Even after my second trip to Amsterdam, I still find myself drawn to this magical city of old world charm and hip, modern day beauty that defines Amsterdam.
Now what makes Amsterdam so special? I'll tell you why!
Now what makes Amsterdam so special? I'll tell you why!
Planning a trip to Amsterdam? View the Amsterdam Travel Guide
1. Historic Architecture
Canal Houses
The city of Amsterdam is built upon a network of semi-circular canals. Tall, brick houses lining the canals were once owned by wealthy merchants, but now serve as space for modern day businesses. You may find yourself admiring an old building, only to realize it's a McDonald's. I recommend taking a scenic walk along Prinsengracht canal to admire the houseboats and unique house gables.
The city of Amsterdam is built upon a network of semi-circular canals. Tall, brick houses lining the canals were once owned by wealthy merchants, but now serve as space for modern day businesses. You may find yourself admiring an old building, only to realize it's a McDonald's. I recommend taking a scenic walk along Prinsengracht canal to admire the houseboats and unique house gables.
Windmills
Windmills are an iconic symbol of the Dutch countryside, which was once dotted with thousands of working mills. Today there are only a few windmills left near the city. A small network of windmills in Zaanse Schans is located just 15 minutes away by train. Entrance to the park is free, but some of the windmills allow visitors to go inside for a small fee. The village is a bit touristy, but it makes for a nice short day trip and some great photos!
Windmills are an iconic symbol of the Dutch countryside, which was once dotted with thousands of working mills. Today there are only a few windmills left near the city. A small network of windmills in Zaanse Schans is located just 15 minutes away by train. Entrance to the park is free, but some of the windmills allow visitors to go inside for a small fee. The village is a bit touristy, but it makes for a nice short day trip and some great photos!
2. Many Museums
The capital city of The Netherlands has over 70 museums dedicated to art, history, and some less conventional topics. From Heineken brewery tours to a museum about bags and purses, there is bound to be something for everyone.
#1 Attraction in Amsterdam - Annne Frank Huis
The Anne Frank House invites people from all over the world to walk through the secret annex where Anne and her family hid for two years before they were discovered by the Nazi's. After the war Otto Frank published Anne's diary and preserved the house as a museum to remind people to work against prejudices and discrimination. Tip: buy tickets in advance online to avoid the long que
The Anne Frank House invites people from all over the world to walk through the secret annex where Anne and her family hid for two years before they were discovered by the Nazi's. After the war Otto Frank published Anne's diary and preserved the house as a museum to remind people to work against prejudices and discrimination. Tip: buy tickets in advance online to avoid the long que
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Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is dedicated to Dutch art and history. Famous paintings to look for include Rembrandt's Night Watch, Van Gogh's self-portrait, and Johannes Vermeer's The Milkmaid. Other notable collections on display include Delft pottery, ornate furniture, ship models, and Asian art. Plan on dedicating at least half of one day here and go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
The Rijksmuseum is dedicated to Dutch art and history. Famous paintings to look for include Rembrandt's Night Watch, Van Gogh's self-portrait, and Johannes Vermeer's The Milkmaid. Other notable collections on display include Delft pottery, ornate furniture, ship models, and Asian art. Plan on dedicating at least half of one day here and go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Rembrandt's Night Watch
 |  Van Gogh's self-portrait |
Other Museums to See
Our time in Amsterdam was short, but these museums made our wish list:
Our time in Amsterdam was short, but these museums made our wish list:
- Amsterdam Museum
- National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)
- The Resistance Museum
- Van Gogh Museum
What was your favorite museum in Amsterdam?
3. Shopping For Days!
Get ready for some serious spending, because the city is littered with shopping boutiques, international clothing brands, and high end department stores. Stroll along the main shopping streets like Kalverstraat and Negen Straatges or find some vintage clothing at the Albert Cuyp Market. And don't forget to buy those typically Dutch souvenirs like Delft pottery, wooden clogs, or tulip bulbs... just make sure they are allowed for import to your home country.
 De B'Jenkorf Department Store |  Delftware |
Bloemarket
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4. Food, glorious food!
If you consider yourself a "foodie" and find yourself in Amsterdam, be prepared to catch a glimpse of food heaven! Amsterdam holds the title for the most eclectic, mouth-watering cuisine outside of London. It hosts everything from food trucks and hipster cafes to spicy Indonesian rice tables and expen$ive French bistros. Plus, there's always that homemade Dutch comfort food and craft beer selection to soothe your soul. Did someone say stroopwaffle?
  |  Typical Dutch Food:
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 Jenever |  Poffertjes |
| International Cuisine: African Asian French Indonesian Italian Gastropubs Greek South American Spanish Vegetarian/Organic |  Curry chicken & rice |
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Our favorite breakfast/lunch chain: Bagels & Beans
5. The Great Outdoors!
Amsterdam is all about being eco-friendly and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Green spaces such as parks and gardens are spread out all over the city. Bicycle paths run throughout the city and into the surrounding countryside.
Bicycles
Did you know that Amsterdam is the bicycle capital of the world? Cyclists have dedicated bike lanes with their own set of traffic lights and multi-level parking garages. Biking is one of the best and fastest means of transportation in Amsterdam. Remember to watch out for bikers, avoid walking into the bike lanes, and always look both ways when crossing the street!
Bicycles
Did you know that Amsterdam is the bicycle capital of the world? Cyclists have dedicated bike lanes with their own set of traffic lights and multi-level parking garages. Biking is one of the best and fastest means of transportation in Amsterdam. Remember to watch out for bikers, avoid walking into the bike lanes, and always look both ways when crossing the street!
Keukenhof Gardens
Only 30 minutes southwest of Amsterdam lies one of the most beautiful floral displays in the world! Each year 7 million flower bulbs are planted at Keukenhof Gardens and from late March until late May visitors can marvel at the colors in bloom. Early tulip usually begin to bloom outside in early April and reach their peak during the last two weeks of April. Even if the tulips are not in bloom outside many tulips varieties can be viewed inside the Willem-Alexander Pavilion. After a walk around the gardens, you can rent a bike and explore rows of flowers in the farmer's fields.
Only 30 minutes southwest of Amsterdam lies one of the most beautiful floral displays in the world! Each year 7 million flower bulbs are planted at Keukenhof Gardens and from late March until late May visitors can marvel at the colors in bloom. Early tulip usually begin to bloom outside in early April and reach their peak during the last two weeks of April. Even if the tulips are not in bloom outside many tulips varieties can be viewed inside the Willem-Alexander Pavilion. After a walk around the gardens, you can rent a bike and explore rows of flowers in the farmer's fields.
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