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 Amsterdam
was originally established as a fishing village at the mouth of the Amstel
River during the 13th century. Amsterdam prospered over the years,
with its wealth and power peaking during the 17th century's Golden Age.
Today the restored façades of all periods in Amsterdam's history
await your visit.
When you first arrive in Amsterdam, you are stunned by its well preserved beauty. On a sunny, cloudy, or rainy day, it can hypnotize you with a sense of timelessness. In the summer the weather is perfect for walking around and exploring this fine city. This is a typical canal. Amsterdam's canals were laid out in concentric rings as the city grew. You can walk for miles and miles along these grachts, or better yet, rent a bike and explore Amsterdam the Dutch way. |
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The Damrak, once the site of the Amstel river, is now a busy tourist street. Lined with cafes, shops, money changers and tourist info centers. It ends at the Dam square (above) where the Amstel dam was located, giving Amsterdam it's name. The square is used for official events, festivals, concerts, and an occasional market. The Royal Palace, the Niewe Kerk, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, De Bijenkorf - a department store, all face the square. In the center of the Dam is a monument to Holland's WWII dead. |
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 Central
Station, where you can get the metro or a tram around town or a train to
Paris or Berlin. Amsterdam is a cultural center with a diverse range
of events all year round. The city plays host to several world famous museums
including the Van Gogh, the Rijksmuseum containing the National Art Collection,
and the Stedelijk for modern art.
All three museums are easy to find as they're on the same street! The world
renowned Concertgebouw offers classical concerts all year 'round, and free
Wednesday lunch concerts. |
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 Amsterdam's
fine parks are popular places on sunny days. The Vondelpark has the National
Film Museum, the Vertigo cafe, and an outdoor music venue for free
concerts in the summer. Bring your skates! The weather in Amsterdam
is usually cool with several inches of rain every month. So bring
a rain jacket. |
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 The
Leidseplein is one of several centers for nightlife. With hundreds
of restaurants and several very popular clubs and cinemas in the area,
the Leidseplein is very busy in the summer. Street musicians, jugglers
and other performers make the square a lively place until the early hours.
Another popular area for dining and dancing is the Rembrandtplein. Amsterdam's
brown pubs are cozy places to soak up the relaxed atmosphere and some great
brew in the country of Heineken, Amstel and Grolsch. |
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 Amsterdam
fashions are a bit eclectic. Witness these unusual shoes, a must
for the rave crowd. Also popular are plaid jackets, anything in orange,
(the national color), wild hairdos with women favoring weird braided protrusions
on their heads. In general anything goes! Offbeat shopping can be
found in the Jordaan district where small antique shops, art galleries
and bric-a-brac stores. The Jordaan is also home to a thriving art
community and many interesting cafes and restaurants abound in the area. |
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