Bicycles, bitterballen and beer

Description:

Leaving from Museumplein daily (on weekends during the Winter), Mike's Bikes tour covers not only the city, but also the countryside. There, you will see a windmill, a clog factory, and a cheese farm. The tours run in all weather (rain gear provided) and no reservation is necessary.

Description:

This rather large Indonesian restaurant, in which all food is authentically prepared, is located in the very heart of Amsterdam. Both the interior and the cuisine are reflections of the rich Indonesian culinary tradition. The original sate platters are excellent, with five different ones available. Main courses include various red meat, chicken, egg, fish or vegetable dishes as well as the traditional nasi or bami dishes. Particularly noteworthy are their rice-tables.

Description:

More than 200 paintings by Vincent van Gogh (1853-90), along with nearly every sketch, print, etching, and piece of correspondence the artist ever produced have been housed here since the museum opened in 1973. Van Gogh's sister-in-law and a namesake nephew presented the collection to Holland with the provision that the canvases not leave Vincent's native land. To the further consternation of van Gogh admirers and scholars elsewhere in the world, all but a few of the artist's works that aren't in this museum hang at the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Hoge Veluwe National Park near Arnhem.

You can trace this great artist's artistic and psychological development -- or decline -- by viewing the paintings displayed in chronological order according to the seven distinct periods and places of residence that defined his short career. (He painted for only 10 years and was on the threshold of success when he committed suicide at age 37). Only one of van Gogh's paintings sold during his lifetime (Theo sold it), but he did give others out to pay for food, drink, and lodgings -- some perhaps went for little more than a song.

The Potato Eaters (1885) was van Gogh's anxious and sensitive first masterpiece....

Our Local Expert Says:

The gap between rich and poor is not visible in Amsterdam, as neighborhoods are integrated. However, the houses around the park are some of the most expensive in the city.

Description:

On one of the rare, sunny days in Amsterdam, the Vondelpark is so full of people it's difficult to find a quiet spot to yourself, but despite the bustle, the park is quite the bird sanctuary; you can watch storks flying around, as their nests are perched on high posts through out the park. If a sunny day at the park doesn't do it for you, you can also visit the park at night; after 11pm it is legal to have sex out in the open at Vondelpark. In the centre of the park you can also find the Filmmuseum, which shows interesting art films and has a nice indoor and outdoor café.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most beautiful party venue

Description:

Many internationally-acclaimed artists have performed at this venue, a former church. You'll find a large dance floor and balcony which offers an excellent view of the action. The bill changes weekly, and includes a variety of local and world-famous artists, performers, and bands. Normally, the little stage on the first floor is reserved for smaller "cult" bands. The crowd includes an eclectic mix of the young, old, cool and hip.

Description:

A restaurant highly-recommended by locals and tourists alike, Mangerie De Kersentuin is renowned throughout Amsterdam for its affordable, high quality food. Located next to the Bilderberg Garden Hotel and across the street from the Hilton, it's not only convenient for travelers, but is perfect for those who enjoy people-watching. A well-designed conservatory can host around 130 guests. You can dine à la carte, or enjoy the three-course fixed-price menu. Vegetarian options are also available.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Place to See Tulips

Description:

Open only between mid-March and mid-May, the Keukenhof is the best way to experience the beauty of Holland's tulip season. In the 15th century this area was the hunting ground and kitchen garden of the local castle--Keukenhof means "kitchen courtyard". 750,000 descend on this park every Spring to experience the flower shows, themed gardens, and activities for children. Visitors to the gardens can also purchase the world-famous Dutch tulip bulbs, to be shipped to the buyers just in time for planting!

Description:

James Beard Award-winning chef Gary Danko presides over my top pick for fine dining. Eschewing the white-glove formality of yesteryear's fine dining, Danko offers impeccable cuisine and perfectly orchestrated service in an unstuffy environment of wooden paneling and shutters and well-spaced tables (not to mention spa-style bathrooms). The three- to five-course fixed-price seasonal menu is freestyle, so whether you want a sampling of appetizers or a flight of meat courses, you need only ask. I am a devoted fan of his trademark buttery-smooth glazed oysters with lettuce cream, salsify, and Osetra caviar; seared foie gras, which may be accompanied by peaches, caramelized onions, and verjus (a classic French sauce); horseradish-crusted salmon medallions with dilled cucumbers; and adventurous Moroccan spiced squab with chermoula (a Moroccan sauce made with cilantro) and orange-cumin carrots. Truthfully, I've never had a dish here that wasn't wonderful. And wine? The list is stellar, albeit expensive. If after dinner you have the will to pass on the glorious cheese cart or flambéed dessert of the day, a plate of petit fours reminds you that Gary Danko is one sweet and memorable meal. Tip:...