Become a student traveler with our guide on Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, a dynamic city on human scale

What you need to know:

Amsterdam is a dynamic city where you can discover yourself and create new memories. 

Finding a place is difficult in Amsterdam. The easiest is to find a room in a shared apartment. You can find many specialised websites online. 

The real Dutch always travel with his bike, a environmentally friendly alternative really adapted to the city. 

In order to meet people, there is a lot of Facebook's groups that create evenements, the perfect match to find some new friends.

A lot of markets are present all around the city: Bloemenmarkt, Lindengracht market & Albert Cuyp market. They all allow you to discover the spirit of the city.

Jordaan district is a place with small cafés, independent shops, warm pubs and trendy restaurants. This is the place to be! How to travel in Europe?

You probably think that the Netherlands is all about flowers, typical cheese, windmills and wooden shoes, but the Netherlands has so much to offer. You will discover a welcoming country, where you will quickly feel comfortable. The Dutch are friendly, welcoming and always ready to make you discover unique places.

The Netherlands will offer you beautiful beaches, quality natural landscapes, and a rich and present history in the soul of every city in the country.

As a major European capital, Amsterdam has been evolving for hundreds of years. While a large part of the city's historic centre and canal were built in the Dutch Golden Age, the other parts of the city reflect different eras, atmospheres and histories. For 6 months I had the pleasure of sharing the daily life of this city and its inhabitants with such warm charm.

How to find a place in Amsterdam ? 

All accommodation in Amsterdam is very complicated. The city welcomes many foreigners and is stuck between the sea and its canals. To find accommodation it is preferable to visit sites such as French People in Amsterdam on Facebook as well as Amsterdam Flat-hunting to be in contact with individuals subletting a room.

Going somewhere ? Use a bike !

There is only one law in Amsterdam, the bicycle law. Renting or buying a used bike is THE best way to get around Amsterdam. But beware the bike is a religion in this city, there is no question of strolling, the Dutch don't have much time. During these six months cycling seemed to me to be the easiest and cheapest solution, even if it must be said that the Amsterdam weather sometimes complicates things. But cycling brings a certain freedom to move around the city. Other means of transport are also possible such as bus, train or tram. All by the hour for a price of 2,90€. They are always on time and they cover most parts of the city.

Want to find a good place to eat or drink a coffee ?

Amsterdam certainly holds its place on the gastronomic front, offering a culinary variety that reflects the city itself. The restaurants offer everything a hungry visitor needs: from Indonesian cuisine to tapas, from Mediterranean to Dutch. As for bars, it is impossible to walk more than 10 metres through the city without coming across a welcoming café or a specialised bar, and Amsterdam's terraces are among the most welcoming and pleasant to spend a late afternoon on.

Favourite place: Cafe Chris is the oldest brown coffee in Jordaan. The artist Rembrandt frequently went there to find his inspiration. The decoration is authentic, the beer is good and the people are typical.

Cafe Chris, Bloemstraat 42, Amsterdam

Some good markets to go 

Being a fan of the markets, I was able to survey several of them during these few months. If, in addition to enjoying markets, you love BINGO plants and flowers! The Bloemenmarkt is the place where you can go all week long from 9am to 5.30pm. This popular market is filled with florists and tulips of course. A quite touristic place but it is interesting to go for a walk.

Bloemenmarkt, Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam

Bloemenmarkt, Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam

Do you want to meet the Dutch and do your food shopping for the week? The Lindengracht market or the Albert Cuyp market are for you. You can find fruits and vegetables from the region and Dutch specialities sold on the spot. After refuelling for the week you will probably like to go for a walk in the Jordaan district, my favourite district where you can find many small cafés, independent shops, warm pubs and trendy restaurants. It is a district where you must get lost in the small streets of the time, full of history.

Community

Amsterdam is a cosmopolitan city and is home to many French expatriates. To get together with expatriates and do activities together, several Facebook groups have been created and are active as French People in Amsterdam on Facebook. Administrators are there to organise activities or meals, for example, where all accepted people can go free of charge or at a lower cost. The good atmosphere is always there and will allow you to feel comfortable in the city and to meet people. Student life in Amsterdam

I hope you liked the article, feel free to share your experience and your comments!