A 60 minutes relaxing cruise through Amsterdam's peaceful canals. 

Discover the highlights of Amsterdam from a different angle on a lovely boat with a glass roof.

Highlights:

• 60-minute sightseeing cruise of Amsterdam
• See all the famous highlights including Anne Frank House, the Skinny Bridge and the old port
• Cruise the canals in a luxury glass-topped canal boat
• Recorded commentary in English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish and Italian

Science Center NEMO is the largest museum of its kind in all of the Netherlands. This exciting adventure of an educational center has five floors that are jam packed with interesting hands-on exhibits that will catch the attention of visitors of any age. When visiting Amsterdam, leave plenty of time in the schedule for this place as each floor is more interesting than the last. Don't forget to check out the gift shop where there are fun science related gifts that will make great souvenirs for friends or mementos for yourself from your wonderful trip to this enchanting region. Two things are guaranteed here: learning and fun!

The Het Scheepvaartmuseum, or The National Maritime Museum is one of the hot spots for tourists who are interested in shipping or sailing history.  There are artifacts in this naval storehouse turned museum that will interest enthusiasts of all ages.  There is even a life-sized replica of the 18^th century ship the Amsterdam outside the museum for sailing buffs of today to get a feel for what it was like to sail from the Netherlands to the East Indies and back again. This is one stop tourists will want to be sure to make time for.

The Netherland's first established zoo can be found in the heart of Amsterdam and since its creation in 1838, the Artis Royal Zoo has gone on to become a gathering place where people can learn all about the heritage of the culture and nature of Amsterdam.

More than just a zoo, visitors to Artis will enjoy its various historical monuments such as the tropical fish found in the Aquarium. For a time traveling experience, the planetarium is a must-do part of visiting the Artis Royal Zoo. A stroll through the Bird House allows visitors to learn about various bird species. The Forest House is a great place to watch its animal inhabitants interact with each other. Those who enjoy butterflies will want to visit the zoo's Pavilion to see hundreds of types of butterflies. The zoo's historical park features a wide variety of plants as well as some trees that have been around for centuries.

In total, 750 different animal species call the Artis Royal Zoo their home. With 300 tree species as well, a trip to the Artis Royal Zoo can be both fun and educational. The zoo prides itself on the fact that their animals live in environments that feel natural, preventing them from feeling like they are being isolated.

For an extra fun experience, visitors to the Artis Royal Zoo are urged to take one of their hour long express cruises.

Leidseplein, which translates to Leiden Square in English, is a square in southern Amsterdam. It is now the city's transport hub and serves several tram lines and gives people access to the city's shopping and nightlife.

Known as an entertainment square, visitors will often find street performers located in east Leidseplein. These performers often dance in the street in order to entertain visitors. During the summer it is not uncommon for the bars in Leidseplein to be packed with people. During the winter the square's outdoor terrace is covered and an ice skating rink can then be found in the square. There are also many food stalls serving up hot food during the winter months in Leidseplein.

Leidseplein Square is where visitors will find the flagship stores for both Apple and BMW. They are in the Hirschgebouw building that used to serve as the home of a large department store. The interiors of both the Apple and BMW stores are unique and often attract visitors.

The main streets of Leidseplein Square are home to a variety of Argentian, Chinese and Italian restaurants. There are also many high-end restaurants located throughout the square, such as Café America, which can be found in the Eden Amsterdam American Hotel. Many people enjoy Café America's Sunday afternoon Jazz Brunch.

Visitors looking for more information about the area's nightlife can go to Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 21. This is an office that helps guide visitors to the nightlife destinations throughout the eastern end of Leiden Square.

The largest collection of artwork by Vincent Van Gogh in the world is housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.  It is conveniently located in Museum Square, and is one of the most popular art museums to visit in the world. This is a must for any Amsterdam tourist.

The museum is divided in to two buildings.  And, in spite of the high volume of visitors every day, the experience is quite pleasant because of the ideal layout of the building and exhibits. It was truly designed with the guests in mind, and is accessible to large crowds trying to enjoy individual pieces of art.  The main building holds the permanent collection as well as some temporary or rotating exhibits.  It consists of four floors. One floor has the gift shop and café. The next is a chronological look at Van Gogh's works. Then there is a floor dedicated to the restoration of paintings as well as some minor temporary exhibitions.  And finally there is a floor for works of Van Gogh's contemporaries, which focuses on his influence on their art and how they related to him.  The other building holds temporary exhibits, and is accessed through an underground tunnel from the main building.

There is a library associated with the museum, and is in a separate location.  However, there are study areas available on every floor of the museum itself where visitors can go more in depth in their study of the art and history of the artist.  
Believing in encouraging the next generation of artists, the museum offers extensive programs for children.  These include drawing competitions for children from age four to twelve, treasure hunts, diorama making, and guided workshops. Kids can even have a birthday party with activities guided by museum staff.

Since this is one of the most popular museums, with over a million and a half visitors per year, the lines can be long. Be sure to purchase a museum card if you are planning to visit other museums as well, or at least purchase tickets in advance so that your vacation time is not wasted waiting behind the crowds.  This will save time and frustration.

The Stedelijk Museum, or just Stedelijk, is the premiere contemporary and modern art museum in Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the Museum Quarter in the city, it displays international art from the twentieth and twenty first centuries. This place provides a distinctive experience that will open the mind and heart to new styles.

This museum has several static displays as well as many that change occasionally, so there is always a reason to go back and visit again. The exhibits are very unique, The Stedelijk offers much more than just the traditional framed painting. Every piece of art is special and individual. The exhibits can be taken at the visitor's own pace, or there are guided tours available. These tours are offered in Dutch or English to accommodate as many guests as possible. Some have an additional charge, but some are actually free.

There is a restaurant which provides not just a delicious meal, but a new-age experience. The décor fits the theme of the modern art, and is open not just to museum guests, but to other customers as well. The restaurant offers an extensive menu, reasonable pricing, reservations for large or small groups, and even outdoor terrace seating. The visitor can enjoy anything from a simple lunch, glass of wine, or a three course dinner. This is an excellent way to stop and reflect on the art that was just seen and experienced, and let it really sink in to the soul.

After exploring the interesting art exhibits, if the visitor still wants to learn more about the museum or about art in general, there is a library available to go through. There are books, archives and article with a friendly staff waiting to retrieve whatever information is desired. 
This is a true one of a kind experience that you will not want to miss on your visit to Amsterdam. It is near other museums, and tickets are available online, so plan this one in advance and be sure to schedule it for part of your vacation. Also, check out the gift shop for one of a kind books, keepsakes, and souvenirs from your trip.

Vondelpark is Amsterdam's biggest city park and the Netherlands most famous park. Approximately 10 million people visit Vondelpark on a yearly basis, some come simply to rest while others come the park to enjoy one of its many free concerts. The park has an open-air theatre where performances take place every summer and while admission to the park is free, you may want to make reservations for certain performances.

There are several attractions in Vondelpark including a cast iron music dome, the children's playground known as Groot Melkhuis and a statue of Vondel, the famous Dutch poet. Vondelpark also has a pavilion that includes a restaurant called Vertigo. Designed in 1878, the pavilion has been standing here ever since and since 1975, it is also the home of The Film Museum.

Nature lovers will enjoy visiting Vondelpark for its various types of flora, such as horse chestnut, Dutch red chestnut and many varieties of birch trees and various types of herbs that grows throughout the park. Notice the many birds such as blue herons and wild ducks while you a walk in this lovely park.

Children will enjoy Vondelpark as it has many play areas and a very large playground. Every year on Queensday, Vonderpark runs a Kinder Market where children are allowed to participate.

Vondelstraat is the street that runs through Vondelpark where you can see many old and beautiful Dutch houses.