About Amsterdam

Some things to do and to see: Take a canal tour; it's relaxing and a great way to view city architecture. The museum boat is a great alternative to a tour as the boat stops at most major museums. You can get off or on at each stop and as often as you like. Visit a coffee shop, even if you don't smoke pot. Barney's (http://www.barneys.biz/) has a funky design and cool music, and a decent breakfast (though the Barneys cafe two doors down is much "nicer" if you prefer). In fact, if you're going to smoke cannabis, then please go to a coffee shop to do it. The locals are extremely tolerant, but frankly the stuff stinks, and if you wander down the street wafting it in people's faces, they won't thank you for it. That's the deal - no-one will mind you smoking, but please have the decency to avoid inflicting it on the unwilling - the best way to do that is to do it in a coffee shop. If you're not used to smoking pot, you'd better avoid the home-grown nederwiet (a.k.a. skunk), or you might end up with a bad trip. The THC level of nederwiet has increased recently to as much as 15 per cent, more than twice as much as foreign pot (source: Trimbos institute). Check out local "brown bars," with their gorgeous wood panelling and booths. Rent a bike at one of the many bike rental places around the Dam Square or the Leidse Plein. It´s fast, it´s friendly, it´s good for the environment, it´s THE WAY to see a lot of Amsterdam. But beware: if you are not an experienced cyclist, it´s really hazardous, as streets are small and often crowded. It´s not only cars you have to be afraid of, or the tram rails. Native cyclists are known for their brutal traffic manners and will not be very forgiving to swaggering tourists on a bike. And never ever forget to lock up your bike properly: each year, around 40.000 bikes are stolen in Amsterdam.

Things to see & do

An extensive list of museums in Amsterdam can be found at the public transportation website in the 'tourist guide' section, click the 'sights' button.

Anne Frank House

Don't let the long line discourage you; it moves quickly and the experience inside the hiding places on the top floors are moving. Go in the early evening around 17:00 to avoid any lines. The Anne Frank House remains open much later during the summer.

Rijksmuseum

'The largest museum for art and history in the Netherlands;' works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Dutch masters. Students are admitted free. Note: The Rijksmuseum is currently facing major renovations and although some parts are opened, only a small part of the usual collection is shown.

Artis

In addition to being a zoo, Artis is also a botanical garden. Although many of the plants and trees in Artis are native to the Netherlands, many species have been gathered from all over the world, just like the animal species in Artis. An entry ticket for Artis also provides admission to the Planetarium, the Geological Museum, the Aquarium and the Zoological Museum.

Katten Kabinet

A cat museum. Housed in a beautiful restored palatial home in an upscale area street - very Masterpiece Theater. It was opened by the homeowner after his favorite cat died... and he still lives in the home. Lots of cat-related art, and real felines.

Van Gogh Museum

This museum is dedicated to this late 19th century Dutch painter. It's located on the Museumplein, a square you shouldn't miss. Do not expect to see all of Van Gogh's works however as they only have a portion of the collection at this museum. Many of his pieces are at the Louvre and elsewhere. Still worth the visit though, especially with the audio tour. At only 1.5 Euro, the audio tour, in the language of your choice, will give you a much better understanding of Van Gogh's life and his paintings.

Vondelpark

The city park. Especially in the summer it's lively and crowded. Meet the locals there.

Filmmuseum

A non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of contemporary and historical films. Multiple screenings daily. The Filmmuseum is located in the Vondelpark, between park entrances Roemer Visscherstraat and Vondelstraat.

Bloemenmarkt

(Flower Market), open daily on Singel. Buy pre-approved bulbs if taking them to the US or Canada.

The Nine Streets

Known locally as De Negen Straatjes. This is a charming area of Nine little streets that straddle the main canals from the Prinsengracht to the Singel - just behind the Dam Square. Fabulous unique little boutiques, specialist shops, galleries and restaurants - you can spend a wonderful afternoon exploring these historic streets.

Royal Palace

Open daily on the Dam Square. This former Town hall (built in 1651) has a great and beautiful hall and other chambers.

Heineken Brewery

Open daily at the Mauritskade. Free tours including free drinks.

Red light district.

Don't miss the Oude Kerk at the Oudezijds Voorburgwal: a church surrounded by brothels!

Stedelijk Museum

The Amsterdam metropolitan museum of modern art.

The city map of Amsterdam

This tool has a city map of Amsterdam. It makes it also easy to find museums and other points of interest.