×

Heroine In Heels is a top 10 London lifestyle blog aimed at the modern day woman. Covering things to do in London, restaurant reviews, hotels as well as where to go in the world when you want to escape London

I AMsterdam Part 2

Sunday 4 August 2013
IMG_5751

Having found our feet in Amsterdam we were keen to really delve into history and attractions that the city had to offer. Yesterday we had looked enviously at the sun seekers lounging on their boats, with not a care in the world, so as the sun was still shining; we decided two could play at that game.

All aboard!

IMG_5754

We floated down the many canals of Amsterdam on an open top tour cruise, listening as our guide explained to us so many of the buildings we had seen the day before.

In Amsterdam there are strict regulations of building work and modification of properties. Because the buildings are so old and of a certain design, and rework is frowned upon, and is extremely hard to get approval from. This also includes the inside too, so no crazy glass walls or trampoline floors, Cribs USA style!

IMG_5753\

Also because Amsterdam is so flat, the land is very susceptible to flooding, and so the land pressure is a carefully controlled science, so new housing is rarely built. This has meant there is a shortage of properties. However one thing they are not short on are canals, and so the residents have taken to the water. 

These canal boats are permanent fixed residents, with water, electricity and gas. They have an address and post is delivered to them. So of them don’t even look like boats, but more like chalets on water. 

IMG_5764 IMG_5766 IMG_5767 IMG_5769 IMG_5774

After our taking the weight off our feet for a couple of hours we were back on the road, and feeling inspired to see the hot spots of Amsterdam, there was only one place on our minds. I AMsterdam. 

IMG_5783

Situated behind the Rijksmuseum, the large 3D I AMsterdam sculpture is an icon and of course a sought after photo opportunity. Always the ready photographer I was keen to capture the moment... along with about a hundred other people. Every which way people were on it, around it, in front of it, making getting a decent shot much harder than I imagined.

Plus a pesky fountain stands in the way of getting a full width shot. Better start saving for a wide angle lens then.

IMG_5785 IMG_5786 IMG_5788 IMG_5798 IMG_5799 IMG_5802 IMG_5808 IMG_5809

Now I’m known for sometimes still being a bit of child, so seeing little kids cast off their shoes and dive into the fountain, I decided to follow my inner child.  Well, why do they get all of the fun?

IMG_5810 IMG_5813 IMG_5816

Isn't this the coolest house art you have seen?

There was one thing about Amsterdam that both me and Nessa were disappointed in, and that was the food, or lack of it. As Amsterdam is such a tourist destination every single outlet is a burger joint, pizza place or steakhouse. There isn’t really a Dutch cuisine. Being such a foodie, this was really disappointing as I consider it my hobby eating out at unusual and unique places. 

IMG_5823

However while it wasn’t the authentic Dutch cuisine we so desperately sort, we stumbled upon the most gorgeous Middle Eastern cafe. Located in a converted church, Bazar served authentic Middle Eastern food, which was a feast for the eyes as well as the belly.

We both opted for the Lahmacun Turkish Pizza (Saved on food envy) which topped with finely chopped veal mixed with fresh tomato sauce, Middle Eastern spices, Kashkaval cheese and with a mint yogurt dip. 

IMG_5822
IMG_5825

I’ve always loved Middle Eastern food, having gained a love for it from the many street food stalls dotted around London. If you have never tried any type of Middle Eastern I seriously recommend you get your butt over to the nearest stall, you haven’t lived until you’ve had Yumurtalı ekmek which is a sort of French toast.

IMG_5897

Now having said previously that Amsterdam was a misunderstood city because everyone thinks that it is just Sex and drugs, well I still stand by that, however I cannot deny that Amsterdam does have that side to it. We all know about the Red Light District and its tolerance to prostitution. Now while me and Nessa are hardly going to go down that route, we were curious to see a little more ‘Adult’ Amsterdam. Well, when in Rome Amsterdam.

The Sex Museum is right on the busiest street of Amsterdam, , just in front of the Central Train Station, so hardly hiding down some seedy back street. And that is just it, nothing in Amsterdam is seedy. I will admit I thought I’d have genitals thrust in my face (pun totally intended) yet there is no of that, it is absolutely discrete, you could pass on by without ever really coming into contact with Sex and Drugs- OK, minus the sign for the Sex Museum that is. 

IMG_5828

Now I’m afraid there are no pictures as one, I didn’t take any and two I defiantly couldn’t have out any up. I would be shut down in a flash! Let’s just say you have to go in with an open mind, and not be prudish in the slightest. I said it was discrete... on the outside. Inside is another ball game.

However never one to leave you in the dark here is a cheeky snap. Don’t say I don’t treat you.

IMG_5834

Feeling a little wide eyed and stunned, we defiantly needed a strong one! In the few days I had to prepare for Amsterdam I had heard of this little cocktail bar called Hiding in Plain Sight. It has a reputation of being one of the best cocktail bars in Europe. Well with that reputation I had to try it for myself. 

IMG_5837

It is a tiny little bar, hidden rather in a quiet, suburban part of town; an odd place for a bar, but then this was no commercial tourist dive. This was pure cocktail mastery. No fluffy fruit punch to be found here. Only the good stuff.

The menu was as cheeky as it was it was difficult to choose. However having chosen our tipples we were both extremely pleased. Strong, dark and classic. No messing. I can see why it has gained a reputation. Hiding in Plain Sight was good. 

IMG_5840

If not a little off beat... Serrano ham anyone?

IMG_5836 IMG_5843 IMG_5841 IMG_5838

Finally having a little Dutch courage (Man I am on FIRE with these puns today) we decided to pay a visit to the one and only Red Light District. Now again, no photos are it is strictly prohibited to take photos of the girls, however I will again leave you with a lingering shot of down the street. 

IMG_5845

Was it what you expected? 

Click here to enter my Thomas Sabo Giveaway? - ends 5th August.  
IMG_4728


Follow on Bloglovin

22 comments:

  1. Thanks for you comment - I've just found your blog and love it already.
    This just looks like the best trip ever!!

    I'm pretty jealous :)

    You take amazing photo's, i'm so bad at photo's!!

    Kelly || DayDreamsDaisyChains.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I am so pleased you love it! :)

      I would whole heartily recomend Amsterdam to anyone.

      Oh thanks, and you are not terrible at all. Trust me I've only gotten better with lots of practice and after taking lots of terrible pictures too! xx

      Delete
  2. those cocktails look mental!! The weed out there isnt chemical crap like it is over here too so your mind isnt all mental. I love the last picture too it's not seedy at all i think the legality of it makes it alot safer!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The cocktails were lovely. I don't do drugs, so I can't personally comment, but I can imagine that being the case. x

      Delete
  3. The place looks amazing I wish I was there and you look stylish and beautiful enjoying yourself.
    http://tifi11@blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. weirdest comment BUT you have really nice eyebrows, haha! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not at all. In fact I loved this comment. I love my eyebrows, but there not to everyone's taste, so the fact that you like them is music to my ears :) xx

      Delete
  5. Loved the post Hun, you d made me really want to visit x

    ReplyDelete
  6. I lived in Amsterdam in 2000, so this was a nice blast from the past! It took me a month to find a decent place (and I paid through the nose for it) and move out of corporate accommodation.

    Is the diamond-replica of Van Gogh's sunflowers still on display in the diamond exchange across from the Van Gogh Museum? I used to love standing in front of it, staring at all the canary yellow diamonds...

    If you ever go back, I recommend L'Express Restaurant on Utrechtsestraat. Not Dutch food, but a fabulous little Franco-Belgian restaurant. Some friends of mine went there in February this year after I recommended it, and said it was amazing. I was chuffed to hear it was still good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? I hope I did your city justice!
      I didn't actually go to the Van Gogh, so I'm not sure, but that sounds stunning. There were so many other things I wanted to do, but just didn't have time. Might mean another trip soon then... ha
      Oh I wish I had heard about this place before, Franco- Belgian sounds lovely. :) xx

      Delete
  7. Amsterdam looks so lovely! It is such a shame that it has that reputation for those two things, i personally would never have thought to go here but after reading you're post i have changed my mind! Fab post and lovely blog :) xx

    Claire does beauty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah it was so funny, because I had no interest really, as I thought it had this 'reputation', so it was Nessa who suggeted we go, but I'm glad she did.

      I think the biggest change was my mums mind, seeing my pictures, she was like, Oh, its nice!

      Delete
  8. aw wish I'd heard of hiding in plain sight before I went to the Dam. Loving your photos and tales! x

    ReplyDelete
  9. You really seem to have got the most out of your time in Amsterdam! :)

    www.gingerbreadsmiles.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for stopping by my blog hun :) I've followed yours. Stay in touch xx

    www.polkadotsnw.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great post! This looks good, Thanks for sharing!

    Brittany, xx

    http://polkaanddots.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  12. I adore amsterdam its one of the prettiest places and the people are lovely, also how good is the food!!

    Looks like you had a great time, ive followed you! Have a browse over at my blog @

    http://sophie-henderson.blogspot.co.uk

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. After reading both of your posts I want to go to Amsterdam! I love your photos especially those of you paddling. Those cocktails....wow!

    Em

    Em’s Mixed Bag

    ReplyDelete
  14. So funny to read this blog post as I am from Amsterdam. It feels like seeing the city I bike through every day (and know so well) through a tourist's eyes. And I mean this in a funny & positive way! I'm happy you enjoyed your visit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? Oh I hope I did your city proud! I thoroughly enjoyed your city :) Thanks for having me! :) x

      Delete
  15. Your photos are awesome! I'm going to Amsterdam in January! I'm excited! x

    ReplyDelete
  16. That food looks so good!
    http://golddustk.blogspot.co.uk/
    x

    ReplyDelete