Amsterdam got its name when a dam was put in place on the River Amstel during the 13th century. Popular belief is that The Hague is the capital of The Netherlands when in reality it is Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has earned an enviable reputation as the ideal city break destination, although with such a lot to do and see, a weekend might not be long enough to do the city justice. With such a huge range of rates, there are cheap Amsterdam hotels to suit all testes and pockets. An enjoyable way to enjoy the Amsterdam experience is to cruise 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 water excursions are available throughout the year. As a suggestion, set by a day to explore a selection from the many museums in Amsterdam and board the museum boat where you will be transported in style to a selection of the leading museums. One point of interest is that of Rembrandts Museum at the Jodenbreestraat. Here you will be able to study the full collection of 250 etchings and a number of drawings and sketches by the wonderful Dutch master Rembrandt. Apart from 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 Frank family home. Fearing capture by the invading German army, the whole family spent years in hiding. The daughter, Anne, wrote her incredible diary during the 2 years of her concealment. The house (her home) has been conserved by the Anne Frank Foundation and was onverted to a museum 45 years ago.
The famed Rijksmuseum contains the country’s finest collection of art and history including dolls houses, Asian art, paintings and the history of Netherlands exhibition. The main event at the Rijksmuseum is that of the celebrated works from the country’s wonderful Golden Age with artists including Vermeer, Rembrandt and Steen.
For an unforgettable art experience, situated halfway between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum is that of the Van Gogh museum. A wonderfully detailed exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh’s life is displayed within the confines of this famous building and you will see over 200 of his oil- covered canvasses. As well as his paintings there are hundreds of drawings together with incredible amounts of hand-written notes by the once greatly misunderstood painter. Totally unmissable for fans of modern art, impressionist fans and fans of The Netherlands!
The Amsterdam red light district is famous the World over. It can be found in the area of the Oude Kerk region where a number of the city’s greatest buildings can be found. The Red Light area runs between Warmoesstraat and Nieumakt square. Stag Nights are a regular happening in the De Wallen area, presumably drawn there by the reputation for window prostitution and sex shops. This district is especially attractive because it is where people come to be themselves. It is a lively energetic area where you will find a wide variety of people, a great cup of coffee, excellent shops and lots of excellent places to eat.
Touring in the area of Amsterdam can be quite pleasant. The roads are wide and modern and Amsterdam can be considered an ideal centre for touring around the nearby regions and countries. Costs for Amsterdam car hire are very economical and you will save money by booking car hire online.
Dam Square is the place to return to time after time being a tourist meeting place generally and a great place to enjoy people watching and street entertainment whilst sipping a well earned cappuccino! Amsterdam has such a variety of attractions for the visitor that visiting a small sample of them could set a family back a small fortune. Amsterdam offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving its users a lot of Euros!. Developed by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, the card allows you to admission to all of the leading museums together with a free canal cruise and discounts 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 frequently 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 wonderful botanical gardens, Hortus have been on this spot for over 400 years and are maintained with pride by its dedicated keepers. A tranquil retreat for the periods when city life gets a bit too overwhelming!
If you are visiting Amsterdam in August, you will love the bright ‘Gay Parade’. The Gay Parade takes place each year and consists of a procession of wildly decorated and brightly painted boats. Its a great photographic opportunity unmissable and is best enjoyed by watching from one of the bridges that cross the Prinsengracht Canal.