• Take a canal tour of the city. We like Pochani & Stephan's for first-time travelers and those interested in learning Amsterdam's history. We like Those Damn Boat Guys for those looking for a good time or to rent a private experience with friends.

• Shop, stroll, and gallery hop through the Jordaan neighborhood, a trendy and chic area of the city. Our favorite gallery is the Carré d'artistes (Nieuwe Spiegelstraat), which is a collection of local artists.

• Go for a gin tasting at Wynand Fockink or any one of the city's genever distilleries or tasting rooms (yes, gin is Dutch!). If you prefer whisky, Whiskycafe L&B is among the best.

• Enjoy a cheese tasting at one of the famous Dutch cheese houses. Some of the most popular rooms are Henri Willig, Old Amsterdam, and Reypenaer.

• Museum hop through the Museumkwartier. Amsterdam is most famous for the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, Botanical Gardens, and Anne Frank House.

All the city's museums require advanced tickets and timeslots. The Anne Frank House requires 6 weeks' notice.

• Cafe de Jaren for breakfast or lunch overlooking the Amstel

• Spring Cafe Brasserie for a champagne & oyster happy hour

• Rayleigh&Ramsay for a winebar & nibbles

• Dignita for all day brunch in a park setting

• Impero Romano for a wonderful Italian dinner

• Casa di David for a second wonderful Italian dinner

• any authentic "brown bar," or traditional Dutch pub