Visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city that is rich in so much history that it can be found
ingrained in its streets, walls and buildings. While it is known to be the
home of canals, Anne Frank, Vincent Van Gogh, Heineken and kroketten, it is
a city that possesses so much more and has so much to see. The first thing
that visitors have to do when they arrive is jump onto to bicycle. Exploring
the city in this fashion is travelling Dutch style. One word of warning: be
careful of the locals. It can be said that the Dutch on bikes is equivalent
to New Yorkers in cars. Remember to always ride on the right side of the
paths and that bikes always have the right of way, so take care that you
don’t walk in their way! More...
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| Amsterdam is a city that is rich in
so much history that it can be found ingrained in its streets, walls and
buildings. While it is known to be the home of canals, Anne Frank, Vincent
Van Gogh, Heineken and kroketten, it is a city that possesses so much more
and has so much to see.
The first thing that visitors have to do when they arrive is jump onto to
bicycle. Exploring the city in this fashion is travelling Dutch style. One
word of warning: be careful of the locals. It can be said that the Dutch on
bikes is equivalent to New Yorkers in cars. Remember to always ride on the
right side of the paths and that bikes always have the right of way, so take
care that you don’t walk in their way!
But once travellers have mastered the streets of Amsterdam, they should
head off to Dam Square. Where once this square was a place of violence and
protests, it is now an overwhelmingly magnificent cobblestone square
surrounded by imposing buildings, one of these buildings being the Nieuwe
Kerk. Despite its name meaning ‘new church’, it is a building that is far
from new. It was built in the 15th century to accommodate for the growing
population in Amsterdam. It sits beside the Royal Palace and overlooks the
many live statues, pigeons and tourists that explore Dam Square daily.
Walk a bit further and visitors will find Jordaan, a district of
alleyways and canals. This working class district also has a turbulent
history and is the only district in the city that does not have
cobblestones. This is because of riots in the 1930s where people threw
cobblestones at police – this eventuated in the government using asphalt as
a replacement, but don’t be fooled by its rowdy past. It is one of the most
sung about districts in Holland and is a place where everyone feels at home.
Not too far from here is the world famous red light district. While this
is the area where prostitutes ply their trade, it is also a place where the
city’s most beautiful buildings are housed. Enjoy the interesting pubs and
unusual boutiques, but do not bring your camera – photos are far from
appreciated.
Explore further south and visitors will find themselves in the De Pijp
district. De Pijp, meaning ‘the pipes’ was once a maze of pipes, but since
they have been filled in, market places and shops have taken over. This
district is the home of the Albert Cuyp market and is said to be the busiest
outdoor market in all of Europe.
The next district along is the Museumquarter that boasts the three major
museums in the country – the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the
Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. These three art museums provide one of the
most comprehensive collections of artwork in one area in Europe. They boast
the possession of works from Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and of course, Van
Gogh.
Throughout this ramble, visitors will encounter sites such as the
infamous Anne Frank Hus, the Heineken Museum, numerous coffee shops,
beautiful gardens, random musicians, great entertainment and great fun for
all. Amsterdam is a mixed bag that embodies all the beauty, history, culture
and life that the Netherlands has to offer. |