Despite not being home to the government and parliament of the country, Amsterdam is the recognised capital city of the Netherlands. It’s one of the most popular destinations across Europe for city breaks, ocean cruises, river cruises and more with a phenomenal and diverse array of attractions bringing people to the city.
Amsterdam has been a city since the early 14th century and has been an integral player in the history of the country and the continent as a whole. These days it is the largest cultural centre in the Netherlands with something to interest everyone. It has historic monuments and museums, art galleries, contemporary family-orientated attractions, a lively and thriving nightlife scene and more besides. It’s also regarded as one of the most liberal and tolerant cities across the globe: in 2010 it was ranked as the city with the highest number of different nationalities in the world.
Beginning with the museums, Amsterdam is home to one of the most iconic and renowned buildings from the Second World War, which is of course the Anne Frank House. The house is dedicated to the story of Anne Frank, the girl who kept a diary while hiding from the Nazis in hidden rooms in the building. It is home to an exhibition on her life, along with items dedicated to other known examples of persecution.
The other two major museums of note are the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Both have a more artistic inclination; the Rijksmuseum has a vast collection from the so-called Dutch Golden Age including Rembrandt and Steen, while the Van Gogh Museum rather obviously has a huge collection (the largest worldwide) of works by the world-famous Vincent Van Gogh.
For something completely different you can try the Heineken Experience which includes a tour of the brewery showcasing the history of the beer’s manufacture, along with various other interactive experiences.
Strolling the streets is a pleasure unto itself when in Amsterdam, thanks to the canal network and the fascinating architecture that this has created. Walk over countless bridges and spot tall buildings packed side-by-side along the banks of the canal with many giving the impression that they will collapse any day, such is the nature of their design. Alternatively get onto the canals themselves, with cruises and taxis on a range of boats including authentic Venetian gondolas.
It would be remiss to discuss Amsterdam without acknowledging the coffeeshops and the drug culture in the city. Official coffeeshops (one word) are legally permitted to sell cannabis and hash so long as it is no more than 5 grams and for personal use. It’s one of the major attractions for a number of guests but caution is advised particularly for anyone visiting on a cruise as you most definitely will not be allowed to board with any drugs.
If you just want a drink somewhere then you’ll be delighted with the selection of pubs and bars that are available for you to try. Whether you want an authentic experience in a typical ‘brown bar’, a cocktail in a trendy location or simply a glass of wine as you overlook the canal you’ll find plenty of choice.
This is a simple taste of what’s on offer in Amsterdam, with many thousands of words needed to cover everything. The best way to see the city is to dive in, get your favourite attractions ticked off and then explore further, finding the sights that attract you the most.
By Ian Lewis
Google
