Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and has been attracting millions of visitors annually for years. Located centrally on the continent, it is only a short flight from most cities in Europe, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend or short holiday. There is so much to do and see that you’ll likely need several visits just to see everything you want.
Overflowing with culture and atmosphere, simple walking the streets of Amsterdam is a great way to experience this delightful city. A melting pot of diverse cultures has created a huge range of culinary treats to taste in many of the cities restaurants.
Image: Runner310
Perhaps most famous for its museums than anything else, Amsterdam is an art lover's dream. The country has inspired and produced many masters such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer. The two museums that you simply cannot miss are the world class Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum.
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without experiencing the tale of Anne Frank. Her diary has touched millions of people all over the world, and a visit to the Anne Frank museum is an incredible and moving experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Getting There & Around
The main airport in Amsterdam is Schiphol International Airport. Most major international destinations are served from Schiphol and the national carrier KLM has earned an excellent reputation as a great carrier. Cheap flights can also be had by flying into Eindhoven or Maastricht with airlines such as Ryanair or EasyJet and then getting a bus or train into the city.
The city is also well served by trains connecting to all the major cities in Europe. Book early to avoid expensive tickets as prices can rise quickly closer to the date.
Buses are another option for those looking for some better value. As with the trains, Amsterdam is well connected to all the major cities through bus services such as Euro Link.
The city is well served by its easy to use tram system. Buy your ticket when you get on and just hop off at your stop. Locals are very friendly and can help out if you’re stuck.
The other option is to walk or better yet, do as the locals do and cycle around the city! There is no shortage of bikes in Amsterdam and it’s a fantastic way to zip around and feel the unique atmosphere of the city.
Image: Bert Bulder
A leisurely canal cruise is a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective and also great to give your feet a break for a few hours. You’ll see the famous townhouses along the banks of the canals and the colorful house boats dotted along the canals while knowledgeable guides give a great overview of the cities culture and history.
.jpg)
At night, the city really comes alive. There is no shortage of entertainment with top bars and nightclubs dotted everywhere. The famous Red Light District is interesting to stroll through for the curious. Cafe shops where marijuana is available to smoke are everywhere but the city is clamping down on tourists entering cafes with a view to cleaning up the city's reputation on drugs.
Amsterdam is a very modern and dynamic city full of culture and interesting landmarks. It makes an ideal getaway for a long weekend or short holiday, and is suitable for any kind of visitor.
Here are a few essential language, pricing and transport tips for anyone planning a trip to Amsterdam:
Language: Dutch
Useful Phrases:
|
Hello |
Hallo |
|
Goodbye |
Dag |
|
Please |
Alstublieft |
|
Thank you (very much) |
Dank je/u (zeer) |
|
Can I have a beer please? |
Mag ik een biertje, alstublieft |
|
Cheers! |
Proost |
|
How much is it? |
Hoeveel is het? |
|
Where is the toilet? |
Waar is de toilet |
|
A Bottle of Beer |
£2.75 |
|
An Average Meal for Two (inc bottle of wine) |
£36.50 |
|
A Coffee |
£1.85 |
|
A Bottle of Mineral Water |
£0.35 |
|
Suncream (Factor 15) |
£5.90 |
