My family and I are going to visit my brother who teaches in Amsterdam in April. I was wandering what sites/attractions, restaurants, shopping would you recommend. I am 28 years old and I have a 2 yr old who (along with my parents) will be traveling with me. Thanks and look forward to hearing from you!
Your biggest fan,
Wendy Payne

Have you ever seen Samantha's, "Passport To Europe" in Amsterdam?
You should pick up Rick Steves guide book on Amsterdam. I love the details he gives in his guide books. His Italy book helped me a lot, and I'm sure his Amsterdam book is just as good.
He and his wife traveled to Europe with their two young children. They are grown now, and traveling on their own! Samantha has said that she has a lot of respect for Rick, and thinks he's a good source. I do hope she'll answer questions on this forum again. But if you log into facebook, she answers questions there, but don't know how often.
Have fun on your trip!!!

I was in Amsterdam 20 years ago so I don't remember everything. I remember mostly strolling alongside the canals & eating from small places where you can take away food & eat while walking around. One restaurant I can remember is the Blue Moon. (Yes, It's in English.) I had some charcoal-broiled beef ribs. Very good. And I remember eating stir-fried frog legs at a Chinese restaurant in their Chinatown. (Yes, Amesterdam has a Chinatown.) Aside from eating, I just hit as many art museum as I could find. At night, the city is beautiful, so I took long walks in the night. (Wish I took pictures of that.)

Before you go, just do a lot of research on the internet. Most of the Dutch speak English but take a Dutch phrasebook along with you anyway. And as Samantha does, reach out & talk to the locals, no matter how little Dutch you know. Watch what the people eat & do & try to participate. And take lots of pictures. You'll want to remember everything.