Amsterdam is the Jewel of the Netherlands
This small city offers so much fun and excitement for visitors to Holland.
Amsterdam is a unique city. While it's small in size, making it easy for visitors to explore on foot, it boasts many of the amenities of a larger, cosmopolitan European city.
Guests in this country will be surrounded by culture and the arts, from fine museums to wonderful musical performances. The dining opportunities are eclectic and quite numerous. Most people in Amsterdam speak English so getting around isn't difficult.
Unlike other large European cities, the traffic in Amsterdam is light, thanks to a wonderful public transportation system and the presence of a series of canals, often used to get from one place to another.
So walking and biking are quite safe for the tourist who's finding his or her way around on a sightseeing excursion of this splendid city.
What to See
Amsterdam was invaded by the Germans in May of 1940 and suffered many losses, including the demise of its Jewish population. However, a renaissance during the last three decades of the twentieth century restored the city to much of its former glory and it's now the 4th most-visited city in Europe.
It's no wonder. There's so much to see and do that you'll want to spend a minimum of a week here in order to take in all the sights and activities that are peculiar to this great city. Here are a few suggestions.
The Anne Frank House - This is the home that hid Anne Frank and the other members of her Jewish family during World War II and where, for two years, she wrote her famous diary which has been read by millions worldwide. It became a museum in 1960.
The Rijksmuseum - This ornate building houses the most comprehensive collection of artwork of the Netherlands, including magnificent works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. You'll see much more than paintings here. You'll also find collections of dollhouses, Delft blue, silver, and much more.
The Heineken Experience - You don't have to be a beer drinker to love this factory tour. Hop aboard a seat on a moving platform and experience the path of a beer bottle as it makes its way through the Heineken Factory. There's an opportunity for tasting at the end of the tour.
De Hortus - Long known as the city's "pride and joy," this botanical garden was first established in the mid 1600s. It has, over the centuries, evolved into a glorious garden of magnificent colors and home to more than 6,000 varieties of plants.
What to Do
Take a Canal Cruise - Amsterdam has 165 canals, 1281 bridges, 70 cruise boats, 8 wooden drawbridges, 2500 houseboats and 120 water bikes.
A ride through the canals is a must. Visitors can take a short sightseeing tour or longer specialty tour, such as the Museum Boat, which stops at many of the best museums.
Visit a Windmill - Holland is famous for its windmills. There are nearly a dozen in the city itself and lots more outside the city. Be sure to take in a few before your visit ends.
Sign up for a Walking Tour - Exploring Amsterdam on foot is even better when you have a guide to explain the sites. You'll learn a lot about the history of the Netherlands and the city in particular.
Enjoy a Great Meal - There are more than 200 restaurants in the downtown area offering a huge variety of cuisines, including local specialties.
Planning a Trip
Most foreign visitors choose summer as the season for a visit to Amsterdam. The weather is quite pleasant though the city is very crowded, especially in July and August. The fall and spring are ideal times to visit and airfare is often lower.
Posted by Pat on Tuesday, September 20, 2005