This marked my first visit to Europe and this was where my travel lust began. I wasn't very keen on visiting Amsterdam, having a misconception of it being a notorious city - legalised red light district, sex museums and weed. But was proven so wrong! Ignoring the notorious side of the city, it was a lovely one.

Besides doing a 3 hours walking tour on our own using the tourist map, here's my top 5 favourite touristy things to do:

1. Van Gogh Museum. Was never a fan of museums until I visited this. Paintings in the museum come to life as it brings you through Van Gogh's life, which was the perfect first stop as stories of Van Gogh continued on as we travelled to other parts of Europe.

2. Heineken Factory. Needless to say, the exhibition was designed in a superbly fun way, with a free glass of Heineken during the tour and another one after.

3. Zaanse Schans. It was a good short getaway out of town. No admission fee required unless you plan to enter into those windmills with exhibits. Otherwise, taking a stroll around the windmills are free. On your way there, be serenaded by scenery of rivers along the backyard of houses with pretty flowers everywhere. Too surreal.

4. Eat haring at a fish stand by the canal. It's basically raw fish with salt, usually served with bread, sprinkles of onions and pickles. An acquired taste, definitely not suitable for those who ain't a fan of sashimi.

5. Climb up the letters of "I AMsterdam". And get a random stranger to take a picture for you! 

The red light district was not my favourite, but it was a "must-visit" place. Pretty sure there were many more fun places to visit, but given the limited days here, that's all for us.