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As Holland’s capital, Amsterdam is sure to delight any traveller. It is a charming city with distinctive architecture, canals, fascinating art galleries and a lively nightlife.
As Holland’s capital, Amsterdam is sure to delight any
traveller. It is a charming city with distinctive architecture, canals,
fascinating art galleries and a lively nightlife.
The historic centre of the city is Dam Square from which the
canals and cobbled streets radiate. It is a very compact city. The old town can
easily be explored on foot. You can take your time as you stroll across ancient
bridges and through narrow lanes browsing in the souvenir shops selling
everything from clogs to Delft china.
It is a city with a thriving pavement café culture providing
the opportunity to sit back and relax while indulging a bit of people watching.
If you prefer, you could take a canal-boat cruise to get an altogether new and
unique perspective of this incredible city and its inhabitants.
Of course, Amsterdam is also famous for an altogether
different side. Its liberal view on marijuana use and its notorious red light
district (De Wallen) which is bordered by the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudeziujds
Achterburgwal canals near Dam Square. Here inquisitive tourists can see for
themselves the prostitutes displaying their charms in brightly lit shop
windows.
Amsterdam is a true city of culture but it also knows how to
enjoy itself with numerous bars, clubs, theatres and cinemas which are mainly
concentrated around the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.
This kaleidoscopic mix of art, culture, architecture and
entertainment (of which ever variety appeals) makes Amsterdam a colourful place
to explore and unique experience for everyone.
Amsterdam’s climate is
mild and can be damp. However the weather can be variable with temperature
extremes in summer. During the winter clear, frosty days are common with the
coldest months generally being between December and March.
The average monthly
temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
5 |
5 |
8 |
12 |
16 |
19 |
21 |
21 |
18 |
14 |
9 |
6 |
|
Night |
0 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
12 |
10 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
The best thing about Amsterdam is everything it so accessible.
You don’t have to walk miles to get from one shopping area to another. They are
all conveniently close and punctuated by numerous bars and cafés in which to
rest your weary limbs.
This is a great city for diamonds, antiques, art, food,
cheese, chocolate, clogs and Delft china. The only problem you’ll have is
working out how to get it all home.
Probably the best areas for shopping are Dam Square (the Nine
Alleys), Jordaan District and the Pieter Cornelisz Hoofstraat. The main
department stores are around Dam Square including Amsterdam’s most famous, De
Bijenkorf. Either side of the square runs Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk which
are the main areas for national, international and independent stores.
Utrechtsestraat and Haarlemmerstraat are great places for clothes, jewellery
and department stores.
If your bank balance can stretch to it, the more exclusive
boutiques can be found along the Pieter Cornelisz Hoofstraat.
Amsterdam also has several markets in which you can browse
and mingle with the locals. The largest of these is the Albert Cuyp Market (on
Albert Cuypstraat) which sells practically everything. For clothes try the
Waterlooplein Market whilst the Westermarkt and Noordermarkt are great for
second hand items.
Being the land of the tulip, no visit to Amsterdam will be
complete without a trip to the floating flower market on the Singel which takes
place at the top of Leidsestraat.
You will never be left
wanting for entertainment in Amsterdam. To keep up to date with what is
happening you will find the local papers Amsterdams
Staatsblad, de Telegraaf and Het
Parool invaluable.
For those that don’t
want clubs and bars, the city still has plenty to offer you from music to
theatre and opera. Here is a selection of venues that might be worth checking
out.
Music
Theatre
Opera
Cinema
If you are heading to
Amsterdam to party, you’ll find many of the bars open until 1 or 2am. Most of
the popular bars, clubs and restaurants are found around Leidseplein. Here are
a few names to look out for.
Of course other than
the above, if you so desire, there is always the red light district!
February
April
May
June
July
August
October
November
Whilst Amsterdam’s
vibrancy is sure to keep you enthralled, you may want to take the opportunity
to see what else this unique country has to offer. Listed below are just a few
of the places you can visit during your stay.
Healthcare is
excellent and crime very low. However you are still advised to take the usual
precautions with your valuables especially when in crowded areas.
Just one word of
warning though when you are out and about – watch out for bikes!
