Getting around:

Amsterdam offers a vast range of activities, there is also something to do or see. I chose to see Amsterdam on foot and by boat. But bike is also a good choice and it is one of Amsterdam’s trade characteristics. There are a lot of cars in the city and not a lot of parking places, which are quite expensive, so a lot of people choose bike to get around in the city. Everybody rides and owns bikes, young people, old people, they can carry everything in bikes, TV’s, groceries, children, each other. I’ve even noticed a very well dressed young couple on a bike, I still think they were going to a wedding, after all what explains suit and a nice dress and high heels? It is absolutely amazing if you are not used to this sight.

Personally, I found a bit confusing riding a bike in the middle of all that traffic, so I did not try it, much to my regret.

Anyway, it is also a possibility, renting a bike to get to know Amsterdam.

Places to visit:

Anne Frank's House

The house where Anne Frank lived before being captured by the Nazi’s during World War II is now a museum. It is quite interesting, but also very sad.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is a must see. The building alone is astonishing, the gothic façade of red brick with a décor of colored tiles is breathtaking and once you get inside you can marvel with an exquisite Dutch art collection. You can see the works of Vermeer, Steen, Avercamp, Rembrandt. Sculpture and decoration, namely Renaissance Furniture showing the richness typical of the Dutch Golden Age are also available at the museum, as well as Delft china, Jewellery work and the famous Dutch Doll Houses. There are also other works to be admired, such as engravings and drawings and a collection of art work from China, Japan, Indonesia and India.

Oude Kerk

The origins of this cathedral go back to the 13th Century, but the gothic structure is from the 14th Century. It was extended and improved throughout the centuries and it is a wonderful example of gothic architecture. It is located in the Red Light District and it’s well worth a visit.

Amsterdam's canals

Be sure to enjoy a boat tour in Amsterdam’s canals (I would even say two, one during the day, another at night). It is the best way to have a general view on Amsterdam and really take the time to enjoy small details and experience the city.

The canals are Amsterdam, they reflect and enlighten Amsterdam. Rooted deeply in history, commerce and merchant navy, Amsterdam would not be what it is if it were not for the canals.

Canals not to be missed: Herengracht (Lord’s canal – named so after the Lords that ruled the city, which lived in this part, building beautiful houses with inner gardens), the Singel (that encircled the old medieval Amsterdam), Prinsengracht (Prince’s canal), Brouwergracht (very important during the Dutch Golden Age, it was through this canal that ships entered with spices and silks, many of the beer brewery were located in this area, as well as warehouses, which nowadays are converted into flats. It is one of the most expense living areas in Amsterdam).