Amsterdam, Netherlands in 3 Days (Day 2)

Hopefully, after a long first day, you've had a good night's sleep and are ready to head out and about again!  Today's itinerary will take you museum hopping with perhaps a little walking tour to boot. Perhaps one of the most popular destinations in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House.  I don't need to recount the story here, but Anne Frank lived in this house with her family in hiding during the German Occupation.  The house is a moving experience and worth the wait.  But, if you have planned ahead, you booked your ticket for a 9am entry online before you left home.  Why 9am on day 2?  Because, any time on day 1 could be delayed due to travel issues.  And, why wait until day 3?  Also, the museum opens at 9am and since there are cramped quarters and lots of interactive displays, you'll appreciate the extra space. The Anne Frank House is easily accessible by tram or walking distance from Dam Square.  Plan on spending 90 minutes to 2 hours in the house depending on your level of interaction with the displays.  No photos or videotaping is allowed, yet they do not require you to check your camera or deny entry if you have one. Van Gogh Museum From the Anne Frank House, the next best stop is the Van Gogh Museum.  For us at 3DT, the Van Gogh museum is a must-visit every time we're in Amsterdam.  Van Gogh's style is incomparable.  Again, you hopefully have booked yourself an 11-12pm entry slot or a 12-1pm slot.  Using this ticket, skip the line and head up to the front, you can get right in.  What I never understand about the Van Gogh is that the lines are so long, yet you can buy tickets in advance right across the street near the tourist office.  <<Shrug>>. The museum also has a strict policy about no photography.  If you have giant backpacks or other bags, you will be required to check it.  This can take some time to do depending on lines.  Your best bet is to go lightweight, with a handbag and your point and shoot camera (in case you see anything photo-worthy along the way).  Touring the museum is easy, with the first few levels housing Van Gogh's works and then the works of related artists near the top.  There are self-guided audio tours available on the ground floor, which allow you to get more information about a particular painting as you proceed.  Our favorites are The Harvest, Bedroom in Alres and the Potato Eaters. Keep an eye out for special events at the museum.  Recently, there was a tour of both Starry Night paintings and they took an extended stop at the Museum.  Seeing both in one place is a rare occasion. A visit to the Van Gogh for most people will take between 90 minutes and 2 hours.  If it takes longer, then you know more about art then we do!  But either way, take your time and relax as you make your way through one of the great museums of Europe. Eat! You must be hungry by now.  You have two options: either stop between the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh or hold out until after the Van Gogh.  Either way, find a local eatery and chow down.  Can you visit the pancake house two days in a row?  Why not!  Try the poffertjes - small pancakes doused in butter and powdered sugar. Or, take a walk to the Rembrandtplein - here you'll find a great collection of restaurants where you can take a break, sit back, and watch the locals move about the city.  The best route includes zig-zagging your way along the Prinsengracht, Keizergracht and Herengracht.  If you have listened to our list of essential gear, then you have your DK Guidebook, which offers a great walking tour of the city, describing the history of the houses along the way. En route, if you are there on a weekend day, be sure to stop along the Thorbeckeplein.  Each Sunday between March and November local artists gather to sell their artwork.  There is no souvenir that is as priceless as an original piece of art.  Find out more about the art market by visiting their website. While at the Rembrandtplei, sit and enjoy a fresh Heineken (or wine, if you prefer) and treat yourself to a serving of Dutch Bitter Ballen - a small Kroket stuffed with pork (we think!). Choices From the Rembrandtplein there are several options locally for you to choose between, if you have the time to continue.  Some recommended places:

• The Resistance Museum - Local museum with a history of the Dutch Resistance throughout World War 2.
• The Cat Cabinet - A museum for cat lovers.  There are cats in the lobby to welcome you.
• Museum of Bags & Purses - if you are into that sorta thing.

Moving On We're getting onwards towards 5 or 6pm at this point.  Now, as 3DT has always stated, different strokes for different folks.  So, if you want a quick introduction to the red light district, you might as well get it over with now.  If you are daring, you can do this after dinner...  Though, we prefer a quick walk through the area before the sun goes down. Is it dangerous?  Not really.  But it is seedy...  Despite this, visitors should stroll through and see the human spectacle.  "Coffeeshops" blowing smoke and prostitutes flaunting their services.  There really is nothing like it.  The only advice we offer: Put your cameras away or you'll quickly make some of the "professionals" very upset! Tonight is a night to get a great meal and be impressed with your ability to see so much in 2 days!  Freshen up in your hotel and enjoy a fine meal.  We recommend the area around the Leidseplein or Spui.  Truth be told, there are tons of great restaurants in Amsterdam and you won't be disappointed.  But, unlike Paris or Rome, Amsterdam isn't really a culinary destination - so feel free to mix it up and find your own favorites. There really aren't many cities that are as beatiful at night as during the day.  After dinner, take a walk around and see the lighting on the canals, or the reflection of the houses in the water.  On the west side of town, the famous Magere Brug is lit at night and takes Kerkstraat over the Amstel.  Of the 1200 bridges in Amsterdam, many consider this the most famous.  Enjoy your walk around town and make your way back to your hotel, where you will rest and prepare for tomorrow! NEXT: Day 3: Options.  Leave town or stick around...