A Mum’s Getaway to Amsterdam: Canals, Culture and Catch-Ups
Early last year, Amsterdam quietly snuck onto my list of ‘must see’ destinations. Maybe it was the winding canals and gingerbread houses, maybe the laidback bohemian vibe I kept reading about. Or maybe, it was just time to explore a city that had long been calling… even if I hadn’t been listening.
When the stars aligned for a girls’ trip to Europe, Amsterdam suddenly felt like the perfect first stop.
The Long Haul to Schiphol
The journey from Sydney to Amsterdam is no quick jaunt. It’s a full 23-hour haul, and I flew with KLM (code sharing with Qantas on the first leg to Hong Kong). I scored a window seat with decent legroom and managed a solid sleep on the way to Hong Kong, which definitely helped.
Top tip for long haul flyers: If you’re stopping in Hong Kong and don’t have lounge access, head to one of the free public showers in Terminal 1. You’ll find them near Gate 12 (West Hall) and Gate 43 (East Hall). They’re clean, open 24/7, and include shampoo, body wash and hair dryers. You can even grab a single-use towel and toiletries from a vending machine inside. After 12+ hours in the air, it felt like a small luxury… and made the next leg of the journey much more bearable.
The second leg with KLM was a bit more cramped and the aircraft felt older, but we landed on time and getting a taxi into the city was easy.
Where I Stayed: Max Brown Hotel Canal District
Tucked right in the heart of Amsterdam, just a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station, I checked in to the Max Brown Hotel Canal District. I arrived early in the morning to grey skies and a wintry chill but stepping into the hotel felt like getting a big warm hug. The reception area doubles as a coffee bar, all velvet couches, bookshelves and bikes hanging in the window. Cosy and colourful and very Amsterdam.
I’d pre-booked the night before so I could check in immediately and sleep off the flight. My small room was tucked under the eaves with tartan wallpaper, a basketball hoop (yes, really), a comfy queen bed and an ensuite with steaming hot water. There was even a blackout blind on the skylight to keep the daylight out while I snoozed.
And snooze I did. A couple of hours later, I was ready to explore…
Reunions, Champagne and a Rooftop Bar
That afternoon, I met up with two of my closest friends from the UK, Naomi and Becky, for our first catch-up of the year.
We started at Café Luxembourg, scoring a coveted table outside on the cobblestones. We shared a bottle (ok, two) of Taittinger Champagne and laughed until our cheeks hurt.
Next stop: the stylish W Lounge, a rooftop bar with sweeping views across the city and a cocktail menu worth writing home about. We ordered Negronis, zucchini carpaccio with feta, warm olives and freshly baked focaccia. Jet lag? What jet lag…
Dinner was at Bistro Amsterdam, a stocky little restaurant dishing up hearty, traditional Dutch food. I went for sausage, mash and gravy, the kind of comforting plate that hits the spot after a long flight and a busy first day. The welcome was as warm as the food, and I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Exploring the City
Day two began with a walk along the canals in search of the famous Amsterdam Flower Market. While I didn’t find fresh flowers, there were plenty of bulbs and some very colourful wooden tulips. What I did find was Heinen Delfts Blauw, a lovely shop selling authentic Dutch blue pottery. I picked up earrings to match my beautiful CAMILLA Glaze and Graze dress and a few little treasures for home.
Next stop: the Van Gogh Museum. Quietly moving and beautifully curated, it’s worth taking a look. My favourite piece was Almond Blossom; delicate, floral and bright.
After a morning of art, we stumbled across Bramble, a small Mediterranean spot where we shared padron peppers, jamon and creamy mozzarella. Simple food done beautifully.
Evening Drinks and Spontaneous Piercings
Later that night, we found Nieuw Amsterdam, a bar not far from the hotel with art deco interiors, excellent wine and just the right kind of buzz.
And then, in one of those “we’re on holiday” moments, we spontaneously decided to get our ears pierced again. Cleopatra Ink was clean and stylish. Our piercer spoke little English, but she was precise, gentle and incredibly professional. One of those unexpected memories that sticks.
The Stroopwafel Saga
You can’t go to Amsterdam without trying a stroopwafel, but be warned: the famous Van Wonderen Stroopwafels are more about the Instagram moment than the flavour. Mine cost €14 (around $25 AUD) and was far too sweet. Aesthetically pretty, but not worth the hype.
Instead, head to Hans Egstorf, the oldest bakery in Amsterdam, where a box of ten stroopwafels will set you back less than that one from Van Wonderen. They’re tastier too.
If You’re Planning a Trip…
Anne Frank House is a must-see, but only if you book ahead. Tickets are released six weeks in advance and sell out fast. I missed out but walked past the house to get a feel for the area and quietly paid my respects. I’ll be back to do it properly one day.
Cannabis culture is very visible here. The smell is everywhere, it’s part of Amsterdam’s identity, but if you’re travelling with kids or are sensitive to strong smells (like me), it’s worth noting. By day three, I was craving clean air and green space.
What to pack: Amsterdam has a mild maritime climate. I visited in early summer and despite bringing jeans, tees, a cotton dress and layering pieces, I was cold most of the time. Next time, I’ll add a scarf and heavier layers, especially for evenings.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is the kind of place that wraps you up in its quirks; crooked canal houses, cobbled laneways, bicycles whizzing past, the hum of a city both old and new. It’s lively, cultural, a little bit edgy… but still somehow comforting.
For a mum’s getaway, it ticked all the boxes: great food, excellent wine, beautiful museums, spontaneous moments and time with friends who feel like family. And with Schiphol Airport being a major hub, it’s the ideal place to start or end a European adventure.
Would I go again? In a heartbeat… maybe next time with more layers and an Anne Frank ticket in hand…
