I’ve visited the city every year for as long as I can remember
I’ve visited Amsterdam every year for 8 years – and one thing keeps drawing me back(Image: ANDREY DENISYUK via Getty Images)
There are destinations you visit and recall with affection, and then there are those that leave you desperate to go back. For me, Amsterdam belongs firmly in the latter camp — I’ve now returned every year for the past eight years. Nestled in the Netherlands, Amsterdam boasts a fascinating past, having started life as a modest fishing village along the River Amstel.
Across the centuries, it evolved into one of Europe’s foremost trading hubs. During the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, it emerged as among the world’s most prosperous cities, drawing merchants and artists from far and wide. The city’s iconic canal system was constructed during this era, shaping the distinctive layout that captivates visitors to this day.
What captivates me most about Amsterdam is its architectural splendour.
The slender canal houses, adorned with elaborate gables and steeped in centuries of heritage, lend the city a charm unmatched anywhere else across Europe.
Strolling beside the canals feels like entering a living piece of history, yet the city never seems trapped in yesteryear.
Age-old structures nestle seamlessly alongside contemporary cafés, art galleries, eateries, and numerous boutiques.
I’m particularly fond of the Moco Museum in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum, and dining at Pancakes Amsterdam and Sandwichshop Amsterdam.
The canals themselves rank among Amsterdam’s finest draws.
Whether admired from a bridge, discovered by boat, or simply encountered while exploring the streets, they offer a tranquillity I’ve never experienced elsewhere.
Another factor that keeps me coming back is the weather. Despite what many assume, I’ve frequently been blessed with remarkably mild temperatures during my stays.
During my latest visit earlier this month, the mercury hit 28C, creating ideal conditions for lounging by the waterways, relaxing on outdoor terraces and wandering through the streets.
It’s also barely an hour’s flight from London, though I’m equally fond of taking a cruise to the country for a more leisurely journey.
After eight years in a row of visiting the city, my enthusiasm hasn’t waned.
Its convenient location near other destinations, such as Edam, also makes it an excellent starting point for wider exploration.
The blend of fascinating heritage, breathtaking buildings and charming canals keeps pulling me back time and again.