3 days in The Netherlands

Overall, the Netherlands is a great place to visit. The country is full of culture that many people will never experience. The Dutch have held on strong to their roots over the years and it is obvious to every traveler. The Netherlands is clean, welcoming and felt relatively safe.

You must do seven things while in the Netherlands: sample local cheese, watch them make wooden clogs, bicycle, visit a coffee shop, see the windmills, buy Delft porcelain and look at tulips. All of these things will engross you in the Dutch culture and tradition.

Quick Tips:

A great website to visit for information about the Netherlands is www.holland.com

Any trip to the Netherlands must hit on a couple of great points. Since the selling of soft drugs is actually illegal, yet acceptable, one must stick their head into a "coffee shop". I do not suggest actually purchasing any, smoking any, or entertaining the idea, but you must at least walk in, check out the environment and look at the long menu.

Another must in the Netherlands is to try Fish and Chips. One of the largest industries in the Netherlands is fishing, therefore they have great fish and other seafood.

You must also visit a diamond factory. I suggest Gasson Diamond Factory in Amsterdam. Some of the most famous diamonds have come out of this factory. You can also get free drinks in the lobby area (this is always a great thing when travelling on a budget).

Best Way To Get Around:

You must try riding a bicycle around the city. If you want to experience life like the locals, go rent one. The best way to get around and see the sights off the beaten track is to go for a ride.

Walking is also a great way to get around in Amsterdam, Voldendam, and Hilversum. Most things are within walking distance. When things are not within walking distance hop on a bus or grab one of those bikes.

Located in the tranquil town of Hilversum, the Tulip Inn is a great place for a refreshing night's stay away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. Located just outside of the city center of Hilversum, there are many attractions within short walking distance.

Tulip Inn is an extremely inviting hotel. The hotel boast 46 rooms and 17 apartments. You can expect to pay anywhere from 50 to 150€, depending on the season. They offer specials on the weekend if you are staying 2 nights. The price above includes taxes, service fees, and a great Dutch-style buffet breakfast.

The breakfast buffet offers a plethora of choices. You can choose from hot dishes, such as scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, and other Dutch specialities. A wide variety of cereals also await you. You can choose the traditional Muselix, granola, or a number of other common cereals. A selection of seasonal fresh fruit is also offered. To top the meal off is a wide range of breads and pastries. You can polish all of these off with a glass of milk, juice, or hot coffee.

Tulip Inn offers 46 rooms and 16 apartments. The beds were a good size, with plenty of room for four girls packing lots of junk! The decorating was simple, yet lacking the normal cheesy hotel decorations.

In the lobby of the hotel there is free high-speed Internet connection, billiards, a bar/lounge, and Richard's Restaurant. The staff is not only friendly but knowledgeable. They were more than happy to share hair dryers when our American version blew the plugs and converters.

The Tulip Inn offers amenities such as meeting/conference rooms, free Internet, a 24-hour service desk, a sauna, and a weight room.
I would highly recommend this hotel to all travelers: those with children, on business, or strictly pleasure. This is a great place to kick back and enjoy the relaxing Dutch life.

The Anne Frankhuis is a must do while in Amsterdam. We have all read the diary, now take time to experience her life first hand. Our generation many never live through such a horrible period of time again, but this museum serves as a glimpse of our haunting past. As you wonder through the small rooms you get a intimate introduction to the story that most have once read. Each room has be recreated to represent its original details. As you walk up the narrow staircase, past the secret book case you become part of the story.

Each room features a looping film featuring a story of Anne or her family. Many of the dialogues address issues of hobbies, lifestyles, and stories from friends and relatives. In Anne's room you get a glimpse of the things that Anne saw everyday: her window peering onto to the street below, pictures of her favorite movie stars, and three other beds. The Anne Frank museum gives you the opportunity to step out of your normal routine and implants you in another time and place. This experience will open your eyes and heart to a life other than your own.

Apart from touring the house there is a usually a exhibition on display. These range from freedom of speech to Jewish history displays. At the museum there is also a exhibit featuring her diary in every language ever published. This collection draws attention the the wide knowledge of Anne's story and its impact around the globe.BR>
Overall I would recommend this activity to everyone. It is a must-do while in Amsterdam. Some parts of the house may be slightly difficult for some to visit due to steep stairs and narrow halls, however there is special assistance available for those who may need it.

Also at this location is a gift shop, cafe, and information desk. The bathrooms are also kept very clean.
The museum is open daily from 9am to 7pm. The entrance fee is €7.50 for adults and  €3.50 for youth. Age 9 and under is admitted for free. I would suggest arriving early in the morning to avoid long lines. While waiting in line beware of pick pocketers. Pickpocketing is a great problem in Amsterdam, and even more where tourists congregate. While you are waiting in line take a few minutes to talk to the street artist that keeps an eye out for pickpocketers.

A great website to visit for more information is annefrank.org.

Located just steps behind the Anne Frank house is the art district known as the Jordaan. Follow the signs from the Anne Frank house to "The Smallest Art Gallery in Amsterdam." These signs lead to a very small art gallery containing lots of art work. This art gallery, owned and ran by a lady named Sonya, is seriously only about five feet wide. You can buy unusual postcards, original works, and copies. You can buy great copies of original works for around $10, however these prices are flexible. Haggling is acceptable. This concept makes the purchasing of art a great souvenir for travellers on a budget. This gallery also accepts credit cards, which I found extremely useful. If you are looking for unusual artwork, follow the signs to the "Smallest Art Gallery in Amsterdam," and visit with Sonya.