A Personal view of a human tragedy and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Things to Do Tips

6,000,000 Jews died at the hands of the Nazi's during WW II. The individual human tragedies behind are sometimes hard to grasp but a visit to the Anne Frank house makes it possible. The hidden "House" was actually in the back/attic of a jam factory. Anne's father, Otto Frank, was the General Manager of the factory. He was the only survivor. He discovered his daugher's diary when he returned after the war and it has become a must read for anyone who wishes to better understand the tragic events of the 1940s. The Museum does a very good job explaining the Holocaust and the Frank family history. A must see.

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Phone: +31-20-5567100
Address: Prinsengracht 267
Directions: Less then 5 minutes from Westerkirk
Website: http://www.annefrank.nl

The Rijsmuseum is undergoing a major renovation. This has meant that much of the collection is not accessible. However, the museum has created a sample of the collection built on the idea of "Masterpieces."Given the depth of the collection many famous pieces are not on display but it is still well worth your while to plan on 2 - 3 hours at the Rijs to catch this exhibit.

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Phone: +31-20-6747047
Address: Stadhouderskade 42; Jan Luijkenstraat 1
Directions: From Central Station: tram 2 or 5 (to Hobbemastraat)
From regional bus terminal on Marnixstraat: bus 26, 65, 66 or 170 (or a 10-minute walk).
Website: http://www.rijksmuseum.nl

Amsterdam has been enriched by a large Jewish population for centuries. So much so that a popular name for the city is Mokum (Hebrew for place)
The Jewish museum is a very good family friendly place to gain an understanding of this rich history. It also provides a good overview of important Jewish rituals and beliefs.
The old Ashkenaz (German) synagogue has been incorporated into the museum. Due to the extensive loss of life it was no longer needed after the Holocaust. After seeing the museum I suggest crossing the street and visiting the Spainish synagogue. This synagogue is still in use by the Jewish communty and presents an interesting contrast. Note the candle powered lighting and lack of heat!

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Phone: +31-20-6269945
Address: Jonas Daniel Meijerplein 2-4
Directions: The easiest way to reach the museum is via mass transit. Metro, tram 9 and 14, and De Opstapper, stop Waterlooplein
Website: http://www.jhm.nl

Delft is lovely, historic, and easy to reach from Amsterdam for a day trip. The Train station is not particularly attractive but do not let that discourage you.
The city played an important role during the 16th century Dutch revolt against Philip II and their spanish overlords. Philip encouraged the assasination of William the Silent (it occured in Delft) This act would lead to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots and was a precursor to the Spanish Armada. You can still visit the Prince's house (appropriately called the Prinsenhoff) and view the exact spot of the assasination and the scars caused by the bullets on the wall.
Delft has had a close association with the House of Orange since the death of William. The Royal mausoleums (including that of William the Silent) may be found in the New Church. The tower may also be climbed, this presents a very attractive view of the city.
There is also a cultural museum, technical museum, and of course the Delft pottery factories. (2 of them are still in the city.
Don't miss it.

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Directions: Delft is 54 minutes from Amsterdam by sneltrain; these fast trains leave Amsterdam Central Station at 30-minute intervals through most of the day.
Website: http://www.holland.com/us/index.html?page=http://www.holland.com/us/cities/delft/

If you are looking for a great way of spending a day out then visit Leiden. The National Museum of Natural History is located there. When we visited there was a special exhibit of Tin Tin so don't expect to only see flora and fauna. The museum is a few minutes walk from the Train Station.
Another must see is the Valk Municipal Windmill. This is one of the few mills open to the general public and it contains a full explanation of how mills developed over time.
Finally, just walk aboutt and visit the churches, citadel, and the shopping. Make sure you stop by a local cheese shop and baker for a reasonable meal!

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Address: Leiden
Directions: Regular trains from Amsterdam Central Station
Website: www.goholland.com

We have just returned from a winter trip to the Netherlands and would strongly recommend that family travellers take a day trip to the Efteling amusement park.

This park combines some great family rides with animatronic retellings of some of the more beloved fairy tales of our youth. Your admission covers all rides.

This was certainly a highlight for our children (including the teens) and we both enjoyed it as well.

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Phone: +31 (0)416-288111
Address: "Den Bosch"
Directions: From Amsterdam / Utrecht / Zwolle: Take the train to ýs-Hertogenbosch, there are bus connections to Efteling from here.
Website: http://www.efteling.nl/
Other Contact: Fax +31 (0)416-288488

Amsterdam, like Venice, is noted for its many canals. Taking a canal boat cruise is a great way to see many of them, learn some interesting facts, and have a great view of many of the attractive homes and business that line them.
There are many companies that offer tours from the area around Central Station so look around and take your choice. As the boats can be covered they run most of the year.

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Address: Central Station area

The old city hall and court house became the home of Napoleonic Royalty (and its current name) in the early part of the 19th century. The Royal family only rarely uses this central Amstserdam palace but that means it is accessible to the general public.
It has spectacular Baroque frescoes, sculptures, and some very historic stories. It is also, surprisingly, not very crowded so is a good stop when you are looking for a break from the crowds.

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Phone: +31-20- 6204060
Address: Dam Square
Directions: Dam Square is in the Centre of the city and is within easy walking distace from Central Station.
Website: http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/UK/tour/kpa/kpa_01.html

Think of Amsterdam and the canals, central station, and perhaps the Anne Frank house will come to mind. However, for the residents, the symbol of Amsterdam is the Westerkerk - the old Protestant Cathedral on the West side of town. Built in the early part of the 17th century its tower sports the Hapsburg Imperial Crown, awarded to the city of Amsterdam by the Emperor Maximilian in recognition of its support.
It is the burial place of Rembrandt (no one knows where but probably under the street outside) as well as his son (the tomb erected by his more famous father is marked) Catch a concert if you have the chance

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Phone: +31-20-6247766
Address: Prinsengracht 28
Directions: Near the Anne Frank House
Website: http://www.westerkerk.nl

The Van Gogh Museum has the world's largest collection of his work and if you are interested in 19th century art this is a must see. If not, this is a museum you can pass on seeing if you only have a few days.

They do provide a "treasure hunt" feature for the kids but that may not be enough to keep them entertained if they do not enjoy the art work itself.

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Phone: +31-20-5705252
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7
Directions: Located between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum. Tram numbers 2 and 5 from the Central Station and by tram numbers 3 and 12 (crossroad Paulus Potterstraat-Van Baerlestraat).
Website: http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl