Amsterdam: Things To Do

Anne Frank House Even if you’ve read the tale of this young teenager who went into hiding from the Nazis, visiting the canal house where it all happened can whack you right in the gut. Plan to go late in the day to avoid the long lines to tour the cramped rooms her family shared for two years. Western Canals; Prinsengracht 267; 011-31-20-556-7105; www.annefrank.org
family | culture | history

Begijnhof This intimate courtyard was once a cloister for nuns; inside you’ll find the oldest wooden house in the city as well as some unexpectedly handsome churches. The beautifully restored buildings date back to the 1400s. Medieval Center; Begijnhof 30; 011-31-20-622-1918; www.begijnhofamsterdam.nl
architecture | culture | history

Canal Cruise “De Tourist” De Tourist isn't the only company providing daily group canal tours to the general public, but they’re the only one that eschews the touristy canal boats in favor of a stunning restored, salon boat. Jordaan; c/o Pulitzer Hotel, Prinsengracht 315-331; 011-31-20-627-6753; www.de-tourist.nl
family | culture | smart splurge | history

EnergeticA Think a museum of antique technology sounds dull? Hold on to your hat! You don’t just look at the gas lamps, electricity transformers, and elevators here; docents will fire them up for you in this former power station for the city’s trams. Eastern Docklands; Hoogte Kadijk 400; 011-31-20-422-1227
family | culture | museum | history

Museum Amstelkring Under a strict Protestant regime (back when Amsterdam wasn’t so tolerant), Catholics were forced to worship in “clandestine” churches like this one. Red Light District; Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40; 011-31-20-624-6604; www.museumamstelkring.nl
architecture | culture | history

Oude Kerk (Old Church) One of this city’s great and myriad ironies that its oldest standing building (1306), also one of its holiest, is in the Red Light District. Check for times of services or take in one of the frequent art exhibits here. Red Light District; Oudekerksplein 23; 011-31-20-625-8284
family | architecture | culture

Post CS and Stedlijk CS This former postal headquarters is serving as a temporary exhibition space for a world class contemporary and modern art collection (in October 2008 the collection will close to prepare for its reopening in December 2009 in a new location). Upstairs two floors of design furniture shopping and “11” a huge restaurant and danceclub offering the cities best harbor views, attract the same trendy crowd. Oostelijk Havengebeid; Oosterdokskade 5; 011-31-20-573-2911; www.stedelijk.nl
culture | trendy | art

Rijksmuseum Although the main building is under construction until 2010, there’s a very worthy collection of the best of Dutch art – from masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals, and Steen – in the Philips Wing. Old South; Stadhouderskade 42; 011-31-20-674-7000; www.rijksmuseum.nl
architecture | culture | music | history | art

Take an architectural tour Taking advantage of one of the world’s most dynamic architecture scenes, Architecture Center Amsterdam operates engaging tours of the city’s contemporary architectural highlights. ARCAM; Prins Hendrikkade 600; 011-31-20-620-4878; www.arcam.nl
architecture | tour | red light district

Van Gogh Museum The works of this deeply troubled genius (including Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and Self Portrait with Felt Hat) are on splendid exhibition in this building by noted Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld. Special cultural events take place Friday nights. The main exhibit is divided into five chronological periods. Old South; Paulus Potterstraat 7; 011-31-20-570-5200; www.vangoghmuseum.nl
culture | history | art

Vondelpark This gracious, 140-plus-year-old park on the south side of town is perfect for an afternoon with the kids, a leisurely bike ride, a concert at the open-air theater, or events at the Film Museum. Old South; www.vondelpark.nl
family | culture | outdoors

Westerkerk Nearly adjacent to the Anne Frank House, this church is where you'll find Rembrandt's grave. Visitors today can climb its 272-foot tower (the tallest in Amsterdam) for the city’s best views and a look at the bells Anne Frank heard while in captivity. Western Canals; Westermarkt; 011-31-20-624-7766
family | architecture | culture

Yellow Bike Tours Amsterdam’s flat geography and endless bicycle paths make cycling a breeze. Yellow Bike’s three-hour, guided city orientation tours allow you to see–and do this bike-obsessed city in a way that gives you local street cred. Centrum; Nieuwezijds Kolk 29; 011-20-31-620-6940; www.yellowbike.nl
family | biking | tours