Amsterdam - A traveler’s guide
Despite being an old city in Western Europe, Amsterdam is one of the hip and happening cities you will come across. The capital of Netherlands flaunts an amalgamation of ancient indigenous culture as well the modern day cool funkiness which makes it an absolute must for tourists from the world over to visit. Getting its name from the dam at Amstel this city vaunts rich architecture, beautiful picturesque sceneries, ravishing canals which decussate the city, great restaurants serving delectable food, cool pubs and nightclubs as well as amicable and hospitable people.
Getting in Amsterdam is not an issue. You can reach by air, water, rail or road. The famous Schiphol airport is of great service for all the tourists. The not-so-big city is a treat to watch just by walking or maybe cycling around. The hub is Central Station where tram, bus, train and metro lines meet.
Although you can visit Amsterdam any time of the year, the best time to put your bet would be the summer when you would just be enthralled to see the ‘host of golden daffodils’ in full bloom. The city is always much busier at this time, so Amsterdam hotels will be much busier. The great weather tempts you to take a relaxing stroll around the Damsquare, Vondelpark or Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein which are just some of the focal points of the city. The four canals Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht encircle the horse shoe shaped city center.
Amsterdam has a kaleidoscope of things to watch out for, be it the sleazy red light area, or the chic of the spectacular churches or the grandeur of the architecture, the Albert Cuypmarkt, the Allard Pierson museum, Amstelkerk, Beurs Van Barlage, the Eastern Docklands, the Van Gogh museum, the Anne frank house, the Artis Zoo, the Hash, Marihuana and Hemp Museum, Royal Palace etc are just some of the places you cannot afford to miss.
Some of the great places to shop at would be at Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat, Heiligeweg, Leidsestraat and also The Nine Streets, De Beeldenwinkel Sculpture Gallery, Jordaan etc.
For you people who have to manage their finances well you can try out the street markets at Ten Cate Market, Dappermarkt, Spui, Lindengracht etc.
You also the get to enjoy the serene and beautiful beach stretch at Zandvoort or the temporary artificial beach at Blijburg. So the water lovers also have some great places to enjoy at.
You have many agencies to arrange tours for sightseeing for you. Communication is easier because most people understand English.
Don’t worry at all about the cuisine. Amsterdam offers everything you want to have. Albert Heijn supermarkets serve you easy available cheap food while you get expensive restaurants like the Damsteeg, Greetje, Proust, Restaurant Dosa, La Margarita and a host of others.
Here you have a city with ancient as well as trendy culture offering you great sights, canals, architectural classics, and even the red light areas if that appeals to you. So, your Europe expedition is absolutely incomplete without the tour of this great city.