Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Via a host of artifacts and interactive exhibits, this terrific museum documents Amsterdam's growth and development from the medieval era to the present. Within the walls of the city's former orphanage, the museum delivers artwork, archaeology, porcelain, silver and illustrative models. Although the content may seem a bit staid at first glance, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how engaging this journey through the centuries can be. The courtyard makes a wonderful place to catch your breath, and walk through the outdoor Civic Guard Gallery into the Begijnhof.

 

Description: WESTERN CANAL RING / JORDAAN. Thanks to her diary, the story of Anne Frank's hiding from the Nazis is a well-known historical event. Nevertheless, visitors to the actual building where she, her family and friends hid during the German Occupation will find themselves thrown into instant contemplation in the face of this tangible reminder. Once-hidden rooms still contain period memorabilia, along with the haunting presence of those who spent two years of their lives secreted behind walls, dreaming of eventual freedom. Although only Otto Frank, Anne's father, would realize that hope, the experience of the rest will never be forgotten. Come early – or in the evening – to avoid the lines at this humbling site.

 

Description: WATERFRONT. For centuries, there has been little change plotted on Amsterdam maps. However, a desperate shortage of housing in the city led to an ambitious urban regeneration plan of the docklands to the east of Centraal Station – and at the dawn of the 21st century, the stunning results rose up on the skyline. With more than a nod to the nautical, the series of small islands and peninsulas contain buildings resembling whales and waves, and eccentric bridges criss-crossing canals. Gentrified warehouses – which once stored goods brought by ships from all corners of the world – have been turned into restaurants, cultural centers and artists' studios, and one street has a row of houses each individually designed by different architects. A mecca for architecture aficionados (it includes contributions by Renzo Piano and Larry Malcic), it's well worth exploring. But first stop should be architecture center, ARCAM (Prins Hendrikkade 600, 620 4878, www.arcam.nl, Tue-Sat 1pm-5pm) where you can pick up an invaluable map detailing the architecture of the area.

 

Description: DE PIJP. This interactive attraction is housed in the 19th-century brewery that Heineken built and occupied until 1988. Visitors are educated about the brewery's history, taken on a tour of the bottling process, and provided details about how beer is brewed and matured. Much of the original brewing equipment remains, and folks can test their knowledge of beer trivia along the way. There's also the opportunity to visit the stables of Heineken's iconic Shire horses. At the end of the tour, complimentary samples of the famous beer can be had at the Tasting Bar.

 

Description: PLANTAGE. Able to exhibit only around five percent of its massive three million-strong collection of art and antiquities, Russia's famous State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg opened a satellite museum in Amsterdam in 2004 devoted to staging rotating exhibitions. Its home is within the monumental Amstelhof, which dates from 1683 and is an impressive example of Dutch classicist architecture. Following renovations completed in summer 2009, the museum now totals 9,925 square meters of exhibition space. Already hundreds of thousands have flocked to previous exhibitions such as one focusing on 18th-century Venetian art and another which displayed personal objects, paintings and photographs belonging to the last Tsar and Tsarina of Russia, Nicholas II and Alexandra.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. This relative newcomer on the museum scene devotes itself entirely to one of the most essential fashion accessories for women: the bag. Its specialized collection (the largest of its kind in the world) extends to around 2500 items – including alms purses, thigh bags and vanity-cases – as it traces the history of the bag in Western culture from the 16th century to the present day. Alongside some absolutely fascinating and exquisite pieces – and of course iconic offerings from Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior – there are many unique exhibits including a Chanel bag in the shape of a luxury liner and a bag that took its name from the Clinton family's cat. Bag-aholics however are warned to hold onto their purses when entering the gift shop: It sells a compelling assortment of bags by contemporary international and Dutch designers.

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. Suffice it to say that this astounding museum, one of the world's finest, boasts some of history's most amazing artworks. More than 7 million objects comprise its collections, which include prints, paintings, sculpture, Asian art, and works detailing the history of the Dutch nation. Dating back to 1798, the museum also hosts works by such notables as Vermeer, Goya, Van Dyck, Rubens and van Ruisdael. It bestows a place of prominence on 'The Night Watch,' perhaps Rembrandt's most famous creation. However, until renovation work is completed on the main building (estimated 2013), only part of the museum is currently open, featuring 'a best of' selection of masterpieces. Additionally, every Friday it's open until 8:30pm with a special programme of events such as talks (in Dutch) or music.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. Whimsical and extravagant, this circa-1921 theater is a mad foray into creativity, an Art Deco study of color and shape. Named for the Jewish tailor who envisioned and financed the structure, the movie theater is a spectacle of stained glass, exotic woods, handmade carpets, and painted murals. Completely restored in April 2002, the theater is not only a bit of history reclaimed but a tribute to Abraham Tuschinski, who created the building and was put to death in a concentration camp. Movies are still shown today, but even if you don't experience one, make sure to step into the Tuschinski for the pure visual appeal.

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. Dedicated to preserving the art created by one of history's most well-known yet tortured figures, this museum has compiled an impressive collection of Van Gogh's works. The permanent collection groups pieces according to where Van Gogh lived and the periods of his life; it also arranges them chronologically for effect. In addition, the museum displays works by Van Gogh's contemporaries and maintains holdings of the artist's letters and his own personal collection of Japanese prints. Temporary exhibits can be seen as well. Don't miss its late-opening slot every Friday when it doesn't close until 10pm and offers additional entertainment.

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. In the 19th century, this park was created to give Amsterdam's residents a chance to commune with nature. It's still a favorite destination for city-weary denizens. On any given day, you'll find folks relaxing, rollerblading, delighting in the sunshine, and taking in arts and entertainment programs at the open-air theater. You'll even notice parrots and the odd stork flying around. Children have their own play area, complete with a shallow pool, and buskers often congregate, hoping to merit a few coins. It's also home to the Filmmuseum, Blauwe Theehuis and children's restaurant Kinderkookkafé. Named after poet Joost van den Vondel, whose statue watches over the goings-on.