DutchX.com Netherlands - Essential Amsterdam Tourist Attractions and Galleries etc
| With so much to choose from when deciding Where to Visit in Amsterdam the first time visitor will know that it's impossible to go to all the major galleries, museums and landmarks in just one stay so that raises the question of where on earth to start! That's why we've put together a selection of some of the city's highlights.
As Amsterdam is relatively compact none of these are too far from the centre and are easily accessible on foot, or even by tram for those who prefer to make life a little easier. The best way to see Amsterdam though is definitely 'à pied' allowing you to stroll through narrow streets, walk lazily alongside the canals and generally take in the atmosphere of this fantastic city.
Central Station figures as a stopping point on almost every public transport route you can find and its here that you'll find tourist and travel information. It's also a good place from which to start exploring the city, either in the direction of the Old Town or the Red Light District. The Old Jewish Quarter is beyond the Red Light District . Where to start? So much to see! If you arrive at the Centraal Station then make a start right there. It's an impressive building that, when it was built, caused quite a stir as it sat right on the waterfront between the city's centre and the River Ij. The architect chosen to draw the plans raised a few eyebrows, as well. Petrus J.H. Cuypers was a catholic and, although he had designed the Rijksmusem, his appointment was greeted with disapproval by the protestants. Opposition not withstanding the Station was built to his design and stands today as a functional, yet elegant, modern transport interchange. Step though the exit; look towards the south-east and you will see the dome and towers of the city's catholic church. St Nicolaaskerk dates back to the late 19th century. Stroll on along the Damrak, packed with bars, cafes, shops and stores, and take a look at the pleasure boats tied up and up and waiting for the next trip-load of tourists to embark. You'll also see the old Stock Exchange, The Boeurs, as you continue your stroll towards Dam Square. Here, in the centre of the old city, you will see the massive bulk of 15th century Nieuwe Kerk and the 17th century Koninklijk Paleis which started out in life as a rather grandiose Town Hall. It became 'Royal' when it was requisitioned as the Royal residence by Napoleon's brother Louis, who had been declared 'king' in 1808. Its status as a royal residence was only to last 2 years but, when Louis left, he abandoned not only the palace but the ornate furnishings as well, much of which is exhibited today. Red Light District. One question the tourist returning from Amsterdam can expect is, "Did you visit the Red Light District?" The next question might be, "Why?" So have your answer ready! Don't be fooled, these are not actors and actresses dressing up to put on a show for the tourists. These are people going about their business of making a living. It's a serious business - its only novelty being that, for many, it's a completely unfamiliar scene. Also unfamiliar to most visitors is the country's attitude to drug use. There is a popular misconception that 'anything' goes and it's all legal. Wrong! Without going into too much detail and to just generalise, dealing in any drugs is illegal. The coffee-shops offering cakes or smokes exploit a loophole in the law on which the authorities choose not to clamp down. Excessive drug use and 'hard' drugs are most definitely criminal offences. If you want to learn more then make sure the Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum is on your list of institutions to visit. It's just a short walk from the Oostindisch Huis, the early 17th century building constructed to house the the Dutch East India Company. Canals. To those unfamiliar with Amsterdam's extensive network of waterways it might be difficult to envisage an overall pattern. However, if you take a bird's eye view of the city it quickly becomes apparent that the canal system is clearly defined. Looking down on the city is like looking at a sequence of horse-shoe shaped canals each one fitted inside the next; it is like one side of a spider's web, with its radiating ribs and all the linking threads, travelling round the old town, creating ever increasing semi-circles linking the Rivers Ij and Amstel. The Damrak was once the main canal linking the city with the trading vessels from other countries until the late 17th century but as, traffic increased, the docks were moved to the east and much of the Damrak was filled in. Instead of a busy waterway it became a busy and popular thoroughfare! The Museum Plein and Vondelpark Rijksmuseum Stedelijk Museum Van Gogh Museum The Old Centre x The Jordaan and Westerdok x The East and Old Jewish Quarter x The Grachtengordel x Further Afield x |
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