1: Take a Canal Cruise Floating along the canals of Amsterdam by experiencing a guided boat tour is a great way to discover this beautiful city. Did you know that going on a canal tour is by far the most popular attraction in Amsterdam? Every year around 3.250.000 people come to see the city from the water to have a unique view on Mokum. You’ll learn a lot of fascinating facts along the way, such as why the tilted homes along the canals are known as ‘the dancing houses’ 2: Visit the Anne Frank House Anne Frank is one of Amsterdam’s most well-known former residents. The Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 is where she lived in hiding with her family for more than two years during World War II. Now converted into a museum it contains a sobering exhibition about the persecution of the Jews during the war, as well as discrimination in general. Waiting times are often lengthy and you need to buy a ticket in advance. The Anne Frank House can only be visited with an online ticket for a certain date and time. Buy your ticket at: www.annefrank.org 3: Visit the Van Gogh Museum Explore Vincent van Gogh’s artworks at the Van Gogh Museum at the modern building on the Museumplein. This Dutch painter is very famous all around the world. Although he died 125 years ago, everybody knows his wonderful paintings ‘The Potato Eaters’ and ‘Sun Flowers’ or the story about how he cut off his own ear. Buy your ticket at: www.vangoghmuseum.com 4: Hire a bike in Amsterdam There are over 800.000 bikes in Amsterdam. That’s more bikes than people! In Amsterdam cycling is a way of life. It’s safe and there is no finer way to explore the canals, beautiful streets and attractions than with a bike. It’s easy to hire a bike; there are many different companies to choose from. 5: Go beer tasting in the brewpub ‘De Prael’ This cozy brewpub offers a view on the brewing equipment and the brewing of their traditional beer. The Prael has a range of possibilities: you can try several beers, have a snack or even enjoy a great meal in a relaxed atmosphere. More information: www.deprael.nl 6: Visit the Flower market Tulips are the symbol of the Dutch culture and a trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of Amsterdam’s most colourful attractions and smelling the tulips. Besides flowers you’ll find a lot of shops that sell souvenirs and in the winter you’ll find Christmas trees and decorations. The market is located at the Singel. 7:Explore the Red Light District Take a walk through ‘De Wallen’, Amsterdam’s Red Light District, to see what all the fuss is about. Learn that there’s more to this fabled district than the sex tourism it attracts. The red-lit windows where sex workers primp are often attached to historic townhouses, and monumental architecture abound in this sliver of the city. 8: Visit the Rijksmuseum The Rijksmuseum is among the world’s finest art museums, packing works by local art heroes Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Night Watch is Rembrandt’s largest (379,5 cm high and 433,5 cm wide!) and most famous painting and it is the centrepiece of the Rijksmuseum’s Gallery of Honour. To avoid the biggest crowds, come before 10am or after 3pm. Prebooking tickets online provides fast-track entry. Buy your ticket at: www.rijksmuseum.nl 9: Enjoy the park life at the Vondelpark The Vondelpark was a private park for the wealthy people until 1953. This park occupies a special place in the heart of Amsterdam. It’s a magical escape, but also supplies a busy social scene, encompassing cycle ways, pristine lawns. Ponds with swans, quaint cafes, footbridges and winding footpaths. The Vondelpark receives over 12 million visitors per year, so it is rarely not crowded, but always a lot of fun. 10: Food lovers: visit the Foodhallen This glorious international Foodhallen, a newly renovated tram depot, has food stands surrounding an airy open-plan eating area. Wander around in the large loft-like space and discover the very best ‘culinary Amsterdam’ has to offer. Various hospitality concepts will serve a selection of small dishes for locals and tourists to enjoy. More information: www.foodhallen.nl .