Amsterdam

Ranking among the finest cities of the world and one of the most visited tourist destinations is the city of Amsterdam. It is rich in heritage and history, which presents the various facets of its character to visitors. In fact, the more a person looks, the more facets of this Netherland jewel the visitor is likely to discover. And, in addition to being the capital of Holland, and popular with tourists, it is also a city that is proud of the cultural diversity it reflects and encourages.

One of the most lovely and inviting features that makes metro Amsterdam a romantic weekend getaway destination for thousands of European couples is the many beautiful and peaceful canals that meander through the center of the city. This wonderful maze of waterways, which is rare in large metropolitan areas, has earned this Netherlands metropolis the honorary title of “the Venice of the North.” Visitors are often mesmerized by the view of this clean and modern city that they are able to enjoy as they gently and quietly glide through different neighborhoods that are connected by this network of canals.

Amsterdam has long been a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world, and it continues to attract more and more tourists every year. With over 700 years of history, including many times of tumult and difficulty, this grand city has been able to survive and thrive by embracing the many people, and their rich cultures, who have come to settle in this area.

There is a vibrant and fascinating melting pot of various lifestyles, customs, traditions and heritages that are evident in various districts, attractions, sights, arts and commerce found within the boundaries of Amsterdam city, and also the surrounding areas which have been influenced as well. Overall, this has all created a wonderfully unique and distinct culture all its own. As well, there are many four and five-star romantic hotel getaways available for those seeking time together as well as many hotels targeting the world traveler. There is truly something for everyone in the contemporary urban environment that makes up the largest city in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam NL is also known as the “city of Rembrandt,” the world-renowned master painter. Rembrandt spent his days and created his masterpieces in the historic Jewish neighborhood of the city where visitors can still go to see the home where he lived and worked. Several of the museums throughout the city also give honor to Rembrandt and his work, as well as other well-known artists of the ages. The Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam is another venue honoring yet another Dutch artist.

The colorful and picturesque buildings found throughout Amsterdam Netherlands are a hallmark of this city and is one of the strongest attractions for those who visit Amsterdam. Especially in the old city center, one is dazzled by the beauty of the architecture and the unique and charming feeling that these neighborhoods evoke. One of the best ways to view these neighborhoods is by taking a leisurely boat ride down the various canals, which gives the tourist an incomparable view of these endearing sites that have been lovingly and carefully maintained through the centuries.

One of the cultural aspects of this European city that it has become fairly well known for is the very tolerant position the city takes on prostitution and the use of soft drugs, both of which are legal. The Amsterdam red light district, which is where the prostitution trade operates openly, has even become a part of many city tours. This is part of the “laid-back” attitude that has been in part responsible for the general, easy-going lifestyle that has attracted so many people and which has often converted visitors into residents.

The vibrant and diverse nightlife of the city is something that is particularly attractive to many tourists. There is an almost endless array of pubs, clubs, restaurants and entertainment venues to be explored in Amsterdam, offering something that will appeal to just about everyone. And, for those who are always looking for great shopping opportunities, this is also considered to be a city that competes with the amazing shops found in the likes of London, Paris and Milan.

Posted: October 20th, 2008 under Uncategorized.
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metro Amsterdam

Ranking among the finest cities of the world and one of the most visited tourist destinations is the city of Amsterdam. It is rich in heritage and history, which presents the various facets of its character to visitors. In fact, the more a person looks, the more facets of this Netherland jewel the visitor is likely to discover. And, in addition to being the capital of Holland, and popular with tourists, it is also a city that is proud of the cultural diversity it reflects and encourages.

One of the most lovely and inviting features of metro Amsterdam is the many beautiful and peaceful canals that meander through the center of the city. This wonderful maze of waterways, which is rare in large metropolitan areas, has earned this Netherlands metropolis the honorary title of “the Venice of the North.” Visitors are often mesmerized by the view of this clean and modern city that they are able to enjoy as they gently and quietly glide through different neighborhoods that are connected by this network of canals.

Amsterdam has been a long-favored destination of tourists from all parts of the globe and more and more visitors continue to be drawn to this fascinating place. As a place that has more than seven centuries of history, which includes plenty of periods of trial and tumult, this magnificent city endures in part through its willingness to embrace the many people who have congregated and settled here.

There is a vibrant and fascinating melting pot of various lifestyles, customs, traditions and heritages that are evident in various districts, attractions, sights, arts and commerce found within the boundaries of Amsterdam city, and also the surrounding areas which have been influenced as well. Overall, this has all created a wonderfully unique and distinct culture all its own. As well, there are many four and five-star Amsterdam hotels available to the world traveler. There is truly something for everyone in the contemporary urban environment that makes up the largest city in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam NL is also known as the “city of Rembrandt,” the world-renowned master painter. Rembrandt spent his days and created his masterpieces in the historic Jewish neighborhood of the city where visitors can still go to see the home where he lived and worked. Several of the museums throughout the city also give honor to Rembrandt and his work, as well as other well-known artists of the ages. The Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam is another venue honoring yet another Dutch artist.

The colorful and picturesque buildings found throughout Amsterdam Netherlands are a hallmark of this city and is one of the strongest attractions for those who visit Amsterdam. Especially in the old city center, one is dazzled by the beauty of the architecture and the unique and charming feeling that these neighborhoods evoke. One of the best ways to view these neighborhoods is by taking a leisurely boat ride down the various canals, which gives the tourist an incomparable view of these endearing sites that have been lovingly and carefully maintained through the centuries.

One of the cultural aspects of this European city that it has become fairly well known for is the very tolerant position the city takes on prostitution and the use of soft drugs, both of which are legal. The Amsterdam red light district, which is where the prostitution trade operates openly, has even become a part of many city tours. This is part of the “laid-back” attitude that has been in part responsible for the general, easy-going lifestyle that has attracted so many people and which has often converted visitors into residents.

The nightlife in Amsterdam has been described by many to be diverse and vibrant and for some people it is the main reason why they are drawn to the city. There are more restaurants, clubs, pubs and venues for entertainment to be seen than a visitor could ever hope to experience in one short trip. And, for people who love to shop no matter where they roam, there are also many world-class shopping opportunities in this vast city.

Posted: October 19th, 2008 under Uncategorized.
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Amsterdam earned its name when a dam was built on the River Amstel during the 13th century. It is a popular misconception that The Hague is the capital city of The Netherlands when in fact it is Amsterdam.

The City has earned a justifiable reputation as the ideal city break location, although with so much to see and do, a weekend might not be enough days to justify the trip. With such a wide range of prices, there are Amsterdam hotels to suit any taste or pocket. An enjoyable way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Amsterdam is to cruise along the canals. There are 1,281 bridges spanning the four main canals and many cruise operators who provide a variety of themed trips around the city’s complex canal system. A large number of cruises are available all year round. One suggestion that you might wish to think about is to set by a day to enjoy a selection from the many museums in Amsterdam and buy a ticket on the museum boat where you will be transported in style to a selection of the leading museums. One stop 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 great 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 presently a museum, but was once the home of the Frank family. Fearing capture by the invading German army, the whole family spent years in hiding. The daughter, Anne, wrote her incredible diary during the two years of hiding. The house (her home) has been saved by the Anne Frank Foundation and was onverted to a museum 45 years ago.

The famous Rijksmuseum contains The Netherlands largest collection of history and art including dolls houses, Asian art, paintings and the history of Netherlands exhibition. The leading exhibit at the museum is built around the famous works from the country’s fabulous Golden Age with artists such as Steen, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Should you be looking for an unforgettable art experience, situated halfway between the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum is that of the Van Gogh museum. A wonderfully detailed exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh’s life is displayed within the walls of this famed building and you will see in excess of 200 of his oil- covered canvasses. In addition to his paintings are his hundreds of drawings together with overwhelming amounts of hand-written notes by the frequently misunderstood painter. Totally unmissable for Impressionist fans, fans of modern art and fans of Holland!

Everybody wants to experience Amsterdam’s Red Light District. It can be found in the area around the Oude Kerk region where lots of the city’s most impressive buildings are also found. The Red Light district can be found running between Warmoesstraat and Nieumakt square. Stag Nights are a popular event in the De Wallen area, presumably attracted there by the expectation of window prostitution and sex shops. This district is particularly interesting because it is where visitors come to be themselves. It is a vibrant energetic place where you can find a huge variety of people, a perfect cup of coffee, a great choice of shops and plenty of excellent places to eat.

Touring in and around Amsterdam can be very enjoyable. The roads are modern and well organised and Amsterdam is an ideal centre for touring around the adjoining regions and countries. Rates for Amsterdam car hire are very economical and you can make substantial savings by making an online booking.

Dam Square is the Dutch eqivalent of Piccadilly Circus because it is a tourist hotspot generally and a great place to appreciate street entertainment and people watching whilst sipping a well earned cappuccino! There are so many tourist attractions in Amsterdam that visiting a small sample of them could cost a family a small fortune. Amsterdam offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving you lots of money!. Developed by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, the card entitles you to admission to all the famous museums together with a free canal boat trip and reduced price vouchers to many restaurants and shops. In addition the Amsterdam Card gives you free travel around the city. You can obtain an Amsterdam Card for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The 24 hour version costs EUR 31 (GBP 25), 48 hours EUR 41 (GBP 33) or 72 hours EUR 51 (GBP 41) and can be obtained from Tourist Information  (VVV).

In the centre of the regularly all too crowded centre of the city can be found a haven of green space known locally as ‘the town’s pride and joy’. Amsterdam’s famed botanical gardens, Hortus have occupied this spot for more than 400 years and are looked after with pride by its dedicated keepers. A peaceful retreat for the periods when life in the city gets a bit too exhausting!

Should you find yourself in Amsterdam in August, you will love the bright ‘Gay Parade’. The Gay Parade happens each year and consists of a stream of wildly decorated and brightly painted boats. Its a great camera opportunity unmissable and is best savoured by spectating from any of the bridges that cross the Prinsengracht Canal.

Posted: September 30th, 2008 under Uncategorized.
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