AMSTERDAM: A FANTASTIC CITY

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands.  It is also the largest city with a recorded population of about 1 million as of January of 2008.  Amsterdam plays a significant role in the financial and cultural aspects of the Netherlands.  There are 7 of the world's top 100 companies located here, along with the majority of the large Dutch institutions.

Weather

Amsterdam has very nice weather all year long.   In the winter, temperatures are mild.  Night time temperatures will often stay above -5 degrees C.  Summer highs in August average around 22 degrees C.  It can be rather dreary for about half the year with 175 days of average precipitation, but most precipitation is drizzle rather than a hard pouring rain.

Traveling Around Amsterdam

Getting around Amsterdam you will probably want to bike.  It is bicycle friendly city and very safe for bicycling wherever you need to go.  Driving a vehicle within the city is difficult and parking is expensive, so it is much better to ride a bike or try public transportation.  There are bus and tram lines as well as water taxis and water buses.

General Areas of Amsterdam

The oldest area in Amsterdam is called de Wallen and is just east of Damrak.  This area is where the famous Red  Light District is located.  Just south is the Jewish area of Waterlooplein.  The heart of the city is encased by concentric canals.  Then there is the museum center of Museumplein, the 19th century park, Condelpark and Plantage where the zoo is located.

Tourism and Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam ranks as the 5th most popular tourist destination in Europe.  There is no surprise as to why with the historic canals, the various museums, the Red Light District and the cannabis coffee shops.  Throughout the year the city also holds various festivals that draw incredibly large crowd.

Shopping Amsterdam is amazing.  There are options from large department stores to quaint shops.  The high end shopping is found on Pieter Conelisz Hoofstraat and Cornelis Schuytstraat around Vondelpark.  Another great spot is Kalverstraat which lies in the heart of the city. Smaller private shops are found at Negen Straatjes.  There are also open air markets in the city, namely Albert Cuypmarkt and Westermarkt.

There are a range of museums, most located at het Museumplein.  Located here is the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.  This area also hosts a variety of festival throughout the year.  Favorite festivals include Koninginnedag, Amsterdam Gay Pride and Uitmarkt. 

When visiting Amsterdam it is essential to take in the world famous nightlife.  The two main clubs for the late night crowd are Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. 

Finally, the Red Light District is a very popular spot.  This area has legalized prostitution and features roadways and alleys that run throughout the district.  There are a lot of shops, theaters and museums in this area.  There are also many cannabis coffee shops.

When planning your trip to this great city, you will need to find accommodation in Amsterdam, which is not difficult.  The hotels in Amsterdam often offer special arrangements during peak tourists periods.  There are also four campsites around the city that offer places to stay.  You may also find self catering apartments in Amsterdam. Make sure to choose the most convenient accommodation option. 

SMALL CITY, BIG CITY OF AMSTERDAM

Windmills and canals, tulips and clogs - we all associate Amsterdam with all of these images and in many ways, the old images remain true to this day.  But Amsterdam is more than all these Dutch symbols.  Rising up and above them is the capital city of one of the most powerful economies of the present-day European Union, an echo of its former imperial glory but an impressive one nonetheless.

As expatriates and tourists before you have proven time and time again, Amsterdam is a very tolerant city protecting within its folds the persecuted minority of ages past.  Yes, even the women engaged in the oldest profession in the world continues to find a relatively safe haven in the city, thanks to their own sections - the De Wallen, Singelgebied and Ruysdaelkade, the big three of Amsterdam's red light district. 

In Amsterdam, you will also find that the people have a special relationship with water.  Indeed, it is one that can be characterized as a love-hate relationship where the people love the water for its blessings - thus, its moniker as the Venice of the North - but is continually at war with the sea invading its land.  Do not be surprised then that life in Amsterdam is one where water is both life and death. 

And speaking of life, tourists delight in the hundreds of restaurants, pubs and clubs dotting Amsterdam, all of which form part of one of Europe's most vibrant nightlife.  In many instances, it is almost like being transported to the exotic Orient in the midst of the practical Occident because of the presence of so many Asian establishments, most notably of Indonesian origin.  Keep in mind that Indonesia was the stronghold of the Dutch empire in the East and so this comes as no surprise. 

It is not just the night that comes alive with revelers.  On a sunny day, tourists and residents alike love to pull up tables and chairs, face the street, order food and drinks and just watch life go by like so many people watchers.  Now, this is Amsterdam that loves the good life and encourages everybody else to join in the party!

Of course, to enjoy such a good life as only Amsterdam can offer, you need a place to stay in the city.  Well, booking your Amsterdam lodging through online methods comes highly recommended by many travelers.  You will appreciate staying in a vacation rental Amsterdam,  especially during peak tourist season when visitors from all over the country and the world flock to Amsterdam to party the Dutch way.

Still, despite the cosmopolitan feel of the city, visitors appreciate how Amsterdam still manages to retain its small town appeal.  Yes, indeed, the city is so accessible by bike through all its points that making friends from your bike is as easy as waving your hand!

So, if you want the excitement of a big city from entertainment to shopping but combined with the joys of a small town from friendly people to safe environs, then Amsterdam is the place to be.