First time in Amsterdam

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/taking-elderly-parents-from-nice-to-lake-como-via-bernina-express-from-zurich

Are you still doing the travels outlined in your earlier post, or have you revised your plans? I ask because you we were traveling with additional folks.

The RS Guide book has a wealth of info, along with posts and Searches here, and Cameron's Blog, as he was in Amsterdam this past spring, 2024. Also, join an Amsterdam Facebook group for real-time, on the ground info. This will help you refine your interests.
I'll also attach my recent Trip Report.
Have a wonderful time!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/the-netherlands-belgium-april-2024-brought-the-rain-pants-needed-the-rain-pants

We generally walk and take trams when in Amsterdam center city. The museum district is pretty compact and the quality of the art is absolutely amazing.

Not much better than sitting beside a canal drinking a cold Heineken while watching the tour boats float by.

While there, look into eating at a Indonesian Ristaffel or Argentine steakhouse.

We were in Amsterdam this past February. Here is a link to my reviews regarding two canal cruises we did. The one with Jack was just so good, and a number of fellow posters here too that advice and loved it too.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/netherlands-reviews/amsterdam-canal-cruise-reviews

We stayed at the Hotel Estherea, which was wonderful. The price is on the higher side, but they had a promo on their instagram page that covered breakfast, so that actually made it cheaper than other places we were looking at. This would be a beautiful hotel for an anniversary.

Here is another thread I did about various aspects of our trip.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/netherlands-reviews/hotel-esterea-and-restaurant-reviews-of-amsterdam-delft-gouda

you'll need tickets in advance to see the Anne Frank House. Book as soon as possible.
You'll need to book in advance to see the Van Gogh museum. they often sell out each day
and while your doing that- get tickets in advance for the Rijksmuseum.

Take a walking tour, either a free (but take tips at the end) company or a paid one. People on this forum seem to hate the free walking tours, but we've done several in many different European cities and they were all good.

I don't recommend bicycle riding IN the city. It can be hectic. but we did rent bicycles in Vondel Park and rode around there on a sunny day. Look for a bicycle tour outside the city. The bicycle rental stores like A-bike rental offer guided bicycle tours.

There are several good canal tour companies. Skip the ones with the glass tops and canned audio headphones that hold a large quantity of people.
We liked Damn Boat Guys, but there are others like Stromma or Captain Jack, that other people liked and mentioned. Look for Small boats with 12 or less people and an actual person who talks to you and can answer your questions.

If you can afford it, stay in the Jordaan neighborhood or the Museumsplein area. Avoid the Red Light district, but that area will have the cheapest accommodations.

Pat,
Yes we are still doing our original itinerary. We've decided to add the time on the front to celebrate our Anniversary by ourselves.
We will be taking the train from Amsterdam to Paris city center to meet with the rest of our family. I was very happy to find out there is a direct train and we don't have to fly.

I am also wondering what to expect of the crowds in June, will we have trouble finding restaurants or will we need to book in advance. And just our of curiosity, I have a daughter who lives in NY and every street corner smells like marijuana, will it be the same in Amsterdam ? Also do you think Jordaan is the best location to find a hotel ?

Sue--Even in February we needed reservations for dinner. We did smell weed everywhere, which really bothered me. I can't handle the smell, but dealt with it of course.

Derek--We did the free walking tour and really enjoyed it. On TA I was ripped to shreds for doing it, but that particular forum is not particularly friendly IMO.