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We got our bearings in Amsterdam by taking a Canal Bus ticket - did all three lines before it ran out at midday the day after buying. We're kicking ourselves for not buying the Museum Card - it has national coverage, which we didn't realise. It can also save you queueing to buy tickets, just buy at the first museum you go to, €39 per adult. Ann Frank House is not included, but you can buy tickets in advance online for that one - it's the only place with long queues.
The Modern Art Museum is closed but is partially relocated to the old post office, the Maritime museum is currently closed, and the Rijksmuseum is being renovated but has a condensed version of its collections on display in one wing including Rembrandt's 'Night Watch'. If you like van Gogh, it's worth going to the Kroller-Muller Museum in the Hogue Veluwe National Park, as they have a great collection of modern, VG and old masters.
In May, they hold Nuit des Musées - where the museums are open late into the evening and are free. So whilst everyone is eating you can go and see your favourites and with the entrance fees you have saved have a delicious meal.
Booking gets you in during the busy season. Sometimes you can arrive and do not need to use the reservations line so forget to mention the booking and save 3 Euros per person. Avoid June and try the winter period for a calmer visit.
www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei/
They speak English and are helpful.
Bergamo is ideal as a short break destination as it is a Ryanair hub (although called their Milan airport). There is a regular service bus into Bergamo city centre. There are a couple of interesting museums, lovely shops and the medieval hilltop town to explore.
I have written a Guide to Bergamo:www.europealacarte.co.uk/Italy/bergamo/.
The Skansen is an open air museum but one that won't scare you: over 150 relocated historic buildings from all over Sweden. Those open are attended by informative people in costume of the period of the house. Bears and other wild animals will captivate the children. Allow a whole day. 50Kr per person, children free but there is a 20 Kr discount with the travel card. Times vary: to end of April: 10.00-16.00; May: 10.00-20.00; June- Aug: 10.00-22.00.
Nearby is the Nordiska Museet of Swedish history and life: again don't be put off by the name and content. (free).
Moderna Museet and Arkitektmuseet are free and on Skeppsholmen: great collections (especially the models in the architecture museum) all in Rafael Moneo's building. T/W: 10.00-20.00; Thur-Sun: 10.00-18.00
Skansen located on Djurgårdsslätten, use bus 47, 44 or better the tram line 7 (try the café tram).
Best day trip out of town. The Irish refer to it as their Stonehenge, but it is older, doncha know. Perfect for a misty Celtic day. Be sure to volunteer to be one of the few who gets to go inside and see the recreation of the solstice. If you only have one day to get out to the country, this is it.
Bus Éireann (www.buseireann.ie) run day trips that include a Celtic cemetery, a pub lunch in Slane, and admission and tour of Newgrange.
Go to the self-service pizza restaurant rather than the a la carte - better views, and cheaper!
A great museum about communist rule and the revolution in Prague. Very hard to find, however.
From memory it is next to the Macdonalds on the street that runs along the bottom of Wenceslas Square. I hope that helps!
Viveros is where they grow trees for the rest of Mexico City's parks: a square mile of dense if artificial forest in the concrete jungle. Go there to stroll or jog on the many well-maintained paths. Close to picturesque Coyoacan district with the Frieda Kahlo house & museum & many colonial buildings, cafes etc, weekend crafts market.
Metro to Viveros, from there walk or take microbus or taxi to Coyoacan centre.
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