Mention the word ‘Amsterdam’ and many people make an instant connection with the hedonistic qualities that make the city famous across the globe. Delve a little deeper to discover a city steeped in history and take delight in the beauty and elegance of Holland’s charming capital.
Amsterdam has all the advantages associated with a large city but is relatively small, with a population of around 743,000. It’s therefore quick and easy to get around whether by tram, bicycle or boat.
Renowned for its trams and barges, Amsterdam benefits from a good transport system; it is hugely cyclist friendly and has an abundance of canals for you to drift down. With plenty of bike hire companies dotted around the city centre you could be taking to the cycle paths and tree-lined canal sides in no time. The fairly compact scope of the city means you can also get around easily enough by taking to your toes and walking, which brings the added bonus of being able to get a close up of the city’s architectural assets where a wonderful mix of details, ranging from classical to Renaissance to modern, are combined.
There are ample mainstream tourist attractions to visit but if you like to escape off the beaten track, Amsterdam certainly delivers. Dodge the trams of Dam Square and head west across the city to the Jordaan district where you can sample an authentic taste of old Amsterdam. Home to the Brouwersgracht, arguably one of the city’s prettiest canals, this neighbourhood is peppered with quirky stores, cutting-edge galleries, offbeat boutiques and even a Pianola museum where music concerts are held throughout the year.
To the east of the city lies the Old Jewish Quarter which is centred around Waterlooplein, home to Amsterdam’s opera house, and also houses the Botanic Gardens as well as Rembrandts former home on the Jodenbreestraat.
Sticking to the city centre will still keep you busy for days as you amble through the winding streets to discover what lies around the next corner. The Grachtengordel is an appealing and quintessentially Dutch area where a lattice of waterways and humpback bridges are overlooked by handsome 17th century canal houses. The three main Grachtengordel canals, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht contain an amalgamation of knick-knack, clothes and book shops, a Bible museum and the Noordermarkt where you can find several flea markets alongside a farmers produce market where local delicacies can be devoured.
For a postcard perfect view, take a stroll along the canals after dark when they’re lit up and stop off in a traditional brown bar to sample one of the many fine beers on offer. Brown bars are a Dutch staple and offer an old-style drinking environment, famed for being gezellig, meaning 'cosy' or 'home-like'.
The wide range of hotels in Amsterdam mean you will never be stuck for options, whatever your taste and the proximity of many such hotels to the city centre allow you easy access to the many delights offered by one of the jewels of Europe.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
