I mean, how many times have I been to Amsterdam? SO MANY. I wrote a blog post on best and worst things to do in the city (which you can read HERE) last year, so I’m thinking the five times I mentioned now makes January’s trip the sixth time!
If you’re looking for a guide to the city, that post is definitely more of use, as in this one, I want to focus on Amsterdam Noord, and the weekend I had! We jumped on a plane from Gatwick airport, flying with Easyjet in mid-January and costs were about 30-40 pounds per person (before paying for seating). We were staying with Kayle’s cousins Lloyd and LT as it was Lloyd’s 30th birthday, so we were super excited to celebrate!
After getting picked up at Schipol airport, we then went back to their flat, where LT and I got to make a little video for my channel (you can watch it below!). In the evening, we took a bus into the city centre and caught a boat trip to see the Light Festival which was spectacular.
THE LIGHT FESTIVAL
Twinkling lights, modern installations and projections scattered the banks, and the boat itself was beautiful. Heated seats and blankets were provided, along with a commentary (which was in Dutch but the lovely hosts gave us english notes!) and unlimited mulled wine and hot chocolate – bliss.
NDSM WERF
The following day was the day of Lloyd’s party, and even though we wanted to chill, LT suggested we explore a little bit of Noord, which I was super excited for. We ended up driving to former shipyard NDSM Wef, which has now been refurbished into a hub for artists.
Street art lines the walls, skate parks dominate, and it’s a honeypot for the youth looking for somewhere cool to hang out. Old ship building bunkers have been transformed into artist studios, and many of the areas are multipurpose, being used for concerts and markets every month.
Returning to the flat, we stuck into a traditional Dutch meal of Stamppot, a blend of sausage and mashed potato mixed with spinach (spoiler alert – it’s tasty as hell!) Bellies full and oh-so-satisfied, we chilled until the evening, when we headed back to the city centre for drinks with friends and family.
I would totally recommend Amsterdam Noord as an alternative from the city itself. Have you been? What do you love about Amsterdam?
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If I could move to NDSM werf right now I would it’s such an place to explore.
Author
I was such a big fan of it! It totally has your name on it, hehe! Thanks for reading Emma x
Love this post. GORGEOUS photos and a great little guide!
Hannah x
http://www.laststoplunar.com
Author
Awe thank you so much Hannah, what lovely words 🙂
I also celebrated Galentines with my girls xx Love your photos, they give me such a vibe!
Author
Yas I love a wee bit of Galentines fun! Awe thank you so much Alice!
Can I just say how much I love your pictures?! The colors are so lush and there’s such depth to each – what camera do you use?
The light festival and all the street art looks so interesting, and somehow your clothes fit perfectly with the atmosphere. <3
Author
Hey Evelyne thank you so much! I use the Canon EOS M3 if I’m not mistaken hehe, it’s an amazing camera! x
I have always wanted to go to Amsterdam and these photos make me want to go even more! The colors and art are so beautiful, you look amazing as well, I’m in love with your outfit!
http://www.borntobebright.com
Really appreciated this article and background/perspective. Thanks, Lloyd.
Author
Thank you!