Story: The Netherlands' Vondelpark and Museum of Cinematography

There’s plenty to get excited about in Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ mightiest city is known for it's numerous locally-owned pubs and shops, stunning canals, and more bicycles than one can imagine. It also harbors the Red light district, and brilliant Dutch technological and architectural achievements that've survived the test of time. Of course, the city boasts having the world’s most hands-off recreational drug policies. But whatever your plans, one oft-overlooked spot tucked away is well worth a quick detour, just a short distance west from Museumplein square.

Vondelpark opened in 1864, named after the once-popular 17th century poet and author, Joost van den Vondel. The 1960’s found the park thriving, instantly becoming a popular hub for numerous hippie subcultures. Young folks worldwide began finding their way in flocks, celebrating the alluring landscape where almost everything was possible and allowed. Today, some 9 million annual visitors claim the park hasn’t strayed too far from the original vibe (though a sign at the entrance displays how far one might consider pushing the limit). Here hundreds of old-fashioned picnics take place daily. There are playgrounds, jogging trails and Pablo Picasso’s sculpture, The Fish.

Walk a quarter mile through the main entrance on and hang a right to find yourself entranced by Holland’s International Filmmuseum. Inside the state monument are over 450,000 photographs and pieces of movie memorabilia. Much has been compiled, dating back to the earliest days of Dutch and international cinema.

Before catching a screening, travelers and locals can dine together at Café Vertigo under “verwarmd terras” to enjoy a cup of coffee or warm meal. Also upon traveling, you might consider checking ahead to make sure the films hosted are in your native tongue; one could easily find themselves lost watching a foreign film with Dutch subtitles. After that, learn about modern contemporary independent and 19th century silent films, and check out an impressive Cary Grant exhibition on display for the rest of the summer.

Do it all (except the meal) for under €10, and do it quick, as the museum plans to change locations in 2010.