Journey to Amsterdam
During the winter of 2022, I had planned to treat my mom to a Christmas trip to Paris. At that point, I had already visited Paris a few times and was eager to go back, so I booked my flight a few days before my mom was scheduled to arrive. Since I had already been to Paris, I thought it would be a great opportunity to explore other European countries while she was en route to Paris. That’s when I decided to head to Amsterdam.
During the summer of 2022, I had a roommate who had spent about a year in Amsterdam as part of an exchange program through her university. She absolutely loved her time there and always encouraged me to visit if I ever had the chance. With my flight to Europe set to arrive at Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, I had to figure out how to get from Paris to Amsterdam.
As someone who thoroughly researches travel options, I came across the Thalys Train, a collaboration between the French, Belgian, and Dutch national railways that operates high-speed trains between Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, Amsterdam, and other European cities. Fortunately, there were trains available from Paris to Amsterdam on the same day, so I promptly booked my ticket.
I had never experienced a true “full day of traveling” until I embarked on this journey, which involved a combination of car, plane, and train travel over the course of 13 hours, including an 8-hour flight and a 3-hour train ride. To my delight, the train ride was incredibly smooth. The Thalys Train offered amenities such as Wi-Fi, a well-stocked snack and food bar, restrooms, ample space between seats, and even the option to upgrade to first class. It quickly became one of the highlights of my journey from one country to another.
Although my stay in Amsterdam was relatively short, lasting just over 25 hours, I made the most of my time in the renowned “bike city.” Here’s my itinerary of what I had planned to do:
However, my actual experience in Amsterdam had some variations from my initial plans. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the Christmas Markets or Roller Dreams as intended. Nonetheless, I was fortunate enough to go on the canal cruise, which turned out to be a fantastic way to soak in the mesmerizing Christmas lights and the picturesque canals of Amsterdam.
Later in the evening, I wrapped up the night at “BlackandBlue,” a casual and contemporary restaurant nestled in the heart of the city. This dining spot boasted an impressively diverse menu, featuring a wide range of dishes to cater to almost every palate, including options for vegetarians like me (a lifesaver since I avoid red meat).
Le Petit Deli Café
“Le Petit Deli Café” wasn’t originally part of my planned itinerary, but it turned out to be a delightful discovery while I was searching for a place to have breakfast on the morning before I departed from Amsterdam. This charming cafe offers a delightful selection of French-style cuisine right in the heart of Amsterdam while beautifully capturing the Parisian style and ambiance that you’d typically find in Paris itself.
The cafe boasts an impressive range of offerings, including coffee, teas, pastries, as well as breakfast and lunch options that are as aesthetically pleasing as the restaurant’s ambiance. What truly elevated my experience here was the exceptional staff, their attentive service, and their warm and welcoming demeanor. In fact, my waiter went above and beyond by continuously replenishing my passion fruit, which accompanied my French toast, simply because I mentioned how much I enjoyed its flavor.
Whenever you find yourself in the mood for an aesthetically pleasing and cozy cafe that not only serves excellent food and beverages but also exudes a welcoming atmosphere, I wholeheartedly recommend Le Petit Deli Café.
Accommodations
During my time in Amsterdam, I had the pleasure of staying at the TRIBE Amsterdam City, a new boutique hotel offering stylish and comfortable accommodations. Conveniently located next to the Amsterdam Central Station, transferring from the train station to the hotel was incredibly easy.
While concerns arose from not knowing any Dutch, I initially encountered no difficulties with the language barrier as I had a seamless check-in process where I experienced professional and prompt hospitality service. As a solo traveler, I was also impressed by the security measures the desk agents used to safeguard my information and myself, such as nondisclosure of my floor or room number around guests, passport verification, and extra secure locking features in each suite.
Speaking of the suites, they were flooded with natural light and featured impeccable bedding, complemented by stylish furniture. The generously sized bathrooms were fully stocked and maintained to a high standard. Furthermore, the hotel offered an array of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, a well-stocked snack counter, a fully-equipped gym, and a Social Hub, providing versatile spaces to work, relax, dine, or meet with fellow travelers. This hub proved to be an invaluable resource, allowing guests to seamlessly transition during their travels or take a well-deserved break while on the move.
Overall, if you’re in search of the ideal accommodation in Amsterdam, look no further than Tribe Amsterdam City’s new boutique hotel. It provides well-appointed luxury and contemporary style accommodations that are sure to meet your expectations, all at an affordable price. @tribe_amsterdamcity is the perfect choice for travelers seeking both comfort and quality during their next visit to Amsterdam.
If Amsterdam is a destination on your travel bucket list or a place you’re excited to explore, I’d be delighted to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Bon Voyage! 🌍✈️
Xoxo,
Morgs
