The capital of Netherlands, Amsterdam, is cherished for its artistic culture and sophisticated canal system along with the many more reasons. Hopefully, this guide will give you an insight of the ‘Venice of the North’ to comprehend its splendour.
When in Amsterdam
Primarily, you can lose yourself in Amsterdam’s canal belt by simply jumping into a canal boat or even, just by renting a bike to uncover this gorgeous city. In either of the two ways – you’ll find enough features about this city that will bring a smile to your face.
Amsterdam has a dynamic street art scene so you can merely hit the streets for inventive art or stop at the modern art galleries in picturesque Jordaan, where art literally comes alive. Anyone fond of museums can have an enchanting time in Amsterdam, starting with the Rijksmuseum, the largest and the most eye-catching museum in the Netherlands. It has been doing an impeccable job in manifesting the history and charm of the Dutch through its assortment of paintings, while the Van Gogh museum contains around 550 sketches and 200 paintings displaying Van Gogh in all his dissimilar moods. Conversely, the Maritime Museum doesn’t fail to remind us that the Netherlands was centuries ago, one of the world’s biggest sea powers, by means of its spectacular collection of exceptional paintings, ancient maps and outstanding ship models.
Moreover, religion has always been significant to the Dutch citizens. The oldest church of the city is the Oude Kerk, depicting its astonishing Gothic and Renaissance flavours, while the Chinese Fo Guang Shan He Hua Buddhist Temple in Amsterdam is nothing less of a place for cultural enlightenment. Visiting these religious houses is absolutely worth the try!
Photo by Hans Splinter
Then again, nature-lovers will assuredly bask in encountering one of the secret gardens, known as Begijnhof, which is certainly a world of its own away from the hubbub of city life. Likewise, you can head to Vondelpark for a soothing picnic and to indulge in its assortment of innumerable sculptures. Those who delight in skating, should visit the city in the chilly winter when the frozen canals turn out to be the flawless ‘playground’ for ice-skating devotees. What is more, is that the courageous skaters can even have the opportunity to whoosh along the slender canals at the marathon-style occasion of Elfstedentocht.
Travel around the flea markets if you want to get a hint of the multi-ethnic essence of Amsterdam. The pick of the bunch is the Albert Cuypmarkt, which presents a magnificent insight into the Dutch life, selling smoked eels and Surinamese sherbets among its many products. There are also many more flea markets around for you to give a try.
Furthermore, have a drink in the bar or cafes and socialize with the locals there. Most of the cafes start early in the morning and shut down by midnight, presenting an array of drinks. Twee Zwaantjes, Wynand Fockink, Prik are among the countless numbers of bars for you to relish.
Gastronomic Paradise
After a busy day of walking, delight in some humble food and beer or warm coffee in one of Amsterdam’s many old-fashioned cafés called ‘brown’. Initially, it might seem too out-of-date, but the ambiance is exclusive and warm. Or, stopover at Spang Makandra near the Albert Cuyp market to try some authentic Japanese food. Nevertheless, don’t forget to give Wok to Walk a try; It never fails to make the best Asian food! For seafood lovers, order some seafood at the Seafood Bar, for your tastebuds to start bursting with luscious flavours!
Conversely, you must try the street food, the raw herring is to die for! Also, Hannekes Boom is a rustic hideaway for phenomenal drinks and mouthwatering food with its comfortable ambiance. Formerly a church, school and printing business, the Plantage Doklaan is an incredible location to have a thought provoking chat with other vacationers and indulge in its appetizing dishes.
The Eclectic Nightlife
Amsterdam’s club scene is gratifyingly eclectic, starting from minimalist grooves to the utmost sounds. The topnotch clubs like Air or ArenA can, with confidence, take your sleep away with its startling music. Besides, Jimmy Woo is a hip club that plays a diverse series of music, but typically, hip-hop and RnB. Also, Pllek boasts of being the biggest disco ball in the hour of darkness. Hit the floor to its groovy tempo! The famous club and cultural-hangout spot called Basis, entices a combination of the party, the artsy and the modish visitors, with its openhearted atmosphere, diversity of drinks, and the facility to bring your own food.
The perfect time to visit Amsterdam is within April and May, otherwise, September and November, since you’ll enjoy in its warm atmosphere, encounter fewer visitors, and live through the city as the residents typically do – all laid-back, but equally vibrant and full of life! Welcome to the freedom called, Amsterdam!
Fijne reis verder!
Are you planning to go to Amsterdam? Find useful information, cheap flights, hotel deals and online tickets to museums, attractions and entertainment HERE.
