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The coolest thing about Amsterdam is riding around on a bicycle through the beautiful streets along the many canals. The first order of business should be to rent a bicycle. Try to get one that's not orange, so you won't stick out as a tourist.

The Van Gogh Museum takes you on a fascinating journey of Van Gogh's life. Get a glimpse of the disturbed mind of this genius artist whose impressionist works are admired even by those who don't like impressionism.

Ride your bike through wonderful Vondel Park, where on the rare sunny days, you'll see people sunning themselves near the pretty little duck-filled lakes. There are hot dog stands as well as nice restaurants inside the park. Get some bitterballen, a favorite Dutch snack, deep-fried balls filled with stuffing that resembles cream of mushroom soup (tastes better than it sounds, hey, it's deep-fried) that you dip into whole-grain mustard. Wash it down with a beer. Amsterdam isn't famous for its food, so your best bet is to stop at a haring stand and get some pickled herring. It's served with chopped raw onion and more pickles on the side. Yum. Delicious! There is a sizeable Indonesian community though, so the Indonesian food is actually fantastic. Try Kantjil.

Amsterdam is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Paradiso is a great little club where bands play. It's housed in an old, converted church, and the space is intimate. There's nothing like rocking out with a Dutch crowd. They know how to have a good time.