Amsterdam

I’d recommend Amsterdam in the Spring to nearly anyone. The city has so much to offer and between tulips and bicycles, what’s not to love? We visited some amazing historic sites, ate wonderful vegan food at fast casual and high end cafes, but the clear star of the show was Keukenhof, the enormous gardens in nearby Lisse. You can purchase an admission ticket that includes the shuttle from Amsterdam, and overall the logistics are well orchestrated. It was so beautiful it is hard to describe.

We also spent time at The Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and just enjoying the canals and culture. We had wonderful build-your-own salads at SLA. We stayed at the Hyatt Andaz Amsterdam, and while nothing will ever compare to the hotel joy that was the Andaz Tokyo (I will never get over the tub and the views and daily chocolate), it was meticulous and the staff were phenomenal.

We made reservations at Bolenius and it was a delightful, high-end experience. Every bit of the dining experience had been thought through, and the dimly lit dining room and experiential food was made it a wonderful way to spend an evening. You’re meant to enjoy the multiple courses, so don’t go in a rush. The menu is seasonal and constantly changing but trust me - everything is perfection.