Amsterdam is a city most notably praised for its vivid nightlife, and rightfully so. With a plethora of clubs, coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants ranging from Italian to Vietnamese and everything in between, the Red Light District has become a playground synonymous with the city of Amsterdam. As much as there is to offer in this one small slice of the city, I caution you to not make the assumption that this is all this Dutch wonderland has to offer- because you would be sorely mistaken!

Amsterdam is home to countless galleries, shops, and museums that proudly display some of the Netherland’s finest achievements. From the mélange of classical and contemporary architecture combined with the rich history surrounding virtually every building, there is never a shortage of new information one can learn from simply wandering the streets, alone or with a friend.

Of course, you’ll want to hit up the “I Amsterdam” sign before you leave the city (isn’t that half the reason you came here, anyway?). However, be warned: it’s one of the biggest tourist destinations, aside from the RLD, that Amsterdam has to offer. Keep your purse close by your side, be mindful of pickpockets, and when you finally push through the throngs of tourists and climb your way to the top of the letters, breathe in that Dutch air and take in this beautiful city for all that it is!

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Planning to travel to this location?  Need recommendations on what to see and do?  Ask the author by leaving a comment below!  Have a great trip!

[accordion_tab title=”Collegiate Correspondent: Lizzy Spock” default]

Lizzy Spock is a current senior at the Pennsylvania State University double majoring in art history and journalism. In the spring of 2015, she spent the best four months of her life studying in Aix-en-Provence, France. She has always had a passion for traveling and examining cultures outside of her own, so the opportunity to live with a family in a foreign country made it easy to experience first-hand the way the locals really live. Not only was she able to make herself at home in a new environment, but also spend her free time traveling around Europe- to over nine different countries! Through this experience, she learned about life, culture, and how our perspectives change as we move throughout the world. She holds these rich experiences with her as she continues to explore the world, and is so excited to share everything she’s learned![/accordion_tab]