A-Amsterdam, Netherlands

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands —  Its name is derived from Amstellerdam, indicative of the city’s origin: a dam in the river Amstel. Settled as a small fishing village in the late 12thcentury, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age, a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading centre for finance and diamonds.  In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city expanded, and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were formed. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam (in Dutch: ‘Grachtengordel’), located in the heart of Amsterdam, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2010.

Amsterdam is lovely.  People are more pleasant and warm.  Andamazing as i may say — mostly people travel on their bikes — like cyclists in fashion!  May it be n their boots or rubber shoes!

AMSTERDAM MUST SEE

Amsterdam is a unique city. Despite the obvious presence of thousands of visitors, its life remained authentic. To observe it is enough to stroll along the canal streets or to sit for a while in one of Amsterdam many cafés. Nevertheless, there are places in the city you should not miss during your visit.

Here is 10 best of the best.

Amsterdam canal ring –The city old centre is formed from canal rings, which give you the feeling of space, freedom and peace. Walk through these canal streets or better – take a trip with a boat by boarding one of the tourist cruises or by renting the boat yourself. Anther way to explore the Venice of the North is to take a ride on a bicycle. Any way you decide for – enjoy this city, one of the most beautiful in the world.

Rijksmuseum –The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands, with more than a million visitors each year. The Rijksmuseum is currently in a prolonged renovation, but a small part of it remains open. Its exhibition called The Masterpieces shows the most famous pieces of Dutch art from the 17th c., usually called the Golden Age of the Netherlands. Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals reflect in their work different aspects of Dutch national character. You may also see the museum treasury, beautiful doll houses from the period and the traditional Delftware.

Van Gogh Museum –This modern museum houses some 200 paintings and 550 sketches showing Van Gogh in all his moods. This biggest in the world collection, combined with hundreds of letters by Van Gogh, and selected works by his friends and contemporaries, form the core of the museum’s collection.

Begijnhof –A narrow, vaulted passageway leads to this charming quiet garden surrounded by old houses, in the very centre of town. The devout celibate Béguine nuns have been replaced by old ladies. The No.34 is the oldest house in Amsterdam. Entrance on Spui, just a step from the main commercial street Kalverstraat, is indicated by a carved sign. Entry is free.

Oude Kerk –This huge old protestant church with little houses clinging to its sides remains a calm heaven at the heart of the frenetic Red Light District. Its buildings, especially the Gothic-renaissance style octagonal bell tower, were used by sailors to get their bearings. For some adults, an evening walk in the nightlife area around the church might be interesting.

Amsterdam Brown Café –After a busy day of walking enjoy a simple meal or just a coffee or beer in one of many Amsterdam old cafés called brown. At first it will seem too much from the past and too crowded – but the atmosphere is unique, people are famously friendly, prices low. Relax and watch – most of people around will be locals. Feel like one of them – the real Amsterdammers.

Magere Brug –Is a traditional double-leaf Dutch draw-bridge connecting sides of river Amstel. About every 20 minutes the bridge opens, as the bridge master lets boats through. The original bridge was built in 1670, but it did not change much since. Enjoy the magic of this place, take a deep breath of fresh air brought by the river.

Museum Amstelkring –On the edge of the Red Light District, museum houses in the restored 17th-century canal house with two smaller houses to the rear. The lower floors of the building became a museum in 1888 and today contain refurbished rooms, as well as a collection of church silver, religious artifacts and paintings.

Civic Guards Gallery (Schuttersgalerij) –As the saying goes – the best things in life are free – this naturally lit gallery filled with old paintings from the Dutch Golden Age is freely open to the public. The exhibited canvas may be not always the masterpieces of art (those you may see at the Rijksmuseum), but these group portraits of Amsterdam citizens and their wives are an exquisite document of the Dutch civilization and culture centuries ago.

Anne Frank House –Anne Frank House in the center of Amsterdam is the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during the World War II. Just a few empty rooms in the hidden annex to the house will make an unforgettable impression if you realize, that two families lived in these small quarters for more than 2 years hiding from the Nazis. The original of the diary is on display, as a part of the Anne Frank House’s permanent exhibition.

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CRUISING CANALS

I took a cruise around the canals, which circles the whole Amsterdam.  Then enjoyed some sunshine in the midst of almost winter by debalie — this former ‘arizona’ of amsterdam… a jail place that they positively turned into a tourist spot.  Nice bars and cafes…

Amsterdam is one of the greatest small cities in the world.  From its canals to world famous museumsand historical sights, Amsterdam is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe.   Amsterdam is also a city of tolerance and diversity. It has all the advantages of a big city: culture, nightlife, internationalrestaurants, good transport – but is quiet, and largely thanks to its canals, has a little road traffic. In Amsterdam your destination is never far away, but get a bike for most authentic experience.

SEE EVERYTHING IN WALKING DISTANCE

Get to know Amsterdam and the famous canal ring by walking. Meander through the city as it has existed for almost 400 years and soak up the art and architecture of Amsterdam’s Golden Age in this introductory tour.  You may start at:  Dam Square and may finish at: Museumplein.  Normal tour guides estimated time of travel around 2 hours.  Here’s the sites you may see and how you may get there after each stop.

• Dam Square – This square was once the site of an actual dam that diverted the Amstel River to create the canals of Amsterdam. Visible here are theWorld War II Memorial, the New Church and Koninklijk Palace.  Walk around to the back of the palace to the Magna Plaza Department Store.

• Magna Plaza – This unique 19th century building was originally the main post office of the city and has since been converted to a shopping center.  Walk around to the right of Magna Plaza to the first bridge spanning the Singel Canal.

• Torensluis Bridge – You can still see the bars of the dungeon that once existed on this site. The statue is Multatuli, a 19th century socialist writer who was an early critic of Dutch colonial practices in Indonesia. Just nearby at Single 166, you can see the narrowest house in Amsterdam.  Cross the bridge and continue straight ahead to the next canal, Herengracht, and turn left.

• Theater Museum – Composed of two buildings, the neoclassical house at 168 Herengracht features Amsterdam’s first neck gable, an oval staircase inside and a beautiful garden out back. The Dutch-Renaissance house at 170 curves with the canal (unique in Amsterdam) and boasts a stuccoed interior.  Continue up Herengracht one block to the next busy intersection at Raadhuisstraat.

• Westerkerk – Looking to the right up Raadhuisstraat you can see the tallest church in Amsterdam, once the tallest in the world at the time of its completion in 1631. For a small fee you can climb the tower for arguably the greatest view of the city.   Cross over Raadhuisstraat and continue walking straight along Herengracht.

• The 9 Straats – As you walk straight along Herengracht, you will be entering an area known as “The 9 Streets.” This area, composed of three square blocks, features Amsterdam’s most unique and eccentric boutiques and cafes. A great place to grab a bite.   Continue walking straight until you reach number 361 Herengracht.

• Canal Houses – Between numbers 361 and 369 you can see 5 different types of gables all in a row. These ornamental roof sections are a staple of Dutch architecture. Also nearby is the Bible Museum at number 368, unique for collection of Bibles as well as its beautiful architecture and interior frescos.  Turn left just past the gabled houses onto Huidenstraat and walk two blocks to Spui Square.

• Spui – A favorite spot for artists and intellectuals, this square, located next to the University of Amsterdam, has been the site of many protests and demonstrations since the 1960’s. You can find the entrance to the hiddenBegijnhof, a 14th century convent, by crossing the square and turning into the first alley on your left.  From Spui continue south along the Singel canal two blocks until you reach the entrance to the flower market.

• Bloemenmarkt – Merchants once docked here to sell their flowers along the Singelgracht. Today the barges are more permanent, but still floating. Walk through the market. At the end you will reach Muntplein and the Munt Tower – once part of the old city walls that surrounded the city.  Turn right at the end of the market onto Vijzelstraat and walk two blocks to Herengracht. Cross over the canal and turn right.

• Golden Bend – This section of the Herengracht was once home to Amsterdam’s wealthiest citizens. Look for the eagle atop the house at number 476.  Turn left onto Nieuw Spiegelstraat.

• Nieuw Spiegelstraat – This street is filled with antique stores. Just about everything is for sale, including furniture, glassware, art and jewelry – much of it dating back to the 17th century.   Walk to the end of the street and continue around to the right of the Rijksmuseum onto Museumplein.

• Museumplein – From here you can visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Also visible at the south end of the lawn is the Concertgebouw, a beautiful neo Renaissance concert hall.

Red Light At Night

This route takes you through the red light district as well as the major nightlife areas of Amsterdam. The best time to walk is in the early evening when the district is in full swing but avoid the area late night as things can get quite rowdy.   Start: Nieuwmarkt  ;  Finish: Rembrandtplein  ; Walk Time: 1 ½ hours

• Nieuwmarkt – Home to the last remaining gate entrance from the old city walls, the “Waag” was once a weigh house used to weigh goods before entering the city for tax purposes. The square in front of the Waag is now home to a produce market in the summer months.

Walk north along Zeedijk.

• China Town – As you walk along Zeedijk you will pass through China town. Immigrants from Asia have been a part of the city since the early 1600’s. The first Buddhist Temple in Europe is along this street on the left side opened in 2000.

Continue along the Zeedijk until you reach the first waterway.

• Little Venice – This area is known as “Little Venice” because it is the only place where the water goes right up to the houses, just like Venice. If you look to the right you can see St. Nicholas Church. Saint Nicholas is the Patron Saint of Sailors and was an important saint for the sailors who were also the red light district’s original clientele.

Take a left after the bridge and walk down Oudezijds Voorburgwal Canal to number 40.

• Amstelkring Museum – This unassuming canal house at number 40 Oudezijds Voorburgwal contains a hidden church in its attic that was once used by the Catholics after their religion was outlawed by the Calvinist government. A truly unique sight well worth the price of admission. Open 10am – 5pm.

Continue along Oudezijds Voorburgwal Canal one block.

• Oude Kerk – On the left side of the canal about three blocks on is the oldest church in Amsterdam. No one style defines the church as it has been remodeled countless times since the original structure was built in 1306.

Continue past the church to the narrow alley just beyond near the Bulldog Coffeeshop.

• Trompettersteeg Alley – This impossibly narrow alley leads to the greatest concentration of brothels in the city. Try not to get lost in the narrow maze of alleys as you get up close and personal with some of those famous Amsterdam ladies of the night.

Leave the alley the same way you came in and continue along Oudezijds Voorburgwal. Turn left at the first bridge and walk through the alley to the next canal over, Oudezijds Achterburgwal.

• Oudezijds Achterburgwal – This canal is the oldest in Amsterdam and was once home to 16 different convents and monasteries. As you can see, a lot has changed since then. The street is filled with brothels, novelty sex shopsand of course that famous Amsterdam institution: “The Casa Rosso.”

When you done exploring the street, cross over to the next canal, Kloveniersburgwal leading away from Nieumarkt.

• Kloveniersburgwal – Make a right and walk along the canal. On your right at number 48 is the former headquarters of the colonial East India Company, now the library for the University of Amsterdam. Just past the next bridge, on your right, is the street Rusland, home to the famous Rusland Coffeeshop, the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam and still one of the best.

Continue walking down Kloveniersburgwal along the left side of the canal until your reach the Amstel River.

• Amstel River – This is the river which gives Amsterdam it’s name, literally, the “Dam on the Amstel.” The Muziektheater is visible to your right as you cross the bridge, nicknamed the “Stopera” because the locals hated the design so much they tried to stop construction.

Continue over the bridge and through the alley to Rembrandtplein.

• Rembrandtplein – This square is home to some of the best dance clubs in Europe. There is a statue of Rembrandt in the middle that gives the square its name. To the right down Amstelstraat is the Tuschinski Music theater, an art deco masterpiece. The narrow alley leading out of the right side of the square is Regulierdwarsstraat, which is the beginning of the Amsterdam’s gay party district.

AMSTERDAM IN BIKE

See the city as it was meant to be seen atop two wheels. From the center of the old town to the picturesque canals and beyond, this tour provides a great overview of the city and a little taste of what it feels like to be Dutch.

Start: Central Station
Finish: Vondelpark
Bike Time: 1-2 hours at a nice leisurely pace

1. Central Station – take note of the 3-storey bike garage just outside the station. The garage can hold over 2,500 bikes. Watch out for the traffic as this can be very hectic area.

   With your back to the station, turn left and ride along the waterfront.

2. Waterfront – As you begin to ride you will pass the Saint Nicholas Church on your right. The small tower just beyond is the Tower of Tears, part of the old wall defenses. The huge, weird building at the next canal is the old Shipping Headquarters. Visible on your left along the waterfront are the Floating Place Chinese Restaurant, the NEMO Science Center shaped like a big green ship, and the Maritime Museum with its replica of a Golden Age sail ship. Up ahead you can also catch a glimpse of the last remaining windmill in the city, now a brewery.

   Take a right onto Schippersgracht, just opposite the Maritime Museum.

3. Plantage – This area known as the Plantage is known for its gardens and quiet streets. After you pass the park running along the left side of the canal, cross under busy Muiderstraat via the underpass on the left side of the canal. You will now be in the old Jewish District. The huge brown Portugese Synagogue is visible to your right.

   Continue riding straight until you reach the Amstel River.

4. Amstel River – Take a left at the river and begin riding. You can see the Magere Brug drawbridge or “skinny bridge” to your right, the oldest in Amsterdam. Beyond is the Sluice Gates, which control shipping and the flow of water into the city.

   Ride down to the next bridge and lap back to the head of the Prinsengracht canal.

5. Prinsengracht – As you take a left and ride down the canal, you will pass a number of interesting streets including Utrechtstraat with its quaint boutiques, and Reguliersgracht, known for its seven bridges all in a row. As you continue to ride, be sure to notice the house boats and interesting architecture all along the route.

   Continue riding for about 1.5 km until you reach the busy cross street Rosengracht just before the incredibly tall spire of Westerkerk Church.

6. Jordaan – Cross and continue riding down Prinsengracht. You will now be entering the area known as the ‘Jordaan’, based on the French word for ‘garden’. The area was originally built for the working class living on the outskirts of the city, but is now a gentrified artist neighborhood with many cafes. The Noorderkerk marking the end of Prinsengracht, is a major neighborhood gathering place.

   Take a right past the church onto Brouwersgracht and ride two blocks to Herengracht.

7. Herengracht – Turn ride and ride down Herengracht. This is the inner most canal ring, known as the “Gentlemen’s Canal”, and was considered the most prestigious. The largest and most impressive houses are on this street and many are decorated with unique carvings once used to identify the houses back before house numbers were used. The Golden Bend is the most famous section of the canal and can be found at the intersection of Nieuw Spiegelstraat about 1.5 km ahead.
8. Nieuw Spiegelstraat – Turn right onto Nieuw Spiegelstraat at the Golden Bend and ride toward the Rijks Museum. This street is famous for its antiques and provides a great view of the museum.

   Take a right in front of the Rijks Museum and ride two blocks along the canal to the entrance of Vondelpark.

9. Vondelpark – Take a spin around the park and enjoy the scenery. This park was dedicated to the city by a rich patron on the one condition that dogs who visited the park would never be required to wear a lease. The Film Museum in the park has a gorgeous outdoor café and is a great place to wind down after a long ride.

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Target A Destinations:  Austria, Australia & Africa