Brimming with serene canal towns, windmills and colorful tulip fields, the Netherlands is a must-see destination, especially its capital Amsterdam. This charming city offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europe’s most colorful, dynamic and historic cities — one with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes.  


Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where you’ll find some of the world’s top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. At Dam Square, the Amsterdam’s largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. 


Amsterdam Fast Fact: Bikes are big in Amsterdam! 63% of Amsterdammers cycle daily! And it is estimated that 12,000 to 15,000 bikes are fished out of Amsterdam canals annually. 


If you are visiting Amsterdam be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips. Take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan, a district in the citycenter of Amsterdam, known for its beautiful houses, nice restaurants and unique shops. The name of the district, Jordaan, comes from the French word for garden: Jardin. Many streets in this area are named after plants and flowers. However, others say it is named after the Jordan-river, because of the many Jews that fled to Amsterdam and lived in the area.


L: View of the floating Bloemenmarkt from the canal R: Some of the fantastic florals you will find inside!


For those with a sweet-tooth, you won’t have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll. 


See art galleries and museums online now!

Get a head start on your Amsterdam adventure and view some of their famous museums and art galleries online. View the Rijksmueum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and the Amsterdam Museum online (simply hover your mouse over the name and click).  


Check out some of the pictures Nicole took on her trip to Amsterdam


Let's practice some dutch!

Hello! Hallo! (hah-low)

Hi! Hoi! (hoy) / Hi! (hay)

Good morning! Goedemorgen! (khoo-der-mor-khern)

Good afternoon! Goedemiddag! (khoo-der-mi-dakh)

Good evening! Goedenavond! (khoo-der-aa-font)

See you later! Bye! Tot ziens! (toat seens) / Dag! (dakh) Hoi! (hoai)

Please? Alsjeblieft? (als-yer-bleeft)