A visual celebration of Amsterdam: that uniquely romantic, bicycle-crazy model of freedom, tolerance, and diversity…
Stroll through inviting cobblestone alleys and along miles of picturesque canals, linger at a cozy cafe, then enjoy a hearty hotchpotch washed down with a crisp Dutch beer.
Alas, Amsterdam is (in)famous for her seedy side as well. Sex and soft drugs are sold here quite openly… not 100% legal, but not criminalized either. You need not leave the tourist areas to flirt with the working girls framed in glowing red or to catch the wafting fragrance of cannabis burning from dozens of so-called “coffee shops”.
But Amsterdam is so much more than a destination for sex tourists and “experience” seekers. She is also a place of rich culture and history. Prepare to stand in awe before the works of the Dutch masters and to be humbled and inspired by the painful life and inspiring writings of a young Jewish girl.
Meander among the delightfully crooked buildings and engage Amsterdam’s personable, well-educated, multilingual citizens and prepare to be charmed for life. Let’s go!
Table of Contents
About Frank’s Photography
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Map of Netherlands & Amsterdam
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Bicycles, Bicycles, Bicycles
To say that Amsterdam is bicycle-crazy is a gross understatement!
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The Famous Canals
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Food & Drink
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The In(famous) Coffeeshops
“Coffeeshops” are everywhere…
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Street Scenes
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Rijksmuseum
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Stedelijk Museum
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Anne Frank’s House
No photographs allowed inside, understandably so. A visit to the cramped spaces that only temporarily hid and protected an innocent Jewish girl and family will transform your forever.
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The In(famous) Red Light District
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Where to next? (Travel Stories)
Discover more from Frank J. Peter
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What a breathtaking array of images, Frank. I hope to travel there one day.
Thanks so much for diggin’ the pix, Lori. Here’s hoping that you travel there someday.
The same, and vastly different, from the vibrant city I visited years ago. A lovely photo journey!
Thanks, Annie. But you’ve got me quite curious about when you were there and how things have changed.
It was decades ago—and though crowded, not nearly as crowded as your photos demonstrate. And of course there was Anne Frank’s house, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the women in the windows, the weed-filled air, and the rijsttafel—I’ll never forget that wondrous array of small delights—one after another.
Thank you for taking us on a journey through Amsterdam with you. I have never been and not sure I’m up to travel like that anymore but your pictures are vibrant, quiet, soft, harshly realistic, and even haunting… great job Frank, and thanks for the trip! j
And thank YOU for joining me, J. And for receiving the images with the mix of honest and sensitive reactions you listed. It’s nice to know I’ve accomplished my task of communicating the essence of a place. All the best.
I had a great time when I visited. It’s a wonderful city. Thank you for sharing those photos, they brought back some great memories.
Thanks for sharing that, Edward. It’s so nice to know that the images brought back some great memories.
You’re very welcome, Frank.
This is great footage of a wonderful city. I’m reminded of many places I visited there, although a good few years ago. I found Anne Frank’s house emotional and amazing. The people, canals and bikes, coffee shops – I’ll never forget the atmosphere and vibe of Amsterdam!
It’s so nice to hear from you, Kath. I like your choices of words: atmosphere and vibe. It’s always one of my goals to honestly capture and share the feelings and energies of a place in a way that serves a purpose. It’s nice to know I’ve succeeded at least a little.
Ditto your comment about Anne Frank’s house. I still carry that energy with me everywhere I go.
All the best to you in music and life.
Cheers!
A particularly wonderful post, Frank. I was in Amsterdam just over a year ago (first visit in half a century, or thereabouts). I was recovering from a foot fracture, which limited my roaming, but luckily I was staying near the art museums. It’s a delight to see what I missed through your eyes!
Thanks for the most kind words of appreciation, Teresa. That’s misadventure number two that I’m aware of now. Anyway, it’s nice to know I’ve helped being your legs and eyes even for just a little while. All the best to you in travels and life.
I’ve heard so much about this place from friends but have never actually been there myself ~ now I feel as though I have! Thank you for sharing 😊
Thanks for the kind words of appreciation, Ana. It’s always one of my goals to “take others with me” as best and honestly as I can. It’s nice to know I’ve succeeded at least a little.
Indeed, you have so!
Wonderful, your photos have captured the wonderful energy of Amsterdam Frank..
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Sue. I really like your choice of words: ENERGY. It’s always one of my goals to honestly capture and share the ENERGY of a place in a way that serves a purpose. It’s nice to know I’ve succeeded at least a little. All the best.
Always you are welcome Frank… The photographic journey was wonderful xx Wishing you a lovely weekend xx
You always capture in your photos, Frank, the broad, complex, deep, and true essence of every place you visit, and we all get to experience that unique perspective with you! Thank you!!
Thank YOU, Anita, for the most kind words of appreciation and for receiving the images with the same intent and depth with which they were shared.
A nice reminder of a place I enjoyed. Thanks again, Frank, and I will keep rooting for you.
Thanks for joining on a trip down memory lane and for cheering me on, Gerald. All the best to you, old friend.