Amsterdam earned its name when a dam was put in place on the River Amstel during the thirteenth century. Popular belief is that The Hague is the capital city of The Netherlands when in reality it is Amsterdam.
The City has gained a justifiable reputation as the ideal city break location, although with so much to do and see, a weekend might not be long enough to do the city justice. With such a wide variety of rates, there are Amsterdam Hotels to suit all testes and pockets. An enjoyable way to explore the Amsterdam experience is to take a boat trip along the canals. There are four main canals and 1,281 bridges and most cruise companies who offer all sorts of themed journeys around what is the city's intricate water system. A large number of cruises are available all year round. One suggestion that you might wish to think about is to reserve a day to explore a selection from the many museums in Amsterdam and board the museum boat where you will be transported in style to a selection of the popular museums. One point of interest is that of the Rembrandts Museum at the Jodenbreestraat. Here you will be able to study the original collection of 250 etchings and a number of sketches and drawings by the great Dutch master Rembrandt. Apart from the house that Rembrandt once lived in, you will cruise the canal waters over to the Anne Frank House. The house is currently a museum, but was once the home of the Frank family. In fear of capture by the invading German army, the Frank family spent years in hiding. Anne Frank, the daughter, wrote her engrossing diary during the 2 years of hiding. The house (her home) has been conserved by the Anne Frank Foundation and was onverted to a museum in 1962.
The renowned Rijksmuseum contains the country's biggest collection of history and art including Asian art, paintings, dolls houses and a history of Netherlands exhibition. The main event at the Rijksmuseum is that of the famous works from the country’s fabulous Golden Age with artists including Steen, Vermeer and Rembrandt.
For a memorable art experience, located halfway between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum is that of the Van Gogh museum. A very full demonstration of Vincent Van Gogh's life is displayed within the walls of this famous building and you will enjoy over 200 of his paintings. In addition to his paintings are his hundreds of drawings as well as overwhelming numbers of hand-written notes by the commonly misunderstood artist. Totally unmissable for fans of modern art, impressionist fans and fans of The Netherlands!
Everybody wants to experience Amsterdam's Red Light District. It is located in the region around the Oude Kerk region where lots of the city's most impressive buildings can be found. The Red Light district can be found running between Nieumakt Square and Warmoesstraat. Stag Nights are a regular event in the De Wallen area, particularly attracted there by the reputation for sex shops and window prostitution. This district is particularly attractive because it is where people are allowed to be themselves. It is a lively energetic area where you will find a huge variety of people, a great cup of coffee, excellent shops and plenty of excellent places to eat.
Driving in and around Amsterdam can be quite enjoyable. The roads are modern and well organised and the city can be considered an ideal centre for touring around the nearby regions and countries. Rates for Amsterdam car hire are very economical and you can make substantial savings by making an online booking.
Dam Square is the Dutch eqivalent of Piccadilly Circus because it is a tourist hotspot generally and the perfect location to enjoy people watching and street entertainment while you sip a well earned cappuccino! Amsterdam has such a wealth of attractions for the visitor that visiting a mere sample of them could cost a family a small fortune. The City offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving you lots of Euros!. Provided by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, the card allows you to free admission to all the famous museums as well as a free canal cruise and reduced price vouchers to many restaurants and shops. In addition the Amsterdam Card gives you free travel in and around the city. You can buy 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 obtained from Tourist Information (VVV).
In the centre of the frequently all too busy city centre can be found a haven of green space known locally as 'the town's pride and joy'. Amsterdam’s famed botanical gardens, Hortus have occupied this spot for more than 400 years and are maintained with pride by its dedicated keepers. A tranquil retreat for the times when life in the city gets a bit too fraught!
Should you find yourself in Amsterdam in August, you will love the colourful 'Gay Parade'. The Gay Parade takes place each year and consists of a stream of wildly decorated and brightly painted boats. Its a great camera opportunity unmissable and is best enjoyed by watching from one of the bridges that cross the Prinsengracht Canal.
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