Sykes - Moon Amsterdam

AUDREY SYKES

The Amsterdam that most people envision is real. In this romantic, crowded city, tulips blossom between cobblestones, centuries-old houses perch alongside winding canals, and bicycle bells ring in time with carillon bells echoing from historic church steeples. At night, music pulses from trendy nightclubs, smoke wafts out the doors of coffeeshops, and the notorious Red Light District winks suggestively at passersby.

Amsterdam is where youll find art from renowned Dutch masters and the hottest street artists only blocks apart. Its home to medieval churches and avant-garde theaters. Its a tolerant place that has historically welcomed hedonists and religious pilgrims in equal measure. Amsterdam embraces and embodies its contradictions.

In the summer, Amsterdam becomes a leafy oasis, dotted with parks and sunny terraces. Blue herons silently observe the parade of boats along the canals. Neighbors chat as they purchase bread, cheese, and produce at outdoor markets. By winter, the city retreats into itself as cold and sometimes snowy days hit. People seek shelter in the citys cozy brown bars and cafs, designed to lift even the lowest of spirits. Museum-going is practically a national pastime here, and the many options mean you could visit a different world-class museum for every bad-weather day. This is the locals Amsterdam, where the emphasis is on appreciating life.

Bloemenmarkt ()

Sunflowers, by Vincent van Gogh, at the Van Gogh Museum ()

National Monument, in Dam Square ()

NEMO, the childrens hands-on science museum ()

Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution ()

Begijnhof ()

Rijksmuseum: Witness the works of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters at this world-famous art museum (

Stedelijk Museum: See Europes best collection of abstract and modern art ().

Van Gogh Museum: Take in the largest collection of Vincent van Goghs works in the world ().

National Holocaust Memorial: Learn about some of the 100,000 Jews who were deported from the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation ().

Anne Frank House: Youve read her diary. Now experience for yourself the annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years ().

Cannabis Culture: Several million tourists a year visit Amsterdams coffeeshopscannabis dispensaries that double as cafs ().

Canals: Whether youre on a terrace or inside a boat, its easy to find enchantment canalside ().

Bicycles: Join the majority of Amsterdams population by exploring the city on two wheels ().

Brown Bars: These cozy bar-cafs are known for their candlelit ambience, dark walls, and creaking stools. Order a biertje (small beer) and blend in with the locals ().

Outdoor Markets: On nearly every corner of every neighborhood youll find bustling markets selling local organic produce, books, clothingeven tulip bulbs ().

THE BEST OF AMSTERDAM

The biggest attraction in Amsterdam is wandering the city. This itinerary hits the citys top sights and experiences in three days. The neighborhoods covered are easy to reach on foot or by taking public transportation.

Consider staying in the Canal Belt. Though hotels are pricey, youll be in a central location where you can easily reach the citys other neighborhoods and attractions.

DAY 1: OLD CENTER

Start off the day by watching the city awaken at Dam Square. From this spot, you can admire Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis). Make your way to the Begijnhof (Beguines Courtyard), a pretty green courtyard where peace and quiet are the order of the day. Next, hop over to the adjacent Amsterdam Museum, where you can spend as much time as you want learning about the citys historyor just get your first glimpse at a Rembrandt painting.