Amsterdam, Netherlands

You might begin your exploration of resplendent Amsterdam with a cruise along its meticulously planned network of canals, a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with quintessentially Dutch gabled buildings. Otherwise, do as the locals do and ride a bicycle, as this mode of transportation is so ubiquitous you’ll have no trouble blending in while you’re catching the sights. Amsterdam is an art lover’s nirvana, with a multitude of world-class museums at one’s fingertips, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which overflows with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.

A more sobering experience awaits at the Anne Frank House, where the brief but effulgent life of the endearing Jewish girl concealed during World War II is vividly evoked. Breathe in the restorative scent of fresh flowers at the famed Keukenhof Gardens, revered for their dazzling array of tulips just under an hour away from the city. If you’re here outside of tulip season, fret not, as you’ll still find a breathtaking variety of blooms. And for an essential Dutch experience, visit the quaint town of Zaanse Schans, where timeless riverside windmills spin gently in the breeze.