Unfortunately, Amsterdam art museums are currently undergoing renovations. Of these three, only the Van Gogh museum is fully open. And as for the Kroller Moller museum (my hands down favorite in Holland) an hour and change away in Appeldoorn, you should skip that for the time being due to extensive renovations.

But back to the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and Van Gogh Museums. Of these three, you should go only to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Stedelijk has been moved to the Old Post Office near Amsterdam Centraal Station and even less of its collection than before is shown. The first time I went in the summer of 2002, I was disappointed by the disorganization of the rooms and the pieces--you really are best served going to a modern art museum in any other city. I would argue that Boston's Museum of Fine Arts section on modern art is better organized and presented.

The Rijksmuseum is one that should not be missed. Even though only one wing is open, the 7 euro admission is worth it to see the artwork on display--the Rembrandts are breathtaking and impressive, even if he is not your favorite artist. If you have extra time in the Netherlands, hop on the train in Amsterdam and go to Leiden (about half an hour away), the birthplace of Rembrandt. You can see his house and take a walking tour of his neighborhood. When you next go the Van Gogh museum, expect to take about 2 hours maximum in there. There's no other place where you can see such a large collection of Van Gogh's works are all together. There's a bit of a line to get in sometimes, so don't show up an hour before the museum closes expecting to just run in and check it out.

Also, if you are in the Netherlands in October, make sure to check the calendar for Museumnacht (Museum Night). Tickets are available for purchase near the Leidseplein (it's better to buy your tickets in advance, because the line is incredibly long and they get sold out) and are at most 18 euros. For 18 euros, you have free entry into every museum in Amsterdam until 2am. It's a really cool evening and scene--there are food samples and tents set up outside some of the museums (the Rijksmuseum for example) and people usually stop by the museum after having dinner at one of Amsterdam's many restuarants. It's a great vibe and not something to be missed if you're in the area.

Of course a historic city like Amsterdam has its diverse museums. For enjoying your stay in Holland, one must know more about her history.

Scheepvaartmuseum(nautical museum) - Located on Kattenburg, next to the navy barracks. Walkable from the central station, although there are some busses crossing that site. In this museum the history of the Nautical supremacy of the Dutch empire during the colonial phase can be experienced. Also some more modern age is displayed. Main attraction, of course, is the replica of the VOC ship, The Amsterdam, next to the museum that can be visited.

Rijksmuseum(situated on the museum plein) - This museum is an impressive building on its own. The plans to renovate this museum in its original state, as well as modernize it, will be a piece of art by itself. Although preperations have just started, my guess is that you will be impressed.

The museum is of course famous for the Nachtwacht by Rembrandt(nightwatch). This museum also has a rich variety of Dutch history within its walls. And of course is heaven for both art lovers and thieves.

Van Gogh Museum (situated at the van Baerlestraat, at the museum lein) - Speaks for itself, also contains other impressionist expositions.

Stedelijk Museum (next to the van Gogh for now, though it might move, do not know when) - Contains various forms of art, and changes expositions frequently. Has broad collection of the art form the style (de stijl, Modriaan, Doesburg). It''s worth a visit.

Alan Pierson Museum (situated at the Rokin) - An archeological museum with various topics.

Tropisch museum (tropical museum) - Next to the Oosterpark, (forgot name of street). With tropical gardens filled with species, this is heaven for a botanic oriented person. Of course if one is interested in tropical plants without smoking them, just take a look.

A little energy left? Join in a game of soccer!

When the sun breaks through the clouds, Dutch people come out of hiding and go outside. Most of them prefer to sit on a terrace and drink a coffee or a beer, but quite a lot of them look for a small stretch of grass, lay down there coats as goalposts and start playing soccer.
Usually, if you ask, you can join in. But mind you! Play is pretty fanatical. In the parks, that is Vondel park (near the Leidsche square) and Oosterpark (next to the Tropics museum, trams 3, 9 and 14 stop there) and on the vast lawn of the Museumplein (behind the Rijksmuseum) the big boys play.
Friendliest is the Amstelveld, squeezed in between the Prinsengracht and the Kerkstraat, near the Amstel River, tram 4 stops around the corner. On this concrete pitch complete with iron goals almost always mostly teenagers and students play a game. These games are the most accessible en most friendly. And the best part: if you score you hear the rewarding loud ‘clang’ of the shuddering iron ‘net’.

When you’re in the mood for something completely different (and you’re from the Commonwealth) go to the Oosterpark. There, almost every Sunday a game of cricket is played. I don’t really know if this game is really accessible, as I never really understood the game, but if you do, it’s worth a try.