Amsterdam - The Capital Of Culture And Canals
If you are looking for a major European city to visit that has charisma and warmth then Amsterdam Netherlands is well worth considering. Situated in the North Holland province, it is the Netherlands capital of finance and culture. It is a relatively small city, but it is full of architectural and art history, which blends well with the relaxing and jovial atmosphere which is abundant.
Access to the center could not be easier. If you arrive at Schiphol airport, one of the largest European airports, you can get a train direct to the heart of the city, Amsterdam's central station. There are also train links to major cities throughout Europe. Amsterdam's local transport system comprises of trams, buses and a metro system. You can buy tickets, by the hour, day or week that combine all of these modes of transport.
Accommodation is available for all budgets. There are the standard luxury hotels that you find in every major city, and also the medium-sized and family run hotels offering quality accommodation. The prices tend to be lower the further you are away from the center, but this is not a handicap due to the transport infrastructure. There are also backpacker hotels and self catering apartments available.
The diversity of food available in the city is tremendous. Restaurants cater for foods from all over the world, but it is easy to realize why Indonesian food is such a favorite. Another popular national delicacy is the pancake, the number of fillings available will amaze you. If you visit the city during the winter you must try their pea and ham soup, which is usually accompanied with raw ham and black bread.
If you have planned to see the tremendous architecture, the Royal Palace and Oude Kerk, located in the heart of the city are two places you should not miss. There are also museums to suit all interests, including torture and beer, but it is the art museums that are at the top of most people's agenda. The Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are very near to each other, but allow a few hours to visit each one.
If you want to take some time to sit down and have a drink and watch people, and the world, go by there are no better places than Leidseplein and Rembrandtsplein. These areas are full of cafes and bars that have terraces to relax on. If you want to escape to an area with some peace and tranquility there is the Vondelpark in the center of the city.
The annual celebration of the Queen's birthday on April 30 is one of the highlights of the year. By law, every citizen can set up a stall on the street and sell their goods. The city becomes very crowded, with people from all over the Netherlands visiting. On that day you may find that traveling to and from the city, and especially through the city center, extremely difficult. However, it is a spectacle not to be missed.
Amsterdam Netherlands combines culture, cuisine, and relaxation in one small space. For a major European city it is often considered quaint because of its canals and old buildings. It is a city everybody should experience at least once in their lives to see how the old and new can blend together in harmony.
Access to the center could not be easier. If you arrive at Schiphol airport, one of the largest European airports, you can get a train direct to the heart of the city, Amsterdam's central station. There are also train links to major cities throughout Europe. Amsterdam's local transport system comprises of trams, buses and a metro system. You can buy tickets, by the hour, day or week that combine all of these modes of transport.
Accommodation is available for all budgets. There are the standard luxury hotels that you find in every major city, and also the medium-sized and family run hotels offering quality accommodation. The prices tend to be lower the further you are away from the center, but this is not a handicap due to the transport infrastructure. There are also backpacker hotels and self catering apartments available.
The diversity of food available in the city is tremendous. Restaurants cater for foods from all over the world, but it is easy to realize why Indonesian food is such a favorite. Another popular national delicacy is the pancake, the number of fillings available will amaze you. If you visit the city during the winter you must try their pea and ham soup, which is usually accompanied with raw ham and black bread.
If you have planned to see the tremendous architecture, the Royal Palace and Oude Kerk, located in the heart of the city are two places you should not miss. There are also museums to suit all interests, including torture and beer, but it is the art museums that are at the top of most people's agenda. The Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are very near to each other, but allow a few hours to visit each one.
If you want to take some time to sit down and have a drink and watch people, and the world, go by there are no better places than Leidseplein and Rembrandtsplein. These areas are full of cafes and bars that have terraces to relax on. If you want to escape to an area with some peace and tranquility there is the Vondelpark in the center of the city.
The annual celebration of the Queen's birthday on April 30 is one of the highlights of the year. By law, every citizen can set up a stall on the street and sell their goods. The city becomes very crowded, with people from all over the Netherlands visiting. On that day you may find that traveling to and from the city, and especially through the city center, extremely difficult. However, it is a spectacle not to be missed.
Amsterdam Netherlands combines culture, cuisine, and relaxation in one small space. For a major European city it is often considered quaint because of its canals and old buildings. It is a city everybody should experience at least once in their lives to see how the old and new can blend together in harmony.