Amsterdam – Is There A Better City Break?
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 city of The Netherlands when in actual fact it is Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has gained an enviable reputation as the perfect city break destination, although with so much to see and do, a weekend might not be enough days to do the city justice. With such a huge range of rates, there are cheap Amsterdam hotels to fit any taste or pocket. An enjoyable way to explore 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 all sorts of themed trips along the city’s complex canal system. Many water excursions are available all year round. As a suggestion, 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 taken in style to all of the leading museums. One point of interest is that of the Rembrandts Museum at the Jodenbreestraat. Here you will be able to study the original collection of 250 etchings and a number of sketches and drawings by the famed Dutch master Rembrandt. In addition to Rembrandt’s house, your boat will take you over to the Anne Frank House. The house is now a museum, but was originally the home of the Frank family. Afraid of capture by German invasion forces, the Frank family spent years in hiding. Anne Frank, the daughter, 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 onverted to a museum in 1962.
The renowned Rijksmuseum contains The Netherlands largest collection of history and art including Asian arts, dolls houses, paintings and the history of Netherlands exhibition. The leading exhibit at the Rijksmuseum is based around the celebrated works from the country’s wonderful Golden Age with artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Steen.
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 confines 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 incredible numbers of written documentation by the frequently misunderstood artist. A must 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 region around the Oude Kerk region where a number of the city’s most impressive buildings can be found. The Red Light area can be found running between Nieumakt Square and Warmoesstraat. Stag Nights are a popular happening in the De Wallen area, particularly drawn there by the expectation of sex shops and window prostitution. The district is particularly interesting since it is where visitors are allowed to be themselves. It is a vibrant energetic area where you will find a huge variety of people, a perfect cup of coffee, excellent shops and lots of excellent places to eat.
Touring in and around Amsterdam can be very pleasant. The roads are wide and modern 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 making an online booking.
Dam Square is the place to return to time after time being a tourist meeting place generally and the perfect location to appreciate people watching and street entertainment whilst sipping a well-deserved cappuccino! There is such a wealth of 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 a lot of Euros!. Developed by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, it allows you to admission to all of the leading museums as well as a free canal boat trip and discounts to lots of shops and restaurants. Furthermore, the Amsterdam Card provides 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 middle of the frequently all too hectic centre of the city can be found a peaceful pocket of green space nicknamed ‘the town’s pride and joy’. Amsterdam’s particularly beautiful botanical gardens, Hortus have been on this spot for more than 400 years and are maintained with pride by its devoted keepers. A haven of quietness for the periods when city life gets a bit too overwhelming!
If you find yourself in Amsterdam in August, you will enjoy the colourful ‘Gay Parade’. It happens each year and consists of a procession of brightly painted and wildly decorated boats. Its a great photographic opportunity not to be missed and is best enjoyed by spectating from one of the bridges that span the Prinsengracht Canal.
