Ams Lairesse

For us, the key to having such a great time while in Amsterdam was research and planning, and a lot of it. All possible courtesy of the Internet and impossible to that extent only a few years ago. I highly recommend this VirtualTourist site, and have fallen in love with it. I would not have found the Krasnapolsky apartments unless I had read a couple of member experiences, since no general hotel site I came across about the Kras even seemed to mention them. Plus I can't imagine any source for as much variety and depth of information, including the best travel guides, as you can find from actual visitor experiences listed here.

I know there are plenty of folks who just "wing it" when traveling, backpacking and so forth, and I know that has to be a blast. For those a little older, having a good plan and knowledge of where you're going may be the ticket to having a great time. Do allow yourself some time in any pre-planned activities, though, for spontaneous journeys and adventures. They're everywhere in this marvelous city! Our fondest memory has to be just the architecture and feel of the incredible canal houses and buildings, their history and old-world beauty, and the charm of the winding streets and alleyways leading everywhere. For us, just getting from one place to another was half the fun and a treat for the eyes.

For one single thing, and I almost hate to list one since it excludes things as meaningful as the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, it would have to be a canal boat tour.