Amsterdam beholds the picturesque postcard image of Holland with its 17th century   ring of canals and houses. It’s the capital of Holland with a vibrant atmosphere but also a symbol of the relaxed Dutch way of life. Amsterdam is home to some of the most prestigious museums and galleries of Holland.

Culture
With over 50 museums, Amsterdam is a haven for culture enthusiasts. Some of Amsterdam’s most famous museums include the Rijksmuseum with its golden age exhibition, The Van Gogh museum with a permanent collection of over 200 paintings,  the Anne Frank House dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank and the Hermitage Amsterdam, a dependence of the famous Hermitage museum of Saint Petersburg, Russia.
For the more curious, you can visit atypical museums such as the Museum of Bags & Purses or the Houseboat Museum. For an interactive experience, visit the Heineken brewery where you will learn about the brand in 4D. Visit also the trendy House of Bols to discover the secrets of Bols Liqueurs and Genevers produced in Amsterdam since 1575.

Contemporary Architecture
The modern buildings just out of the  historic city centre offer a different view of the city. Visit Java Island or the Oostelijk Havengebied district to view this creative modern architecture. Some of the key designs are ‘The Scheepstimmermanstraat’ which is a little canal where the residents designed their own houses, or the ‘Pythonbrug’ Python bridge; a red twisty ninety metre-long bridge.

Meeting locals
In the De Pijp district, from Monday to Saturday, you will find Amsterdam’s biggest market and you will come across a melting pot of cultures with a multitude of ethnic restaurants and trendy bars. In the Jordaan district, you will find Amsterdam’s most charming canals and there’s no better place to experience the friendliness of this city than in  a cosy ‘brown café’ of the Jordaan district.  Each day (except Sundays), on Waterlooplein a flea market takes place featuring vintage clothing and second hand antiques. Westerpark is a unique and creative district which used to be the location of former gasworks. Here you will find cafés, charming restaurants, hip bars and trendy night clubs.

Relax
It’s quite easy to just take your time and relax whilst in Amsterdam.  One of the most relaxing experiences has to be a canal cruise, allowing you at the same time to do some sightseeing. Another peaceful way to discover the city at your own pace, is to hire a bike. Take a stroll to Vondelpark which  is Amsterdam’s central park and just chill out as you watch joggers and cyclers go by.

Shopping
The quaint ‘Nine Streets’ area is a favourite shopping spot in Amsterdam. Between Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals the streets are lined up with antique stores, designer boutiques and art galleries. High-end luxury brand boutiques will be found on P.C Hooftstraat in the fashion and museum district. Around Dam square is the main high street with the popular Dutch department store ‘de Bijenkorf’ and other mainstream high street stores can be found in the Magna Plaza. For all things hip and modern, head for KNSM island just a short tram ride away from the city centre.

Nightlife
You will not be disappointed by Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife. Enjoy an evening drink on one of the lively squares before going out for a tasty meal in one of the many restaurants. For the late nighters, Amsterdam holds some of Holland’s most reputable dance clubs where top DJs play their latest tunes all year round. Check out club AIR, Panama, Trouw, Paradiso or the Heineken Music Hall if you want to show your latest moves on the dance floor.

Beyond the city centre
With fast train connections, you will find yourself within minutes of the city centre the traditional Dutch countryside, seaside dunes or picturesque villages. Be charmed by the beauty of Haarlem or enjoy  the fresh country air on a boat cruise in Amstel River Countryside, just south of Amsterdam. The Zaanse Schans is just a short trip away from Amsterdam. This picturesque open air museum is free of charge and boasts eight windmills.

Wednesday 25 January 2012 10:30 | Published by Hotelopiauk | Categoriy: General Tourism,Travel News