As Atlanta slides through a mild, drizzly winter, it is never to early to start planning your spring break vacation. One European city with something to offer everyone is Amsterdam. Whether you're after a party, a museum, or a dinner of pancakes, you are sure to find what you are after in Amsterdam, and it is also an excellent base city for taking day trips throughout the Netherlands.
Of course, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the main attractions in Amsterdam, and now is a perfect time to go as the museum will close for six months starting in October 2012 for a restoration. The Rijksmuseum is the other main cultural attraction in Amsterdam, and even during its current reconstruction, it has an astonishing number of works of the great masters on display, focusing largely on Dutch artists like Vermeer, van Dyck, and Jan Steen. In order to bypass the generally long lines for both museums, take a quick stop into the tourist information office (located just off the square opposite the Van Gogh museum) and purchase a pass for the museums.
As the Netherlands is a relatively small country, it is easy to take the train from Amsterdam to several nearby cities. Alkmaar has a weekly cheese festival that will delight all ages with its fanfare and parade of colorful costumes. Utrecht is a college town with an impressive church tower to climb and is home to the occasional gothic music festival. Delft is known for its blue and white porcelain creations and is an excellent place to pick up small souvenirs for friends and family back home. All these towns have friendly people, beautiful canals, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
From Atlanta, Delta Airlines has daily nonstop flights to Amsterdam. If you are looking for a hotel near the museums and concert hall in Amsterdam, the Hotel Washington is a charming, family-run spot on a quiet street, ten minutes from the museums and even closer to the tram that runs through the city. Be prepared for the steep stair climb to your room (part of the adventure in Amsterdam!), and enjoy the relaxing breakfast provided by the friendly staff.
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