00 AM - CLARA MARIA CHEESE FARM
& CLOG FACTORY TOUR

My first stop was at the Clara Maria Cheese Farm & Clog Factory owned by the most cutest couple Kees-Jan and Katrina. It is is located in Amstelveen in Netherlands which is about 25 minutes away from Amsterdam.

I first had a traditional Dutch breakfast along with slices of bread, fresh Gouda, jam, fruit, boiled eggs, and not to forget, chocolate sprinkles that you eat on bread - yum .

When I was finished with breakfast, Katrina showed how original Gouda cheese is made. They also add different kind of ingredients such as cumin, garlic, Italian herbs, chili, nuts, and many other to give the cheese its special and unique flavor. The group were able to taste different kind of Goudas there and I personally loved the one with the cumin in it. It tasted like taco cheese.

After the cheese demonstration, her husband Kees-Jan led us to a room where he showed us how they manufacture clogs with their antique machines. It was very interesting to see how they started with a block of wood and ended up with a incredible looking clog.  There is so much workmanship behind it. Besides the clogs they create bottle openers, piggy banks, and key rings with clog design which I find really cool.

10:00 AM - ANNE FRANK MUSEUM

Arrived in Amsterdam and 9 hours of free time so it started off at the Anne Frank museum. I recommend coming as early as possible because the queue is ridiculouuuuusly long. It was almost 1 hour starting by the Westerkerk Church. You can book your tickets online, but book them as early as possible due to limited availability of tickets.

It was totally worth the visit though. I was walking through the house and it was filled with history. It was so sad to find out what happened to the whole family. When we got back to Germany I decided to buy Anne Frank's diary .

12:00 PM - LUNCH AT IL PANORAMA

Just a few blocks away and not far from the museum there was an Italian Restaurant named Il Panorama. I had the most delicious Hawaiian Pizza. It was such a good choice and definitely recommend this restaurant if you feel like eating Italian in Netherlands.

3:00 PM - CANAL CRUISE

After a street show by an entertainer at the Dam Square and a short stop at Starbucks to get some hot chocolate with whipped cream, it went to the Stationplein where all the different type of canal cruise organizations are located. 

During the ride I really could see so many gorgeous buildings and when it got dark outside you could experience the beautiful lights of the Amsterdam Light Festival.

5:00 PM - EROTIC MUSEUM

Finally arrived at the Stationplein it went straight to the Red Light District.  It was a fun experience. Beautiful looking prostitutes in windows waiting for a client and they had lots of sex shops or clubs.Taking pictures of them is not allowed though. Maybe next time I just show you a picture of the district by day light. I do have some pictures, but these are the dirty ones :D

6:00 PM - CHRISTMAS MARKET

Rembrandtplein was the last spot before departure. They had a Christmas Market going on with mouthwatering sweets. I ate some delicious Churros with Nutella sauce on top. They were unbelievably good! The chocolate sauce was really on point! I will never forget this Churro stand or I may try out myself making them at home.

7:00 PM - DEPARTURE

And then it went home. The day went over soooooo fast. There was so much to see and experience in just one day. I totally loved it. Hopefully it goes back to Netherlands again this year.




Have you ever been to Netherlands or do you come from there? What are your favorite spots there?