Gedogen. It is a Dutch word that translates to “tolerate.” Amsterdam is surely a city that tolerates. While visiting the capital city of the Netherlands you will see many things that are tolerated here that aren’t in other places. Sex workers, pot smoking and racy things abound. Amsterdam is one unique place.
All of the chaos aside, Amsterdam is home to hundreds (not joking) of amazing and informative museums. It is filled with ancient architecture, canal-side houses and centuries-old history. Amsterdam was the center for the prosperous Dutch East India Company, and it was the home to the world’s first stock market. Amsterdam was also the place where single-family homes developed during a time when crowded medieval-style manors housed numerous families in one area. It is a city of many important firsts, and I guarantee that after your first visit to Amsterdam you will be yearning to return.
This city is also a melting pot of over 180 different nationalities. It truly is an eclectic mix of cultures. I love Amsterdam for many reasons, the variety of interesting people being one of them. I’m lucky to call Amsterdam my home.
“Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth, it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin.” John Green.

 

Where To Stay
For travelers who are looking for a local atmosphere and eclectic vibe, staying in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam is for you. This area is quieter than other areas of the city, yet it still has many bars and restaurants and quick access to public transportation.
Museumplein is where you should stay if you are in Amsterdam to peruse its wonderful museums. From here, you can easily walk to this city’s largest and most popular museums. During the evening, walk to Leidseplein for some drinks and socialization.
If you are in Amsterdam strictly to party, stay near Dam Square, where there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Also, from here you have easy access to the Red Light District, Leidseplein, Rembrantplein and other areas of the city.
When choosing accommodations in Amsterdam, make sure to check the area’s access to public transportation. Some areas of the city aren’t as connected as others and could be difficult to reach at certain hours of the day.

 

What To Do

• Damrak
  Damrak is often a visitor’s first impression of Amsterdam. Crowds arrive from the beautiful Centraal Station and cross the canal and land onto Damrak. This busy and chaotic street is lined with Amsterdam’s unique tiny houses, green-energy trams, shops, bars and restaurants.
• Walk The Canals
  Amsterdam is a city of canals. Lined along these old canals are the famous small and leaning houses of this city. Each house has its own personal history and story. Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht are my personal favorite areas to photograph.

• Anne Frank Huis
  This famous house, located on Prinsengracht 263, is where Anne Frank and her family were hidden from German persecutors. It is here where the Diary of Anne Frank was written. This biographical museum is open daily from 09-21:00.
• Rijksmuseum
  Located on Museumplein, Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. It features many historically significant artifacts, Dutch masterpieces, and more. Rembrandt’s famous Nachtwacht and De Staalmeesters (my personal favorite) are located in the large art section of Rijksmuseum. Download the free mobile application for a map, audio guide, and information. Rijksmuseum is open daily from 09-17:00.

• Van Gogh Museum
  Also located on Museumplein, The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the life and work of famed contemporary artist Vincent van Gogh. This museum is open daily from 09-18:00. Purchase your tickets in advance online to avoid the long queue at the entrance.
• Heineken Experience
  An interesting interactive tour of Heineken’s former brewery, beer tasting included. The Heineken Experience is open daily from 10:30-21:00.
• Keukenhof
  Situated not far outside of Amsterdam in Lisse, Keukenhof opened in 1950 and is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. It is often referred to as the “Garden of Europe.” Make sure to check its website for information regarding displays. Keukenhof’s tulip display is particularly fantastic.

• Amsterdam Museum
  Established in 1926, this comprehensive museum of Amsterdam’s history was once the city’s orphanage. The little IAMsterdam sign is located at this museum.
• Hash Marijuana Hemp Museum
  Amsterdam is famous for a lot of things, being able to smoke pot is one of them. This interesting museum shows marijuana throughout history and in Amsterdam. Police sometimes raid the small exhibition area where hemp plants are cultivated, so there may be a small time gap in the display.
• Check Out The Coffeeshops
  Even if you don’t smoke weed, checking out a coffeeshop is a must while visiting Amsterdam. Coffeeshops are an icon of the city. In fact, some of the best (and most affordable) coffee in the city comes from coffeeshops – not cafes. The Bulldog Coffeeshop in the Red Light District is the city’s first and most iconic coffeeshop.
• Jordaan Area
  The most photogenic area of Amsterdam – Jordaan is filled with quiet canals, gorgeous Dutch architecture, and interesting shops and cafes. Anne Frankhuis is located in this area of the city.
• Rembrandthuis
  The former home of one of my personal favorite artists, Rembrandt, it now serves as an interesting museum gallery. Hundreds of Rembrandt’s sketches and portraits are available for visitors to view.
• Dam Square
  Dam Square is the most central square in Amsterdam. Located on the square are the magnificent Koninklijk Paleis and outdoor cafes and shops. This square is also a central place to hop on public transportation.
• Leidseplein
  Leidseplein is a square located in the southwestern area of Amsterdam. Originally developed in the 17th century as a wagon park, today this square is lively and filled with bars, restaurants, and coffeeshops. Nearby this area is an alley with some of the cheapest and most delicious Italian restaurants in Amsterdam. I love Leidseplein.
• Red Light District
  The famous Red Light District is filled with bars, coffeeshops, and sex workers displaying their goods in windows lit up by red lights. Ironically this area is situated around the historic 13th century Oude Kerk. The sex industry in Amsterdam brings in billions of euros each year. I don’t recommend getting involved with the sex industry, but this area is a great place to people watch.
• Scheepvaart Museum
  This building once served as the arsenal for the Dutch navy, and today, it houses one of the world’s largest maritime collections. Inside this museum is an entire wing dedicated to the incredible Dutch East India Company (VOC).
• Chase the ‘I amsterdam' sign
  This damn sign! I thought I was crazy for a while, since this sign always seemed to disappear from a certain location. Thankfully, my Dutch friends and I did some research and we found out that one of the I amsterdam signs is constantly on the move. There is one I amsterdam sign that stays stationary at the Rijksmuseum, and there is one sign that moves around the city. Locate the second sign for (usually) tourist-free photos! The little lettered iamsterdam sign is located at the Amsterdam museum.

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• Amsterdam Cheese Museum
  The Dutch know how to make incredible cheese. The Amsterdam Cheese Museum provides an interesting history of cheese in this country and free samples included. Open daily from 09-20:00.
• Sex Museum
  It is no secret that the sex industry plays a large role in Amsterdam, and the Sex Museum is a quirky display of sex fetishes throughout history. Located on bustling Damrak, the museum is open daily from 09:30-23:30.
• De Waag
  De Waag , a gorgeous 15th century building, was originally a city gate belonging to the walls of Amsterdam. It is located on the bustling Nieumarkt Square, and it is the oldest remaining non-religious building in the city. The museum is open Monday – Friday from 09-17:30. If you are in the mood to splurge, there is a restaurant located inside where you can truly dine in style.