Amsterdam Things to Do Tips by garridogal

The Leidseplein Leidseplein Review

My hotel was right by the Leidseplein so I spent time here every day. When I think back to Amsterdam, I think of the Leidseplein. It's a great spot with restaurants, bars, outdoor cafes, coffeeshops, outdoor performers and great people watching. Can't wait to be there again.

UPDATE: Most photos for this tip are from my Sept 06 trip.

Address: Leidseplein

Great Art Collection Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this museum. After the dissappointment of not being able to go the Rijksmuseum (temporarily closed to clean asbestos out), the Stedelijk cheered me up. It houses a wonderful collection that includes some Chagall, Picasso, deKooning, Mondrian as well as some wonderful pieces from lesser known artists. I was particularly fascinated with some of the amazing photographs.

UPDATE: The Stedelijk is no longer on the Museumplein but down by the waterfront and the Nemo.

Address: Paulus Potterstraat 13

Directions: Right on the Museumplein

Phone: +31-20-5732737

Website: http://www.stedelijk.nl

Ah... the joy of Flowers! Flower Market - Bloemenmarkt Review

The first time I went to Amsterdam I walked by the Bloemenmarkt on my first morning there while waiting for my hotel room to become available. It was a sleepy Sunday morning and I was a sleepy traveler and didn't snap any pictures of it.

This time I did. And.... I bought some of those tacky, yet adorable, canal home magnets!

Address: Singel

Finally! I can post a tip on the Rijksmuseum Rijksmuseum Review

I always say that whenever I travel, some great landmark or attraction is either closed or under scaffolding. True to this, the Rijksmusem was closed so that Asbestos could be cleaned out it, when I first visited Amsterdam. I was crushed not to see the Rembrandts and Vermeers.

Well, I finally got to see them. It was a quick trip and basically, those were the only two artists whose work I was able to see. Well, I'm glad to report that they did not disappoint. Maybe this more of a Rembrandt/Vermeer tip as opposed to a Rijksmuseum tip. However, it's a very positive review and these works were everything I'd hoped they'd be!

Address: Stadhouderskade 42

Phone: +31-20-6747047

Website: http://www.rijksmuseum.nl

A must in Amsterdam Canal Boat Tours Review

You must take a canal cruise in Amsterdam. It's the best way to see the city from it's claim to fame - the canals!

Address: There are Various and you can't miss them.

An Emotional Experience Anne Frank House Review

A strange thing happened to me when I went to the Anne Frank Huis. As soon as I walked in to the museum, my eyes welled up and I found myself fighting back tears. Considering that it was the most crowded of the museums that I visited while in Amsterdam, I felt the sadness contained in the walls of this structure.

Address: Prinsengracht 267

Phone: +31-20-5567100

Website: http://www.annefrank.nl

A beautiful stopping place Vondelpark Review

I stopped at the Vondelpark on my first day in Amsterdam, while waiting for my room to be ready. It was a great place to sit and people and dog watch. There are so many dogs in Amsterdam and on a Sunday afternoon, it seems as if this is the place for them to be.

Address: Near the Museumplein