Amsterdam Canals, Aerial view, The Netherlands by Swimmerguy269

The Lonely Planet says “other places as old as Amsterdam have evocative beauty and come in a variety of sizes: Edam, Haarlem, Delft and Deventer to name just some of the smaller delights. Moving up the league tables in size, there’s the canal towns of Leiden, Haarlem and Utrecht. And Rotterdam is a modernist feast all its own.” But if you want to narrow it down even further, here are the top 5 highlights of the Netherlands.

Rijksmuseum

Art lovers will be thrilled to view the vast collection of pieces by Dutch masters presented in this clean, contemporary space in Amsterdam. There’s heavy emphasis on the historical side, too, with works dating from the Middle Ages onward. Aside from native art, there’s the chance to explore influential pieces from other areas including Europe and Asia.

Library in Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by erich2448

The building itself is steeped in history, initially opening its doors in 1885. The Rijksmuseum was originally born elsewhere in 1800, but when it shifted to the current location, The Netherlands Museum for History and Art moved in to share the same space. The latest project has seen the building modernised, but also becoming truer to the original design by Cuypers, earning the renovations the name ‘Continuing with Cuypers’.

Anne Frank House

Anne Frank is unarguably one of the most important figures in the Netherlands’ history, and her legacy and spirit are kept alive at the Anne Frank Museum in central Amsterdam. The House was saved by campaigners who set up a trust to preserve the building and its history. Rather than being led round by a guide, you pick up a guidebook on entry and are allowed the freedom to discover at your own pace.

Anne Frank House, Amsterdam by Ed and Eddie

You can view Anne’s original diary and the tragically empty secret annex – symbolically left stripped of the objects that were seized and sent to Germany during the war. It’s worth booking in advance to avoid queuing – and leave the camera in your bag as photography in Anne Frank House is banned. Bear in mind the visit can be emotionally charged and may be unsuitable for certain individuals.

Van Gogh Museum

As well as housing the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh anywhere in the world, the museum hosts exhibitions on various aspects of 19th-century art. When it comes to the artist the place is named for, the Van Gogh Museum’s collection comprises over 200 original masterworks as well as a comprehensive selection of 700 letters and 400 drawings. You’ll also have the opportunity to check out the artist’s own personal collection of Japanese prints.

A visit to the Van Gogh Museum provides the chance to gain insight into the artist’s personality and discover his inspirations and motivation. Historical information enables visitors to chart Van Gogh’s artistic development chronologically, witnessing first-hand how his style evolved over time. Alongside the permanent collection, the museum is holding an Anniversary Exhibition – ‘Van Gogh at Work’ running until 2014, marking the conclusion of eight years of extensive research into the artist’s methodology.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Kent Wang

Heineken Experience

For something rather different, visit Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience to discover the lore, legend, science and technology behind the well-loved lager. A self-guided tour takes around 1 ½ hours, during which there’s plenty of opportunity to talk to experts. The state-of-the-art exhibition also has many interactive, sensory, and hands-on features. The Experience commences with an introduction to the history of the brand and the family who founded the brewery.

Heineken Experience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Anne Hornyak

You’ll move on to learn about the raw materials and discover how the brewing process in the Brew Room, and see how horse-drawn carts transport the barrels in the Stable Yard. There’s the chance to try your hand at pulling a pint and bottle your own beer, as well as taking part in an interactive DJing challenge and going on a ‘Brew Ride’. If it’s all left you thirsty for more, hit the Tasting Room or the World Bar, where you can sample the very stuff you’ve been learning about. Don’t forget to stock up in the shop before you leave.

Apenheul Primate Park

The Park opened in 1971 with the revolutionary concept of allowing humans to walk amongst freely-roaming primates and interact with them. The monkeys are friendly and have a calm disposition, and are used to young children. On arrival, you’re provided with a ‘monkey-proof bag’ to keep your valuables and food safely out of reach of mischievous hands, although it’s fine to keep camera equipment on your person.

Golden lion tamarin at Apenheul, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, making a well known gesture with its middle finger / Photo by linda

Apenheul is home to over thirty species of primate from gigantic gorillas to tiny tamarinds. Although the animals will inevitably come up close, you are strongly discouraged from attempting to pick them up or pet them – and forbidden from feeding them ‘human’ food. New for 2013 is the renovated Orangu-tang area with play areas suited to both monkeys and children.

Based in London, Sarah Thompson loves writing about a variety of lifestyle topics including fashion, beauty, health and travel. A season traveller herself, Sarah shares tips about how to get the best value for money on holiday using currency travel cards. You can read more of Sarah’s articles in a wide variety of blogs and websites. Sarah is also a lover of brogues, vintage dresses and trips to Paris – and the occasional glass of red wine.

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One of the best things about Amsterdam is that it’s a terrifically compact city so you should have no problem getting everywhere you want to go on foot. For those not too keen on walking, there are numerous other options available for getting around, including tram, public bicycle and boat.

Amsterdam has several distinct areas, all of which boast their own unique attractions. Some of the unmissable areas for the first time visitor to Amsterdam include the world-famous Old Centre, the serene Grachtengordel (girdle of canals), the history-steeped Museumplein, the multicultural Pijp and the breath-taking Waterfront.

Amsterdam, Netherlands by The Richardson Fosters

Old Centre

The beating heart of Amsterdam’s tourism industry, Old Centre has something for everybody. Split into New Side and Old Side, Old Centre offers a dazzling array of attractions for culture hunters. Waterlooplein is a huge open-air market where it’s possible to haggle with enthusiastic traders over everything from sunglasses to sandals. With its origins as a Jewish market stretching back over two centuries, Waterlooplein is worth a visit to anyone interested in the history of commerce.

Grachtengordel

The maze of canals that provide the foundation of Amsterdam add a glorious tranquillity that is hard to find in most capital cities. Grachtengordel can be easily explored by jumping on one of the many boat tours that are offered on a daily basis.

The most popular cruises include the standard one hour cruise, which takes you to all the main highlights of the city’s canal network; the hop on-hop off tour, which allows you to jump off at any of the attractions you want to explore over a 24 or 48 hour period; and the dinner cruise, where you can enjoy the sights of the city while you enjoy a sumptuous meal and expensive bottle of wine!

Museumplein

If you’re coming to Amsterdam for a cultural experience, a large proportion of your time will be spent in Museumplein. It’s home to some of the biggest names in the art industry including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art.

The area is also home to a wide range of top-end hotels and fashion emporia that will keep lovers of the finer things in life enthralled for the duration of their stay in the city.

Pijp

One of the best known quarters in the city, Pijp, or the Pipe as it’s known in English, is an intoxicating mix of the different cultures that Amsterdam has sucked in over the years. The narrow streets are alive with the smell of the Turkish, Pakistani, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Syrian and Moroccan cuisines. One of the biggest attractions in Pijp is the bazaar where fresh produce from across the world is available on a daily basis.

Waterfront

If new, exciting architecture is your thing, the Waterfront in Amsterdam is going to be high up on your list of things to see. The stunning new structures that are cropping up here are accompanied by an array of hip and trendy nightclubs that don’t close until after the sun comes up.

All in all, Amsterdam is a dream destination for culture lovers. The list of awe-inspiring sights is endless and they’re all within a stone’s throw from each other. So do yourself a favour, take a look at some flights to Amsterdam and book a break to this sensational destination today; one thing you won’t be is disappointed.

Paul Parker is a freelance travel writer. He has travelled extensivley across Europe and believes Amsterdam is one of the best destinations for a short city break.

The post Discovering Amsterdam: An Area Guide appeared first on Europe Explored.

Sandwich in Broodje Bert, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Stephan Mosel

Broodje Bert

Are you a sandwich eater? If yes, then Broodje Bert is a place to visit. They offer wide choices. The BLT is a must try. But personally, it would be a challenge to choose your ‘sandwich for the day’. Most of the choices are tempting. For the chicken lovers, I would recommend the grilled chicken breast sandwich. They use fresh ingredients which makes it more appetizing.

Gartine

You might want to enjoy breakfast in this tiny restaurant. It’s very homey. The owners are so lovely, it’s as if you are treated like a family. But let me remind you to have an early reservation or to go to Gartine before it opens. It’s almost always jam – packed with people who would love to have superb breakfast while enjoying the lovely ambiance.

Greenwoods, English Tea Room & Restaurant

Looking for a place to fill your stomach but on a tight budget? Try Greenwoods, English Tea Room & Restaurant. It’s really cozy and I would like to recommend this if you want to relax. Why don’t you sit outside and enjoy the view?

Vlaming Eten & Drinken

Do you have friends who are vegan? If yes, bring them here. They don’t need to torture themselves by seeing other people enjoying their meals. They could do the same as there are vegetarian offers from the menu. Some might say that food is quite costly. Nevertheless, it’s worth it. The portions, the wines, the desserts are close to perfection.

Winkel 43

Craving for apple pies that will bring you instantly to heaven? Go to Winkel 43 right away. Since this food place is also popular, you might have to wait before you can get a seat. But don’t worry because the wait is just worth it. Still not convinced that their apple pie is nothing compared to your mom’s? I dare you!

If you’re going to Amsterdam, it’s not enough that you see the popular structures and the ‘intriguing’ culture. It is a must that you try the best foods too. The experience would be really amSTERmazing!

Samantha Green is traveller who would like to experience the culture including the best foods a country has to offer. She is also a senior writer and publicist for www.monkey.co.uk, a leading car insurance quote site. Check it out and get the best car insurance when travelling abroad.

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Het Loo Palace Gardens

This beautiful seventeenth century palace was built for William and Mary of Orange, joint monarchs of England through the turn of the eighteenth century, and it is now a state museum whose ‘lost gardens’ were restored for its tri-centennial celebration in 1984. The baroque ‘Great Garden’, directly behind the palace, is beautifully laid out with formal geometric beds, raised walks and elegant fountains according to the original symmetrical design created by Claude Desgotz.

Het Loo Palace and Gardens, Apeldoorn, Netherlands by Je at uwo

As a nephew of André Le Nôtre, the creator of the Baroque formula, Desgotz was uniquely placed to design such a garden and the result is often labeled the ‘Versailles of Holland’, although with more enthusiasm than accuracy as this garden is far more conservative than the extraordinarily elaborate design at Versailles. On the other hand, the fountains here, especially in the upper and lower gardens, originally designed to be the public gardens, are said to supercede those at that famous palace in both number and beauty. William and Mary each had their own private garden, one each side of the palace, and the overall planting is designed to be viewed as a seasonal display of the individual plant species rather than just flowers en masse.

Keukenhof Gardens

The Keukenhof Gardens, known as ‘The Garden of Europe’, are the world’s largest flower gardens; over 32 hectares of spring flowers dazzle the eye, as some seven million tulips, hyacinths and daffodils all compete to create a brightly hued carpet of flowers as far as one can see in all directions! Justly famous for their springtime displays, Keukenhof also has more than 30 different flower shows throughout the year to showcase the various floral delights available, and their seven amazing individual gardens house over 100 works of art.

Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands by Tiago Fioreze

Originally a section of the fifteenth century estate of Slot Teylingen, Keukenhof contained the herb gardens of the castle of Jacoba van Beieren, hence the name. On her death, the estate passed to rich merchants Baron and Baroness Van Pallandt, who asked landscape architects JD & LP Zocher to provide a garden design in the English Landscape style, and this became the basis of the present gardens. Now owned by a Foundation, the first flower show was organised in 1949 and was so popular it became an annual event, then one of several a year and Keukenhof hasn’t looked back since, quickly becoming renowned for its wonderful displays, events and activities, all centred around every gorgeous flower known to the gardeners of the world.

Discover more in Holland

The Netherlands are famous for their tulip farms, but if you take this tour you’ll discover that tulips are far from the only flowers the Dutch have on show in the spring. Admire the beautiful surroundings, relax and ‘take time to smell the flowers’ – and don’t forget your camera!

Travel 55 have years of experience working with tour operators such as Shearings Tours that over great Coach Tour Holidays visiting destinations across Europe and the UK.

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Uitmarkt

Let’s all go to the Uitmarkt for free music, dance and films. This popular cultural attraction, in which theatres open their doors to the public to herald the arrival of the cultural season, takes place in late August. Artistic and musical performances range from classical ballet to hip hop; literary performances and film screenings are held in different parts of the city, including Leidseplein, Museumplein and Nieuwmarkt.

Grachtenfestival

Amsterdam’s famous canals are celebrated once a year at the Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival). This classical musical event is held during ten days in August, with musical events in venues near the canals, on canal boats, along the IJ Lake and in Amsterdam Noord. For a breathtaking sightseeing experience head to the festival to enjoy the canals at their finest. As one of the most visited events throughout the year, hotels fill up fast so book your hotel in Amsterdam well in advance.

Grachtenfestival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by loufrances

Open Garden Days

In June some of the most beautiful privately owned homes open their doors to the public for garden viewing. Behind many canal houses in Amsterdam, are secret gardens large enough to contain a garden bungalow for residents. Most gardens adjoin their neighbors’ creating a block long park. This is a “can’t miss” for garden lovers and a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle on the city streets.

Queen’s Day Festival

Koninginnedag, a Dutch national holiday, is held annually on or around April 30th and celebrates the Queen’s Birthday. This party festival is known throughout Holland as the “second New Year”. Dress up in orange and walk in any direction in Amsterdam to find food, drink, music and fun.

Queen’s Day Festival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Sean Rowe

Amsterdam Roots Festival

For seven days in June the grounds of Oosterpark are transformed into a giant open air concert with over 50,000 visitors grooving to global and non-western music.

Holland Festival

As the oldest and largest performing arts festival in Netherlands, the Holland Festival attracts theatre, orchestra, opera and modern dance acts from around the world. Every June events including multimedia, visual arts, film, architecture and musical performances and exhibitions are held in most of the city’s famous theatres and public spaces.

ITs Festival Amsterdam

Every June for the past 22 years the students of The International Theatre School showcase their talents in front of live audiences, which includes artistic directors, casting agencies and the media for a chance to launch their careers. Performances are held in different theatres and public squares across the city.

Gay Pride Amsterdam

Gay pride attracts thousands of participants with its colourful boat celebrations along the Prinsengracht canal and the Amstel River. The party is not limited to the streets, clubs overflow and boats turn floating discos.

Gay Pride Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Alessio Milan

Sensation Innerspace

Quite possibly the world’s largest electro dance party comes to the Amsterdam ArenA in July. This high spirited, high voltage experience is part Cirque de Soleil, part Ibiza.

Imagine

Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival: Every April for 12 days film lovers are treated to a line-up of science fiction, fantasy, and horror movies courtesy of Kriterion. In total over 70 films are screened, including a children’s programme, with discussions, retrospectives and a “Night of Terror” for horror fans.

Link in text:
https://www.hotel.info/en/amsterdam/hotels-125711/

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With the Red Light District and specialist cafes commonly associated with the city, the location may not come across in the best of light. Yet Amsterdam is far more varied and is actually a place of rich culture with some truly amazing scenery and interesting history for tourists to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip to the city then here are five things you might not know:

Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Chris Yunker

1. Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe

When it comes to crime rates it may surprise you to find that, contrary to popular belief, Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in Europe. Many people are under the impression that Amsterdam is a dangerous place to go but this is just not the case.

While the crime policies may be viewed as more lenient towards certain activities, the violent crime rate is actually pretty low. According to data from 2010, violent crime rate for Amsterdam was 35.14% lower than the national average for this type of crime.

Crimes such as pick pocketing do happen but occur fairly infrequently. Crime rates may be slightly higher in areas such as downtown, areas south of downtown and some areas in the western side (including at some of the high rise projects) but even here the risk of crime is minimal.

2. There are more canals than in Venice

Did you know that there are more canals in Amsterdam than there are in Venice? Amsterdam also has approximately three times more bridges than Venice too which may come as something of a surprise.

Beautiful and traditional Amsterdam apartments overlook the winding dreamy canals that caress the city so perfectly and they are one of the city’s most serene and fascinating features; more than earning it the title of ‘The Venice of the North’.

Amsterdam canals, The Netherlands by Christian Lendl

3. Amsterdam is ideal for a beach break

You are never far away from a beach while in Amsterdam; there are many different forms of transport that provide access to nearby beaches. If you fancy feeling a little sand beneath your feet, there are several urban beaches within the city or you could even travel to Zandvoort for a relaxing break away from the city.

With its golden sandy dunes and clear blue water, Zandvoort plays host to many international windsurfing and catamaran racing competitions. Add in some quirky little beach cafes, you’ve got a great, entertaining afternoon in the sun!

Amsterdam beach, The Netherlands by Amy Bonner

4. There are more bikes than cars

You will see cars very infrequently throughout Amsterdam as there is very little need for them. As a result, parking can be somewhat expensive and difficult to find. The public transport system within Amsterdam is simply excellent but many people use bicycles to get around and it is thought they outnumber cars dramatically. In fact, as many as 60% of inner-city trips are claimed to be made by bike.

Bikes in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Christian Lendl

5. The best architecture is in the Red Light District

While the Red Light District becomes somewhat lively at night, it is certainly a place that should be visited at least once. During the day the area is quite exquisite and there is a free walking tour that will allow you to see the stunning architecture and scenery while learning some of the history of the area.

Amsterdam Red Light District, The Netherlands by William Beutler

Amsterdam is an attractive, romantic place to visit with some surprising features, so why not take a trip and see what else you can learn?

Written by: Sheryl Lovenkrandz – a freelance blogger who loves to write about Amsterdam travel.

The post 5 Things You May Not Know About Amsterdam appeared first on Europe Explored.

Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) – a national holiday, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Jeroen

Really Amsterdam is not for the faint hearted. Do not be surprised if you see people smoking pot on road, gays moving hand in hand in the malls and the erotic sights in red light districts of the city. Some get a cultural shock of sorts when they arrive in Amsterdam, but for those who are on the lookout of delicious foods, Amsterdam is a paradise. People in Amsterdam have an easy view of life. Enjoy food in all possible ways and make merry no matter what tensions you are facing in life.

One thing to keep in mind when you arrive in Amsterdam is to look for apartments. Yes, staying at apartments in Amsterdam is not just inexpensive, they are more spacious than hotel rooms and a tourist can relax in style with a lot of privacy in these apartments. Of late, people are getting attracted to apartments as they provide a chance to come close to the local people and culture and so the situation is same whether we are making a reservation for apartments in Lisbon or apartments in Milan in Italy.

Many believe Amsterdam to be a shopper’s paradise. It is true but Amsterdam is also a great place for the foodies if they know where and at what time to be in for some really delicious foods.

Elf – for great food and panoramic view of the city

Elf is a great café, more so because of its location. It is situated at the top floor of a building close to Central Station that allows the tourists to relax in style to have a glimpse of the city while having their food. Whether it is brunch, breakfast, lunch or dinner, come to this 11th floor restaurant that becomes a great nightclub at nights.

De Waag

If you want unique ambience with great tasting food, come to De Waag. The building has great architecture and is very old. It was built in 1488 to be precise, and till a few years back the building served as headquarters of Dutch Mail. More suited for brunches and for sudden cravings for tasty foods, you can come her to have tasty soups, steaks, sandwiches and salads.

Sumo

Unlimited Sushi and more for just 25 Euros make this restaurant a very popular one. There are some who feel that it is perhaps quantity over quality but once they have tasted the sushi over here, they realize they are truly getting their money’s worth.

The post Amsterdam for Foodies: See the City with a new Perspective appeared first on Europe Explored.

Amsterdam

We were strangers to the Dutch way of life but we developed a sixth sense for avoiding the tram and the bicycles quickly enough. We had to because there were thousands of cyclists in the city. We hid from the hustling and bustling at the van Gogh museum where security was tight, but the paintings are beautiful. The depressed artist, whose work was not appreciated in his own lifetime, had painted some daring and bold paintings for us to look at. In his lifetime he had painted about 2000 artworks and at the museum there were more than 200 of his paintings on display.

Amsterdam bikes, The Netherlands by redjar

The other part of the day was spent wandering along the canal through cafes, the sex museum and picturesque shops. Everywhere we went there was an exotic smell of hash or weed. In the afternoon we went to the Anne Frank house where she wrote her famous diary while she and her family were hiding from the Nazi’s. Behind a bookcase there was a secret door, where the family hid from the Germans. In the two floors and the attic she and seven others lived for two years before they were betrayed. We went back to the swift caravan to get some rest for the second day and second destination. We took the train to Utrecht which is only a half an hour journey.

Utrecht

Utrecht felt like the living, beating heart of Holland. The city was built around the old Dom tower. We climbed up the tower to have a view over the city. We saw lots of cellars, terraces and cafes along the canal. There are also a lot of modern houses and a large and modern shopping centre where we spend the whole morning shopping.

Utrecht Dom Cathedral Tower, The Netherlands by Pepijntje

Gouda

From Utrecht we took the train to another tourist hotspot: Gouda. This small city with its gorgeous old city square is world famous for their production of cheese. They sell many varieties at the Gouda market place, which is dominated by a beautiful 15^th century Gothic town hall. With a belly full of cheese and dutch frieten, and with some lovely experiences of the country, unfortunately we had to go back to catch our boat again. Although we’ll definitely visit the Netherlands again!

Gouda Cheese Market in a city of Gouda, The Netherlands by Johi

The post Must-see places in Holland appeared first on Europe Explored.

After you’ve decided to go to Amsterdam, you have a few more decisions to make before your holiday. First, you must find a deal on Amsterdam flights. It is wise to book your flight well in advance to ensure a lower rate, especially if you are going during the busy season. While you may be able to find accommodations after you land, it is ideal to make your reservation in advance as well. After you have secured lodging, it’s time for the fun part – deciding what to do.

A view of the Reguliersgracht on the corner with the Keizersgracht, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Massimo Catarinella

The Seven Best Things to Do

The below top seven things to do in Amsterdam will help you decide which attractions and activities you cannot miss during your trip.

• De Pijp – This neighborhood is referred to as “Quartier Latin” due to 19^th-century architecture that reflects a collision of many different cultures. This eclectic neighborhood features ethnic restaurants and one-of-a kind shops to satisfy the food enthusiast and shopaholic. It is also home to Albert Cuyp Market, a famous street market with international vendors. This is a great place to meander around and take in flavors and experiences from all over the world.

• Vondelpark – As a well-maintained park that is home to ponds, playgrounds and winding paths, it is an ideal spot for an evening bike ride or roller blading adventure. There is a plethora of sculptures and statues to appreciate throughout the park. Vondelpark is open from sunrise to sunset and is an excellent free way to enjoy an evening in Amsterdam.

• Anne Frank’s House – Anne Frank’s universally respected and somber house is widely considered a must-see attraction. Visitors are able to see where Anne Frank hid for two years and wrote her diary before being taken to a concentration camp. As one of the most popular attractions in the city, visiting very early or very late in the day is the best way to avoid long lines. The House is open daily and charges a reasonable price for admission.

• Van Gogh Museum – Home to a collection of prints, paintings and etchings from the respected Vincent Van Gogh, this museum is a must-see for any art enthusiast. With over 200 paintings on display visitors can spend an entire day taking in Van Gogh’s work. Admission is more than other museums in the area and is often sold-out. Reserve your tickets well ahead of time to see this unique museum.

• The Heineken Experience – Located on the site of the company’s original brewery, this renovated attraction offers a self-guided tour of this famous brewery. The ‘experience’ entails a unique multimedia exhibit in which you actually become a beer. Visitors are shaken, sprayed and heated. Don’t worry, you won’t be drank at the end. However, you may do some drinking yourself.

• The Red Light District – Many travelers have called the Red Light District a can’t-miss attraction. Being home to many bars and clubs, this district is known for its legalized prostitution and is most alive at night. Even if you will not be a patron, visiting the district offers a unique perspective not found anywhere else in the world. Leave the camera at your hostel, as taking pictures of prostitutes is expressly prohibited.

• Di’Vino Wijnbar – The Jordaan district is home to this dedicated wine bar for the sophisticated tourist. Enjoy a candlelit experience filled with quality Italian wines paired with divinely arranged cheese plates. The flickering candles and comfortable seating create an idyllic environment for a romantic evening in a quiet part of town.

Make the Most Out of Your Amsterdam Trip

Planning a rough itinerary before your trip is the best way to make the most out of your Amsterdam holiday. While there is value in an unstructured visit, if you are on any sort of time constraints making a schedule is advised. Creating an itinerary of attractions and activities will help you optimize the time spent in this wonderful and historic city.

Jonathan M. Scott is a contributing writer and travel enthusiast. He makes regular trips to Europe and Asia to explore new countries and cultures. 

The post Top Seven Things to Do in Amsterdam | Netherlands appeared first on Europe Explored.

Amsterdam Canal, Netherlands by William Beutler

1. The Anne Frank Museum – €8.50

This very moving museum is a must see.  Visit the Annex where Anne Frank lived under the Nazi regime and where she wrote her diary. There is also an exhibition tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and racial intolerance.

2. The Hash Museum – €7

Despite its magnificent architecture, fascinating history and cultural attractions, most tourists come to Amsterdam to smoke in the coffee shops. Exhibitions at the museum offer a detailed history of its use and cultural meanings of hemp around the world and you can even see how cannabis has the potential to become a “resource renewable energy” – sounds fishy to us!

3. A Water Taxi Ride on the Canals – €8

The many canals and waterways are some of the main features of Amsterdam. The best way to see them is to take a boat. In general, tourist trips on a boat are very expensive and overcrowded. We therefore advise you to go to Damrak Street, and jump in a water taxi, which will take you for an hour on the canals of Amsterdam cheaply.

4. Underground Church in the Red Light District – €7

And yes, there is a church in one of the most disreputable parts of the city. There was a time when Amsterdam was deeply Protestant, and not so tolerant Catholics settled in this church.  Today the Amstelkring Museum (or “Our Lord in the Attic”) is worth visiting as well as the attic rooms which house a collection of paintings, sculptures and silverware, which gives an insight into Catholic time in Amsterdam.

5. Beer Tasting in a Windmill

At The Brouwerij there is a windmill that has a micro brewery and pub. Every Friday afternoon from 4pm you can have a free tour of the brewery. Meanwhile the pub is open from 3pm until eight at night and offers delicious local organic beers. With an average price of €1.90 for a beer you can enjoy a few glasses – but beware the hangover!

6. Historic House on the Edge of the Channel – €6

The canal-side houses offer a great visual experience with architecture of all shapes and sizes, some of which looking like it about to collapse. If you are curious about the history of Amsterdam and its houses, then take a walk through the doors of the Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis Museum which gives you a tour around the gardens and themed rooms – and give an idea of the style of life in the 17th century.

7. Bike Rental – €6.50

The best way to navigate the streets of Amsterdam is still on bike. Not just because it’s good for your health, but it is also a great way to discover the different parts of the city, especially if you have to stay the whole weekend. Because of its popularity in the capital, you’ll have no problem finding a safe place for your bike. The streets are filled with bike and dedicated places to park.  You can pre-rent a bike online or visit Damstraat Rent-A-Bike (Damstraat 20-22, 1012). It will only cost you €6.50 for 3 hours.  You won’t find many better ways of having a relaxing afternoon in Amsterdam.

8. A Taste of Suriname

Better known under the name of Dutch Guyana, Suriname (South America) is a former Dutch colony. Many Surinamese emigrated to Holland, bringing with them cultural and culinary traditions. Suriname is in itself a melting pot, the food is a mix of Indian, Creole and Indonesian. Surinamese restaurants in Amsterdam flourished, particularly in the Pjip area. The Warung Malong is one of the best of them (Van der Helststraat first 55 Wed – Mon 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).

9. Dutch Cheese Tasting

One of the most exported goods after the Dutch beer Heineken, is cheese! It is very easy to find a good piece of Edam or Gouda in Amsterdam. But the best is the cheese from Kaaskamer.  This cave contains enormous cheese wheels with over 440 different cheeses (all aligned along the height and walls), as well as a variety of breads, meats and pies to top it off.

10. Tulip Bulbs to Take Home – €5

The Bloemenmarkt or Floating Flower Market, located on the Singel Canal is one of the most beautiful attractions in Amsterdam. Holland is famous for its beautiful tulips that come every spring, and hundreds of cyclists ride the “Route de la Tulipe” to admire the flowers. Tulip bulbs are a great souvenir, you can buy 12 bulbs on the market for €5, so do not hesitate to bring a big bag so you can plant some back at home in your own garden!

Guest Author: Article sourced and edited by Jane Middlecamp.  Jane is a travel blogger who regularly writes about weekend destinations.  If you are stuck for something to do when in a foreign city then you should check out the travel section in the Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition.  For more information on a subscription to the WSJ Weekend Only Edition please check the link below:

www.wallstreetsubscriptions.com/wall-street-journal-weekend-edition-discount-subscription

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