One Day in Amsterdam

To make the most of one day in Amsterdam-if that's really all the time you have-it's best to make a plan and stick to it. That way, you can possibly have a more meaningful experience with a few good memories, instead of the chaotic blur that usually results if you try to squeeze too many things into a single day.

A good way to start your day is with a ride in a canal-boat. The tour should take about an hour. It's the best view the city has to offer, and you can get around more easily and see more places on a boat than you will on your feet.

With the ride done, you should have time for a quick bite to eat. This is a great way to experience the local flavour, so to speak. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, traditional raw herring with onions is offered at many roadside stalls. Or you could go to a broodjeswinkel and pick up a tasty broodje.

A walking tour should be next. The Golden Age Canals tour takes you along Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Prinsengracht where you'll see colourfully decorated canal houses and beautiful houseboats anchored to the banks.

Because the main canals would have been covered on your boat tour, you'll want to go with the Jordaan tour, or the Old Center tour. After that's done, it's time to visit one of the major museums.

If the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk Museum are still closed for renovations, take a tram to either the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum .

It will likely be late afternoon by the time you're done exploring the museum. That's just enough time to head back to your hotel for a quick nap before dinner, or maybe a drink.

After a day of Dutch cuisine, complete it by going for an Indonesian rijsttafel at dinner.

And to cap off your one day at Amsterdam , drop by a brown café for a drink or refreshments. It will be worth your trip so make sure you don't miss the experience.

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