What are the must-see spots in the Amsterdam area?

Question

It's going to be me and my Girlfriend, mid fall, and for about a week.

Answer 1

A canal boat tour is fun and informative, touristy yes but don't let that stop you.

Both the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museums are world class and a must see.

Visit the Anne Frankhus for a moving experience. The Oude Kerk church is a great sight, you need to visit a Coffee house, the floating tulip market (since it's a bad time to visit the tulip fields) and just walk around the canals to see all the wonderful houses.

Of course no trip would be complete with a visit to the Red Light District. It is a sight to see and experience. One of the things you will notice is the amount of families and tourists walking around there late at night.

Be sure to get a tram pass, it's a great way to get around.

Answer 2

Depends what you like.
My first recommendation is to take a tour
on a canalboat - it's usually an hour to 1-1/2
hour trip. Announcementsw are made in
several languages and you get to see many
different spots of the city, especially the various
beautiful canals which are lined with 300 year old
building and at night, many of the bridges are all
lit up. There are several places to find these - near Central Station and probably three or four other places.
#2 - if you like shopping - walk from Central
Station via Damrak to the Dam where the
royal palace is located - from there walk thru
the main shopping street called Kalverstraat
all the way to the end (Muntplein) and from there
onto Rembrandtplein (only 2 blocks) and have a
drink on one of the many sidewalk cafes.
If it's Museums you like go to the National Gallery
(Rijkswmuseum) where you find Rembrand's and
many more famous painters. By all means take a
walk along the Oudezijds Voorburgwal - this is
Amsterdam's famous Red Light District. Don't
go in, just walk and look - don't worry you will be
one of many thousands of other nosy tourists.
Right in front of Central Station (near the water)
is the tourist office where you can get all kinds
of literature. In case you go visit the Anne Frank
House - a block away is Amsterdam's highest
tower (Westertoren) you can go almost near the top (after climbing "many" stairs and get a good view of almost the whole city. I lived there for 27
years before moving to Chicago. Anymore questions - [e-mail]

Answer 3

Anna Frank's house, Van Gogh Museum, Madam Tusso's Wax Museum, Tupil market. Also the red light district, like walking down skinny street. You can take a canal cruise/tour, and also check out at least one coffee shop to get the entire experience.

Answer 4

Van Gogh Museum
Rijksmuseum
It's touristy, but take a canal tour
The red light district for a culture shock
Vondelpark