AMSTERDAM
A walk through Anne's...
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OVERVIEW // You can take a tour through the very rooms that the Frank family hid in during WWII in an attempt to escape the Nazi's. You can even see where Anne decorated the walls above her bed to bring some cheer to her windowless "bedroom". No photos were allowed inside of the building. I knew going the Anne Frank house was something I wanted to do, but didn't understand it's really actually a need to do. The hour long wait to get inside is worth every minute.
WHERE // A simple walk from the hotel. (nothing in Amsterdam is very far apart). On Westermarkt and Prinsengracht.
COST // 9 Euro
HIGHLIGHT // The large portrait of Otto Frank (her father) standing in the annex after the war which took his family had ended.
Taking in Van Gogh and Rembrandt...
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OVERVIEW // You can see the largest collection of Van Gogh art right in Amsterdam. This museum is very well put together and follows Van Gogh's life as an artist as it details the reflection of his psyche in his work. This museum is right next to the Rijkmuseum, where you can walk the gallery filled with Rembrandt's most notable works, including 'The Night Watch", as well as other prominent Dutch artists of the Golden Age.
WHERE // The Rijkmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the I AMSTERDAM sign are all on the same block. It's easiest to head towards Stadhouderskade and Hobbemakade.
COST // The Van Gogh Museum costs 17 Euro. The Rijkmuseum costs 17.50 Euro.
HIGHLIGHT // Seeing my first Rembrandt! (The museum guide then confirmed my own very basic art analysis).
Biking along the canals...
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OVERVIEW // Renting a bike is an absolute must in Amsterdam! They ride bikes like we ride cars. It is the most bike friendly city I have ever been to. If you want to experience life as locals do, hop on two wheels and pedal your heart out...even when/if it's pouring rain! This is a great way to see a lot of the city, and you can pretty much lean your bike anywhere when you see a shop (such as a cheese shop) or cafe you HAVE to go into.
WHERE // We used Mike's Bike Rentals. They advertise "undercover rental bikes" so you don't look like a pedalling advertisement (aka tourist haha!). They have several locations in the city so you can even return the bike at a different shop.
COST // A full day (return by 6pm) with insurance costs 10 Euro.
HIGHLIGHT // Seeing a dad leaving the market on a bike with his three kids in tow! Two pulled in a wagon, one on a small seat in front, with grocery bags on the handlbar basket.