Top places to visit

This street market is one of the most popular in the whole of Holland. Started in 1903, this market now has over 300 stalls on both sides of the street. These stalls sell everything from clothes, cosmetics and chocolates to fruit, fish and vegetables. The market is a good place to test your bargaining skills. The market is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. Due to bad weather during winters, the market may close earlier.

With almost 25 perfect of its surface area covered with navigable waterways, Amsterdam is often known as the Venice of the East. Canal Cruises have hence emerged as a major tourist attraction in the city. For those who want to go on a canal cruise, boats can be taken on rent from various boat rental companies. There is a choice of pedal or electrically powered boat. Once popular, Houseboats are now almost exclusively private residences, and strict government regulations mean that only a few of them have legal rental space.

Anne Frank, a girl who wrote about her experiences during the Second World War has her house in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam. This is the house where the Anne Frank along with her family spent 25 months during the war. A must see for those who love history and were touched by her story.

In central Amsterdam you will come across the famous Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum which houses wax filled statues of Dutch and foreign stars. Conveniently located on Dam Square, Madame Tussauds is at 10 minutes walking distance from Central Station. Parking places are easily available nearby. If you wish to travel by tram you can use Tram No 1, 2, 5, 13, 17 and 20 that will drop you at Magna Plaza/Dam or Tram No. 4, 9, 16, 20 and 24 that stop at Bijenkorf/Dam.

Rembrandtplein is another major tourist attraction in central Amsterdam. This square named after famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn, was originally a butter market. Over time various cafes, night clubs and hotels opened in the area making it one of the hottest nightspots in the city.

A true treat for art lovers, the Rijkmuseum features a splendid collection of Dutch paintings from the Golden Age.

The museum is organizing exhibitions, projects, workshops and other activities at various venues throughout Amsterdam. Stedelijk Goes to Town is a countdown to the grand re-opening on the Museumplein. For most of 2009, items from Stedelijk's fantastic collection will be on show in major exhibitions at other locales in Amsterdam.

One of the most famous artists in history, Van Gogh's work is displayed at the Van Gogh Museum. Located between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, the museum entrance is at the Paulus, Potterstraat 7. Tram No 2 and 5 from the Central Station will take you to the museum. The museum is disabled friendly.

Located near the Museum Quarter, Vondelpark is one of the largest parks in Amsterdam, very popular with locals and tourists alike. The open air theatre at the park has theatrical performances five days week. During June, July and August, one can enjoy concerts and musical performances at the open air theatre.

Kids have many things to see and do when in Amsterdam:

Located in central Amsterdam on the Dam Square, this 17th century palace was originally built as a city hall for Amsterdam's magistrates. The museum is now used primarily for state functions and for presentation of various official and royal prizes. The Palace is not open to visitors as it has been temporarily closed down for major renovation.

Built in the 17th century for housing working class immigrants, Jordaan is now an upscale district of Amsterdam. The district has emerged as a posh and happening place for art aficionados with the opening of many art galleries, especially those for modern art. For those who want to browse through specialty shops and restaurants, Jordaan is the perfect place. The area also has many small and interesting museums such as the Houseboat Museum and the Pianola Museum. Rembrandt spent his last days in Jordaan