Exploring the Charm of Amsterdam: A Traveler's Guide

Spending a long weekend in Amsterdam wasn't nearly enough time. This charming city was just the respite needed after a 34-hour travel "day" from the Ngorongoro Crater.

Amsterdam has a well-known reputation for "anything goes," judging by the number of American college students spending the weekend there, they are well-versed in this.

However, the city captivates you. Easily walkable and navigatable, exploring the alleys and canals is quite lovely. The weekend's highlights were a canal cruise, delicious meals, and a sobering visit to The Anne Frank House.

Tips for a weekend in Amsterdam:

Enjoy a sunset cruise on the canal. Sip your favorite beverage as you cruise the narrow canals with the setting sun. Canal cruises aren't marketed per se as sunset cruises -- use an app like Photo Pills to research the sunset times to determine what time of day to book the cruise based upon the time of year for your visit.

Visit the Anne Frank House: Tickets go on sale six weeks ahead and sell out quickly. Preplanning is essential, and the experience is one to stay with you. Anne was an aspiring journalist and, among many things, a typical teenager. She had posters of celebrities in her room, found her parents rather annoying most days, and dreamed of when she could leave The Secret Annex. After visiting, enjoy a beverage and a bite to eat at Café Wester, directly across the street. It is the perfect way to debrief with your travel squad about the history and sobering experience.  

Incanto - 

Incanto is an Italian restaurant serving authentic Italian food. It is on the second floor of an old building overlooking the Amstel River. Walking upstairs immediately reminds you of a small restaurant in Boston's North End—incredible food and service.

De Belhamel: This French restaurant in an off-the-beaten-track part of Amsterdam is the perfect spot for date night. With very few tables, reservations are required in advance. The restaurant is full of locals, and the absence of tourists was refreshing.

What to skip 

Zaanse Schans is a town located a short 17-minute train ride from Amsterdam and is home to windmills. Considering windmills are ubiquitous in Holland, it seemed like a great idea. The town is very touristy and kitschy, with shop owners wearing traditional clothing and selling magnets and t-shirts. With so many great towns accessible from Amsterdam, seeing the windmills here isn't the best use of time. Underwhelmed best describes a visit to Zaanse Schans.