Charming Amsterdam Photos -- National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides

Keizersgracht Canal
Photograph by Ripani Massimo/SIME
Lights, canal, reflection! At the close of the day, Keizersgracht canal becomes the sort of picture-postcard beauty spot that lures travelers to Amsterdam.
Vondelpark
Photograph by Stefano Amantini/Atlantide
Of Amsterdam's 40 parks, Vondelpark, created by a garden architect in 1864 and named for a 17th-century writer, is the most popular.
Rijksmuseum
Photograph by Scott McDermott/Aurora Photos
This artful photo befits its smaller subject, the Rijksmuseum, with its monumental collection of 17th-century Dutch masters, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals.
Café 't-Smalle
Photograph by Stefano Amantini/Atlantide
Charming Café 't-Smalle, a perennially crowded restaurant, bar, and sidewalk café, is authentic Amsterdam. So what if it's only been around since 1978.
Van Gogh Museum
Photograph by Stefano Amantini/Atlantide
Nowhere in the world is there a larger collection of works by the Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh than in the elegant Amsterdam museum that bears his name.
Bicycle Transportation
Photograph by Da Ros Luca/SIME
Who needs to go to the gym to get exercise? In Amsterdam, getting around by bicycle is the way to go. Transportation with aerobic benefits.
Neon Signage
Photograph by Scott McDermott/Aurora Photos
By night, some of Amsterdam's streets take on an invitingly festive flair, thanks to colorful neon signage lighting the way.
Museum Van Loon
Photograph by Riccardo Sala/TIPS Images
Museum Van Loon, with its formal gardens, was home to descendants of Willem van Loon, co-founder of the Dutch East India Company. Dozens of van Loon family portraits grace the interior.
Café Katoen
Photograph by Scott McDermott/Aurora Photos
Popular with University of Amsterdam students as well as travelers, Café Katoen serves up a dependably tasty breakfast and lunch. At night, it's all about the bar.
Amsterdam Boutiques
Photograph by Scott McDermott/Aurora Photos
From high-end fashion to cutting-edge street wear, Amsterdam boutiques delight window-shoppers as well as those in the market for something new.