Why Visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, and is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and relaxed lifestyles.Travel from the UK
If you are travelling from the UK it couldn’t be easier, especially with the launch of the direct train service from the UK to Amsterdam on the Eurostar this year. Fares start from just £35 one way and the train journey takes less than 4 hours. If taking the train isn’t for you there are also plenty of direct flights from airports all over the UK, or why not take a scenic drive?
Hop on a bike
Over 63% of Amsterdammers cycle daily and there is no surprise that there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam, with over 800,000 on the streets. This city is one of the world’s most cycle-friendly cities, and cycling is one of the best and cheapest ways to view the city’s streets, attractions and canals.
Anne Frank House
Located in central Amsterdam on a canal called the Prinsengract, this building is a biographical museum and writers house dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. During the Second World War, she hid from Nazi persecution with her family and four other people in hidden rooms at the rear of the 17th-century canal house, known as the Secret Annex. Although she did not survive the war, in 1947 her wartime diary was published.
Art History
The Netherlands produced a surprising number of artists, including Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent van Gogh. Visit the Van Gogh Museum to learn about the styles and secrets of the person who is considered to be Holland’s most interesting painter, or visit Rijksmuseum which features Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch.
The Canals
Amsterdam boasts over 100 kilometres of canals, 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. There are three main canals in the city, Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, which were dug out in the 17th century and form concentric belts around the city. In 2010 the canal ring area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has helped to contribute to Amsterdam’s name “Venice of the North”. The best way to explore the canals is by taking a picturesque canal cruise.
Dutch Beer
The beer originating from the Netherlands is praised all over the world, with many of these delicious brews originating from Amsterdam. There are still many breweries that can still be found inside the city, with the main attraction being the Heineken Brewery. Why not do an interactive tour, taking you through the history of the brewery and finishing in the tasting room? A ticket to do this tour starts from approximately 21 Euros, and you can also combine it with a canal cruise.
The Coffee Shops
Amsterdam has around 250 coffee shops, with most of them located in the Red Light District. You will be sure to find one that suits you perfectly, from psychedelic to hipster ones, and local ones to more touristic venues. Each coffee shop in Amsterdam has its own unique atmosphere. Of course one of the most popular reasons visitors come here is to relax, often with a coffee and a joint or hash brownie, as Marijuana is legal here.
Venustempel Sex Museum
The Venustempel, meaning “temple of Venus”, is the world’s first and oldest sex museum. It is located in the centre of Amsterdam and looks at many aspects of sensual love through the ages. It displays an extensive collection of erotic pictures, paints, recordings, photographs and more, with the vast collection personally gathered by the museum’s owners. The entry fee into the museum is approximately 4 Euros.
