Amsterdam, though relatively small for a European capital, is bursting with world class attractions. This compact city offers visitors history, culture and awe-inspiring architecture combined with the renowned relaxed Dutch way of life, making a visit to this Venice of the North a unique travel experience. Here are some of the top 5 musts while in this fantastic city.
Bridge over a typical Amsterdam canal
Experience the Cafe Culture
The best way to soak up the atmosphere of Amsterdam as a local would is to indulge in one of the nation’s favourite pastimes and while away an afternoon sipping a coffee and watching the world go by. This cafe culture is enjoyed at any time of day, whether it be a morning brunch to get your day off to a relaxed start, a lunch time break from the attractions or drinks at happy hour, all are a suitable chance to sit back, catch up with friends and watch the passers-by. The city hosts several different kinds of cafe, Bruine (Brown) cafes are Amsterdam’s take on the cosy pub, the name comes from the brown colouring of the wood panels and stains from the years of smoking the cafes have witnessed. They aim to produce a cosy and welcoming atmosphere and are of course the epitome of laid back in quirky and well worn surroundings. For a more food-focused version of the cafe culture experience, head to an eetcafé. Similar to the bistros in Paris, they offer a quaint, more upmarket atmosphere than the ‘take them as you find them’ Bruine cafes, a wide selection of meals and the majority offer outdoor seating – perfect for enjoying a balmy summer’s evening alongside the canal.
Amsterdam’s best museums
Amsterdam is home to three of the country’s most treasured museums and are a must see when visiting the city, if not to all three then at least one or two. The Rijksmuseum, translated as ‘National Museum’ situated in the Museum Quarter neighbourhood is the country’s largest, housing the works of Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. If art interests you, another of the big museums in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh museum. Not only does it house the largest collection of Van Gogh’s pieces, it is also home to works from artists such as Cézanne, Monet and Sisley. If history is more your thing, then head to Anne Frankhuis, the home of diarist Anne Frank during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam and view the secret annexe where she spent her days. A visit to the restored canal house where Anne lived is deeply moving and well worth a visit despite the ever present crowds.
Canal cruise
The canals of Amsterdam are arguably the city’s most charming feature and a canal cruise is a must for any visitor. The criss-crossing waterways provide a unique vantage point of the city and allow visitors to see a large number of Amsterdam’s top attractions in a short amount of time. The types of canal cruise on offer vary from large glass-topped boats run by tour companies to smaller charitable organisations that offer a more personal experience. The St Nicolaas Boat Club is a non-profit organisation that restores old ‘tuindersvletten’, boats as much as 80 years old that were originally used for carrying food and animals between the markets of the Netherlands. The cruises laid back atmosphere means you bring your own food, wine and beer to enjoy on the 90 minute round trip. For those looking for a spot of luxury there is the option to hire your own personal canal boat and guide, this does not come cheap but if you are looking for something romantic, this is certainly the way to cruise Amsterdam’s waterways.
See the city by bike
Despite the city’s excellent public transport system, most of the locals in Amsterdam choose to get around by bike, indeed once you have enjoyed the delights of not waiting in long queues for buses and trams you will wonder why you had not taken up this mode of transport sooner! There are hundreds of places to hire bikes from in the city, prices usually start at around €10 for each 24 hours hire for adults and the city has 249 miles of cycle lane to ensure people are riding in the right place! Whilst seeing Amsterdam by bike is a unique and thoroughly rewarding experience, it is not for the faint-hearted, be sure to read up on the cycling rules and etiquette before you go, and while it is not only for experienced riders it pays to be prepared when faced with hundreds of oncoming fellow cyclists!
Lose yourself in tourist delights
One of the best things to do when visiting a new city is to indulge in all that is touristy, experience all that is conjured up when you first think Amsterdam. For me, clogs, windmills and tulips all spring to mind and even beyond the stereotypes lie fantastic sights that whilst quintessentially Dutch are still well worth seeing. The most famous place to buy tulips in the city is at the Bloemenmarkt Flower Market. Hosting over 15 florists this is the only floating flower market in the world and well worth a visit. Just outside the city is the Klompenmakerij De Zaanse Schans, a clog-making museum which details everything you could ever wish to know about the national shoe, you can even pick yourself up a pair while you are there! And if it is windmills you are looking for, Amsterdam is home to eight! The most famous of these is De Gooyer, situated next to the famous Brouwerij ’t IJ brewery. It is also an excellent chance to stop off for some beer tasting.
This is a guest post by Helen Cross who works for travel site Simonseeks
Netherlands is the most beautiful country in the world. There is so many things to do. I went to the redlight district yesterday. It was gorgeous.