Amsterdam
The capital of The Netherlands is Amsterdam. What makes Amsterdam so attractive is the 17th century historical atmosphere combined with the mentality of a modern metropolis. The small scale of the buildings and the intimacy of the streets, canals and squares create an atmosphere that visitors find unique. One of the most famous building are the address Singel 7 (the narrowest house in the world), the “Kleine Trippenhuis” at the address Kloveniersburgwal 26 (with a beautiful cornice gable) and the widest house in Amsterdam right across the street from the Trippenhuis at number 29.
Museums
The city has the highest museum density in the world and is home to cultural highlights. If you’re in Amsterdam you must visit the National Museum of Holland; the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. The National Museum is located at Museum Square, which is situated in the city centre of Amsterdam. This museum is home to a wonderful collection of Dutch art and history. Masterpieces of the National Museum are Rembrandt’s Night Watch (“de Nachtwacht”), one of the finest collections with paintings by great masters of the 17th century (such as Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn) and beautiful luxury “dolls’houses” furnished in the finest detail dating back to 1676.
Combine the National Museum with one of the other nearby cultural highlights, like the Van Gogh Museum (19th Dutch post-impressionist painter), Stedelijk Museum (museum of modern art) and Coster Diamonds (discover the secrets of diamond cutting).
Other museums worth to visit are: Anne Frank House (where Anna Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II), the Royal Palace (it isn’t the Kings place of residence but a place to receive important guests) and the “Westerkerk” (the largest protestant church of the Netherlands from 1631) both located on Dam Square, Hermitage Amsterdam (a satellite museum of the State Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg), Heineken Experience (a fun way to get to know about world famous Dutch beer).
Squares
There are several well-known squares in Amsterdam. Each of them has its own typical characteristics.
Markets
Shopping
Canals
A visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without enjoying the canals. They are a symbol of Amsterdam and of great cultural and historical value. The canals district added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. Though every canal is beautiful and unique in itself, there are some absolute musts:
Living on the water
In the seventies houseboats became a new phenomenon in the Dutch canals. A houseboat has everything as a normal house has, such as a living room, kitchen, bedroom, toilet, bathroom and often a small terrace. The only difference is that the owners live on the water and see the canal tours and others boats pass by their window(s). The Netherlands counts many houseboats, but Amsterdam holds the record with approximately 2.500 houseboats.
Other things
The capital of The Netherlands is Amsterdam. What makes Amsterdam so attractive is the 17th century historical atmosphere combined with the mentality of a modern metropolis. The small scale of the buildings and the intimacy of the streets, canals and squares create an atmosphere that visitors find unique. One of the most famous building are the address Singel 7 (the narrowest house in the world), the “Kleine Trippenhuis” at the address Kloveniersburgwal 26 (with a beautiful cornice gable) and the widest house in Amsterdam right across the street from the Trippenhuis at number 29.
Museums
The city has the highest museum density in the world and is home to cultural highlights. If you’re in Amsterdam you must visit the National Museum of Holland; the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. The National Museum is located at Museum Square, which is situated in the city centre of Amsterdam. This museum is home to a wonderful collection of Dutch art and history. Masterpieces of the National Museum are Rembrandt’s Night Watch (“de Nachtwacht”), one of the finest collections with paintings by great masters of the 17th century (such as Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn) and beautiful luxury “dolls’houses” furnished in the finest detail dating back to 1676.
Combine the National Museum with one of the other nearby cultural highlights, like the Van Gogh Museum (19th Dutch post-impressionist painter), Stedelijk Museum (museum of modern art) and Coster Diamonds (discover the secrets of diamond cutting).
Other museums worth to visit are: Anne Frank House (where Anna Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II), the Royal Palace (it isn’t the Kings place of residence but a place to receive important guests) and the “Westerkerk” (the largest protestant church of the Netherlands from 1631) both located on Dam Square, Hermitage Amsterdam (a satellite museum of the State Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg), Heineken Experience (a fun way to get to know about world famous Dutch beer).
Squares
There are several well-known squares in Amsterdam. Each of them has its own typical characteristics.
- Dam (Dam Square): this square is the very centre of Amsterdam. On one side of the square is the Royal Palace located and a part of the square is home to street artists and pigeons. On the other side you’ll notice a great white statue. This is the National Monument, which is the most important monument for the commemoration of World War II in the Netherlands. Each year on May 4 at 8:00 p.m. the Remembrance of the Dead takes place here.
- Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square): Bars, restaurants, outdoor cafes and clubs. This square is one of Amsterdam’s best-known entertainment areas. During the day you can people-watching and listening to street performers in one of the many outdoor cafes.
- Leidseplein (Leidse Square): Cinemas, discos, theatres and a casino are located right on the square or within easy walking distance.
- Museumplein (Museum Square): this square owns its name to the many museums located around this square. The square is also used for festivals, demonstrations and other mass events.
- Waterlooplein (Waterloo Square): see below the information about markets.
Markets
- Albert Cuyp Market: this market is the largest outdoor market in Europe and located in the district “De Pijp”. You can find here anything from clothes, flowers, tropical fruit, vegetables, fish, to books and electronics. The market is open every day of the week except Sundays.
- Waterlooplein (Waterloo Square): the best flea market in town is located behind the Stopera (a combination of the opera house and city hall) on the Waterloo Square. Here you can find old records, old photographs, vintage clothes, second-hand and many fun curiosities. The market is open every day of the week except Sundays.
- Floating Flower Market: along a part of the canal “Singel” is the famous flower market and was first held in 1862. All the flowers and other merchandise are displayed on floating barges. Daily fresh flowers are brought in from the surrounding horticultural areas. Most tourist buy tulip bulbs for back home or typical Dutch souvenirs at one of the many souvenir shops opposite the market. The floating flower market is open every day of the week.
Shopping
- City centre: here you find the big shopping streets like the Leidsestraat, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk where you find many well-known (international) fashion shops.
- P.C. Hooftstraat: the most exclusive and luxury shopping street in Amsterdam (nearby the Museum Square).
- Magna Plaza shopping mall (nearby Dam Square).
- 9 Straatjes (nine little streets): galleries, gift shops and boutiques selling fashion, design and home decoration (behind Magna Plaza / Hartenstraat is one of the streets).
Canals
A visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without enjoying the canals. They are a symbol of Amsterdam and of great cultural and historical value. The canals district added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. Though every canal is beautiful and unique in itself, there are some absolute musts:
- The Golden Blend: the canal from “Leidsestraat” to “Vijzelstraat” has the most beautiful and magnificent stretch of canal houses of Amsterdam.
- One view/fifteen bridges: the bridge on the corner of “Reguliersgracht” and “Herengracht” has a unique view over fifteen bridges. Make sure you stand on the side of the street with the odd numbers.
- Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge): is one of the most picturesque bridges of Amsterdam. At night the bridge is romantically illuminated.
- Canal Tour: enjoy the beautiful canals and canal houses from the water with one of Amsterdam’s many canal tours.
Living on the water
In the seventies houseboats became a new phenomenon in the Dutch canals. A houseboat has everything as a normal house has, such as a living room, kitchen, bedroom, toilet, bathroom and often a small terrace. The only difference is that the owners live on the water and see the canal tours and others boats pass by their window(s). The Netherlands counts many houseboats, but Amsterdam holds the record with approximately 2.500 houseboats.
Other things
- Vondelpark: the central park of Amsterdam. This national hermitage monument attracts thousands of people of Amsterdam every day of the week. Whether you to sport, relax, dine and wine or are in search of culture, the Vondelpark is the place to be.
- Hortus Botanicus (nearby the Artis Zoo) is one of world’s oldest botanical gardens with over 4.000 plant species.
- The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam guarantees the best orchestra’s in the world. The Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra, The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and many other international orchestra’s and musical masters perform in this temple of classical music. If you are a lover of classical music, you must visit the Concertgebouw.
Amsterdam Light Festival
In December and January, the Amsterdam Light Festival will light up the city of Amsterdam. Every year, artists from all over the world create beautiful light artworks. The exhibition can be seen sailing, cycling and walking. You can visit the exhibition on your own initiative (your own boat) or by booking an organized tour (tour boat or guide).