Amsterdam is full of stories. Some are obvious and famous; others are well hidden in quiet streets or behind bricked walls. Over the years, I’ve shared a lot of them here on Amsterdamian. My collection is quite varied: photos from my wanderings along canals, places I discovered, people I’ve met, and hidden finds that make this city so special. This was my way of exploring a new city and, later, uncovering new layers of what I’d come to call my home for so many years.
Some stories have clearly struck a chord with readers more than others. Certain posts get shared again and again, spark messages from fellow explorers, or even inspire people to see the city in a new way. Sometimes, articles I wrote on a whim brought so many emails that I couldn’t believe it. Photos I took a long time ago still inspire others, and they’ve been used in creating new art. I find that amazing.
Today, I want to highlight some of the favourites, the stories that have made the biggest impact so far.
I selected these articles based on the number of visits, but I’ll also mention a few that sparked many emails and discussions. And I’d like to mention that, while this list is about the clicks, for me, all the articles are about moments of my life that inspired them. One of the reasons I don’t delete old articles, even when they are not bringing traffic, is that each of them is a reminder of a moment, of a feeling. Fragments of my life, in photos and words that sometimes might not resonate with others.
If you’re a long-term reader of Amsterdamian, you will recognise some of these stories. If you’re new here, I hope this article will help you discover the blog a bit better, easier, deeper. Think of it as a mix of inspiration, nostalgia, and a reminder of why Amsterdam keeps surprising me (and hopefully will surprise you too).
Top 3 Articles on Amsterdamian
1. A Day in De Pijp Neighbourhood, Amsterdam
This is a guide for locals and tourists alike to discover the beautiful De Pijp neighbourhood. De Pijp is a charming, bohemian neighbourhood in Amsterdam, right outside the canal rings and neighbouring the famous Museumplein area; it’s a part of the bigger borough called Oud-Zuid. It feels residential, yet lively, thanks to its many markets, shops, and restaurants. Definitely worth visiting.
2. A Day in the Jordaan Neighbourhood, Amsterdam
Another neighbourhood guide, often trading places with the one above. Jordaan is another part of Amsterdam that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the city, and the number of people visiting this page is a proof of its fame.
3. Best Day Trips from Amsterdam: 16 Dutch Cities You Need to Visit
Another popular one, this article has 16 suggestions of Dutch cities to visit. These are all cities I’ve visited and loved, so I thought adding them in a list would be helpful for others. It turned out to be useful.
For the next fifteen entries, I’ve selected a few articles that received roughly the same number of visits.
Wild parakeets living in Amsterdam
This was in top three when I first published it and a good while after. Looks like many people are interested in the green, noisy birds flying around in Amsterdam, when they seem more suited to a jungle than a city.
Shopping for Arts and Crafts and Hobby Supplies in Amsterdam
Originally written somewhere in 2013 I believe, and updated over the years, this is my collection of places to buy hobby supplies in Amsterdam. Many of these shops are the kind of places where you enter and want to spend your entire salary on supplies.
Where to Shop for Organic Products in Amsterdam
As the name says, this is my list of places where you can buy organic products in Amsterdam. No matter what your reason for shopping organic, in Amsterdam there is a good range of shops and markets (and some really cool people) that bring these products as close to us as possible. Some of them are supermarket chains and others are small shops where you’ll find not only an array of fresh, wholesome goods, but also a community of friendly people dedicated to bringing these products within easy reach.
Can You Really Swim in the North Sea?
A question that pesters many newcomers, I guess. It is a valid question and the answer isn’t quite black and white.
A Lovely Day Trip: Gouda, the City of Cheese
This article about Gouda has many visits and it seems to keep growing. I believe it’s a city many tourists want to visit, and it certainly won’t disappoint if you’re looking for cosy Dutch architecture and Dutch traditions.
Unleash Your Creativity: over 30 English-Taught Courses and Workshops in Amsterdam
This is another article written a long time ago and continuously updated. I think it’s a great selection of courses and workshops that expats can attend in Amsterdam. And with so many creative people around and a city that inspires, these courses are always in demand.
Dutch Provinces: a Complete Guide to Exploring the Netherlands’ Treasures
In 2022, I started a project called “Discover the Netherlands, Province by Province“. Because there are 12 Dutch provinces, the plan was to discover a province each month. I wanted to travel to at least four places in that province and tell their stories, through words and images. Personal circumstances forced me to stop the project after only five provinces, but what a journey it was! And I continued to add new provinces through the years, and it’s still a work in progress, as I have yet to visit some of them (plus the many places I haven’t seen in the provinces I’ve already covered, and the returns!).
13 Inspiring Initiatives to Reduce Food Waste in the Netherlands
A collection of cool initiatives that aim to reduce food waste in the Netherlands. This is a subject dear to my heart and I’m glad to see so many people are looking for this kind of information.
How to Explore Amsterdam. The Best City Passes for Tourists and Locals
This article if for tourists coming to Amsterdam or the newcomers who are still figuring out the best way to explore their new home. It’s full of useful information so it’s no wonder it’s among the most visited.
SAIL Amsterdam 2025: Everything You Need to Know About This Amazing Sailing Festival
SAIL Amsterdam is a festival that truly represents Amsterdam’s spirit: a past (and present) connected to water, to sailing and adventures, a love for exploring and openness to new people and ideas. It’s a maritime festival where, for a couples of days, hundreds of ships from the entire world gather in Amsterdam’s port. These can be tall ships (old and new), historical replicas, luxury yachts or even a submarine! Even if this is about SAIL2025, it had so many visits that it’s now on top 20 most read.
Amsterdam in January: What to Do
This post has visitors in any season, even though it’s about Amsterdam in January. Let me know if you think I should do this for more months of the year. Maybe one in each season?
The Best Non-Mainstream Things to Do in Amsterdam
This article has become one of the most visited on Amsterdamian because it offers a fresh perspective on the city. Instead of the usual tourist hotspots, it highlights unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s the kind of guide that helps people discover Amsterdam in a more personal, authentic way, which is why it continues to attract so much interest.
Special Mentions
This article used to be in the top 5 at some point. I’ve received many questions and emails regarding this bridge, and I had in mind to write a longer story at some point. Many pass by this bridge without realising it was once an important spot in the city, that it had a tower, or that it even served as a prison for a time.
A post from 2011, at the beginning of my blog. Today, this would be only an Instagram post (and so is the case for many of my early articles). I even forgot where I took that photo (it’s somewhere in the Jordaan) and had trouble finding it years later, but this brought much interest from readers.
Life in the Time of Coronavirus | Part 1 | Part 2 |Part 3 |Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
This series started with my Coronavirus journal and captured life in the Netherlands during the pandemic times, through the eyes of ordinary people. Each story offers a glimpse into how individuals adapted, coped, and found meaning in an uncertain time. Its authenticity and emotional honesty made it one of the most read and relatable series on the blog. Thanks to everyone who contributed!
Looking back at these stories, I’m reminded of why I started Amsterdamian in the first place: to share the city (and later the country) as I see it, one corner, one person, one experience at a time. Each article holds a piece of my life, my curiosity, and my love for Amsterdam, and it’s incredible to see how readers connect with them in their own way. I hope this roundup gives you a sense of the city’s charm, its surprises, and the stories that make it feel alive. There are many more streets to wander, hidden gems to uncover, and tales to tell, so consider this just a small glimpse of what’s waiting for you here on Amsterdamian.
Stay tuned for more and follow Amsterdamian on Instagram and Facebook for more stories about life in the Netherlands. Please share this post if you liked it!
Check out my photo book: Amsterdam Through the Seasons!
Love what you’re reading? Support my work with a small donation.
