A few months back, I wrote about traveling to Ireland and how there was much more to it than an average traveler might think.  Amsterdam is very much the same, and while many experience this city as the beginning or ending point of a cruise, it is worth a visit on its own.  I think travelers should add this destination to their next European excursion – and here’s why:

Flowers

Although the crowds will be larger, the optimal time to visit Amsterdam is in the Spring/Summer, when its famous flowers will be in the height of bloom.  The days are longer, the temperatures milder and activities are plentiful.  March offers the opening of the Keukenhof Gardens; April is when the bulb fields are blooming (bike tours through the fields are a must); and the summer months offer many outdoor festivals that include alfresco dining, concerts, theatre and private garden open-houses.

Museums

Amsterdam is full of wonderful museums, but three top the list.  At the Rijksmuseum, visitors can see famous old-master paintings on display, including The Night Watch by Rembrandt.  This is the “must-see” museum of the city.  Another popular museum is the Van Gogh Museum, and is likely the most visited museum in Amsterdam.  Finally, no one should miss the Stedelijk Museum for modern masters such as Cezanne, Matisse, Rodan and Andy Warhol.

Canals

While the advent of the automobile caused Amsterdam to “fill in” many of their canals to accommodate the new transportation mode, there are still 165 canals to explore – more than any other Dutch city.  A canal tour is a great first impression excursion in Amsterdam and a way to see the city at its loveliest, via boats that loop around the historic city center.  Try the St. Nicholas Boat Club for an open-top tour or charter a private tour for something more intimate or catered with a meal.

Anne Frank House and WWII Experience

The Netherlands were very impacted by World War II, and memorials like the Dutch National Monument, the Homomonument and others commemorate the victims of this war.  The Anne Frank House is a highly visited museum, where visitors can explore the “secret annex” where Anne hid for years with her family and others as she composed her famous diary.   The Jewish Historical Museum, tells the story of how the Holocaust devastated Jewish communities in the Netherlands – and shows how these communities were rebuilt.

Cycling

For the active tourist, one of the best ways to get around Amsterdam is by bicycle.  Bicycles can be rented everywhere.  Cyclists can visit the many famous “squares” that make up the city, including Dam Square – often a first stop for tourists to take in monuments, souvenir shops and cafes.  As well, visit Museumplein, or Museum Square, named so because of the two major museums that line it…the  Van Gogh Museum and  Stedelijk.  And as mentioned earlier, bikes are a great way to take in the flowers – can you imagine riding through a blooming field of tulips on a bright, sunny day?!

Shopping and Dining

While often overshadowed by other European cities, Amsterdam has plenty of shopping delights for those who enjoy retail activities.  Fashion, home decor and especially culinary delicacies can be found in the many specialty stores and open-air markets.  Start by taking a stroll down Nieuwendijk and Haarlemmerstraat, both just minutes from Central Station.

In terms of dining, travelers can find just about any cuisine of the world in this fine city.  Try a paper cone of french fries (vlaamse frites) served with mayonnaise or peanut-butter sate sauce. Dutch specialties, such as smoked eel and raw or pickled herring, reflect the city’s close relationship with the sea.  Other favorites are erwtensoep (split pea soup) and stamppot boerenkool, mashed potatoes streaked with curly kale, eaten year in and year out. Pancakes are treated like pizza, loaded with extras like ham and bacon or fruit and sweets to create a dessert.

Where to Stay

If you’re traveling on a 5-star budget, then you’ll want to stay at the Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht.  This Hyatt property is not large by American standards, but it is definitely luxurious.  One of its nice features is that it offers guest bicycles for touring around the city.  Other luxury options include the Banks Mansion and the Grand Hotel Amrath.  Travelers looking for a less expensive but quaint experience might try the Hotel de L’Europe, located right on the banks of the Amstel River.