Vacay Espresso: Amsterdam

Vondelpark: The expansive park is the entry point for many of the most popular museums in Amsterdam. It is worth a stroll around to take in its lush beauty. Spend enough time in it and you may forget you’re in the middle of a big city.

Anne Frank House: This is probably Amsterdam’s most well-known attraction and in my opinion, a must-do for any visitor. I highly recommend re-reading The Diary of Anne Frank before going (and the picture book version for kids). This way you’re prepared for the heaviness of the history that took place. It can be hard to not let emotion overtake you, but remember that Anne always saw the beauty in life.

Van Gogh Museum & Rijkmuseum: Amsterdam has over 75 museums and galleries to explore. If you must narrow it down, I recommend the Van Gogh Museum and Rijkmuseum. Walk among Van Gogh’s works and learn about his early influences leading up to his tragic ending. The Rijkmuseum is massive, but I haven’t witnessed a better example of diversity in exhibits to capture every type of traveler’s attention.

Nine Streets and Bloemenmarkt: Strolling among the city’s endless cross-section of canals is one of my favorite ways to spend time. The Nine Streets area is host to tons of shopping and a great spot to pick up a stroopwafel for your walk. If you’re not staying during tulip season, or have limited time to see the countryside, follow Singel down to Bloemenmarkt. Here you can experience stall upon stall of floating flower markets.

Visit Delft and Leiden: Some of the Netherlands’ cutest gems lie just under an hour train ride away in the countryside beyond the city. You can explore the adorable side streets and canal-side restaurants of Leiden or go just a bit further to explore the historic Delft. Delft is known for the gorgeous blue-and-white pottery and King William of Orange. Hot tip — get there early in the morning and climb the spiraled staircase to the top of Oude Kirk for a breathtaking view of the town, speckled with orange rooftops.

Canal tour: I’m not kidding when I say you will see hundreds of Canal Tours being conducted across the city stacked eight by 20 wide. Trust me, it is well worth the increase in ticket prices to book a private tour complete with wine and provisions with a local tour guide. Not only will you get a better view and have the focused attention of the guide, the smaller boats can wind through areas that the big tour vessels can’t. This will give you a better understanding of the full city.

De Hallen, Amsterdam: Not far from Albert Cuyp Market is an amazing food hall and boutique market. Choose from 20 different cuisines and shop local stores offering everything from clothing to art and gifts.

Cafe Het Molenpad: Casual, local dishes with outdoor seating right on the canal. Watch the boats and locals cruise by while enjoying bitterballen.

Bussia: Fine Italian dining in a comfortable, yet refined setting. Try the lobster pasta and pair it with a wine from their vast listing.

Koffiehuis De Hoek: One of the oldest diners in Amsterdam, right next door to Pulitzer Hotel and down the street from the Anne Frank House. Have a hearty Dutch breakfast here before setting off on your daily adventure.

Jansz: Fine dining restaurant in the Pulitzer hotel. Stately, wood-clad interior adorned with antique art. Lunch or dinner in the restaurant or on the outdoor patio at the Pulitzer is really a treat. Fun fact, Ocean's Twelve was filmed here!

Pulitzer’s Bar: Fantastic spot for after-dinner drinks. Intimate setting where you can get lost in conversation over inventive cocktails or a bottle of wine.

The Duchess: The design and architecture are as much of a show as the food at this high-end restaurant. The beef tartare is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The scallops were phenomenal as well.

Patisserie Holtkamp: Well-known bakery creating tiny works of art out of pastry. Stop for a quick breakfast or a sweet treat when heading to and from the Museums.

De Waag (Delft): Casual restaurant with scenic patio for people-watching and served the freshest open-faced sandwich I’ve ever eaten.

Fabel Friet: If you’re a french fry lover (*hand shoots straight up in the air*), this focused eatery is a fun stop in the Nine Streets area. Get a serving of frites and enjoy while you browse the stores nearby.