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ATTRACTIONS
Museums
Museums in Amsterdam are the main tourist attraction. The Rijksmuseum,
Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum are the most popular choices, but
there are many, many more. Amsterdam has over fifty museums, which attract
millions of visitors every year. Alongside the wealth of magestic Golden
Age paintings, you'll find exciting modern art, press, film, theatre and
photography museums and some unique Dutch treats like the Heineken Experience,
the Ajax Museum and the Houseboat Museum. And Amsterdam wouldn't be Amsterdam
without the likes of the Sex, Erotic, Hash or Torture museums.
For kids there is the impressive NEMO; a hands-on, science and technology
museum housed in an unmissable, boat-shaped building. The Shipping Museum
is also worth a visit with its replica of a Dutch trading ship, docked
at the front. Museums such as the Tropical museum and Jewish museum also
include children's sections.
Oude Kerk
This old church with little houses clinging to its sides, remains a calm
heaven at the heart of the freneric Red Light District. Its buildings,
especially the Gothic-renaissance style octagonal bell tower, was used
by sailors to get their bearings.
Dam square
Dam square Amsterdam The Dam is the very centre and heart of Amsterdam,
although there are arguably prettier sights in the city. As an historical
site however, it is fascinating and worth taking the time to appreciate.
The Dam has seen many historical dramas unfold over the years, and was
for example, the reception area for Napoleon and his troops during the
1808 take-over of the city. The impressive history of the square is well
documented in the Amsterdam Historical Museum. The Royal Palace (Koninklijk
Paleis) which dominates the square, was originally used as the town hall
and its classical facade and fine sculptures were intended to glorify
the city of Amsterdam and its government. In contrast to its turbulent
history, the square is now a peaceful place and is home to hundreds of
pigeons and tourists resting their tired feet.
Begijnhof
A narrow, vaulted passageway leads to this charming garden surrounded
by old houses. The houses in the courtyard were once occupied by devout
celibate Béguine nuns and are still home to single women today.
In the centre of the lawns is a medieval church and at No.34 stands the
oldest house in Amsterdam. The entrance is on the Spui and is indicated
by a carved sign. Entry is free.
Magere Brug
Magere Brug, Skinny bridge Amsterdam Of Amsterdam's 1280 or so bridges,
the Magere Brug, or “ Skinny Bridge” is the most famous. It
is a traditional double-leaf, Dutch draw-bridge connecting the banks of
the river Amstel. Approximately every twenty minutes, the bridge opens
to let boats through. The original bridge was built in 1670, but as the
traffic on Amstel increased, a wider bridge was built to replace the narrow
one.
Artis ZOO
Artis Zoo AmsterdamRight in the center of Amsterdam, you can also find
the oldest Zoo of Holland. It consists of four main areas: Zoo, Planetarium,
Botanical Gardens and Geological and Zoological museum. In the zoo itself
you will find animals from all over the world. In addition, a unique canal
aquarium shows you which animals roam the canals of Amsterdam. The planetarium
offers children a trip trough the universe. In the peaceful gardens, you
can find many old trees and statues of contemporary artists and aswell
as an impressive, tropical rainforest greenhouse. The Geological museum
shows you how the planet has evolved over the past 4 billion years.
Red Light District
Red Light DistrictBeer and party atmosphere, sex for sale, and limitless
people-watching. The stores are full of hardcore videos, magazines and
sex toys. The Red Light District is somewhat of a sexual amusement park
and often not taken too seriously by the hordes of tourist who frequent
it. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Red Light District, is that
it’s actually quite pretty. The famous red window lights are striking
against the quaint, old canal houses and even the fairy lights that line
the bridges at night are coloured red. Although it is generally considered
to be a very safe area, care should still be taken when walking through
the quieter streets of the area. There is a strict “No Photography”
policy.
Condom shop Het Gulden Vlies
This shop is a kingdom of condoms. It has all colors, shapes, sizes and
flavors. Some are even hand painted and are for decoration only. You can
find a surprising amount of information and books about our rubber friend,
and there is even has a small condom museum .
Amsterdam's Canals
Canal Keizersgracht Many visitors to Amsterdam are surprised by the sheer
amount of water in the city. The enormous number of canals have led Amsterdam
to become known as “The Venice of the North”. And thus, a
trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a boat-ride. A canal-tour can
be both fascinating and relaxing by day and enchanting and romantic at
night when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated.
The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht
and Singel. There are also numerous smaller canals, of which the Brouwersgracht,
the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant.
Jordaan
Once a working class area, Amsterdam’s Jordaan has become greatly
sought after. The converted warehouses are especially popular, and the
Jordaan is now inhabited by a colorful mixture of students, well-to-do
businessmen and creative professionals.
The Jordaan oozes atmosphere with its narrow streets, picturesque canals,
brown cafes, art galleries and unique shops. You can easily lose yourself
in a pleasant stroll in through the enchanting streets that connect the
3 main canals.
Leidseplein
Leidseplein The Leidseplein or Leidse-square is one of Amsterdam's most
popular centres for nightlife. With many restaurants, clubs, coffeeshops,
cinemas and theatres in the area, the Leidseplein is vibrant and colourful.
On warm summer evenings, tourists and locals alike take advantage of the
pubs’ outdoor seating for a long, lazy drinks with friends.
Street musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters and other performers liven up
the square, often till the early hours.
Rembrandtplein
Rembrandtsplein Rembrandtplein is lined with pubs, restaurants, cafes
and hotels and is thus a tourist magnet. A popular centre for nightlife,
it also includes traditional Dutch pubs which play real Dutch music. In
summer, the terraces are packed with people enjoying a drink and watching
the world go by. In the centre of the square is a small but pleasant park
where you can relax or pay homage at the statue of the Great Master. Around
the area you’ll also find quality night clubs, gay venues, respectable
diamond dealers and the inevitable tacky souvenir shops.
Vondelpark
Amsterdam VondelparkThe Vondelpark is located in the south of Amsterdam,
just five minutes walk from the Leidseplein and in walking distance from
the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum. With 10 million
visitors a year, the Vondelpark is the most famous park in the Netherlands.
Albert Cuyp market
Albert Cuyp marketThe Albert Cuypmarkt is arguably the best-known and
busiest outdoor market in Europe. It attracts thousands of visitors every
day, and is especially popular on Saturdays. There are over 300 stalls
and goods range from fresh produce, to clothes, to odds and ends, with
prices among the cheapest in Amsterdam. The market is located in the Pijp
district, surrounded by many pleasant cafes and small shops.
A trip to Amsterdam just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to
a windmill. Believe it or not, there are 8 stunning windmills at the heart
of the city just waiting to admired. Don’t forget to take your camera.
Theatres
Stadsschouwburg AmsterdamAll year round, every night of the week, you
can find quality, English-language theatre in Amsterdam. Most of the major
theatres are centred around the Leidseplein, within an easy stroll of
each other. The easiest way is to drop by the theatres' box offices, where
you can browse programmes, ticket prices and availability.
Cinemas
Amsterdam has over 50 cinema venues, where films are shown in their original
language, with Dutch subtitles. The Tuschinski Theater deserves a special
mention. Constructed in 1921 as exotic mixture of Art Deco and Amsterdamse
school style, it features a luxurious foyer, and is regarded as one of
the most beautiful cinemas in Europe.
Music
Amsterdam is burstling with live music, it is the city with a rich tradition
in classical music and opera. In summer concerts can be enjoyed in one
of the city's beautiful parks.
Ballet and dance
There are two world-class ballet companies in the Netherlands. The renowned
Dutch National Ballet is one of the resident groups in the Muziektheater,
the repertoire encompasses both classical and modern dance. Another one,
the Netherlands Dans Theater regularly performs in venues throughout the
city. |
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