Journey to Amsterdam
During the winter of 2022, I planned a special Christmas trip to Paris for my mom. Having already visited Paris a few times, I was eager to return, so I booked my flight a few days before her arrival. Since I had some extra time before meeting her, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to explore another European city. That’s when I decided on Amsterdam.
The idea had been on my mind since the summer when my roommate—who had spent a year in Amsterdam on a university exchange program—raved about the city. She spoke so highly of her experience that I promised myself I’d visit if the chance ever came. With my flight landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, I just needed to figure out the best way to get to Amsterdam.
Being someone who thoroughly researches travel options, I came across the Thalys Train—a high-speed rail service connecting Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, Amsterdam, and other European cities . It was a seamless option, and fortunately, I found a same-day ticket and booked it immediately.
This trip ended up being my first real “full day of traveling”—a 13-hour journey involving a car, a plane, and a train. The Thalys experience was a pleasant surprise, offering Wi-Fi, spacious seating, a well-stocked snack bar, and even first-class upgrade options. It quickly became a highlight of my journey.
Though my time in Amsterdam was brief—just over 24 hours—I made every moment count. One of the highlights was a magical canal cruise, where I glided through the city’s picturesque waterways, illuminated by twinkling Christmas lights that cast a warm glow over the historic facades. Beyond the cruise, I wandered into charming bookstores, lost myself in the quiet wonder the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, and strolled along the city’s iconic canals, taking in the beauty of Amsterdam’s storybook streets. Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at one of its cozy coffee shops, where I soaked in the laid-back atmosphere that makes the city so unique.
Le Petit Deli Café
Although I visited several cafés and coffee shops during my time in Amsterdam, Le Petit Deli Café was, without a doubt, my favorite find. Stumbling upon it while searching for breakfast on my last morning in the city felt like discovering a hidden gem. Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, this charming café offers a delightful selection of French-style cuisine while effortlessly embodying the elegance and ambiance of a Parisian café.
The menu features an array of beautifully presented options, from rich coffees and fragrant teas to flaky pastries and thoughtfully curated breakfast and lunch dishes. Beyond the food, what truly made my experience memorable was the exceptional service. The staff was warm and attentive, creating an atmosphere that felt both welcoming and intimate. My waiter, in particular, went above and beyond—continuously replenishing my passion fruit simply because I mentioned how much I loved its flavor alongside my French toast.
If you’re ever in search of a cozy yet stylish café that serves impeccable food and drinks in a setting that feels like a little slice of Paris in Amsterdam, Le Petit Deli Café is an absolute must-visit.
Accommodations
During my time in Amsterdam, I had the pleasure of staying at the TRIBE Amsterdam City, a fairly 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 Amsterdam City 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,
Morgan
