While I was in Amsterdam, I took a day trip out to see the windmills and fishing villages in the Netherlands. The destinations were beautiful, and a good breather from the central which I found quite packed on most days.

We covered the Zaanse Schans windmill, Marken island and Volendam fishing village. Although I'm not one to go on tours (simply because I prefer exploring on my own, rather than adhere to a strict itinerary), I was with family this time. And you know with family they would always prefer the safer and convenient option... And so I just decided to go along with the flow.
The sights at the windmill and village were enjoyable nonetheless.

The bus tour is about SGD$80-90. If you travelled via trains, buses and ferries, the price will be about half of the amount!

Zaanse Schans Windmills

The workspace inside the windmill.






The first stop was the windmills! When you're in Holland, the Dutch windmills just have to be on your list of sightseeing places. Apparently, there was once 100 over windmills here at Zaanse Schans, but they have now been reduced to 7.

Although relatively crowded with tourists at times, it's still a place that's worth visiting! There are also demonstrations held inside the windmills for visitors who are keen to find out how they operate, so if you're keen you can pay a small fee to see the windmill's inner workings. Or well, you can just hang around the porches and fields with the windmill in the background like 95% of the other tourists to take photos LOL.

Zaanse Schans also has really charming green houses and small farms which just adds to the quaint atmosphere of this town.

Marken Island

Marken is a seaside island that is accessible via a ferry. Similarly to Zaanse Schans, there are a lot of quaint green houses that lined the harbour when we first set foot onto the island. It's an island with a strong fishing community and culture.

We didn't spend too long here (probably cause we were rushing for time), but the tour group brought us to a wooden clog factory for us to have a first hand experience to see how the Dutch clogs were made. Still kinda amazing that people still wear them even today lol.

Volendam Fishing Village

The last, and probably my favourite stop of this day trip would be the Volendam fishing village!! Volendam has a couple of restaurants, cafes, bars and souvenir shops right at the harbour, so there is a lot more to do here. The bars/restaurants have some of the freshest fish dishes here.

There is a cheese factory here that allows you a whole range of cheese to sample (I tried like 10 types at least) before I settled on a smoked cheese and two years aged gouda cheese to bring back for Han. I also got a few tins of stroopwafels for my girlfriends here :')
The souvenir shops here are kinda similar to the ones back in Amsterdam, but some things are cheaper here.


The whole day trip with the tour group was done in half a day, so if you're doing it on your own, you can dedicate a couple of hours more for each stop. That's what I would have done haha I wish it was slower paced.

But like every other one of my experiences with tour groups and buses, this itinerary was jam packed. We rushed from one place to the other and barely have any time to soak in what the town has to offer or interact with the locals. I haven't taken a tour bus in years because I'm usually with family when I do, but this day trip just reaffirms my not-so-positive stance on tour buses.

BUT, if you're someone who prefers to have everything planned out for you without having to worry about navigation or when you'll have to catch the last bus back, then consider a tour bus. I'd admit it's very convenient. You pay a sum upfront and have all the transportations laid out for you so you don't have to stress about anything. It feels good to be able to just chill/crash on the bus and wake up at your next sightseeing destination.

Personally, I don't think it's for me or anyone who prefers having more control over their own time and itinerary. But to each it's own y'know.


I'm also left with the final part to my Europe/UK posts, that's going to cover my day trip to Bruges, Belgium! Can't believe the Europe series is actually coming to an end.

But that's a good thing cause I've been wanting to work on my Bangkok trip video (on the Ayutthaya Temples, sunflower fields and monkey temple) before I'm tossed back into the hectic school curriculum in mid August so... Hopefully I'll get around to completing that soon too heh. It's been eight months since my trip to Bangkok omg haha.

Check out my other travel posts:
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 1) - City of London
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 2) - Edinburgh, Scotland
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 3) - Amsterdam Central
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 4) - Windmills and Fishing Villages in the Netherlands
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 5) - Bruges, Belgium

I went to Amsterdam sometime around early Summer, which I thought wasn't the best time to visit. Everything was just kind of... Normal? If you visit in Spring, you could take a day trip to visit their stunning tulip fields. If it were Autumn/Winter, Autumn foliages and snow will be surrounding the whole townscape.

Anyhow, Amsterdam is still beautiful, even in June. It got pretty gloomy on some days with its frequent showers and cloudy skies, but it's still a sight even then. If there's anything I really loved about Amsterdam, it will be how the city is so saturated in its diverse art scenes. Art galleries, museums and exhibits is dotted throughout the whole Dutch capital, it's impossible to even cover them all. They even have a number of concept stores (be it for food or fashion), which are my favourite!!



I am particularly disappointed that I didn't get to cover some of the major museums because I only had four days (six if you count the two day trips I took elsewhere) in Amsterdam. If you're an Arts person, you will fall in love with this city. You'll just be able to find some sort of pleasing aesthetics at every crook and cranny of this charming place.

I didn't get to take a lot of pictures while I was here cause I was mainly museum hopping and shopping most of the time, but here's just a gist of what I covered.

Amsterdam Centraal

This is the stop you'll end up at if you're taking the train from the Schiphol Airport to the heart of Amsterdam. I only came to this place on the second day cause I took a tram from the airport to my hostel. It costs €6 each ride btw :')

If you're taking the trains for any day trips out of Amsterdam, you'll probably come by here too. It's a spot teeming with tourists (well it is the main station that everyone gets out of), and you can find many canal cruise tours here as well!





I thought that this is one of the most photogenic spot in Amsterdam! You can see the canals and the Dutch houses in all its grandeur without any random trees blocking the view. There's also a dock that makes for even better framing for the pictures.

Amsterdam is also swarming with souvenir and gift shops. There are rows of it here at Amsterdam Central, but their items are more expensive than in other shops around the city.

Blooememrkt 

As someone who absolutely adores (almost) all things floral, the Blooememrkt, also known as Amsterdam's floating flower market, is an ultimate floral haven. You can get beautiful bouquets here at half the price of what you'd normally get in Singapore. Five peonies at only SGD$6?? It would have cost at least times two of that in Singapore markets.

At one end of the flower market is one of the most breathtaking booths which had all of their dried flowers hung up. And that booth smells soooo good.






Because flowers are so affordable, the people living in Europe often have the practice of buying a bouquet to gift their loved ones even if there isn't an occasion to do so. Some would also buy flowers just to decorate their living spaces. Meanwhile we Singaporeans do that with synthetic fabric flowers back at home lol.

Even if you don't plan to buy any flowers, you'll still be able to see many interesting souvenirs and gifts! The market not only sells bouquets, cacti, seeds, tulips buds, magnets, porcelain crafts, postcards and a whole lot more. Just opposite the flower market, you'll also see specialty cheese shops and art stores here. No surprise to find out where all my money went :')

Albert Cuyp Markt

The most famous market in Amsterdam, and it's understandably so because of all the goodies they have. I came here on an empty stomach, and I'm so grateful I did cause I got to indulge and savour all the delicacies at a much more affordable price here. So yes, come here prepared with an empty stomach. They have all the "must-eat" Dutch foods you see all over other travel guides.

Some of commonly raved Dutch foods are:
1) Stroopwafels - these very thin waffle-like biscuits made from Dutch milk that comes with a thin layer of caramel (or chocolate/honey if you prefer something different from the original) in between.
2) Raw Herring - raw fish that comes with pickles, onions and a sandwich
3) Frites - thick cut fries that often comes with a dollop of sauce of your choice
4) Kibbeling - deep fried battered fish that comes with a sauce alike to tar tar
5) Dutch Cheese




Before coming to this market, I have already tried stroopwafels from a bakery not too far from my hostel, but it cost me €3 and I thought it wasn't that good?

But. I saw this long queue at this stroopwafel booth at Albert Cuyp. And what do Singaporeans do when they see a long queue? They join in, and that's what I did. Absolutely no regrets, I had an amazing original stroopwafel at only €1.50! That's half of what I paid for previously, and it was made fresh from the dough in front of me, and given to me piping hot.

What makes a stroopwafel so good is if it's really hot, because then the gooey layer of sweet caramel would just complement the buttery biscuit so much better. A hot stroopwafel makes allllll the difference.



I also got to try their kibbeling here at about €4! And because Han is a huge cheese fanatic, I also brought home three different types of cheese for him. There are cheese stores all over Amsterdam, so you can slowly take your pick on the ones you prefer best. I only got truffle cheese from Albert Cuyp Market, but I later got another smoked cheese and a two years aged gouda cheese from another store in Volendam. Han became a huge fan of their Dutch cheeses, especially the aged one.

You can also go to this market for some retail therapy! But like everywhere else in Europe except Primark, shopping could get quite costly.

Dam Square 

I chanced upon Dam Square while I was out just exploring the different neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. It's located right in the heart of Amsterdam, where the Royal Palace overlooks the whole square that is swarming with tourists, street performers and pigeons. Yes, pigeons.

I walked by Dam Square a couple of times, and each time there are always different street artists doing all sorts of tricks at this square.

Van Gogh Museum / Anne Frank House

These are the two museums I covered that required me to make ticket reservations way in advance. I've read that you'll normally have to book tickets to the Anne Frank House at least a month before, but I only finalised my Europe itinerary three weeks before I flew, so all tickets were sold out by then.

But still, I checked back on Anne Frank's website faithfully everyday, hoping that the Anne Frank House will release one or two more extra tickets. And I was lucky that they did! Just the night before (a bit past midnight), they released two extra tickets for a 5PM entry.

If the tickets for the dates you wanted are sold out, you can do the same and check back on the day itself to see if they've got any extras. They usually release one or two extra tickets. I had the same encounter for the Van Gogh Museum as they had a special exhibition then (Van Gogh in Japan) that caused the tickets to sell out much faster.

Although I covered these two museums, I still had regrets not making enough time for Rijksmuseum. ):

Pluk Cafe

This is one of the concept stores/cafes that a friend recommended to me, and yes the interior of this space is gorgeous. Food tends to be on the costly side. I'll admit I came here mainly because of Pluk's white-ish interior aesthetics haha.

It's a good place for photo if you're into the white aesthetics on your Instagram feed!! Hahaha.






I loved Amsterdam, and I would definitely come here again. Hopefully, I'll get to do so with Han because he probably loves places like these heh. I also didn't get to try any coffee shops (if you know what they are) in Amsterdam this time so I'd want to do so on my next trip!!

I also went on two other day trips from Amsterdam. One to Belgium, and another to the windmills and fishing villages in another part of the Netherlands. Can't wait to share about the windmills and fishing harbour in my next post!!


Check out my other travel posts:
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 1) - City of London
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 2) - Edinburgh, Scotland
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 3) - Amsterdam Central
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 4) - Windmills and Fishing Villages in the Netherlands
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 5) - Bruges, Belgium

Just a few hours away from London is Scotland's capital and medieval town, Edinburgh! It came up at the top of my list after my friend recommended me a few places around the UK, because Edinburgh's old town just spoke to me. The quaint rustic town was lovely, to say the least, with its cobblestone streets, medieval castles and charming architecture.

Never thought I'd get to be at a place that look like it came out from a fairytale, or the books!! But well then again, JK. Rowling did get inspired by this town to come up with Harry Potter's world.



If you like something that's reminiscent of the past olden days, you'll love Old Edinburgh. I have always been a sucker for old towns and historically preserved sites, so I really enjoyed my time and stay here. It is nothing like London, or any of the other places I visited before so this medieval town really did win my heart.

I spent two days here, which were a little too short for my liking. I think three nights would have been more sufficient. I didn't manage to cover some of the popular attractions such as Arthur's seat or take a roadtrip to the Isle of Skye (cause lame me still haven't gotten myself a driver's license lol), but I'm sure there will be a next time!!

For now, these are the highlights during my time at Edinburgh!

Dean Village

Starting with my inclination to more picturesque and rustic sites. Dean Village, also formerly known as the 'Water of Leith Village', is probably the most scenic and peaceful site that is much detached from the Edinburgh city. Think narrow cobbled alleyways, cottages and birds chirping away.

Honestly though, there isn't much to do here at the village other than to taking pictures or going for a leisurely stroll. Even so, there were a couple of visitors while I was there, and many were jogging along the Water of Leith walkway or taking their dogs out on walks here! It is a good respite from bustling cities like London.







There are no entry fees, and it's only about 10minutes away from the main shopping street in Edinburgh city. Consider getting there via an uber (from your hotel or wherever you are) cause it actually isn't too expensive? The public buses are 3.50 pounds per pax and per ride, regardless of distance. So if you have more people travelling Edinburgh with you, consider Uber! It might cost you only 7 to 10 pounds.

Edinburgh Castle

Does this not resemble House of Stark's sigil?? Hahaha.



Paid for the entry ticket here, which is 18.50 pounds (it's cheaper by 1.50 pounds if you purchase in advance), but I definitely had no regrets. Once a military base and defence fortress, it's now mainly a museum with multiple exhibition/memorial spaces. Although the entry fee is pretty steep, I'd say it's worth it!

Royal Mile

Just a super busy street that leads up to the Edinburgh castle, with numerous bars, gift shops and street performers dotting the thoroughfare. It is a tourist hotspot, so expect many gimmicky shops selling cashmere scarfs and snacks. I don't think it's all too bad though, it makes for quite a nice window shopping experience. And I did manage to get nice gifts for my boyfriend's parents and friends!

Something interesting that I came across was an occult and craft store, displaying an eclectic range of items from healing stones to tarot cards and even books on witchcraft. I realised that there were also some posters advertising a nighttime ghost tour. Soooo yeah, if you like that kinda stuff. Royal Mile is just a lively street teeming with people.

St. Gildes Cathedral 

A Cathedral that I happened to stop by because it was along the Royal Mile and I liked the architecture so I thought to take some pictures! The stained glass windows are like, a trademark for the medieval Europe cathedrals. And the ones in this cathedral just helped to brighten up and decorate the otherwise very gothic style of architecture.

No entry fees required for this one, but some of the staff/security may approach you to ask for donations. Since I was holding a camera and was snapping away, I did give a bit of donations.




I missed out on Grassmarket and Victoria Street due to time constraints, but they are also relatively popular tourist attractions!

There are several ways to get to Edinburgh from London, but the most popular option is to get there by train. However, I did manage to find quite a cheap budget flight (which destroyed my luggage ugh) so I took it instead since the travelling time was shorter. Still, I think I'd try travelling on Europe trains next time.

After Edinburgh, the next city I explored was Amsterdam!! Ahhh so much to love about their museums, canals, dutch houses and stroopwafels. More about that in the next post heh.


Check out my other travel posts:
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 1) - City of London
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 2) - Edinburgh, Scotland
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 3) - Amsterdam Central
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 4) - Windmills and Fishing Villages in the Netherlands
▶ First Steps into UK/Europe (part 5) - Bruges, Belgium