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.

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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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