Drawing over 20 million tourists a year, it is no secret that Amsterdam is saturated with cultural delights. The city's most acclaimed attractions, like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House, are notoriously crowded during peak seasons and hours. To avoid long waits and enjoy a more intimate experience, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. And, like much of Europe, avoid travel in the height of the summer, if possible.

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Selecting a hotel in a neighborhood away from Amsterdam's robust city center enhances your ability to authentically connect with the city’s essence. The more local the setting (i.e., outside Amsterdam Centrum), the more likely you'll be enveloped in the avenues where locals live, work, and socialize. The perceptible differences in Amsterdam’s locales, from the tranquility of Oud-West to the artistic lure of Jordaan, showcase the metropolis’ multidimensionality.

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Amsterdam's seamless melding of history, culture, and modernity should be explored sans motor. That’s right: the best way to get around this pulsating capital is by the strength generated by your calves. After all, a labyrinth of metropolitan-friendly bike paths snakes through the city, beckoning locals and tourists alike to pedal aside picturesque canals and cafes. And while driving a car in Amsterdam isn't entirely discouraged, the scarce parking availability, congestion, and traffic make utilizing Amsterdam's cycle-friendly infrastructure a no-brainer.

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Amsterdam is purposely distancing itself from the long-held stereotypes of drunk British stag parties, legal brothels, and liberal drug laws (yes, there is an actual initiative from the city to curb British party tourism as of 2023, and it is called "The Discouragement Campaign." Blunt.)  The capital boasts a diverse and sophisticated nightlife scene extending far beyond its more taboo offerings, including an array of refined cocktail bars spread throughout its eight boroughs, each itinerary-worthy.

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Despite its hardened stereotypes, Amsterdam's gastronomy scene is more than stroopwafel and Gouda cheese. When visiting, prepare for a sensory symphony, as the city's diverse culinary tapestry provides a compelling fusion of global and local flavors. Whether exploring the bustling food markets or treating yourself to one of the city's Michelin-rated restaurants, Amsterdam is constantly reimagining–and reinvigorating–classic takes on flavors.   

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