AMSTERDAM

SEE

Keukenhof: Visiting the famous tulip festival, held every spring around March to May, is an incredible experience! While peak bloom times vary according to weather and snow pack (predictions for full bloom times can be found on their website and Facebook page), the festival includes amazing indoor gardens that bloom no matter what the temp is outside. You can buy tickets in advance to visit the gardens or just wait to buy them when you arrive, as there is never really a huge line for the ticket office. If you visit over Easter weekend, be aware that they will close the park at any time when it reaches capacity and will not allow any more people in to visit. Make sure to visit their Facebook page for the most updated notices of closures.  

The Anne Frank House: Tickets to tour the Anne Frank House sell out quickly and are only available to purchase online. It's best to purchase in advance (they are available for pre-purchase exactly two months before the day you visit) but a few tickets become available the day of. When we took my parents to Amsterdam, we were able to get tickets that became available an hour before the time slot, so it's definitely worth checking throughout the day. 

Zaanse Schans: While this area is located a bit out of town, is it definitely worth a visit if you have time in your schedule. There is plenty of parking available and about a 30 euro taxi ride from the center of town. Zaanse Schans is a great way to learn and appreciate traditional Dutch culture. You'll find working windmills, museums, bakeries and shops, but the real highlight is the wooden clog museum and shop! Here you can learn the history of wooden clogs, watch a craftsman create a clog from a block of wood, and purchase your own pair of clogs. 

Van Gogh Museum: Located in the center of town near the famous I Am Amsterdam sign, this museum is home to Van Gogh's classic, most recognizable pieces, like Almond Blossom, Sunflowers, Self-Portrait as a Painter, and The Bedroom. Definitely purchase tickets in advance to visit this museum, as it's quite popular and seems to always be busy.

The best way to experience Amsterdam is by renting bikes and riding along the canals. There are several bike rental companies available (we used A-Bike Rentals) and they even have cargo bikes available to tote along the little ones for the ride. Riding through Amsterdam was one of our favorite travel memories and a great chance to see the city as the locals do.

If you are driving to Amsterdam, consider a stopover in the storybook town of Giethoorn, Netherlands, located about one and half hours away from Amsterdam. This super cute canal town is only accessible by foot or boat and there are several little restaurants, shops, and AirBNB's along the canal.

SHOP

The gift shops at Keukenhof are some of the best! Here you'll find tulip everything at great prices, as well as general Dutch gifts and souvenirs. One of my favorite souvenir purchases  are the wooden tulips found at these gift shops. They look adorable in a vase and are a great, non-tacky way to remember your trip to Amsterdam!

The Clog Shop at Zaanse Schans is a real good one with quality souvenirs and everything wooden clog. Prices here are also reasonable. 

STAY

The BEST place to stay in Amsterdam is at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Amsterdam Centraal Station. The hotel is gorgeous and clean, the views are incredible, and the location cannot be beat. On our most recent stay at this hotel, we stayed in an amazing suite with views of the river and the city. They also have great parking available if you come with a car. 

SAVOR

At Keukenhof, try a hot stroopwafel at the stand near the windmill! 

Moak Pancakes: With sweet and savory options, Moak Pancakes is a delicious food option for any time of day!

De Vier Pilaren: Come here every day and order the Dutch Poffertjes with strawberries and whipped cream and then thank me for telling you about the best treat you've ever had in your life. Heart eyes, you're welcome. xoxo

*For urgent care needs, there is a fantastic clinic with an attached pharmacy at the Amsterdam Centraal Station. Super easy process and they're very used to treating tourists.