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Amsterdam
Overview
There are boundless reasons to visit Amsterdam and for some many reasons to completely avoid the place. Whatever the opinion, there is no denying that this is one of Europe’s most captivating, enigmatic and traveler friendly cities. The open-minded cosmopolitan capital of the Netherlands is a place where visitors can cruise along fairytale canals admiring magnificent 17thC architecture, trawl sprawling street markets for food, flowers and clothing, do a double take whilst passing the windows of the Red Light District, analyze the works or Van Gogh and Rembrandt and breathe in the alluring aromas flowing freely from the famed coffee-shops.
Amsterdam is literally overflowing with tourist attractions ranging from cultural activities to active pursuits and although being a compact city, planning an attack can often prove overwhelming. One way to approach this vibrant metropolis is to do as the Dutch do, rent a bike and explore on two wheels, cruising the medieval streets, crossing the network of quaint humpback bridges and taking time out along the banks of the canals. It is unlikely that you’ll see everything during a single visit, therefore, in order to plan your days well, grab hold of a city map and explore the districts as a whole one by one. Those who don’t trust their own navigational abilities can join one of many cycle tours or canal cruises.
This is a city for all seasons yet it is throughout the summer when it truly comes to life. At this time of the year, in addition to the fixed attractions visitors will be greeted by non-stop colourful carnivals and festivals. Check the calendar as you may be passing through at the time of the Holland Festival or Amsterdam Roots Festival, the country’s two biggest musical events. If you visit doesn’t coincide with the festivals, just take a walk down by the canal or through Vondelpark where a host of free outdoor events take place. Moreover, arrive earlier in the year, 30th April to be specific, and join in the celebrations of Queens Day, the quintessential Amsterdam party epitomising the fun loving and sociable nature of the Dutch.
With the advent of many low-cost airlines and an airport only 20km from the city centre Amsterdam is accessible from all corners of Europe. Arriving by train is also an extremely feasible option with frequent services available both across the Netherlands, to the likes of Eindhoven, Rotterdam and Utrecht, and into Belgium, Germany and France. Once stepping foot outside of Amsterdam Central Station, walking is the way to enjoy this uniquely diverse gem.
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Amsterdam
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Amsterdam
Amsterdam Old Centre
In its early beginnings as a fishing village on the River Amstel, this was the beating heart of Amsterdam and over the years has developed progressively today’s charming district of grand brick mansions, most notably from the 17thC. This is the area to see the Dutch Royal Palace, sitting pretty on Dam Square. Be sure to check out the Gothic influenced Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk, the city’s most attractive churches. Then, before heading to the Red Light District, spend some time exploring the Amstelkring, an old church converted into a museum, and intriguing Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum for all you need to know about marihuana.
Amsterdam Red Light District
Red Light District, seedy or entertaining, only you can decide, but make sure to wander around the narrow alleys lined with a cluster of tall and thin buildings housing an eclectic mix of sex shops, brothels, bars, cinemas and hotels. Dating back to the 14thC when sailors came in search of brief female encounters, day and night the shop windows are lit up by scantily clad women trying to entice the hoards of tourists. Not all seedy sex tourism, the area posses an innocent vibe and is a popular place to party.
Grachtengordel - Arguably the most enchanting area of Amsterdam is the canal ring of barge filled waterways and tiny bridges. Granted UNESCO Heritage status, this is the place to either wander the streets at will or cruise along on a canal tour and soak up the intoxicating atmosphere. Punctuating the numerous 17thC canal houses are a handful of interesting sights, including Anne Frank House & Museum, the imposing Westerkerk and Museum Van Loon, a superbly preserved historical canal house. Should you be passing by during the evening then head to Rembrandtplein, one of the main nightlife districts.
Jordaan - Take some time out to explore this former working class neighborhood on the western side of Grachtengordel. Originally inhabited by the poor folk of the city, today Jordaan is a peaceful escape from the bustle of Amsterdam’s centre peppered with museums and historical churches and frequented by student and artsy crowd.
Amsterdam Old Jewish Quarter - From the end of the 19thC until WWII Jodenbreestraat was a hive of activity when the streets would be lined with Jewish shops and market stalls. Today a stroll around the quarter is met with some reminders of the once prosperous neighbourhood. The most notable attractions here are Rembrandthuis, where the artists lived and worked, the Verzetsmuseum, with exhibitions on Nazi occupation of Amsterdam, and the city’s modern art gallery at the Stedelijk Museum.
Museumplein - Follow the track south of Leidseplein to Amsterdam’s largest square, which plays host to political demonstrations and festivals and is lined by museums and boutique shops. Dedicate plenty of time to see the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, housing a fine collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. Those with a taste for opera and classical music may want to check the listings for the national concert hall, Concertgebouw. Behind the square is Amsterdam’s largest public park, Vondelpark, a great place to escape the crowds and feel at home with nature. Pass by on a summer evening for free concerts and drama performances.
Queens Day - The biggest event in the Amsterdam calendar is the Queen’s birthday celebration of 30th April. In typical Dutch fashion all and sundry come out decked out in orange customers to join in the drinking, dancing and all-night partying. The festivities, including free concerts and markets, get going the night before and continue until the early hours, when everyone sneaks off for a few hours sleep before starting over again for the real celebration. Make sure to hotels/hostels well in advance if planning on being around at this time of the year.
Amsterdam Nightlife
By night Amsterdam truly has something for everyone with traditional taverns, stylish bars, smoky coffee houses and avant-garde nightclubs filling up the city’s districts. Pass the prostitutes of the Red Light District to find cosy coffee shop where the allure of marihuana runs free or pull on the best glad-rags and hit the ever so stylish scene of Rembrandtplein. When in town a good point of reference for nightly events is Amsterdam Weekly.
Amsterdam Coffee Shops
Bluebird - With a motto of “fly by, fly high” this is an ever popular bar.
Barney’s - Winner of the High Times Cup on numerous occasions and open from 7am.
The Greenhouse - Four locations across the city and laying claim to numerous celebrity visits.
Amsterdam Bars
Café Gollem - Beer bar specialising in Belgian, German and Czech brews.
Jimmy Woo - Stylish Japanese influenced bar where you’ll need to look your best to blend in.
Mulligans - Amsterdam’s original Irish bar and a great place for live music.
Amsterdam Nightclubs
Escape - Large long running club at Rembrandtplein banging out the latest in dance and house music.
Paradiso - Housed in a former church, this popular club attracts big name performers.
Studio 80 - Amsterdam’s number 1 place to party hosting the occasional 24-hour dance marathons.
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Amsterdam
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Amsterdam
Budget Hotels Amsterdam
Aivengo Youth Hostel - Friendly hostel with huge dorms, walking distance to Red Light District. Tel (31) 20 421 3670.
Flying Pig Downtown - Backpacker hotspot next door to Amsterdam Central Station. Tel (31) 20 420 6822.
St Christopher’s - Funky centrally located hostel with bar, beer garden and nightclub. Tel (31) 20 623 1380.
Midrange Hotels Amsterdam
Amsterdam Cribs B&B - Up market hostel and apartments offering a good alternative to backpacker hostels. Tel (31) 61 483 3103.
Hotel Y Boulevard - Elegant hotel overlooking the harbour and great value for money. Tel (31) 20 623 0430
Luxury Hotels Amsterdam
Hotel Pulitzer - Grand hotel in Amsterdam’s old city centre. Tel (31) 20 523 5235.
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Amsterdam
Hotel Reviews
Amsterdam
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Amsterdam
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