These posts are placeholders for an upcoming European adventure that’s currently in the works. Beginning June 3rd, we will be backpacking across 33 cities in Europe over the course of three months, an experience we’re incredibly excited to share.
Along the way, we will be reviewing AI-generated itineraries in real time—putting them to the test and sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how they stack up against the reality on the ground. You can expect regular updates as the journey unfolds, with insights, tips, and firsthand experiences from each stop.
Once we’re back home, we’ll expand the blog with a wider range of content, including in-depth guides, recommendations, and reflections from the full trip. Be sure to check back often because we will be updating along the way and bringing you along for every step of the adventure!
explore it yourself:
The journey and accomModations:
We arrived by train from Bruges on the afternoon of June 13th and stayed until the morning of June 16th. We arrived into Amsterdam Zuid Station and we departed out of Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Below is what AI recommended for accommodations:
1. MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel
2. ClinkNOORD Hostel (Private Room)
3. Hotel Not Hotel
4. Ibis Budget Amsterdam City South
5. Stayokay Amsterdam Oost
We ended up selecting an The Bee Hostel, which I found on Tiktok because of the price, location, and vibe.
Note: * our additions to ai itinerary
Arrival Afternoon- Vondelpark
Vondelpark & Local Flavor
- Lunch at Vondelpark3 – Terrace café inside Vondelpark
- Stroll or bike through Vondelpark – picnic, people-watch, relax
- Visit VondelCS (free) – cultural hub with art exhibits, café, and rooftop terrace
- Leidseplein*
- Hidden Gem: Kattencafé Kopjes (cat café in west Amsterdam)
Dinner & Canal Cruise
- Dinner at
- De Kas – Fine dining in a greenhouse with ingredients grown on-site
- OR Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam – Grand industrial space with local crowd
- De Kas – Fine dining in a greenhouse with ingredients grown on-site
- Optional Canal Cruise: Early evening cruise with wine & cheese or open boat
Day 2: Historic Core, Canals, & Culture
Old Town & Canals
- Dam Square – Heart of the city, see the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk
- Oude Kerk – Amsterdam’s oldest building in the Red Light District
- Stroll De Wallen (Red Light District) – Historic, not just risqué
- Coffee Break: De Koffieschenkerij (hidden café inside Oude Kerk courtyard
Canal Belt & Hidden Gems
- Begijnhof – Serene courtyard hidden off the bustling Spui
- Walk the 9 Streets (De Negen Straatjes) – Boutique shopping & cafés
- Stop at Houseboat Museum – Quirky insight into life on Amsterdam’s canals
- Lunch: Pancakes Amsterdam (next to Anne Frank House) or
Pluk(Negen Straatjes)
Anne Frank House & Jordaan
- Anne Frank House (Book tickets weeks in advance!)
- Explore Jordaan neighborhood – charming canals, art galleries, indie shops
- Dinner at
- D’Vijff Vlieghen – Classic Dutch cuisine in historic buildings
- Hidden Gem: Balthazar’s Keuken – Creative menu in a casual setting
Day 3: Day Trip & Local Markets
Day Trip Option (Pick One):
- Zaanse Schans – Windmills, clogs, cheese farms (30 min by train)
Haarlem– Quaint canal town with great shopping (15 min by train)A’DAM Lookout & Amsterdam North– If you want to stay in the city
Afternoon - Local Neighborhoods
-
- Albert Cuyp Market – Food stalls, souvenirs, stroopwafels
- De Pijp – Multicultural district with cool bars & Sarphatipark
- Options: Visit Heineken Experience or Brouwerij ‘t IJ* (windmill brewery)
- Dinner
- Breda – Upscale Dutch cuisine
- De Poezenboot* – Cat boat
- Hidden Gem: Café de Klepel – Wine bar with amazing food
final thoughts:
Overall Rating:
Would I go again?
Favorite moment:
Bailey’s favorite:
Parker’s favorite:
Any surprises?
Anything we missed?
How did ai do?
Nailed it: We’ll add our thoughts here after our trip!
Needs work: