Heralded as one of Europe’s best cities, Amsterdam is the ideal destination for the traveler who wants the action of a metropolis and the intimacy of a village – old world charm and 21st Century moderness. Amsterdam may be a relatively small place, but it has all the necessary features of a world-class city. There is art and culture to be found everywhere, the transportation system is very good, and for the revelers—Amsterdam offers a very lively and suitably varied nightlife. To top it all off, everyone in Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most multi-lingual places. Asking for directions here, you’re as apt to get the correct reply in English, German, or French, as you are Dutch.
For anyone hunting a spot of romance, Amsterdam will not disappoint them. Its canals and historic buildings ooze with an old world charm, making it the perfect backdrop for a honeymoon or a romantic escapade. A couple of things you must absolutely experience are canal cruises and a leisurely bicycle ride around the city. The place is just too picturesque not to take it in slowly. And as for charm?
Even as a tourist, visitors generally do not feel like strangers in Amsterdam. The Amsterdammers are an incredibly friendly people, and the city is well known for its culture of tolerance and diversity. The best example of this, of course, is its forgiving attitude towards certain drugs that are illegal in most other countries—Amsterdam has quite a liberal attitude when it comes to the use of cannabis. Some coffee shops are allowed to sell small amounts of the drug, provided that they do not sell to anyone under 18 years old.
There are so many things to do in Amsterdam that it’s nearly impossible to decide what to see or where to go first. Its museums are some of the most beautiful in the world, and a trip to Amsterdam is simply incomplete without taking in several. Among its most popular museums are the Van Gogh Museum , the Stedelijk Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House.
Other remarkable sights include Amsterdam’s historic churches. The Oude Kerk, for example, was constructed in the 13th century and is quite stunning with its gorgeous stained glass windows. Comparable in beauty are the 14th century Nieuwe Kirk building and the Westerkerk—built somewhere between 1620 and 1630.
Shopping is another something visitors love to do in Amsterdam. There are several modern shopping centers around, but the flea markets and bohemian shops are even more appealing to visitors and locals. You will surely find some very inexpensive trinkets that you can bring back home here.
A perfect blend of the old and the new, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Whether a lover of the arts, a restless spirit looking for a taste of adventure, or a quiet soul simply craving to be surrounded by its magical old world charm, Amsterdam welcomes everyone with open arms.
Main attractions: Museumplein (museum square), Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken Music Hall, Paradiso, The Grote Zaal, Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam, the canals, the Leidseplein, Amsterdam ArenA, the Anne Frank House, and scores more.
Currency: Euro
Official language: Dutch
Area: 219 km2 (84.6 sq mi)
Population: 2,158,592
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: Europlug, Schuko
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter Click socket type links to view adapter for that type
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter
Other places to see & things to do: Rembrandtplein, Rembrandt monument, the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Esnoga, Zuidas district, the Amsterdam School, Damrak, Prinsengracht, and many more.
Images courtesy: MorBCN, jankie
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