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.

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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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Frank van de Velde

In addition to its scenic 17th Century canals, relaxed coffee shops and notorious red-light district, it’s packed with landmarks, historical sites and museums. Nicknamed “Mokum” or “Safe Haven”, Amsterdam has a broad range of officially recognised buildings and institutions, as well as surplus, charming oddities.

Certainly one of the first ports of call is the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of paintings and drawings by the Dutch artist (who was born in Zundert, which is about 80 miles from Amsterdam). It is the most-visited museum in the country and one of the most popular in the world, which is bittersweet considering the sad life of Van Gogh, who died at 37 without receiving recognition for his paintings.

The “Achterhuis” in Amsterdam is the preserved hiding place where wartime diarist Anne Frank and her family hid from German soldiers in World War II. It exhibits the life and times of the young writer and artist, and is dedicated to all forms of persecution and discrimination. Whether or not you have come across Anne Frank’s diary from 1945, the museum is a deeply humbling place to visit.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Minke Wagenaar

Near Anne Frank House is the stately Prinsengracht or Prince’s Canal (named after the 16th Century Dutch Prince of Orange). It is the longest canal in the city and is home to a number of historical sites including the Noordekerk or Northern Church, the bustling Noordermarkt (Northern Market, which is lined with restaurants and shops) and the Westerkerk (Western Church), which is the tallest church in Amsterdam.

Packed with things to see and do – from midnight mass to saucy cabaret – Amsterdam is one of Europe’s premier tourist cities, and well worth the visit.

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