Amsterdam travel guide
Meet AmsterdamAmsterdam weather reportGetting into AmsterdamTop attractions in AmsterdamGetting around Amsterdam Where to eat in AmsterdamPage 2: More information on Amsterdam
Meet Amsterdam
More than three centuries ago, William of Orange left the Netherlands in order to conquer Britain, and today thousands of Britons head to Amsterdam every year on holiday. This unique capital city serves as the epitome for the country’s distinctive culture and landscape.
Amsterdam’s popularity as a tourist hub among the British is not surprising given its proximity to the UK, and its similarity as a bustling, multinational city in its own right. It’s almost like a mini version of London, but without the stress.
Despite being modern, the city is also full of tradition. Tulips, windmills, dams and happy faces abound representing the Dutch appreciation for nature and their enjoyment of life. This is even truer today as Amsterdam is the perfect example for how ecology can be infused into an urban environment. But the city also holds some surprises within its hidden corners and is world-renowned for its liberal approach to carnal pleasures and its smoke stained ‘brown cafes’.
The Spanish author Felix Marti-Ibanez once noted, ‘in Amsterdam water is the mistress and the land is the vassal’. This was a reference to the fact that the city is built upon a complex grid of canals, which explains why it is also known as the Venice of the north, making it an ideal destination for romantic trips, among other things.
And last, but not least are the residents of Amsterdam; their open minded nature ‘sets the scene’ here, making this a metropolis with a vibe like no other. This is a haven for all things uninhibited where visitors can let their hair down in truly distinctive style.
Amsterdam weather report
Although located in Northern Europe and close to the North Sea, the city has been blessed by a warm, island style effect that makes winters mild, with a temperature of no less than -5°C, and summers relatively hot with an average temperature of 25°C.
However, a constant London-like drizzle cannot be avoided, sometimes requiring the local authorities to pump water in order to avoid floods.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Amsterdam
Schiphol International Airport is very close to the city. Taking the train from the station below the airport will get you into town within 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the cheaper 370 line (Interliner) of public buses, which also goes directly to the city.
Top attractions in Amsterdam
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Museumjaarkaart is a yearly ticket for €35 that will provide you entry into most of the country’s museums. Among the recommended hotspots is the Van Gogh Museum, hosting a vast collection of his paintings including the famous Potato Eaters and Sunflowers.
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The second most popular museum is the Rickmuseum, possessing an impressive collection of Dutch paintings, among which resides Rembrandt’s masterpiece, the sublime Nightwatch. There is also the Stedelijk Museum, which is home to Amsterdam’s contemporary art comprising paintings by Mondrian and Malevich among its exhibits.
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The Anna Frank House is a trip back in time to the place where Anna Frank was in hiding until her arrest by the Germans in 1944. The museum’s exhibits include the original diary and other belongings of this girl whose diary is a literary masterpiece about the Holocaust.
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The cannabis coffee shops are one of the main reasons for the city’s liberal reputation. Even for those who are not exactly fans of this particular indulgence, it’s still worth exploring as an observer. And even more so now since the current government is planning to restrict access to these coffee shops.
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Another of Amsterdam’s hidden indulgences is its notorious Red-Light District. Although the name pretty much gives it away, the atmosphere here is not what you’d normally imagine to be characteristic of this kind of neighbourhood. In fact, what would have been referred to as a ‘brothel’ elsewhere, has been transformed into an artistic location, and serves as a tourist attraction. But keep in mind that photography is not permitted.
Getting around Amsterdam
If there was a title such as ‘the world capital for bike riding’, Amsterdam would definitely deserve it. However, for those unwilling to combine sightseeing and physical exercise, the metro network is convenient and cheap, taking you everywhere around the city. The equally handy tram system is another good option, and given that Amsterdam is a relatively small city that can be explored in a few days, walking is also possible.
With a day pass (GVB pass) for only €6.5 you have access to all manner of public transport options. Taxis are best avoided as they tend to be quite pricey even for short distances. And if you require directions, the city residents are not only helpful, but also fluent in English.
Where to eat in Amsterdam
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De Belhamel combines canal side scenery and Art Deco interior with traditional Dutch recipes
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Vlaams Friteshuis is famous for its delicious frites, a tradition since 1887 comprising chips covered in copious amounts of topping
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Van Dobben is a restaurant where you can find the best Dutch kroketten (potato croquettes and several other ingredients)
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Betty’s serves the best recipes in town for vegetarians in a small but cosy restaurant
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If you are a bagel fan, Bagels& Beans will be your favourite hangout, serving an incredibly exuberant menu of bagels
Page 2: More information on Amsterdam