Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Going out in Amsterdam is something that's embedded in the culture; restaurants and bars are brimming with customers the whole week through. If you're planning to eat out in Amsterdam, the one problem you'll be faced with is making a decision. The cultural diversity which typifies the city is best reflected in all its dining options.

What makes eating out in Amsterdam all the more enjoyable is the large range of inexpensive restaurants serving great food. Walking along the Zeedijk you'll find thrifty local favorites. These restaurants aren't famed for their looks or even their service, but if you want a good meal you really can't go wrong. Around the center you'll find a lot of restaurants targeted mainly to tourists. However, for a true culinary experience you mustn't be afraid to branch out.

Dam Square

For an enjoyable evening, head to Bubbles & Wines , a wine bar that also serves champagne, with over 50 labels and types to choose from. Bep is a hip restaurant with a retro 70s decor that serves Thai food, while Indian Restaurant Vijaya has plenty of tandoori and curries to keep you satisfied. La Pampa specializes in nicely-seasoned steaks and flavors from South America, with exotic seafood dishes and drinks galore. For classic Middle Eastern cuisines, Shibli Bedouin is a good bet. There is even a belly dancer accompanied by live music to keep things interesting.

Leidseplein & Rembrandtplein

Don't be afraid to stray from the Leidseplein and Rembrandt Square as there is a whole city out there to explore. Musical accompaniment can be found at Mulligans , while the bustling l'Opera in Rembrandtplein is always a good choice for a nice meal.

Another trendy place with a "look-at-me" atmosphere is The Palladium . After you have lined your stomach with a good meal, be ready to discover the extensive bar and pub culture that is such an integral part of Amsterdam. Some of the most popular places to spend an evening are the Leidseplein and Rembrandt Square. Bars like Heeren van Aemstel are highlights in these bustling areas filled with a mostly young crowd.

Jordaan & De Pijp

Neighborhoods like De Pijp and Jordaan are stuffed to the brim with restaurants and cafes. De Pijp is a favorite among Amsterdam's large student population, so expect to find a young, trendy crowd in the bars and restaurants. Jordaan was originally a real working-class neighborhood, but has evolved into an absolute center of trendy activity. Restaurants like Bordewijk show the city at its most natural; laid-back, with not a care in the world, and shying away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city center.

As with restaurants, branching out in Amsterdam to different bars and cafes is a definite must. Walking through Jordaan and De Pijp you'll find a large selection of quality bars. Check out places like Cafe Nol or De Twee Zwaantjes . These places show off the qualities that typify Jordaan; they are brash, noisy and crowded. Expect to hear Dutch music blared out at a disturbingly high volume and be aware of the inevitable sing-along.

Amsterdam is a main attraction in Europe for a few good reasons: the city is beautiful and the streets are not crowded with cars--watch out for the bikes though! The locals are kind, generous and typically speak English well and with a smile, and, like most European capitals, there's TONS to do! Below you'll find recommended tours around some of the city's most-visited attractions so you'll not only hit the Anne Frank House and the Red Light District, but also discover all of the gems in between.

Museumplein

In Amsterdam, the main art museums are clustered around the Museumplein, which lies between the old city center and Oud Zuid (Old South) neighborhood (home of the Vondelpark ). An entire day can be spent around the Museum Square, or more than a whole day if you're big on art and classical music. Visit the biggest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world at the Van Gogh Museum on the west side of the square (opposite the American Embassy). The Rijksmuseum , occupying the northern end of the rectangular square as the largest museum in Amsterdam, has a delightful collection of Dutch paintings as well as furniture, pastels and many other sections. Between these two museums is the reflecting pool where many tourists and locals flock in the summer to eat ice cream or browse for art souvenirs at the Museum Shop or from independent vendors on the square.

On the south side of the square you can follow signs underground for the Albert Heijn, the most popular national supermarket to purchase a baguette and cheese, sushi or salad for a laid-back lunch on the square; bumping carts with the locals has never been so much fun! Catch a concert at the Concertgebouw (Royal Concert Hall) either at lunchtime or just after 8p nightly. Check their website, as the variety of musical offerings is wide! An excellent place for lunch or dinner is Le Garage at Ruysdaelstraat 54 (fourth street on your left, walking east on the Van Baerlestraat) if you're digging an excellent gourmet meal. En Pluche has the same address as Le Garage but is more affordable, and every bit as trendy.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is in a neighborhood called the Jordaan, west of the Dam Square and the old city center. Plan to arrive at the house early in the day to avoid the catastrophically long lines. Located on the Prinsengracht, the Anne Frank House takes an hour or two to experience. After your visit, you can spend the rest of the day wandering through the canals and popping into unique shops. Enjoy a cup of coffee at the cafe on the corner and the many souvenir stands that line Westerkerk (West Church) Square. Two monuments are located on this square: the Anne Frank statue on the southern side of the church, and the Homomonument on the Eastern edge of the square (on the other side of the taxis) pointing into the Keizersgracht Canal.

An idyllic afternoon can be spent shopping in the Negen Straatjes (the Nine Streets) by crossing over the Rozengracht (south of the Westerkerk) and wandering through the streets that run perpendicular to the canals on the inner side of the old city. In addition to the shops in the Negen Straatjes, there are a few gems on the Elandsgracht perpendicular to the Prinsengracht and the outside continuation of the Berenstraat (one of the Nine Streets). Visit La Savonnerie on the corner of the Elandsgracht and Prinsengracht for delicious soaps and beauty products that make excellent gifts or souvenirs. Many excellent restaurants and cafes line the Negen Straatjes; one of Amsterdam's favorites is Van Harte on the Hartenstraat in the Nine Streets.

Red Light District

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without saying one has seen the Red Light District. Located just east of the Dam Square and the Central Station, the Red Light District is not as shocking as one might think; still, it warrants a visit. Starting at the National Monument in the Dam Square, head east on the Damstraat for one block, then take a left onto the Oudezijds Achterburgwal. Walking down this canal gives a great impression of the Red Light District. Finish your walk of this canal at the scenic Oude Kerk —once there, cross the canal and go two blocks to take a right on the Zeedijk, which leads right to the Nieuwmarkt . The Nieuwmarkt offers an occasional market on the square with many cafes lining the street. Head down the Kloveniersburgwal to visit Jacob Hooij , an old Amsterdam establishment that features a breathtaking selection of teas and Dutch "drop" candies in a centuries-old building. As you approach the end of the Kloveniersburgwal, one good choice for dinner, dessert or drinks is Puccini (take a left onto Staalstraat, and it's on your left) which offers amazing chocolates and a wider selection of dinners, salads and desserts. Another excellent option is Cafe de Jaren (simply continue down the Kloveniersburgwal and bear right onto Nieuwe Doelenstraat, and the cafe is on your left) which offers a cafe with desserts and snacks downstairs and a full dinner menu upstairs, complete with a salad bar.

Flower Market

The flower market in Amsterdam is on many tourists' to-do list. Whether you want to bring bulbs home or simply buy a bouquet of tulips for your hotel room, the Flower Market offers it all, even magnets and other Dutch souvenirs. From the Flower Market, head west, cross the Koningsplein and walk along the canal one block to the Spui (a square). On this square you'll find two excellent bookshops: the Athenaeum and the American Book Center . Take a minute to step into the Begijnhof a few doors up from the American Book Center; you'll never know that you're still right in the middle of the busy city of Amsterdam once you've ventured inside. After exiting the Begijnhof, go up the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal to the Amsterdam Historical Museum on your right. The perfect way to end this day in Amsterdam is to go to Kantjil & De Tijger for dinner, a very popular Indonesian restaurant. If you're feeling adventurous, order a Rijsttafel (rice table) which is a selection of many different dishes brought to your table to share, family style. To visit this restaurant, take the Spuistraat north from the Spui; the restaurant is on the right side of the street.

Dam Square

Every tourist entering Amsterdam comes through the Dam Square, but what are the secrets to enjoying this tourist-ridden place? A few things are a must: visit the best souvenir shop in town located on the south side of the National Monument on the corner of the Damstraat; this shop is brighter, less crowded and offers more friendly service than the average souvenir shop in Amsterdam. Visit the beautiful Nieuwe Kerk next to the Royal Palace and enjoy the various entertainment options on the square itself. There are plenty of carnivals on the square and if you have children, a horse and carriage ride leaving from the square is sure to please! For drinks and eating, head west of the square to avoid all the tourist traps on the square itself and on the Damstraat. A trip to Amsterdam isn't complete without having real Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken); visit Meneer Pannekoek on the corner of the Singel Canal and the Raadhuisstraat for excellent pancakes and traditional pea soup. For a truly luxurious dinner, head west from the Dam Square on the Raadhuistraat and take the second canal to the right, the Herengracht. Walk two blocks along this canal and you'll find the restaurant Lieve on the corner of the Herengracht and the Herenstraat offering delectable Belgian food in a fine dining atmosphere.