Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe attracting more than 3 million visitors a year, but why is a city once described by Jeremy Clarkson as ’’ full of drunk Liverpudlians vomiting on Philippine girls ‘’ so popular ?
The most famous land mark is of course the Red Light District where Girls stand in the windows and try to entice tourists to part with their Holiday Money. The second most famous are the Amsterdam Coffeeshops who will sell you Marijuana with your Cappuccino.
In true Amsterdam style the area surounds a stunning 14th Century Church in one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of Amsterdam which has changes little in 400 years.
On arrival in Amsterdam it becomes obvious that the vast majority of visitors come for a more cultural experience.
The Van Gough Museum houses the Worlds largest collection of the Dutch Painters works including some of his most famous such as ‘’ Sunflowers ‘’. Art lovers can also visit Rembrandt’s former House which is now a Museum containing many of the Dutch Masters paintings.
The Heineken Experience is a treat for Beer enthusiasts and the Diamond Museum is also an interesting visit. Artis Zoo and the Botanical Gardens are conveniently located close to each other and the Nemo Science Museum is a fun day out for young children.
Other popular attractions include the Amsterdam Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, Hard Rock Café, the Sex Museum, Marijuana Museum and many more.
Anne Frank’s house, the former hiding place of the most famous victim of the Second World War is a poignant reminder and the Resistance Museum is a tribute to the Dutch fight against occupation.
Unlike other Cities in Europe Amsterdam avoided a large part of the destruction during the War and as such large parts remain unchanged. Dam Square still looks as it would have done over 200 years ago when the Palace was seized by Napoleon. Paintings from the time now on view in the Rijksmuseum show the square has hardly changed.
This gives Amsterdam its beauty as the old buildings, built tall and thin in an attempt to avoid Taxes at the time all appear to lean in different directions. Most are built along Amsterdam’s network of canals that covers the majority of the City.
A romantic walk through the old cobbled canal side streets at Sunset creates a Magical atmosphere as the light softens and the edges of the houses start to blur, the street lights sparkling along the canals.
The pedestrian streets and old-fashioned Bridges give an impression of the Eighteenth Century and the Well-to-do people of Amsterdam cycling the streets on old-fashioned bicycles adds to the illusion.
Lively evenings should be enjoyed in one of the Cities many squares with Rembrandt Square and the Leidseplein popular with tourists due to the number of Bars and Restaurants. Most have a terrace perfect to sit outside and watch the City go by.
Amsterdam is one of the smallest Cities in Europe, much smaller than Paris, London or Berlin. Due to its small size it is very easy to get around. Almost everywhere in Amsterdam is no more than half an hour walking distance from Dam Square.
Famous for Cheese, Clogs and Tulips the Dutch are one of the friendliest Nations in Europe and almost all speak perfect English. The culture in Amsterdam is stylish and relaxing with a slow pace of life and a small town feel.
Less than a 2 hour flight from almost every country in Europe it is easy to see why Amsterdam is so popular.
hetuur.wordpress.com 