Amsterdam is often associated with a vibrant party-scene (cue the international bachelor parties) but it is also an incredible city with some amazing art museums, gorgeous architecture and walks through canal streets, delicious food and historic significance.  I spent a long weekend there and it was a fabulous experience.

The first day I did a lot of exploring and wandering through the beautiful streets. Its lovely to wander over the canals at every turn and see row after row of historic homes and churches. Fortunately, I was able to get an entry ticket time to the Anne Frank House (plan way ahead on this one – they sell out quickly!!). As most of us read in school, during World War II, Anne Frank hid from the Nazi’s with her family and four other people in hidden rooms at the rear of the 17th-century canal house, known as the “Secret Annex”. This museum has preserved the house and the secret annex, along with many other items of significance, referenced in her diary. Definitely not an uplifting experience but incredible to step into that home and see what her life was like during that time.

Following that, I did move to something more uplifting – the Royal Palace in Dam Square. The palace was built as a townhall during the Dutch Golden age in the 17th century and later became the building became the royal palace of King Louis Napoleon, of the House of Orange. We continued to explore around Dam Square and onward to the floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt. Founded in 1862, the Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market. I then walked over to the Amsterdam Food Hallen and experienced a traditional dutch snack –  Bitterballen. These are a Dutch meat-based snack, typically containing a mixture of beef or veal, beef broth, butter, flour for thickening, parsley, salt and pepper, resulting in a thick roux. Absolutely delicious!

The next day was focused on the art museums! The Van Gogh Museum is probably my favorite one we’ve been to thus far in our travels. It has floor after floor of priceless paintings including “The Potatoe Eaters”, “Sunflowers” and “The Bedroom”. In addition to the priceless paintings, it also displays some of his contemporary’s work and details of his life. I spent several hours exploring the extensive collection. I next explored the Rijkmuseum, the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. The museum has on display 8,000 objects of art and history, from the years 1200–2000, among which are some masterpieces by Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer.  My favorite was the incredible display of “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt. While I was there, they also had a special collection of Rembrandt, including some of his preliminary drafts and sketches of the most famous paintings.

I was impressed (and a bit surprised!) at how much I enjoyed Amsterdam – from the art to the food! Another fantastic experience and great trip!!

-MAL

Hotel: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel – excellent! Well worth upgrading to the executive lounge for breakfast, drinks/apps and desserts. 5-10 minutes to the museums, 10-15 minutes to city center, 15 minute cab to the train station.

Restaurants:

• Cannibale Royale
• Daadler
• Midtown Grill (Amsterdam Marriott Bar)
• Amsterdam FoodHallen

Sites:

• Anne Frank House
• Royal Palace
• Dam Square
• Floating Flower Market
• Van Gogh Museum
• Rijkmuseum
• Opera House