According to forum posts, many travelers recommend taking a canal boat tour as a quintessential Amsterdam experience. These tours offer a unique view of the city's historic canals and architecture. Options include open boat tours and more structured canal cruises, which can be relaxing ways to see the city.

Travelers have called out several historical and cultural sites worth visiting, such as the Anne Frank House, the Jewish Quarter, and the Resistance Museum. Additionally, the Amsterdam Museum, although currently undergoing renovations, is suggested for its rich depiction of the city's history.

For those who enjoy more active exploration, biking around the city or the countryside is highly recommended. Posts suggest considering bike tours, which can take you through less hectic parts of Amsterdam or the scenic countryside, providing both exercise and sightseeing.

Some users suggest exploring the city on foot or using the tram system to navigate between different attractions. This allows for spontaneous exploration and the opportunity to discover unique neighborhoods like Jordaan and the various markets that operate throughout the city.

Forum contributors also recommend considering day trips from Amsterdam to nearby areas like Zaanse Schans for windmills or the city of Haarlem, enhancing the Dutch experience beyond the capital city.

According to forum posts, trains and trams are the primary modes of public transportation in Amsterdam. Trains are ideal for intercity connections, such as traveling from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal, while trams are more suited for shorter, intra-city trips. Some trams extend into neighboring towns but still maintain frequent stops.

Travelers have highlighted that Amsterdam also offers extensive bus services, which are useful for reaching areas not serviced by trams. Metros in Amsterdam primarily operate underground, covering significant distances with fewer stops, making them a faster option for longer intra-city routes.

Ferries are mentioned as a free service in Amsterdam, connecting the main city to the northern parts, which include new attractions. This adds a unique transport option not commonly found in other cities.

Some travelers recommended structuring a trip around major cities and attractions. For instance, a base in Amsterdam allows for day trips to nearby cities like Haarlem, Alkmaar, and the Zaanse Schans. Alternatively, bases in Leiden or Utrecht were suggested due to their central locations and excellent transport links, making them ideal for exploring various parts of the country including Delft, Gouda, and Rotterdam.

For those interested in nature and less commercialized experiences, some travelers suggested basing near the Weerribben National Park or in the Noordoostpolder area for access to natural landscapes and tulip fields. These locations offer a more authentic Dutch experience away from the typical tourist paths.

For a culturally rich itinerary, cities like Maastricht, Groningen, and towns in the Hanseatic League such as Deventer and Zutphen were mentioned. These places offer a mix of history, architecture, and local culture. Additionally, visiting during specific events like the Nijmegen marches or the flower parade in April can enhance the travel experience with unique Dutch traditions.

Travelers have called out the importance of considering travel time and transport options when planning day trips. Using cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht as bases can minimize travel times and maximize sightseeing, thanks to their well-connected train systems.

According to forum posts, Schiphol Airport offers direct train services to various destinations including Rotterdam and Utrecht. Trains to Rotterdam are frequent, with options for faster intercity direct services that require a surcharge. The regular train to Rotterdam takes about 57 minutes, while the faster service takes about 25 minutes.

Some travelers mentioned that while there is no direct bus from Schiphol to Rotterdam, buses are generally less preferred due to their longer journey times of 70-80 minutes compared to trains. However, for those interested, Flixbus operates routes from Schiphol to various destinations, including Rotterdam, with about 10-12 buses running per day.

Travelers have called out ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt as viable options for a more comfortable and direct route to their destinations from Schiphol. Setting up these services upon arrival at the airport is feasible, and they are considered a convenient choice especially for those with extra luggage or when arriving tired from long flights.

According to forum posts, some travelers recommend staying in Utrecht due to its central location and good train connections, making it an ideal base for exploring other Dutch cities. Others suggest Amsterdam for its accessibility to various tourist destinations via day trips.

For those looking for quieter options outside Amsterdam, forum users have highlighted cities like Leiden, Haarlem, and Delft as charming alternatives with fewer tourists. These cities offer a mix of cultural attractions and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Some users have pointed out that staying in Rotterdam offers a unique experience due to its modern architecture and vibrant nightlife, which might appeal to younger travelers or those interested in a more contemporary urban environment.

According to forum posts, the XO Couture and Hotel Alexander are popular choices among travelers. XO Couture is appreciated for its quiet rooms and is accessible by tram, while Hotel Alexander is noted for its proximity to the museum quarter, despite its small, noisy rooms. Another option mentioned is the Westcord Fashion Hotel, which is favored for its spa access.

For travelers seeking budget-friendly options, some users have suggested the Conscious Hotels near Vondelpark and Amstelveenseweg, which are in the same price range as XO Couture. Additionally, Leonardo Hotel at Rembrandtpark is recommended for its views and rooftop bar.

For a high-end stay, forum contributors have highlighted the Conservatorium Hotel for its proximity to major museums and serene environment inside, including the Akasha spa. The Waldorf Astoria and Sofitel Legend The Grand are also among the top luxury picks, offering exceptional service and amenities.

For those traveling with family, the SS Rotterdam offers a unique experience but is noted for being slightly out of the way in terms of metro access. The StayOkay hostel in the Cube Houses is also recommended for its proximity to attractions and family-friendly accommodations.

According to forum posts, travelers have highlighted renting a car from major companies at locations such as Eindhoven Airport and Schiphol Airport. Prices and availability can vary, with some users noting higher costs for automatic cars and the added expense of renting child booster seats.

Travelers have called out the convenience of renting a car for visiting specific attractions or areas poorly connected by public transport, like certain theme parks and rural areas. However, the hassle of renting, including paperwork, insurance upselling, and car checks, as well as the high costs of parking in cities, is emphasized as a downside.

Some users mentioned the challenges of driving in the Netherlands, such as navigating traffic regulations, dealing with cyclists, and the potential for heavy fines for traffic violations. The high cost of fuel and parking, particularly in urban areas, was also noted as a significant factor to consider when renting a car.

According to forum posts, popular dining options in The Netherlands include a variety of restaurants offering Dutch and international cuisine. Travelers have called out specific Amsterdam restaurants such as Vijff Vlieghen, known for its romantic atmosphere and original Rembrandts, and Max for its modern menu. Dutch dishes are highly recommended at The Pantry.

For traditional Dutch cuisine, some travelers suggested visiting Blauw, which offers more traditional options, while others recommended the Amsterdam-based restaurant De Struisvogel for its unique offerings.

For international dining experiences, forum users recommended Indonesian rijsttafel (a Dutch-adopted Indonesian meal consisting of small dishes served in shareable portions) available at restaurants like Long Pura, and Italian cuisine at Casa di David. There's also a mention of good sushi places like Tempura in the Plantage district.

Casual dining and street food options are also popular, with Febo highlighted as an interesting automated restaurant choice. The Foodhallen is recommended for its variety of food stalls where one can sample different types of cuisine under one roof.