Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradise on earth

 Found within the province of North Holland, Amsterdam is colloquially referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, attributed by the large number of canals which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is vibrant and alive during the nights. Wow it’s so beautiful  Amsterdam

Amsterdam Nightlife

Amsterdam Housing

Unconventional housing? Welcome to the unique architecture from the Dutch. If you look closely, the water level in this neighbourhood is higher than the parking area on the other side of the homes. Amazing isn’t it!  Am so intrigued with this place. Would love to do a holiday there before I retire. The water systems look very ingenious. And the architecture is amazing.

We really enjoyed the City of Utrecht. The southern region heading towards Belgium is beautiful. I’d personally love to check out Friesland area.

DO'S AND DON'TS FOR TOURISTS IN AMSTERDAM

I am often asked by my clients traveling to Amsterdam (especially first-timers) what they should do and not do while visiting Amsterdam.

Here is my personal list (just my opinion, based on my own travels):

Do take a boat trip: The city is at its loveliest from the water.

Don't bother trying to speak Dutch unless you know more than a couple of words. Most locals speak English well. Efforts to use the words alstublieft ("please," but also "you're welcome") and dank u wel ("thank you very much") will be appreciated, though.

Do leave the athletic shoes, shorts and baseball cap at home if you want to pass for a local.

Don't walk in the bicycle paths (narrow lanes sometimes marked with a white cycle symbol).

Do try raw herring with chopped onions and pickles (best in late spring) or, at the very least, the great frites.

Don't miss the appropriately situated 3-D bronze rendition of Rembrandt's The Night Watch in Rembrandtplein.

Do make an evening pit stop at the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). Of Amsterdam's 1,280 or so bridges, it's arguably the most beautiful, lit up as it is at night. Hardly surprising, then, that it's a popular smooching site.

Don't overlook the city's green lung, the Vondelpark. It's located in the south of Amsterdam, just a five-minute walk from the Leidseplein and within walking distance from the Museumplein. The Vondelpark is a perfect respite from the beaten tourist path.

If anyone has anything to add, feel free to do so.