Overview
The capital of the Netherlands is one of the greatest small cities in the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
The centre of Amsterdam consists of 90 islands, which are linked by 400 bridges. Therefore it should not come as a surprise that there are more canals in Amsterdam than in Venice.
Amsterdam has all the advantages of a big metropolis, diverse and interesting culture and history, good transport, brilliant shopping and vibrant and trendy nightlife but it is also a quiet city that offers some good spots for relaxing at one of the many city beaches for example.
It is widely known that Amsterdam is one the most bicycle friendly cities in the world. What a lot of people do not know is that it has been a centre for diamond cutting and trade for more than 400 years and is also called the “City of Diamonds”.
Things to do
There is something for everyone’s taste and there is so much to do in Amsterdam. These are only a few suggestions.
Museums are the main attractions of the city. The city offers a wide range of world-famous museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
It is very easy to explore the city on foot, as the historic centre is relatively small and very flat. The more Dutch way to see the city and impressive architecture, of course is by bicycle or on a boat. There are 165 historic canals in Amsterdam waiting to be explored. A tour on a floating vessel is an absolute must when visiting the city. Most of the sights are covered by the boat tours and you will see many colourful boathouses on the canals and of course numerous bridges, which are beautifully illuminated at night.
The Netherlands is known for its friendly people, canals, cheese and flowers. Therefore, try to visit one of the many colourful flower gardens, which are mainly located outside the city. Especially, tulips are an integral of life and culture in the Netherlands.
For fans of beer, the old Heineken brewery should be at the top of their list. The Heineken Experience is an exciting and interactive way to learn more about the history of this world famous beer and the craft of brewing and some beer tasting will be included.
If the weather permits, a visit to one of the long sandy beaches by the North Sea is always a nice change of scenery.
