My husband and I spent some time exploring Amsterdam for a few days before and after a river cruise around Holland and Belgium. We fell in love with this city pretty quickly, and the art left a major impression on both of us. We learned on this trip not to place high expectations on travel, it’s the little moments that make it a delight. After a late frost left us with acres of soil versus gorgeous blooming tulips, we found fond memories in other unexpected places.

Our itinerary:
Day 1 // morning arrival*
-A quick walk around the Red Light District and New Market
-Lunch at Brood Bar cafe
-Roaming and exploring
-Anne Frank House
-24 hour tram pass back to Central Station, grabbed Juilia’s Pasta to go

Day 2
-Tram to the Van Gogh Museum
-Lunch at Cafe Brasserie in the Stadsschouwburg Theatre
-Shopping around the 9 streets
-Rijksmuseum (great chance to get your I Am photo)
-Dinner at Restaurant Haesje Claus (try the hotch potch and stamp pots!)

Day 3
-Albert Cuyp Market
-More shopping around the 9 streets
-Lunch at Toos and Roos before heading to our boat

Day 4
-Morning Canal Cruise
-Leidse St. Shopping
-Souvenir Food from Albert Leijn store**
-Bols Tour
-Lunch at Hans en Greitje (crepes and croquettes)

After our cruise, we saw Keukenhof Gardens and we went back to Amsterdam for an afternoon to shop some more - and also stopped at Gassan Diamonds. We did pass by the Rembrandt house as well as an aside near a Flea Market we found.

Since we were on a river cruise in a small room, we packed light and wore each outfit twice. More tips on that here. If you’re traveling as a couple, split each of your suitcases in half once you’re packed so if one gets lost, you each have a few outfits to get by. And as always in life, make sure your carry on has extra underwear in it. You just never. know. And, you only ever need what you don’t have!

*A note on jet lag: If you arrive in the morning, power through and try not to take a nap. Get yourself in the current time zone ASAP so that you can enjoy the most of the city without feeling foggy. Eat on the new time zone, not your old one. Going to a museum our first full day in the morning was difficult but luckily the Van Gogh museum was so amazing that it was easy to stay awake. Power through and seize the day!

**We knew we wanted to bring Stroopwafels back as souvenir gifts and they way overcharge you for them in gift shops, so we went to an actual grocery store to stock up on that and much more to bring back (like pickled onions, cucumbers and chocolate sprinkles that we had at the authentic restaurant)!

Our biggest recommendation after exploring and reflecting? Go to the Van Gogh Museum! It seemed like a cheesy choice at first, but it was honestly hands down the best art museum I’ve ever been to in. my. life. It is curated fabulously, tells a very moving story and all in all is an experience like none other. It’s put together for anyone to appreciate of any age or prior art knowledge. The Anne Frank House is a must-see but was under renovation when we visited so I am not sure that we got the full experience, however, we’re so grateful we were able to grab tickets. Get them ahead of time - they go fast! Going behind the book case to the secret spot where their family hid out was crazy and I can’t imagine going without experiencing it firsthand. Plus, there’s a gorgeous cathedral right across the street to admire as you wait in line.

Other favorites: the authentic restaurant from night two was fabulous. Luckily, we had a local - the husband of a grade school friend - helping us order and he guided us to the stamp pots, a traditional Dutch comfort dish, the hotch potch appetizers and the dutch apple pie for dessert. Yum! The 9 streets were amazing if you love shopping - with the Otentic Perfume store being a true highlight.

Can you skip anything? I honestly didn’t need to see the Red Light District - it wasn’t really that interesting to see and it’s not a classy place by any means. It’s exactly what you’d think it would be and in my opinion, the place you’re probably most likely to be pick pocketed. The Bols tour was not great, I wasn’t impressed. Same with the Gassan Diamonds, unless you really want to buy some!