Amsterdam got 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.
Amsterdam has gained an enviable reputation as the ideal city break destination, although with such a lot to see and do, a weekend might not be enough days to do the city justice. With such a wide variety of rates, there are Amsterdam Hotels to suit any taste or pocket. An enjoyable way to enjoy the Amsterdam experience is to take a boat trip along the canals. There are 1,281 bridges spanning the four main canals and many cruise operators who offer all sorts of themed trips around the city's complex canal system. Many water excursions are available throughout the year. One suggestion that you might wish to think about is to set by a day to enjoy Amsterdam's museums and buy a ticket on the museum boat where you will be taken in style to all of the popular museums. One stop is that of the Rembrandts Museum at the Jodenbreestraat. Here you will marvel in disbelief at the original collection of 250 etchings and a number of drawings and sketches by the famed Dutch master Rembrandt. In addition to the house that Rembrandt once lived in, your boat will take you over to the house of Anne Frank. The house is currently a museum, but was originally the Frank family home. Afraid of capture by the invading German army, the whole family spent years in hiding. Anne Frank, the daughter, wrote her amazing diary during the two years of her concealment. The house (her home) has been saved by the Anne Frank Foundation and was onverted to a museum 45 years ago.
The famed Rijksmuseum contains The Netherlands biggest collection of history and art including paintings, Asian art, dolls houses and the history of Netherlands exhibition. The leading exhibit at the Rijksmuseum is built around the celebrated works from the country’s fabulous Golden Age with artists including Rembrandt, Steen and Vermeer.
If you are looking for a memorable art experience, situated 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 oil- covered canvasses. As well as his paintings there are hundreds of drawings as well as overwhelming numbers of written documentation by the vastly misunderstood painter. A must for fans of modern art, impressionist fans and lovers of Holland!
The Amsterdam red light district is famous the World over. It can be found in the area around the Oude Kerk region where many of the city's best known buildings can be located. The Red Light area runs between Nieumakt Square and Warmoesstraat. Stag Nights are a regular happening in the De Wallen area, presumably drawn here by the expectation of sex shops and window prostitution. This district is particularly attractive because it is where people come to be themselves. It is a lively energetic place where you can find a wide variety of people, a perfect cup of coffee, excellent shops and plenty of excellent places to eat.
Driving in and around Amsterdam can be very enjoyable. The roads are modern and well organised and Amsterdam is an ideal centre for touring around the nearby regions and countries. Costs for Amsterdam car hire are very reasonable and you will save money by making an online booking.
Dam Square is the place to return to time after time because it is a tourist meeting place generally and the perfect location to enjoy street entertainment and people watching while you sip a well-deserved cappuccino! Amsterdam has so many attractions for the tourist that visiting just a few of them could set a family back a small fortune. The City offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving you lots of Euros!. Provided by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, it entitles you to admission to all of the leading museums as well as a free canal cruise and discounts to lots of restaurants and shops. Furthermore, the Amsterdam Card offers free travel in and around the city. You can buy an Amsterdam Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours. A 24-hour card 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 sometimes all too busy city centre is a haven of parkland nicknamed 'the town's pride and joy'. Amsterdam’s famed botanical gardens, Hortus have been on this spot for over 400 years and are looked after with pride by its dedicated keepers. A haven of quietness for the periods when city life gets a bit too fraught!
Should you are visiting Amsterdam in August, you will enjoy the colourful 'Gay Parade'. It takes place each August and consists of a procession of brightly painted and wildly decorated boats. Its a great camera opportunity not to be missed and is best savoured by watching from any of the bridges that span the Prinsengracht Canal.
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