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 city of The Netherlands when in actual fact it is Amsterdam.
The City 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 justify the trip. With such a huge variety of rates, there are Amsterdam hotels to fit all testes and pockets. A very 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 many cruise operators who provide all sorts of themed trips along what is the city’s intricate water system. Many water excursions are available throughout the year. As a suggestion, reserve a day to explore Amsterdam’s museums and board 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 admire the full collection of 250 etchings and a series of drawings and sketches by the great Dutch master Rembrandt. In addition to Rembrandt’s house, your boat will take you over to the house of Anne Frank. The house is currently a museum, but was once the home of the Frank family. Afraid of capture by German invasion forces, the Frank family spent years in hiding. The daughter, Anne, wrote her amazing diary during the two years of her concealment. The house (her home) has been saved by the Anne Frank Foundation and was opened as a museum 45 years ago.
The renowned Rijksmuseum contains the country’s biggest collection of art and history including dolls houses, Asian art, paintings and the history of Netherlands exhibition. The main event at the Rijksmuseum is built around the famous works from the country’s fabulous Golden Age with artists such as Steen, Rembrandt and Vermeer.
If you are searching for an unforgettable art experience, located halfway between the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum is that of the Van Gogh museum. A very full demonstration of Vincent Van Gogh’s life is exhibited within the walls of this famous building and you will enjoy in excess of 200 of his masterpieces. In addition to his paintings there are hundreds of drawings as well as amazing numbers of hand-written notes by the vastly misunderstood artist. Totally unmissable for fans of modern art, impressionist fans and lovers of Holland!
The Amsterdam red light district is famous the World over. It can be found in the area around the Oude Kerk region where lots of the city’s best known buildings are also found. The Red Light district runs between Warmoesstraat and Nieumakt square. Stag Nights are a popular event in the De Wallen area, particularly attracted here by the reputation for window prostitution and sex shops. The region is particularly interesting since it is where people come to be themselves. It is a lively energetic place where you can find a wide variety of people, a perfect cup of coffee, excellent shops and plenty of excellent places to eat.
Driving in the area of Amsterdam can be quite pleasant. The roads are modern and well organised and Amsterdam is an excellent centre for touring around the adjoining 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 because it is a tourist meeting place generally and a great place to enjoy street entertainment and people watching whilst sipping a well-deserved cappuccino! There is such a wealth of visitor attractions in Amsterdam that visiting just a handful of them could cost a family a small fortune. The City offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving its users a lot of money!. Developed by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, the card allows you to free admission to all of the leading museums as well as a free canal boat trip and discounts to lots of restaurants and shops. Furthermore, the Amsterdam Card entitles you to free travel throughout the city. You can obtain 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 can be purchased from Tourist Information (VVV).
In the middle of the frequently all too hectic centre of the city can be found a haven of parkland known locally as ‘the town’s pride and joy’. Amsterdam’s particularly beautiful botanical gardens, Hortus have occupied this spot for more than 400 years and are looked after with pride by its devoted keepers. A peaceful retreat for the times when city life gets a bit too overwhelming!
Should you find yourself in Amsterdam in August, you will enjoy the bright ‘Gay Parade’. It happens each year and consists of a procession of brightly painted and wildly decorated boats. Its a great camera opportunity not to be missed and is best enjoyed by watching from any of the bridges that span the Prinsengracht Canal.