Iconic European cities: Amsterdam

The Netherlands' premiere museum was built over 200 years ago and holds works by some of the country's most famous painters. In addition to well-known paintings such as "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt, it boasts various works by Vermeer, van Dyck and Jan Steen. It also features a large collection of drawings, photographs and prints, as well as antique objects from Dutch history.

Jewish teen Anne Frank, who became posthumously famous for her diary, hid with her family in this building at Prinsengracht 263-267 during World War II. In August 1944 they were discovered and arrested by the Nazis. The house is now a museum with exhibitions about the Holocaust that also allow visitors to learn more about Frank's diary and how the family lived here.

Founded in 1865, the Vondelpark is popular with both tourists and locals. In fact, it's the ideal place to explore on a bike — a favorite pastime of the Dutch! But whether on wheels or on foot, there's a lot of exploring to be done in this 120-acre green space. Keep an eye out for special events, such as free concerts at the open-air theater or music pavilion.

Taking a leisurely stroll around Amsterdam's old town is a must. It's easy to see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site: historic buildings line the narrow streets and the next canal is never far away — in all, the city has an estimated 160 canals. Don't miss the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) on the Singel canal, the popular Bethanienstraat and the picturesque Groenburgwal canal.

If you'd like to see the canals and the city's historic buildings from a different angle, taking a canal cruise is the way to go. There's a reason Amsterdam is called the "Venice of the North." The city has 100 kilometers of grachten (canals), some 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. The "Grachtengordel" is a belt of canals built in the 17th century around the old town.

The "old church" or "oude kerk" in Dutch, dates back to the 13th century and is the historic center's oldest building — and the city's most important church. Not only is its architecture exceptional, so is its location: it stands in the middle of Amsterdam's famous red light district. From brothels to sex stores, the "Rossebuurt," as the locals call the neighborhood, is world-famous.

Fresh fish is a staple of Dutch cuisine and can be found at stalls around the city. Try out "Hollandse Nieuwe," or marinated herring with red onions and cucumbers, or "broodje haring," a cold sandwich with raw, salt-cured herring, pickles, and onions in a fluffy bun. If raw herring isn't your thing, you may prefer kibbeling, battered and fried white fish typically served with garlic mayonnaise.

The former working class neighborhood is now a trendy hotspot that has attracted many students, artists and people from around the world. With its alleys, variety of restaurants and the pretty Sarphatipark, there's a reason De Pijp is all the rage. Be sure to visit the "Alber Cuypstraat" market, open every day except Sunday — its 300 stalls offer everything from garments to Dutch stroopwafels.

A free ferry takes you to the site of the NDSM wharf where an artists' quarter with bars, galleries and street art is located. In addition to concerts and festivals happening there, one weekend a month Europe's largest flea market, the IJ-Hallen, takes place on the grounds. With antiques, vintage clothing and everything in between, you're sure to find something in its 750 stalls.

Probably the most popular place to see Amsterdam from above is from atop the A'DAM Tower. Located across from the IJ bay which separates two parts of the city, the skybar and lookout deck offer panoramic views over the city's old town. It's also home to the world's highest swing: at a height of 100 meters, it hangs off the edge of the building, enticing adrenaline junkies.