Amsterdam offers visitors some of the finest art museums in the world. The Van Gogh Museum is largely centered around the works of this impressionist master, although new exhibits and galleries are periodically brought in featuring works from other artists. If you are interested in other classic artworks, you will certainly enjoy the Rijksmuseum, which features art from a number of native Dutch artists, most notably Rembrandt. The two museums are very close in proximity, so it pays to take a whole day off to enjoy the art and history of Holland.
The Van Gogh Museum
Paulus Potterstraat 7
1071 CX Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 (0)20 570 5200
vangoghmuseum.nl
The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
Stadhouderskade 42
1071 ZD Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 (0)20 674 7000
rijksmuseum.nl
Like Venice, Amsterdam is a city built around a system of canals. The relaxing, beautiful waterways provide for an offbeat tour of the city. Some canal tours are short trips through the Red Light District, while others are leisurely dinner affairs. There are quite a few companies offering tours of all lengths in many different languages, so speak with your hotel concierge to find the right trip for you.
Amsterdam's Red Light District may be scandalous, but it's certainly not to be missed. The hashish cafes offer a variety of strains to enjoy and an array of smoking apparatuses. Even if you have no interest in actually supporting the sex trade, it is still a one-of-a-kind experience to see scantily clad women vying for your attention through large glass windows. As a general rule of thumb, though, avoid taking pictures of the women in the windows. Not only is it uncouth, it can also get you in some serious trouble with the building's bouncers.
Whether you're looking for food, souvenirs, flowers, clothes or travel supplies, the Amsterdam flea markets will have something for you. These street-side shopping areas are full of all the sights, smells and sounds that make Holland such a striking and vibrant country. Grab some mini pancakes and enjoy walking through the many stalls that offer everything from rugs to socks to batteries to gourmet foods. There are a number of markets and they all operate on different schedules, so ask your hotel information desk where the closest open flea market is to you.
Holland may be best known for wooden shoes, windmills and tulips. To enjoy the latter two, take a quick day trip from Amsterdam to the Keukenhof Gardens. This massive park features a beautiful windmill and over seven million flowering bulbs. The ideal time to visit this attraction is mid-April, as this is when the majority of the flowers are likely to be in bloom.
Keukenhof Gardens
Stationsweg 166
2161 Lisse, Lisse (Zuid-Holland), Netherlands
+31 (0)25 246 5555
keukenhof.nl
The first Heineken Brewery was forced to close its doors in 1988, as it was too small to meet a growing demand for the brew. Fortunately, the company's owners chose to not get rid of the building and instead opened it to the public as the Heineken Experience. Visitors will not only get a full overview of the company history, but also get a sampling of Heineken at two bars set at the end of the museum.
Heineken Brewery
Stadhouderskade 78
1072 Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Noord-Holland), Netherlands
+31 (0)20 523 9222
heinekenexperience.com
Anne Frank is known around the world for her bravery and strength during such a trying period. This museum allows you to explore the small house where Anne hid with her family while attempting to escape Nazi persecution. The original copy of her diary is still located within the museum and is indeed one of its most valued possessions.
Anne Frank House
Prinsengracht 267
1016 Amsterdam, Amsterdam (Noord-Holland), Netherlands
+31 (0)20 556 7100
annefrank.org
