The Rijksmuseum is the granddaddy of them all when it comes to Dutch Golden Age painting. Its pretty much exactly what you would expect, an overdose of windmills, charming ice-skating scenes, still lifes with loads of colorful flowers (and/or dead rabbits), portraits of haughty gentlemen in their ruffled collars and broad brimmed hats and demure yet dignified Netherlandish women. Highlights include Rembrandt’s majestic “The Night Watch”, Vermeer’s sweet “The Milkmaid” and Steen’s darkly humorous “The Merry Family”. Wander around the gardens a bit too, especially if there is an outdoor sculpture exhibit on while you are there.