Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Fall 2019

 Amsterdam, here we come, our last destination of the trip. We were excited to visit this lively and most populous city of the Netherlands. Our hotel was in the Canal Belt area and overlooked the pretty and peaceful canal. It's a small hotel, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. But the location is great for catching the tram for public transportation and only a short walk to Rembrandt Square. 

Canal view from our hotel

Canal Belt

The Amsterdam canal cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning city view as well as to appreciate some of this urban 165 canals and the city's other waterways. 

Amsterdam Centrum 

Ready for our canal cruise

The Amsterdam central train station

Sea Palace, Europe's first and largest floating Chinese restaurant

Beautiful view from the canal cruise

De Duif - Prinsengracht canals

Science Center NEMO

St. Nicholas Basilica

Trendy shopping center, Magna Plaza

Amsterdam's biggest department store - De Bijenkorf

The Damrak avenue, a main street running between Amsterdam Central in the north and Dam Square in the south.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam

De Bijenkorf shopping square

The old Stock Exchange building

A nice evening stroll in the busy pedestrian mall

Night view of a canal in the city center

We like to visit the local market in the morning. It's fun to check out some local specialties and to pick up a few gifts to bring home. A tram stop away and a short walk from our hotel took us to the Albert Cuypmarket in the "Latin Quarter" of De Pijp.

The local market - Albert Cuyp in De Pijp neighborhood.

Cheese shop

Stroopwafel stall

After the market, we hurried to the Anne Frank House and Museum to use our online purchased admission tickets. It was very interesting to take the tour and to visit the room where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding for two years.

Anne Frank House/Museum

Canal view near Anne Frank house

And the Old Cathedral 

Nieuwe Zijde

Herengracht

Lutheran Church

Our last night dinner in Amsterdam

All went well and we had a great trip. We said our goodbye at JFK. I was leaving for RDU, NC and Michelle for SYR, NY. We already look forward to our next adventure in the near future...