Although Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, it feels like a world of its own. The city offers its visitors the chance to experience art, culture, history, mouth-watering cheese, narrow canals and a myriad of vices.

During my postgraduate studies at the University of Glasgow in 2016, I visited Amsterdam, which is located in the northern part of Holland. 

While I was in Amsterdam with a friend, we made the most of our time. We cruised through the elaborate canals, partook in coffeeshop culture, took photos with the classic ‘I Amsterdam’ sign in front of the Rijksmuseum, saw the Anne Frank House, explored the Dam Square, admired the floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt), and saw the Royal Palace and Leidseplein. During our tour of the canals, the boat went under countless bridges and we passed by many 17th-century buildings and other houseboats.

While in Amsterdam, I wish we had the time to have visited the Hague, the Van Gogh Museum, and seen the paintings by the Dutch and Flemish artists at the Rijksmuseum.

Although we only stayed in Amsterdam for a few days, we day-tripped to Utrecht by train. The train ride from Amsterdam to the adorably quaint city is less than 30 minutes. It’s old town boasts medieval architecture and flair. One of the most striking features in the city’s skyline is the Dom Tower.  The gothic tower was previously connected to a church, but was removed from the church after a storm destroyed parts of it over 300 years ago. Here is a comprehensive site that offers insight on things to do in Utretch.