Going Dutch: Amsterdam has it all
Friday, 29 June 2007
Despite being the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam has none of the characteristics of other bustling European cities - instead it's compact, quaint and largely thanks to the canals, has relatively little traffic.
Its close proximity to the UK- by sea, road and air - mean that it's a top destination for hundreds of thousands of people every year.
The city has so many hidden gems that it will take an action-packed long weekend to sample just a few. And whether it's culture, history, food or entertainment you're into, Amsterdam has an abundance of all on offer.
Built around a network of canals, Amsterdam has over a thousand bridges. Perhaps the ideal way to spend a day is to take in the beauty of the city by relaxing on a cruise along one of the four main canals, unchanged since the 17th century.
Museum-goers can combine a canal cruise with a visit to one of Amsterdam's many museums - a special museum boat links 16 of the major museums; the Van Gogh Museum - home to paintings and drawings by Vincent and his contemporaries, as well as the Rijksmuseum and the Rembrandt museum all located close to the city centre.
Other interesting places to visit on a trip to the Dutch capital include the Torture Museum Martelwerktuigenmuseum, Anne Frank's house and the Heineken Brewery.
Shop til you drop
For those who like shopping, there are a variety of markets, including the open-air market at Waterlooplein, designer shops, boutiques and diamond merchants where the craftsman may be seen at work.
Amsterdam is also a party-animal's paradise with countless nightclubs, discos, bars, cafes and live music venues - many places staying open until the early hours.
It's worth noting that the city and its overall vibe changes from season to season...
Summer is best for sitting at outdoor cafes, cycling through the city's well-maintained cycle lanes and going on canal trips, but it's also more crowded.
October to March can be wet and cold, but there are lots of indoor attractions to keep you occupied and it's easier to find flight and room discounts.
Winters, when the temperature is cold enough to freeze the canals, are breathtaking.
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