The Dutch are proud of their botanicals, their world famous tulips are not only a major export but bring crowds of visitors to their country to see them in bloom each spring. I decided to visit in the fall instead and arrived by train in Amsterdam in late September just as the leaves were beginning to turn.
A walkable European city like Amsterdam is always appealing to me. One of my favorite things in life in exploring a new town on foot, ducking down streets and looking into shop windows. The calm I felt strolling around Amsterdam was a most pleasant experience. It’s a quiet city on a weekday, with only the sounds of the boats moving through the canals and the occasional bicycle bell letting you know they’re close.
The dark iron railings, lamp posts, and black trim on the houses were the perfect contrast to the fall palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Shops and neighborhood flower markets were showing off their botanicals too. As the sun slowly set over the buildings and cast shadows across the canals and streets, the city became more irresistible. I found it to be quite romantic, the perfect place to step out in a fall coat and stroll around with your special person, ducking into cafes for an aperitif or meal.
Interested in an autumn walk through the streets of Amsterdam? Let’s go:
Everyone raves about Netherlands in spring, but having experienced it, autumn is equally lovely.