The name Anne Frank must have rung a bell somewhere. Just to revive your memories, Anne Frank was a 13 year old Jewish girl residing in Netherlands with her family. Originally residents of Germany, after the Nazis gained power in Germany and life started getting difficult for the Jews, she and her family sought shelter in Netherlands. However, little did the family know that soon the Nazi terror would come and haunt them even in their asylum.

The Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht Canal was where the Frank family along with the Van Pel family went into hiding for over 2 years. The house was built in 1635 and throughout its existence it served as a residence, warehouse, stable and office. In 1940, Otto Frank, Anne’s father bought the premises as an office for his spice business. Soon the office became a hide out from the German troops who were rounding up Jewish families and sending them to concentration camps. The Anne Frank House is a haunting, tragic and overwhelming experience that gives you a glimpse of how the inmates tried to live their lives in the midst of horror.

Today the premise has become a museum, which gives the viewer a peek into the lives of those in hiding. A definite recommendation whether or not you’ve read the book.

The Thijssen Museum is a cozy little museum on Jordaan, just a short distance from Anne Frank House and the Tulip Mansion. The Museum is dedicated to Dutch educator, politician and writer Theodore Thijssen (1879- 1943).

This museum seldom makes it to a tourist’s ‘must-see-list’ in Amsterdam. Nevertheless, if you do get the opportunity to visit, the Museum offers a great insight on the life of Thijjsen along with some very interesting glimpses into the past of Amsterdam. The staff at the Museum is not only friendly but also fluent in English. This well arranged museum is the perfect place to dive into the ordinary past of Amsterdam. Accounts of daily lifestyle and how people lived back in the 19th century can be grasped vividly at the Thijssen Museum.

Theodore Thijssen was born to a shoemaker and lived a fairly underprivileged childhood. He underwent strenuous courses and stringent exams to get himself educated which finally crowned into him becoming a teacher. However, unlike any other teacher he was set to make a difference in the way pupils were taught in classrooms. He pioneering work brought about change in the education system not only in Amsterdam but also the Netherlands. Apart from being recognized as an educator, he is also known for some of the finest Dutch literary works that paint the picture of life in the 19th century.

If you are a fan of music and photography, the Rockarchive is one place you cannot afford to miss. Get some of the most exclusive pictures of your favorite bands, artists and musicians at the Rockarchive.

Founded in 2004, the Rockarchive is the place where you can get limited edition pictures, posters and exclusive photographs of your favorite rock artist. With contributions from music photographers all over the world, the Rockarchive has a growing collection of exclusive, limited and some of the best pictures you can find of your favorite musician.

Ranging from a few euros going right up to a 100 and even more, you can get hold of almost any rock star provided you have the cash for it. The Rockarchive has a vast collection from over 50 renowned music photographers from all over the world.

If you are a collector, there is no place like the Rockarchive. Although the photographs don’t come cheap, you can get a great deal if you look around for it. But whether you buy or not, the Rockarchive is a must visit in Amsterdam. The Rockarchive has only 4 outlets in the world. If not Amsterdam, you can visit them either in London or in Dublin.

The Pancake Bakery is housed in an old canal warehouse. The restaurant was established in 1973. It's famous for 'poffertjes' (tiny pancakes) and omelets prepared according to the in-house recipes. Don't lose your chance to try the most delicious and unusual pancakes in the city. Open daily from 12.00 to 21.30.

Standing elegantly on the banks of Singel, the canal that formed the outer boundary of Amsterdam in the middle ages is the Ronde Lutherse Kerk. The Ronde Lutherse Kerk once served as a church for the Lutheran order but today is taken over by the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel.

Built in the latter half of the seventeenth century, the Church was built to replace the Oude Lutherse Kerk (Old Lutheran Church) on Spui. The Ronde Lutherese Kerk is one of the few domed Protestant churches in Netherlands. The distinctive copper dome on the church is noticed from anywhere in the Spui. The unique exterior done in a brilliant Renaissance style was designed by Adrian Dortsman. Although built with grandeur and style, the Church endured many changes along the years. In 1882, the Church had to undergo serious remodeling and renovation because of the damage caused by fire. Over the years the Church’s congregation decreased tremendously which led to its conversion to a concert hall after another fire damaged the structure in 1993. Ironically, the Old Lutheran Church on Spui which was to be replaced by the Ronde Lutherse Kerk is still an active protestant Church.

Today this beautiful monument is not open to public but on request, one can get the opportunity to admire the splendor of the interiors of the Ronde Lutherse Kerk.

Amsterdam is a city unlike any other in the world. Amidst the vintage architecture, monumental structures and immense history, what one relates most to Amsterdam is its unique means of transportation. The canals and their bridges form an integral part of the identity of the city.

One of the most famous and important canals in Amsterdam remains the Singel. The Singel once served as the outer limit of the city circling the boundaries of the city. Back in the 16th century, the Singel acted as the perfect moat. However, the city soon grew beyond the Singel, thus reducing it to a mere inlet for transportation.

One of the most overlooked monuments in Amsterdam and arguably one of the oldest is the Torensluis. The Torensluis is a bridge that was built across the Singel in 1648. Along with being the oldest bridge in the city, it is also the widest one measuring up to 42 meters. Back then, the bridge built across the canal connected the inner city with the outer world. Covered with cozy café terraces, restaurants and the bust of the legendary Dutch writer Multatuli, the Torensluis today forms a bridge between the past and present.

Theater Museum is part of the Dutch Theater Institute and is located in two monumental buildings at the Herengracht. Its objective is to make a significant contribution to the knowledge of the Dutch theater culture in the international context. The Museum exhibitions give visitors an insight into the development of theater in the Netherlands. Hours: Monday-Friday from 11.00 to 17.00, Saturday and Sunday from 13.00 to 17.00.

Laura Dols is a typical Nine Street's shop that offers a variety of vintage chic clothes. Most clients who visit this shop are the Jordaan locals and tourists. A special interest for visitors are hand-embroidered traditional tablecloths and linens. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11.00-18.00, Sunday 13.00-18.00.

The Oude Lutherse Kerk or the Old Lutheran Church is one of the many attractions in Amsterdam. Built in the early 17th century, it stands on the Singel in Amsterdam. The site on which the Church was constructed on was used as a warehouse from early 1600s. The Verguide Pot as the ware house was called was allegedly used as a gather point for the Lutherans who would come from Germany during those times.

With its simple and austere exteriors, the Oude Lutherse Kerk was built with utmost sincerity. The cleanliness and the plain look of the Church managed to make it stand out nevertheless.
Throughout the years, the Old Church underwent several restorations and remodeling. In 1822, the Church underwent severe damage because of a fire that was caused due to careless plumbing. The structure was remodeled in 1823, under the supervision of architects T.F. Suys and J. de Greef who are also responsible for some noteworthy additions in the Church.

When it was being constructed, the Church had quite a gathering. However, over the years the numbers dropped considerably and in 1961, the Oude Lutherse Kerk officially got leased to the University of Amsterdam. Today this magnificent building is well taken care of and used as an auditorium amongst other things.