Amsterdam
Traveling to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. Located in north-western Europe, Amsterdam is well connected by rail, air, highway and sea transport. Although relatively a smaller capital city, Amsterdam attracts millions of visitors with a large variety of interests ranging from business, historical and cultural trips to party, sex and drugs tourism.
The city of Amsterdam is divided into 8 Stadsdelen (boroughs), Amsterdam West, Amsterdam East, Amsterdam North, Amsterdam South, Westerpoort, Amsterdam South East, Amsterdam New West and probably most interesting for visitors - Amsterdam Centrum (Amsterdam Center). Amsterdam Center is about 9 square kilometers and is fully walkable. Within a little more than half an hour, you can walk from one end of the center to the other. Weather permitting, walking is a good way to get to know Amsterdam.
Amsterdam, What to do and Where to Stay
No matter how you arrive in to the city, you cannot miss all the water around you. Three main canals - Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht run through the center and each of these is charming in its own way. Boats, ferries and boat-houses are an integral part of life in Amsterdam. There is also a floating flower market where you can buy tulip bulbs, flowers and various Dutch souvenirs.
During the day you can enjoy a nice stroll along the canals or at the beautiful Vondelpark, go shopping at the well know clothing store chains on Leidsestraat or Kalverstraat or to the brand-name boutiques on P.C. Hooftstraat.
Amsterdam offfers many attractions like Anne Frank's House, Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein, Museumplein, the Red Light District and Dam Square. Amsterdam also transforms itself at night. If you have seen the city during the day, take the time to also experience it at night. The romantic tranquility of the canals with their beautifully lit bridges, the excited atmosphere in the Red Light District, the trendy bars and discos on Leidseplein and Rembrandplein combined with the numerous people on the streets out to have a good time offer an unrivaled city night life experience.
