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Amsterdam earned its name when a dam was put in place on the River Amstel during the thirteenth century. Popular belief is that The Hague is the capital of The Netherlands when in fact it is Amsterdam.
The City has gained an enviable reputation as the perfect city break location, although with such a lot to do and see, a weekend might not be long enough to justify the trip. With such a huge range of rates, there are discounted Amsterdam hotels to suit any taste or pocket. An enjoyable way to enjoy the Amsterdam experience is to take a boat trip along the canals. There are 1,281 bridges spanning the four main canals and most cruise operators who offer a variety of themed journeys around the city’s complex canal system. A large number of cruises are available throughout the year. One suggestion worth considering is to reserve a day to enjoy a selection from the many museums in Amsterdam and buy a ticket on the museum boat where you will be taken in style to all of the popular museums. One point of interest is that of Rembrandts Museum at the Jodenbreestraat. Here you will be able to study the original collection of 250 etchings and a number of drawings and sketches by the famed Dutch master Rembrandt. In addition to the house that Rembrandt once lived in, you will cruise the canal waters over to the Anne Frank House. The house is currently a museum, but was originally the home of the Frank family. Fearing capture by the invading German army, the Frank family spent years in hiding. The daughter, Anne, wrote her amazing diary during the two years of hiding. The house (her home) has been preserved by the Anne Frank Foundation and was opened as a museum in 1962.
The famous Rijksmuseum contains the country’s biggest collection of art and history including paintings, Asian art, dolls houses and the history of Netherlands exhibition. The leading exhibit at the museum is based around the famous works from the country’s wonderful Golden Age with artists including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Steen.
Should you be looking for a memorable art experience, located halfway between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum is that of the Van Gogh museum. A very full demonstration of Vincent Van Gogh’s life is displayed within the confines of this famous building and you will see over 200 of his masterpieces. As well as his paintings there are hundreds of drawings together with incredible amounts of hand-written notes by the once greatly misunderstood painter. A must for fans of modern art, impressionist fans and lovers of The Netherlands!
Everybody wants to experience Amsterdam’s Red Light District. It is located in the region of the Oude Kerk region where many of the city’s best known buildings can be located. The Red Light area runs between Nieumakt Square and Warmoesstraat. Stag Nights are a popular happening in the De Wallen area, presumably drawn here by the expectation of window prostitution and sex shops. The district is particularly attractive since it is where visitors come to be themselves. It is a lively energetic place where you can find a good cup of coffee, people of every race and creed, a good selection of shops and a huge range of places to eat.
Touring in the area of Amsterdam can be very enjoyable. The roads are wide and modern and the city can be considered an ideal centre for touring into the nearby regions and countries. Costs for Amsterdam car hire are very reasonable and you can save money by making an online booking.
Dam Square is the Dutch eqivalent of Piccadilly Circus because it is a tourist meeting place generally and the perfect location to enjoy people watching and street entertainment whilst sipping a well-deserved cappuccino! There are so many tourist attractions in Amsterdam that visiting a tiny sample of them could set a family back a small fortune. Amsterdam offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving you a lot of money!. Introduced by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, it allows you to free admission to all of the leading museums together with a free canal cruise and reduced price vouchers to many shops and restaurants. In addition the Amsterdam Card entitles you to free travel in and around the city. You can buy an Amsterdam Card for 24, 48 and 72 hours. A 24-hour card costs EUR 31 (GBP 25), 48 hours EUR 41 (GBP 33) or 72 hours EUR 51 (GBP 41) and is purchased from Tourist Information (VVV).
In the middle of the regularly all too busy city centre is a haven of parkland nicknamed ‘the town’s pride and joy’. Amsterdam’s particularly beautiful botanical gardens, Hortus have been on this spot for over 400 years and are looked after with pride by its dedicated keepers. A tranquil retreat for the times when life in the city gets a bit too overwhelming!
Should you are visiting Amsterdam in August, you will love the bright ‘Gay Parade’. It happens every August and consists of a procession of wildly decorated and brightly painted boats. Its a great camera opportunity not to be missed and is best enjoyed by watching from one of the bridges that cross the Prinsengracht Canal.
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