We're going to Amsterdam next week and while I've already found many wonderful suggestions on these boards, I'm having a hard time finalizing on our itinerary. We have 8 days, and our favorite sightseeing strategy is to wander a neighborhood with one or two destinations in mind.

We're planning on taking the train from the airport to Central Station, then a taxi to our rental in De Pijp. As we'll be tired and unsure exactly where we're going, thought a taxi would be easier than trying the tram.

We know that we want to visit the Rijksmuseum, take a canal cruise, visit Keukenhof Gardens, and take a daytrip to The Hague. Those are our must-sees, but it's the B-List that's causing problems. For instance, should we combine The Hague with a visit to Delft or the seashore, or won't there be time? And as we're not really into museums, should we even consider the Van Gogh Museum? Is the Heineken Experience as cheesy as I've heard? How about the Willet-Holthuysen Canal House Museum? What would you consider a must-see?

I'm looking forward to trying Indonesian food for the first time, and my husband can't wait to try the local beers! Any suggestions for good, inexpensive restaurants in the De Pijp area? And this may sound strange, but I love visiting supermarkets! I know I want to look for Siroopwafelen cookies, but any other goodies I should try? Thanks for all the help I've already found here, and any new suggestions as well!

You may find the Heineken Experience cheesy going in but you'll be tipsy going out after the samples and cheese plates in the tasting room, the only part of the now demolished Heineken once flagship Amsterdam brewery left standing about.

De Pijp is a wonderful area with lots of 1920s and art deco type buildings - very unique. Actually a train to RAI train station from Schiphol would put you closer to De Pijp and not as hectic as Amsterdam Centraal, which currently is in the throes of a complete reconstruction and seems chaotic.
Trams go from RAI ("Rye&quot to De Pijp or a short cab ride. Much easier to navigate. Trains from Schiphol go to Centraal station and other trains go to RAI station both very frequently.

I found the Dutch Resistance Museum and Anne Frank House to be fascinating. I loved the Van Gogh Museum, but I like art. It's a manageable size, so you could probably see it in little time, plus it's near the Rijksmuseum.

We did The Hague and Delft ine one day and actually spent more time wandering around Delft. It was more interesting to us and it was nice to sit in the sun in the square and people watch while eating poffertjes!

We took a late afternoon walk around Jordaan (followed the walk in Frommers, I believe) and that was really nice as the light changed and the canals looked gorgeous. Sounds like that might be up your alley.

My wife and I enjoyed walking in the Jordaan district and along the major canals, particularly the Herengracht. We also liked the walk from Centraal Station down to the Rijksmuseum/Van Gogh museum area.

I don't like museums either, but the van Gogh is very managable and enjoyable. The Anne Frank house is moving too.
When in the Hague do go to the Panorama Mesdag, which is wonderful. You could then go on to Scheveningen to see how things have chaged since Mesdags day! A fun thing to do as well is to visit Madurodam whilst in the Hague if you have time.
You may enjoy a visit to Urtecht for a day. Once you get out of the massive shopping mall it is a lovely city, and the Speelklok tot Pierrement museum is great fun. there is also a railway museum there if you like that sort of thing. Otherwise it is a nice lively city, great to wander around, lots of cafes on the canal.
Another beer you might like to try in Amsterdam is brouerij 't Ij, a small brewery on the Funenkade open from Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm to 10 pm for tastings and on Fridays at 4 there is a guided tour. No need to book - just be there at 4. Much better beer than Heineken!!!
As well as stroopwafels try poffertjes and pannekoeken(pancakes) which are a meal in themselves. Have a savoury one and put some stroop (syrup) on it.

Forgot to add the Dutch will like your anme - one of the Princesses is called Alexia!

8 days - then i'd buy the Museum Kaart or card - i bought one in January and the three biggies - Rijks, van Gogh and Stedelijk almost made it pay off it itself and in 8 days i may want to come and go again. Plus the Rembrandtshuis, the Troppen Museum (fine street re-creations of third-world and Asian towns), City Museum and many others - including those in all Dutch towns - Mauritshuis in Den Hague, Frans Hals in Haarlem and Utrecht's neat Music Box museum. Good for a year - buy at any museum. No photo required.

Oops! Didn't mean to post this request twice. Sorry.

Thanks for the suggestions! I didn't even think of the Museumkaart, but it sounds like a good idea. As it covers the Rijks, Van Gogh and W-H museums, as well as the Old and New Churches, I think it would more than pay for itself!

Anyone know if backpacks are allowed in the museums? I usually carry a daypack instead of a purse while on vacation, and I know that some museums won't let large bags inside. The British Museum just looked inside, but I had to check it in Athens.

I'm getting really excited the closer we get to departure! I'll try to keep good notes so I can post a trip report when we get back. These boards are great!

Certainly at the VG backpacks are not allowed, but they have a guarded (and I think free) wardrobe where you can leave it safely. I don't think any big bags are allowed. I believe the Rijks has the same policy.

One of my favorite things in Amsterdam was seeing some of the street performers at Leidseplein square one evening (fire jugglers and dancers).

One thing I did not do but would include next time is a short canal boat tour of some sort.