Several years ago, we went to Amsterdam, traveling from London, through France and Belgium on a high-speed rail.  That was an amazing experience.  Having never been there before, I assumed it was beautiful homes and windmills, but boy was I wrong.  There is so much history there, it was hard to take it all in during our visit. 

Amsterdam is known for its art, elaborate canal system and narrow multi-colored houses.  I guess I should not forget bicycles.  Bicycles are everywhere.  In fact, the city even has an annual “clean the canals out day” where literally thousands of bicycles, and an occasional car, are recovered.  It is amazing.  They also have the skinniest streets I’ve ever traveled on.  I was actually walking on what I thought was a sidewalk and got honked at by the car that was going to run me over if I did not get out of his way. 

Amsterdam took some getting used to.  It seemed everywhere a person went, you could smell marijuana being smoked.  It was crazy, but we still got to see and do a lot of the things tourist do.

Now, if I had to go back, I think there are five things that I would do.  Some I would do again and others, would be my first time.

My top 5 for Amsterdam are:

1. I would explore the canals, both on foot and in a tour boat (or barge, I’m not exactly sure what they are) We did this once before and found it very interesting and informative.  From the canals, we were treated to some of the over 100 kilometers of canals, more than 1,500 bridges and over 90 islands.  It was amazing.  And to think, we were below sea level the entire time.  From the tour boats, we were able to see the historic buildings, enjoy the beautiful colors of the buildings, see the many houseboats and we were guided by a tour guide who spoke fluent English and seemed to know the answer to every question asked.  When exploring on foot, it is more difficult to experience the many colors and beauty of the city.
2. Did I mention history?  Amsterdam is full of history.  One of the most visited attractions in all of Europe is the Anne Frank House.  It is located in Prinsengracht and this museum is the actual house Anne Frank and her family hid in when they were evading the Nazis, during World War II.  The feeling one gets when you walk inside and witness the secret annex where this young Jewish girl hid in fear.  Millions around the world have read her diary, but nothing completes the story until you have the opportunity to visit this attraction.  On a side note, if you plan on making a visit, you better plan on getting your admission tickets early, they always sell out.  It is that popular.
3. Even if you are not an art connoisseur, the Rijksmuseum is a must-see.  Some of the worlds greatest art is on display in this gallery.  There are over 8,000 different exhibits on display and include works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.  This has to be the highlight of any visitor to Amsterdam.  To have the opportunity to stand beneath the monstrous “The Night Watch,” by Rembrandt or to walk through the beautiful gardens and view the sculptures and other artifacts, makes this the memory of a lifetime.
4. While in Amsterdam it is possible to take a walk through the Jordaan District.  This area’s, charming neighborhoods, once inhabited by Amsterdam’s working class is now a thriving variety of shops, cafes, and small art galleries.  You will find hidden alcoves, courtyards and almost any type of trinket or souvenir from clothing to homemade jewelry.  This area also has several larger markets, including the Noordermarkt where you can find organic produce, antiques, and local crafts.
5. A visit to Amsterdam would be incomplete without a visit to the Vincent Van Gogh Museum.  This museum contains the worlds largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings, including famous works such as “The Sunflowers” and “The Bedroom.”  The exhibits in this museum provide a comprehensive overview of Van Gogh’s artistic development and the influences that shaped his work.  There are also interactive displays and detailed information panels that help bring the artist’s story to life.  The Van Gogh Museum is definitely an engaging experience for visitors of any age.

If you can tolerate the bicycles zooming past you, small streets, the smell of marijuana everywhere, Amsterdam is one of those places you have to visit at least once in your life.  There are many things to do.  I didn’t even mention touring some of the few actual working windmills still in existence.  Amsterdam has wonderful food, some of the world’s greatest historical treasures and is overall one of the most interesting places I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.