Amsterdam

You posted in the Italy review section...

The only must does are what appeals to you. Here's a place to start:
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/netherlands/amsterdam

I’m headed there for a few days in December so I’ve been looking diligently. Decided to use Rick Steve’s Amsterdam guide book’s walking tours as a skeletal plan by adding and eliminating things I’ve already done and tailoring it to the cold weather. Additionally, I’ve had success googling self guided walking tours of Amsterdam as well.

Well --the Van Gogh Museum is probably my all time fav museum. Interactive, educational, AND - best part - they do NOT allow photos. Such a treat to not have people crowding in to take their selfie with Vincent's self portrait - thereby blocking everyone else from enjoying it.

Also - I always enjoy one of the canal boat tours. Such a pleasant way to see the unique homes and buildings along the way. There are some that have wine and snacks.

Unfortunately, the Van Gogh Museum does allow pictures. I thought I remembered being upset last year by the amount of people pushing and crowding around The Sunflowers to get their “selfie” so I just looked at the museum website and yep….. “Yes, you're welcome to take photos of the paintings as long as you do not use a flash, lamps, a tripod, or selfie stick. When taking pictures, please consider (the privacy of) other visitors and do not endanger the art. The photos may only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes.”

The Dutch Resistance Museum is a place to learn about WWII and the role the Dutch people played during that terrible time. Very well organized with a variety of media and original artifacts. You will gain an appreciation of how difficult life was then under Nazi occupation and how the people resisted.

I highly recommend visiting the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Nine Streets area.

I'd encourage you to rent bicycles for mobility. In 2012, when I visited Amsterdam, I rented a bicycle for my mobility everywhere via Black Bikes: https://black-bikes.com/. Getting around via bicycle makes you feel like a local. Many Amsterdam streets have dedicated bicycle lanes physically separated from car traffic, but some streets are not physically separated. I felt safe everywhere. Some bicycle lanes have their own traffic lights. I saw couples, police, business people and even pizza-delivery people on bicycles. I'd estimate some 40% of all traffic was on a bicycle; it might have risen since my visit. If you rent bicycles, make sure you use both locks you will be given for both your bicycles. Theft of bicycles is a bit of problem in Amsterdam -- possibly the only city in the world.

As far as sites, I'd recommend probably Amsterdam's most famous site, the Anne Frank Huis. In addition, I'd suggest a way to go beyond that: visit her family residence on Merwedeplein street and her nearby school. They're not marked on maps, but I asked around and found it on my own. Her residence isn't open to the public, but I loved seeing it anyway.

You must make an effort to eat at an Indonesian Ristaffel restaurant. They bring a number of small dishes to you during the meal, and the food is excellent.

The Malaysians that run the ristaffel are the sweetest, most gentle people I have ever encountered.

Does trine I went to Amsterdam was over 45 yrs ago - I was still a kid - ans the most meaningful site to me then , AND now , is Anne Franks house .

We took our then 20 yr old daughter there about 10 years ago , we were shocked by how little she knew about it - but she really loved it also as the museum part gives you a lot to think about

This is a helpful thread; I also am planning a trip in December.

msttrenary, can I ask what hotel you are staying at? I am struggling to find a place for under $500/night.

Besides museums - I think Anne Frank is a MUST, although you must get tickets on the official site 6 weeks before your visit - we get up at 4am to do this. Also, Church in the Attic is amazing w/incredible history - and a great tour of a canal house.

You will get more responses if you post this in Q&A - Netherlands ---- you have it in Italy Reviews.