by Ed Prifogle
Amsterdam
Virtual Tour and Travel Guide
by Ed Prifogle
Featured Site-A Photographic Tour of
Amsterdam
Virtual
Tour Listen to this Rembrandts at the Airport Audio Walk around Amsterdam virtually using this interactive map Look at these live Amsterdam Web ams. Look at these Holland Panoramics Read these 87 visitor reviews to learn what an interesting city Amsterdam really is. Learn some basic Dutch language expressions New-Do a virtual tour of the Van Gogh museum Watch these panoramic views of many Amsterdam attractions. Watch Dutch TV Check the current Amsterdam Weather Report Also view these Travelocity Videos about the Amsterdam Tulip Market. Read the Amsterdam Post (in English) to learn what going on in the city See these Travelago Videos. City Description  Amsterdam
is a city filled with variety, color and excitement.
From its world famous nightlife and unrivalled collection of cultural
venues to the fabulous architecture and romantic canals. The town known
as the Venice of the North has something to offer everyone. Combining
the big city benefits of history, cuisine, entertainment and excellent
transport links with the physically small size, low traffic levels and
relative peace and quiet you'd expect from a small town, this uniquely
cosmopolitan city has become one of Europe's most popular
destinations. Built on 90 islands linked by 400 stone
bridges and
62 miles of canals,
each flanked by rows of the distinctive
seventeenth and eighteenth-century gabled houses that have made Dutch
architecture
famous. One of the most intact historical city centers in the world,
every
street offers a peek back in time.
But it
is at night that Amsterdam really comes to life. A late
city where many shops don't open until 10 in the morning and bars and
cafes stay open until the early hours, revelers can choose
from a rich
selection of activities and atmospheres. From the lively restaurant and
nightclub scene to the notorious red
light district and its collection
of cannabis coffee shops, Amsterdam certainly has a distinct character
all of its own. THINGS TO TRY The problem in Amsterdam isn't finding something to do. With an abundance of historic sites, thriving clubs, excellent restaurants and unique architecture, the real worry is deciding what not to do. It may be a tourist cliche, but taking a canal tour by barge is by far the best way to see Amsterdam and its magnificent buildings. With boats leaving Damrak by Central Station and Rokin by the Spui throughout the day, the 90 minute voyage affords a spectacular view of this thoroughly maritime city. Visit the world famous Heineken Brewery at 78 Stadhouderskade. Now a museum and visitors center, the home of the Netherlands' most famous beer offers two tours every weekday morning at 9:30 and 11:00 between June and September. The insight into brewing history is fascinating, but it is the generous free samples that make this attraction so popular. |
City
Description (continued)
The Dutch may not be famous for their cuisine, but Amsterdam has many choices when it comes to food. From street vendors to high-class restaurants, the city has something to suit every palate .Fondue may be a Swiss invention, but it has been a major feature of Dutch cooking for many years. Slump into the cozy surroundings of Calcaron; Bern at 9 Nieuwmarkt with some friends and grab a fork for one of the most relaxed and informal eating experiences available. This might sound like double Dutch, but hot Belgian potato chips smothered in thick mayonnaise are one of the most popular local delicacies. Buy some from a vendor in the Vondelpark and eat them on the grass as you watch the world go by. If your tastes are more upscale, try Swarte Schaep (The Black Sheep) for an exquisite meal in one of Holland's best-known restaurants. Housed in a sumptuous 300-year-old building on Leidseplein, the excellent food quality and historic surroundings bring a price ticket to match. Less traditional but equally worthwhile is the Supper Club at 21 Jonge Roelensteeg, one of the city's hippest and most unusual eateries. Here the customers are given beds instead of traditional seating and are treated with unusual food combinations and live entertainment as they eat.With a large population of Moroccans and a thriving Surinamese community, Amsterdam has a burgeoning selection of African eating-places. Try Kilimanjaro at 6 Rapenburgerplein, where friendly staff offer a range of traditional recipes from Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Tanzania and Ethiopia amidst a relaxed atmosphere. A CITY OF CONTRASTS
Take a short walk east from Waterlooplein and you enter The Plantage, where visitors can relax in the scenic beauty of the Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Gardens) and the world famous Artis Zoo. One of Amsterdam's quieter districts, wide open spaces like the Sarphatipark make this the place to get away from it all.For a faster tempo try visiting the Grachtengordel district, the central area north of the Old Center that plays home to many of the city's favorite nightspots. Leidseplein is packed with an enormous selection of bars and eateries, while the pavement cafes of Rembrandtplein are a prime location for relaxation and people watching.Head a bit further east and you'll arrive in Jordaan, one of Amsterdam's most charming neighborhoods. Populated by a blend of working-class families and affluent newcomers, this quarter may not boast the historical splendor of the old town, but its modern outlook and good social mix provide plenty of fun and color.
Although small enough to walk around, Amsterdam is blessed by excellent transport links. Train services from Schipol Airport are regular, fast and clean, while a national public transport information service (0900-9292) will tell you how to get anywhere you need to. Few Amsterdammers drive, preferring to use the excellent local tram service. A special circular service (number 20) traces a route past most major tourist attractions, although you may wish to hire a bicycle from Macbike at 220 Marnixstraat to make use of the city's numerous cycle paths and lack of hills. |
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