Why you simply cannot miss Amsterdam
Amsterdam doesn’t really need an introduction, right? Think Amsterdam think tulips, bikes, canals, beer, museums…Every year and in any season visitors arrive by the plane-load to see the beauty that is Amsterdam. One of the most chilled out cities in Europe, Amsterdam is famous for its superb breweries and world-leading designs. It is easily one of the most popular destinations in the world. Here you can bike through tulips fields or paddle your way to your favourite store.
No matter what you shop for, these delightful footwear make for great souvenirs!
Here are few things you might definitely want to do while here …
Gondola ride through the canals
So, you will find a bit of “Venice” in Amsterdam too, in the sense that you can ride a gondola here –but truth is that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice. As you glide over the canals, you will see the city unfold before your eyes and through the tree lining the shores, you look up at the beautifully designed buildings and of course scores of cyclists making their way around the city, as you sip on your, err Heineken.
Get on your bike
Here in Amsterdam, you will find more bikes than uh, humans – and it is the best way to see the city. Don’t worry, there are no tricky hills to huff your way up, this is a very flat and easy walkable city. Rent a bicycle and cycle your way through the quaint streets. Just make sure you stick to the bicycle tracks (pink and marked). You might even meet a celebrity heading to work alongside you! The good thing about cycling is that you can navigate through the city’s iconic neighbourhood, the museum quarter and residential areas without burning a hole in your pocket.
Soak up some art
Considering its small size, the Netherlands has produced a surprising number of artists, including Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent van Gogh. Check out the Museum Square in the Amsterdam South borough some serious culture like the Rijksmuseum one of the city’s biggest draws, packed with masterpieces from Vermeer, Rembrandt. Keep some time aside to enjoy the many exhibitions on offer. Head to the Van Gogh Museum for the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh pieces or simply wander through the fascinating rooms charts how the master’s work developed throughout his life.
Tulip Fields
Ah, the pleasure of seeing tulips in bloom! Rows and rows of colourful heads bob in the sun l- like the very rainbow has descended on earth. Tulips, the Netherlands’ national flower is a huge draw and of course you can see them all over the city. If you happen to be visiting between March-May, then head to Keukenhof for the famous flower show or simply take a trip to the floating flower market – the Bloemenmarkt to see these beautiful flowers all year round on the canal.
Museums
Amsterdam is dripping with history so it’s no surprise that you’ll find some of the best museums and galleries in Europe here, including the famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Museum Square. Containing over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and letters from Van Gogh, it’s the largest collection of the artist’s work in the world – and well worth a visit.
Beautiful neighbourhoods that you can easily explore on your bicycle.
Visit Anne Frank’s house
Anne Frank and her famous diary (also a Hollywood film) have its origins here. Take the journey through the house in which she hid in – from the ground floor up many steep flights of stairs to the secret annex where they lived for over two years – Anne’s room has been preserved with pictures of movie stars and magazine clippings adorning the walls.
Climb the Westertoren
There are two reasons you should climb to the top of this 40m tower named Westertoren – one, it is the tallest tower in central Amsterdam (so the views are amazing), it is historical (was built around 1638) and has the crown of the Hapsburg emperor on top and Rembrandt and others buried in the church below. That is more than two reasons, but you get the drift.
Take a break at the parks
Despite being highly urbanised, Amsterdam is among the greenest cities in Europe. Pack a picnic lunch and head out to almost any neighbourhood to find a park. The city’s centre is surrounded by several green belts such as Westerpark, Vondelpark and Plantage.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Amsterdam is a reason alone to visit this city. It never disappoints – whether you fancy a quiet drink or a wild night out, there is everything to be had.
Say cheese! You cannot visit AFC Amsterdam Tours and ignore its cheese!