I AM AMSTERDAM CARD
Frank and I had the "I amsterdam Card." It's like the City Pass or Go Cards found in other cities. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, it's worth your while to purchase one. The card offers free admission to some of the most important museums in Amsterdam, plus a free canal boat tour and use of public transport. It also offers a 25% discount on various tourist attractions and restaurants. The card is available for either 24 hours (E33 = $41), 48 hours (E43 = $54) or 72 hours (E53 = $67). For more information, log on to IAmsterdam.com.

CANAL RIDE
Frank and I used the card for a 75-minute canal cruise aboard Rederij Noord-Zuid (the blue boat company). This is probably the most touristy thing to do in Amsterdam, but it's a great way to relax and take in beautiful views of the city. A computerized audio system acts as the guide, using four languages (English is of course one). It's kind of annoying to hear all the other languages, so to escape get one of the few seats outside in the back of the boat -� especially on a nice day. Cruises depart every half hour from April to October; 10 a.m. to 6 or 9 pm (depending on the month). Without the card, the price for adults is E 9.50 ($12); children (5 to 12 yrs) and 65+: E 5.50 ($7). Children under 4 are free.

MUSEUMS
Amsterdam boasts 40 museums, a few of them world famous. This year marks the 400th anniversary of Dutch master painter Rembrandt van Rijn's (1606-1669) birth. We could have seen Rembrandt's work at the Rembrandt House Museum, but instead we paid our respects in Rembrandt Square. That's the site of a larger-than-life statue of him, and a life-size bronze recreation of his famous painting "The Night Watch."

THE VAN GOGH MUSEUM
For our one museum visit Frank and I chose the Van Gogh museum. Our I Amsterdam Card gave us free entry, and a shorter line (we waited only 10 minutes to get in). I love most of Vincent Van Gogh's (1853-1880) work, and this museum houses his largest collection: more than 200 paintings, 437 drawings and 31 prints. It's mind boggling that Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime. The Van Gogh Museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Fridays until 10 p.m.); closed January 1. Admission: Adults E10 ($12.50); ages 13 to 17 E 2.50 ($3); 12 and under get in free. For more click HERE.