Amsterdam Museum

This excellent, informative, high-tech museum, occupying a massive 17th-century former orphanage, is a must-visit for those wanting an overview of Amsterdam’s (and, by extension, Holland’s) history. Its expansive collection is organized both chronologically—from the Middle Ages to the present—and by subject; for instance, an entire gallery is dedicated to the city’s social initiatives, like the orphanages and alms houses founded in the 17th century, that laid the foundation for the comprehensive programs available to Dutch citizens today. There are many hands-on exhibits and several fascinating videos, and a terrific audio tour is included in the admission fee. Don’t miss the rooms dedicated to the Dutch Golden Age, the thrilling era when this small fishing village became the world’s wealthiest city. Set aside enough time to explore all the displays—I had slotted in an hour and had to rush through the last few rooms. The museum has several entrances, the easiest being the main one, on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, but if you approach via Kalverstraat, which connects to Begijnhof, you will come through Schuttersgalerij, a passageway where oversized Dutch Master paintings showing the city’s civic guards are hung. Nearby restaurants for lunch include Gartine, Singel 404 and Buffet van Odette.