As the capital and the largest city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam has become world-renowned for its nightlife. So if you're planning to be in Europe during New Year's Eve of 2011, then you should definitely consider spending it in Amsterdam. With an area of about 220 square-meters, and a population of over 1.2 million-the city can be the perfect place to celebration the transition from the year 2011, to 2012. Here are some helpful tips for making the last evening of 2011 as enjoyable as possible.

Oudejaarsavond

This is the official New Year's Eve holiday in the Netherlands. Although it's not technically a public holiday, New Year's Day (Nieuwjaarsdag) is. So it's common for Amsterdam residents to spend a night on the time during the last day of the year. A popular tradition is to spend time with friends and relatives at home. However, other Dutch enjoy traveling into town, where there are several festivities to celebrate the new year.

Fireworks Displays

Fireworks are definitely one of the most popular attractions during New Year's Eve in Amsterdam. On December 31, 2011 you can find several public firework displays throughout the city. If you want to avoid the ruckus of fireworks displays, then you can enjoy from from afar from one of the highest bridges throughout the city. Unfortunately you can also observe several "official" firework displays downtown. So if you travel to any crowded downtown areas, be cautious since stray firecrackers have the potential of causing serious injuries to bystanders.

Rijksmuseum

This is where the biggest public event during New Year's Eve will happen in 2011. It's a huge grassy square in Amsterdam's museum sector. Interestingly, the term "Rijksmuseum"  is a generic term that means "national museum" in Dutch. However, the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum is considered to be the most significant one in the country. This year the free New Year's Eve celebration at Rijksmuseum will start at 9;00 PM, and end several hours after midnight.

Bars, Discos, and Nightclubs

While spending New Year's Eve in Amsterdam you can enjoy bars, discos, or both. The Euro's introduction in the year 2022 has caused many locals to reduce their number of weekly nights-on-the-town to about one. Still, New Year's Even only happens once every year. So it's an option that you should certainly consider if you're going to be in Amsterdam during the last day of 2011. Amsterdam has become famous for its array of nightlife choices, so you likely won't have any difficulty finding a bar, disco, or nightclub that you fancy.

Restaurants and Cafes

Many of them will be closed on December 31^st, so you should make restaurant reservations weeks before the holiday. Dining out before your night on the town can be one of the best ways to ring in the new year. So make your reservations ASAP!

Public Transportation

Most public transportation in Central Amsterdam will only be available until early evening on December 31^st. For that reason it's crucial that you plan for alternative means of transportation on the last day of the year. After having a thrilling evening bringing in the new year, you'll likely want to avoid being stranded in downtown Amsterdam. For more information about Amsterdam public transport

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