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Amsterdam
Trip Planning & Itineraries
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Amsterdam is one of the world's best hangouts, a canny blend of old and new: radical squatter art installations hang off 17th-century eaves, BMWs give way to bicycles, and triple-strength monk-made beer is served in steel and glass cafes.
Amsterdam combines big city exuberance with small-town manageability; it doesn't take more than chaining your bike to a bridge to feel like you've got a handle on the place.
Best of Amsterdam: Top 3 Things to Do
Best of Amsterdam: Suggested Itineraries
What to do in Amsterdam? This city offers so much it's often best to just point yourself toward a couple of major areas and wander the laneways and canals. Or duck into one of the city's many excellent museums, cafes, or shops. Or hunker down in a canal boat. Or just be brave and walk - this is a great place to see on foot. Just bring comfy, sturdy shoes. And your camera - sightseeing in Amsterdam is a very visual experience.
A perfect starting point is Dam Square, the heart of the city. From here you're in spitting distance of the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), the stately Royal Palace, and hundreds of shops and cafes. Close by you can pick up the hop-on hop-off bus tour. Or if you prefer to do it like the Dutch do, hop on a bike. Seeing the city by bicycle is the thing to do in Amsterdam. As is apple cake! If you're there on a Saturday, find the Noordermarkt (fresh food market in the fascinating Jordaan neighborhood) and follow the queue for the city's most desirable apple cake.
Then head back towards the 14th-century Oude Kerk - which just happens to be in the middle of the 'Wallen' or Red Light District - so, hey, why not have a gander? (Unless you're with kids - definitely not for kids.) Further south-southeast is Waterlooplein Market. The Rembrandthuis Museum is just around the corner.
Beat the queues by starting the day at the excellent Anne Frank House. Then wander alongside Prinsengracht, passing the famous De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) shopping area (great for clothes, shoes and Dutch design), towards Museumplein ("Museum Square"). Here several museums are conveniently clustered together, including the Rijksmuseum (which is showing a limited selection while undergoing renovations), and the Van Gogh Museum, which has an unparalleled collection of the Dutch painter's work. And when you're all walked out, grab a cold one at the Heineken Brewery. Or, if beer is not your thing, head to the Vondelpark, Amsterdam's biggest and most popular park.
If you happen to be in Amsterdam in the springtime, visit the flower fields at Keukenhof Gardens. The grounds are stunning - you could easily spend the entire day here (note that the gardens are only open from March to May). Other options farther afield include the villages of Marken and Volendam, local cheese farms, windmills, and the famous blue pottery of Delft. You can also trip over to Belgium for that beer-and-chocolate fix. You can do day tours of Antwerp and Brussels, or Ghent and Bruges.
Best of Amsterdam: Top 3 Restaurants
Best of Amsterdam: Top 3 Cafes & Bars
Best of Amsterdam: Top Hotels
In addition to these options, check out the self catered Amsterdam apartments from HomeAway.
This hotel, created from a collection of smaller vintage houses, lies just outside the city center but is a quiet world away. The hotel is named after Joost van den Vondel (1587-1679), the 'Shakespeare of the Netherlands', who also is the namesake of the landmark park. Especially recommended is the view from the private garden where you are sure to get plenty of rest and relaxation.
'The Philosopher Hotel' welcomes all manner of travelers to its comfortable rooms, each dedicated to a different philosopher, writer or thinker. Some rooms are filled with lush furniture, while others, like the Zen room, are minimally furnished and serene. Hotel de Filosoof is a professional, warm and well-run operation near the Vondelpark that offers a unique experience with its creatively themed rooms.
Once a bank building, the design of the Banks Mansion is inspired by the Amsterdam school of architecture, with a little art deco thrown in for good measure. Hospitality and amenities are their specialty-smiles as well as drinks and snacks are free! Breakfast is also included in the price and features a range of choices, including many more healthy than sinful.
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All things to do in Amsterdam
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Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
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Cultural & Theme Tours
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Day Trips & Excursions
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Food, Wine & Nightlife
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Holiday & Seasonal Tours
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Outdoor Activities
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Private & Custom Tours
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Sightseeing Tickets & Passes
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Tours & Sightseeing
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Transfers & Ground Transport
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Walking & Biking Tours
One of Holland's top attractions, Keukenhof Gardens is in bloom now! Open from March to May only, this colorful display of tulips and other springtime bulbs will amaze you - Don't miss your chance and book your tour now!
- Plan Amsterdam vacations on Yahoo! Travel
- Amsterdam hotels from PlanetWare
- Compare hotels in Amsterdam at HotelsCombined.com
- Amsterdam trip planner & travel guide from NileGuide
- English-language culture news from Amsterdam Weekly
