Tell
people you're going to Amsterdam
and there's a fair chance they'll either sigh with envy or
give you a sly nod. The city's reputation for tolerance laced
with sin precedes it, but equally renowned are its scenic
and cultural attractions. Additionally, Amsterdam's hotels
are known for their cleanliness and hospitality, its restaurants
offer world cuisine, and along the city streets is a shopper's
paradise. Most visitors fall in love with the city and return
again and again.
Amsterdam is nourished by a wealth of museums, concert halls,
and avant-garde theater and dance venues. Its relaxed and
tolerant attitudes draw those looking for a creative, anything-goes
atmosphere. Large numbers of beautiful tree-lined canals are
bordered by streets with rows of narrow, gabled houses and
17th-century warehouses, making Amsterdam an architectural
treasure-house. With 750,000 inhabitants, Amsterdam is much
smaller (but no less interesting) than many European capitals.
As a result, much of the city center can be comfortably explored
on foot -- or, if you want to look like a true local, by bicycle.
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Van Gogh Museum
Enjoy the world's largest collection of van Goghs, including
paintings, drawings and letters. The museum also has a large
collection of works by some of Van Gogh's contemporaries
and friends like Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec, as well as
a number of older artists whom Van Gogh admired, including
Leon L'hermitte and Jean-François Millet. The museum
features regular exhibitions highlighting art toward the
end of the 19th century.
Rijksmuseum
This museum is considered the "national treasure of
the Netherlands." Its exhibits include paintings from
the Netherland's 17th century Golden Age by Rembrandt, Vermeer,
Frans Hals and Jan Steen. Rembrandt's "Night Watch"
is the museum's centerpiece. You'll also find works from
the Middle Ages and the 18th and 19th centuries, superb
collections of silver and delftware ceramics, old doll's
houses and fantastic examples of Asian Art.
Anne Frankhuis
Anne Frank and her family went into hiding here on July
6, 1942, and lived in isolation for over two years. The
German occupation removed all the furniture when the inhabitants
were detained in 1944. However, films and other media, including
Anne's diary, give a good idea of what life was like. The
museum opened on May 3, 1960, and an enormous visitors'
center was constructed in the 1980s.
Vondelpark
This large, green oasis was created in the second half of
the 19th century, and named after the poet Joost van den
Vondel (1587-1679), a statue of whom was unveiled here in
1867. Today Vondelpark, one of the most-visited spots in
the city, is a restful haven for citizens, away from the
city's chaos. Come here for inline skating, let your children
play in the large playground or have a cup of coffee on
one of the four terraces.
Artis
"This zoo offers winding paths, majestic trees and
monumental historic buildings that give it a special, 19th
century atmosphere. There are more than 8,000 animals, two
museums, a planetarium and a magnificent, recently renovated
aquarium. Courses ranging from astrology to drawing can
also be followed here.
Holland Festival
Taking place annually each June, this event celebrates contemporary
theater, both national and international. Music is celebrated
as well, including classical, contemporary and pop. You
can also check out dance and opera, performed in a variety
of theaters and concert halls, throughout the the city.
The festival, operating since 1947, features established
artists alongside lesser-known performers. You can purchase
tickets at Stadsschouwburg, the festival's cultural center.
Visit the Web site for the program specifics and tickets.
Westerkerk
The Netherlands's most renowned church has been the source
of inspiration for many musicians. The famous tower was
completed in 1638; its bells manufactured by the renowned
François Hemony foundry in 1658. Though the Protestant
community owned the church, the tower was the property of
the local authorities and served as a lookout. This marks
the site of Rembrandt's burial, as well as the marriage
of Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus. For Anne Frank the ringing
of the clock was a beacon of hope during WWII.
Nieuwmarkt
Initially a lively fish and cloth market, the square upon
which the castle-like De Waag building stands, was the holding
place for Jews arrested during WWII. In the 1970s, Chinese
immigrants created a small Chinatown, and a decade later,
locals protested the construction of a subway station here.
Now the square is a cool gathering place surrounded by pubs
and small restaurants where you can eat well for little
money. A delightful walk along the canals, amid some of
Amsterdam's oldest houses is highly recommended.
NEMO
The NEMO, newMetropolis, lies in the heart of Amsterdam.
Discover technological and scientific developments in the
worlds of biomedicine and information technology. Even highbrows
may find difficulty discerning between fact and fantasy.
An added bonus is a footbridge that ascends from the quayside
of the building to a rooftop terrace that offers great views
of the city.
Queens Day
The Queen's birthday on April 30 is the most festive occasion
of the year in The Netherlands. Amsterdam is particularly
famous for staging an all-out street party. Dressed in orange
(the Queen is from the House of Orange), with beers in hand
and the national colors painted on their faces, people stroll
through the city. On this day, street trade is unregulated,
so look for garage sales. Vondelpark is reserved for the
kiddies where they can play, buy snacks and shop around
in their own street market.
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