Amsterdam Vacations & Travel

Overview

This compact city offers visitors an endless array of things to do.  Amsterdam is home to several renowned museums including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which houses classic works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

The picturesque region is synonymous with tulips and windmills. There are even eight windmills right in the city.

Nicknamed, “The Venice of the North,” Amsterdam’s canals provide convenient arteries throughout the city. Canal boat tours are a great way to discover the lay of the land.

Its citizens, vacationers, and expats primarily travel by foot, bicycle and boat. There is little automobile traffic.

What To Do

Cruise along Amsterdam’s enchanting canals.

Visit the impressive Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, showcasing the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Walk through the Anne Frank House where the now famous Jewish girl hid from the Nazis during World War II. Although she didn’t survive, fortunately, her inspiring diary did. 

Explore the Royal Palace, built during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century.

In the springtime, take an eye-popping tour of Keukenhof Gardens with its more than 2,000 varieties of brightly colored tulips. Visit Amsterdam’s colorful Bloemenmarkt (flower market) displaying a wide range of tulips all year round.

What To See

Experience one of the world’s most impressive collections of modern art at Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum. Discover how art imitates life at the impressive Van Gogh Museum.

See a wide variety of multi-colored tulips at the city’s famous Bloemenmarkt (flower market).

Visit Ann Frank’s home for a moving tribute to the brave young girl whose story has captured the hearts of millions the world over.

Shopping

Browse through stores in the charming "Nine Streets" neighborhood in Amsterdam's Central Canal Ring, with its quaint hand-laid brick lanes, cafes and vintage boutiques.

The pedestrian-only streets in the Kalverstraat area and bustling Leidsestraat region near the Museum Quarter provide countless shopping opportunities. The roads surrounding Dam Square also offer great options, perfect for a rainy day.

Nightlife

Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District, known as De Wallen, is a stimulating option for nighttime entertainment for adults.

The city also offers an array of pulsating dance clubs, dazzling restaurants and bars, and chic industrial nightspots.

Off the Beaten Path

Visit Amsterdam’s vibrant tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens, displaying more than 2,000 varieties of vividly colored tulips.

Travel south to the picturesque city of Delft, best known for its distinctive blue-and-white pottery, coveted the world over.  Be sure to visit the magnificent Oude Kerk, built in the 13th century, where Baroque artist Johannes Vermeer, the city’s most famous son, is buried.

Food and Drink

Famous Dutch treats include stroopwafel, two thin waffles with a layer of sweet syrup, and hot, fluffy poffertjes dusted with powdered sugar. Salty, black licorice is also quite popular.

Locals like to top their fries with a variety of savory goodness. Order patatje oorlog for peanut satay sauce, mayo, and onions, or a patat special for curry ketchup, mayonnaise, and onions.

Nothing compares to a cold Heineken beer, locally brewed in Amsterdam, and deep-fried crispy meatballs, called bitterballen, dipped in spicy mustard. Try a kroket made from potato, and minced chicken tucked warmly inside a crepe-like wrapper. And if you’re in town at just the right time, sample some delicious Dutch new herring. Their season starts in early June and ends when everyone has had their fill.

Amsterdam with Kids

The best way for the entire family to get around is astride a bicycle. You’ll happen upon numerous fascinating sites as you ride along the Bike lanes that crisscross the city.

Visit the Anne Frank House and teach your children about this brave and tenacious Jewish youngster who hid from the Nazis and wrote a diary recounting her experience.

Remind your kids that “those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” Brighten the day viewing colorful artworks at the renowned Van Gogh museum.