This past December, I visited Amsterdam as the disembarkation port city of a 7-Day Christmas Market Rhine River cruise. Adorned with Christmas decorations, it was a busy city with busy shoppers trying to get those last-minute Christmas gifts (it was December 22nd after all). The time before that was sometime just after Christmas of 2005 during one of the first stops of a 21-day land tour through Europe. There were some remnants of Christmas decorations, but people were getting ready for New Year’s then. Both times, we’ve walked the streets, checked out the crooked buildings, gone on canal rides. We’ve checked out museums, and the famous Heineken brewery.
It's no secret that Amsterdam is one of the most exciting places on this Earth to visit. With its rich history, artistic legacy, intricate canal system, and abundance of museums, you will find that there is so much to do and see in the time you are there to visit. To help you come up with
somewhat of an itinerary for your vacation, we've decided to write out a list of the top 5 things to do while you're in Amsterdam.
1. Take a historical canal ride. The water tours of Amsterdam are some of the most desired.
Since there are hundreds of canals throughout the nation that were created just for travel,
there is no reason not to give this popular attraction a try. During your gentle water ride, you'll get to view some of the country's most detailed architecture and most beautiful
landscapes.
2. Take a walk through the wildflowers. Amsterdam takes great pride in its bulb flowers,
especially tulips. Visit the amazingly vibrant bulb flower park in Lisse if you wish to see
the tulips in all their glory. If you happen to miss the tulip season, don't worry. There are
plenty of bulbed flowers that grow year-round at the park.
3. Visit one of the many spectacular art museums or history museums. Check out paintings
by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, or other world-renowned artists or revisit history by walking into the Anne Frank House, where you can see the secret annex where Anne hid during World War II.
4. Walkthrough De Wallen, the nation's red-light district. Although it's famous for some
risky behavior, there is much more to the city. Try out one of the district's fine restaurants,
small boutiques, or find more responsible entertainment at any of the places not lit up
with red lights. For a faster way to venture through, rent a bicycle. You'll find that you
rent a bike nearly anywhere in the country.
5. Last but not least, you mustn't leave the country without trying some of its authentic Dutch cuisine or experiencing one of its cannabis coffeehouses. People travel all over the world
to Amsterdam to encounter these coffee shops in person. In Amsterdam, marijuana is
simply a way to unwind, and these coffeehouses are some of the most reputable and
reliable sources to enjoy a delicious bite to eat and a puff of smoke as you dine. I must admit, I have not gone into one of these coffee shops, but it is one of the things they are known for, so had to point it out.
Whether it is part of a land tour, a river cruise stop, a quick hop from Belgium, France or England, or you just want to check out the beautiful tulips, contact me to get start planning your Amsterdam vacation. Leave a comment below and let us know if it a bucket list destination for you or if you have been, what was the best part of your trip.
Check out this last photo. I was surprised to find this small boutique store in Amsterdam. A little Canada away from home.