Things To Do In Amsterdam

Posted by admin

February 4, 2010

canals From shopping to eating to taking in a bounty of cultural and historical sites, a trip to Amsterdam is never a dull affair. Whether you’ve been here before or will be visiting for the very first time, there are a handful of key attractions and things to do in Amsterdam that everybody should experience at least once. Get an idea about the prime things to see and do in this eclectic and fascinating city by reading on below.

The Anne Frank House

Most people are quite familiar with the tragic tale of Anne Frank, the young girl who kept a diary while she and her family hid in the attic of an Amsterdam home in the hopes of avoiding detection by the Nazis. Whether you’ve read the diary or not, you most likely have the impression that the place where Anne and her family lived for more than two years was reasonably sized; the fact is, though, that living conditions were quite cramped. The only way to get a true appreciation for what the Franks went through is by visiting this amazing site, which also includes a small museum.

The Van Gogh Museum

Another one of the most famous former residents of Amsterdam was Vincent van Gogh. The famously one-eared painter spent many years in this city; the Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of his paintings on the planet. By perusing the collection, you can get a better feel for the immense talent of this eccentric man. In addition to his paintings and sketchings, a collection of works from a few of his contemporaries is also on display. To visit Amsterdam and skip the Van Gogh Museum would be a real shame, so make it a point to spend at least a few hours at this intriguing place.

The Red Light District

If you’ve read about Amsterdam, then you’ve undoubtedly heard about its infamous Red Light District. Prostitution is legal in this large city, but you don’t have to partake in the industry to check this section of Amsterdam out for yourself. An eclectic mix of very strange shops dot the landscape here, affording visitors with many unique photo opportunities. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the people who work in the Red Light District do not take kindly to having their own pictures taken; keep your camera aimed away from them at all times.

The 9 Streets

Unlike many major cities, Amsterdam doesn’t have one major shopping complex or mall in which people can find the best merchandise and other goods. Instead, there is a much more charming option in the form of the city’s famous 9 Streets area. As the name implies, this area is comprised of nine streets, upon which dozens and dozens of eclectic shops, boutiques and other retailer ply their wares. The area is arranged in a quaint and pleasant way, making it a delightful place to spend a couple of hours while in the city of Amsterdam.

Cruise Along The Canals

Although Amsterdam’s aren’t quite as famous as those in Venice, they are close. Indeed, the network of canals that winds through the city is one of its most endearing features; canal cruises are immensely popular and quite easy to come by. On an exceptionally nice day, make a point of getting on board such a cruise to see a whole other side of the city. In many ways, travelling on a canal cruise lets you catch a glimpse of parts of Amsterdam that you would otherwise never get a chance to see. Be sure to bring your camera!

Ride A Bike Around Town

There are several places where you can rent bicycles in Amsterdam, and getting around by bike is one of the best ways to see the city. Plan a day in the city where your key mode of transportation will be a bike - then get going! Try to stick to paths along the canals for the most scenic views, and take care when you are peddling around busier parts of the city. While drivers are used to bicyclists here, it is still important to remain vigilant and to exercise as much caution as possible when zipping around town on a bike.

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