Amsterdam earned its name when a dam was built on the River Amstel during the thirteenth century. It is a popular misconception that The Hague is the capital of The Netherlands when in reality it is Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has earned an enviable reputation as the ideal city break location, although with so much to do and see, a weekend might not be long enough to justify the trip. With such a wide variety of prices, there are luxury Amsterdam hotels to suit any taste or pocket. An enjoyable way to explore the Amsterdam experience is to cruise along the canals. There are four main canals and 1,281 bridges and most cruise operators who provide all sorts of themed journeys around what is the city's intricate water system. Many water excursions are available all year round. One suggestion that you might like to consider is to set by a day to explore a selection from the many museums in Amsterdam and board the museum boat where you will be taken in style to all of the leading museums. One stop is that of Rembrandts Museum at the Jodenbreestraat. Here you will be able to admire the original collection of 250 etchings and a number of drawings and sketches by the great Dutch master Rembrandt. In addition to Rembrandt's house, your boat will take you over to the Anne Frank House. The house is presently a museum, but was originally the Frank family home. In fear of capture by German invasion forces, the whole family spent years in hiding. Anne Frank, the daughter, wrote her incredible 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 45 years ago.
The renowned Rijksmuseum contains The Netherlands largest collection of history and art including Asian art, paintings, dolls houses and a history of Netherlands exhibition. The leading exhibit at the museum is that of the celebrated works from the country’s fabulous Golden Age with artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Steen.
If you are looking for an unforgettable art experience, located halfway between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum is that of the Van Gogh museum. A wonderfully detailed exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh's life is displayed within the walls of this famous building and you will see in excess of 200 of his masterpieces. In addition to his paintings there are hundreds of drawings together with copious numbers of written documentation by the once greatly misunderstood artist. A must for Impressionist fans, fans of modern art and lovers of The Netherlands!
Everybody wants to experience Amsterdam's Red Light District. It can be found in the region around the Oude Kerk region where lots of the city's most impressive buildings are also located. The Red Light district can be found running between Nieumakt Square and Warmoesstraat. Stag Nights are a regular happening in the De Wallen area, presumably attracted there by the expectation of sex shops and window prostitution. This area is particularly attractive since it is where visitors are allowed to be themselves. It is a lively energetic area where you will find a wide variety of people, a great cup of coffee, a great choice of shops and plenty of excellent places to eat.
Touring in and around Amsterdam can be quite enjoyable. The roads are wide and modern and Amsterdam is an excellent centre for touring around the nearby regions and countries. Rates for Amsterdam car hire are very economical and you will make substantial savings by booking car hire online.
Dam Square is the place to return to time after time being a tourist hotspot generally and a great place to enjoy street entertainment and people watching while you sip a well earned cappuccino! Amsterdam has such a wealth of attractions for the visitor that visiting just a few of them could set a family back a small fortune. Amsterdam offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving its users lots of Euros!. Developed by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, the card allows you to admission to all the famous museums as well as a free canal cruise and discounts to lots of shops and restaurants. Furthermore, the Amsterdam Card offers 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 is purchased from Tourist Information (VVV).
In the centre of the regularly all too crowded centre of the city is a peaceful pocket of parkland nicknamed 'the town's pride and joy'. Amsterdam’s very attractive botanical gardens, Hortus have occupied this spot for over 400 years and are looked after with pride by its dedicated keepers. A peaceful retreat for the periods when city life gets a bit too exhausting!
Should you are visiting Amsterdam in August, you will enjoy the bright 'Gay Parade'. The Gay Parade happens every August and consists of a stream of wildly decorated and brightly painted boats. Its a wonderful camera opportunity not to be missed and is best enjoyed by spectating from one of the bridges that cross the Prinsengracht Canal.
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