Mapping Amsterdam

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Amsterdam may not be the seat of government in the Netherlands - it's The Hague - but it is arguably the most beguiling city in the country. Rightly so for it is the creative and cultural center with the charms of an old European city calling on its residents and visitors to come and be lost in its lovely canals and streets.  Well, that's figuratively speaking, of course, as you will not want to be utterly and hopelessly lost per se in Amsterdam.  That's what maps are for, after all! 

 And speaking of maps, you will observe upon closer scrutiny that Amsterdam is divided into nine districts. As can be expected from a city with such a long history, each district offers a unique ambiance that somehow melds into the rest of the other districts to make for one charming whole that Amsterdam is. 

 For example, the Old Center is notable for its eclectic mix of classic architecture coupled with the Red Light District and Chinatown, the former on the New Side and the latter on the Old Side.  And then there is the Grachtengordel, which is the one of the leafiest parts of the city with its celebrity houses as well as the city's happening nightlife venues in Rembrandt Square and Leiden Square. Other districts in Amsterdam's center include the Jordaan and the Plantage.

 Moving outwards on the map, you will observe the so-called Outer Districts that are simply divided into the the South, West, North and East districts.  The South district is home to the Museum Quarter and the South Axis while the West obviously includes the Western Islands.

 Yet another thing you will observe about the maps of Amsterdam is that the Amsterdam known to tourists is just the city center.  This is the semi-circle on the map with the Central Station at its top, which represents the city during the 1850s.  Thus, many tourists will not be able to see the other sides of the city since all the major attractions are either inside or just inside this semi-circle. 

 Well, this is a shame considering that there is much more to Amsterdam than its infamous Red Light District.  With map in hand, you should go off the tourist-beaten path and venture on foot and on bike to other areas of the city. 

 Even if you are not confident on a bike, you will soon realize why almost everybody in the city has a bike.  Amsterdam boasts of bike-friendly paths, public transportation and even establishments will let in the odd bike or two.  You may also get a map especially made for bicycle tours so do take advantage of it.

 With your map in tow, you will be able to see more, understand more and feel more of Amsterdam.  And of course, don't forget to book your holiday apartment online because you want to feel how it is to become a resident of Amsterdam even if it is on a temporary basis. 

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Read our article about the Amsterdam Red Light District!