Modern Amsterdam offers something for everyone, from world class art and stunning architecture to colourful streets that hum with life.
A visit to this beautiful city is sometimes like taking a walk in the 17th century. The centre of Amsterdam has a lot of charming architecture dating from this period. It’s an excellent city to tour on foot. However, Amsterdam may boast a lot of 17th century architecture, but that’s about all that’s old fashioned about the place.
Amsterdam (pop. 724 100) was originally built on the shores of the saltwater ’Zuiderzee’ but as a result of centuries of land-reclamation projects the city now borders the freshwater lake of the IJsselmeer. The centre of Amsterdam is shaped like a horseshoe, surrounded by three famous canals called the "Herengracht", "Keizersgracht" and "Prinsengracht". These are best to walk along if you want to see the city’s beautiful gabled houses. At the open end of the “horseshoe” you will find the ornate Central Train Station.
You can easily fill your day touring the city and be prepared to get lost a few times as it can be quite difficult trying to figure out where you are going sometimes. The city also provides excellent services for seeing other interesting towns close to Amsterdam.
Nestled south of Leidseplein is the plush 19th century Museum quarter (Museumplein). Unashamedly, Museum quarter is the pinnacle of sophistication and home to the three major and most important museums in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art and the Van Gogh Museum makes this an art lover’s paradise par excellence. Without doubt, any culture vulture will be in their element in this recently renovated quarter. Also, in amongst the stylish hotels and cafés, lays the majestic Concertgebouw.
The Concertgebouw is located on Van Baarlestraat and is home to the infamous Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest). Today, the concert is renowned the world over for its breathtaking acoustics and locally, for its free lunch time classical concerts. Every year, some 650 concerts reverberate in this venerable hall but if you want to catch a show, book early to avoid disappointment. If however, you don’t get a chance to see a concert inside the Concertgebouw itself, you might just be in luck as the orchestra occasionally holds a concert outdoors.
The Museum quarter is arguably the cultural hub of the city, offering a kaleidoscope of activities and attractions. A stroll down the exclusive P.C. Hooftstraat, Pieter Cornelisz or Van Baerlestraat will take the fashionista into some of the world’s most chic couture houses. From diamonds to leather shoes to designer handbags, just don’t forget to take your credit card! Museum quarter also caters for children or even the child in us with its skateboard - park and wading pool, which in the winter doubles up as an ice rink. Another attraction of the district is Vondelpark where relaxing is the order of the day unless it is Queens Day or Uitmarkt when the park is swarming with hoards of visitors.
Amsterdam offers a diverse array of world-class entertainment, as for centuries has been one of the leading centres of culture in Europe. A variety of performances are staged in hundreds of venues throughout the city. There is also plenty of low-cost entertainment from the multitude of street perfomers and live bands in bars and cafes.
Theatres -
All year round, every night of the week, you can find quality, English-language theatre in Amsterdam. Most of the major theatres are centred around the Leidseplein, within an easy stroll of each other. The easiest way is to drop by the theatres’ box offices, where you can browse programmes, ticket prices and availability.
Music - Amsterdam is burstling with live music, it is the city with a rich tradition in classical music and opera. In summer concerts can be enjoyed in one of the city’s beautiful parks.
Ballet and dance -
There are two world-class ballet companies in the Netherlands. The renowned Dutch National Ballet is one of the resident groups in the Muziektheater, the repertoire encompasses both classical and modern dance. Another one, the Netherlands Dans Theater regularly performs in venues throughout the city.
Film -
Amsterdam has over 45 cinema venues, where films are shown in their original language, with Dutch subtitles. The Tuschinski Theater deserves a special mention. Constructed in 1921 as exotic mixture of Art Deco and Amsterdamse school style, it features a luxurious foyer, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful cinemas in Europe.
For a peek into everyday life in Amsterdam, be sure to stop by Dam Square, particularly if you are visiting in May. Medieval executions have now given way to carnivals and cultural and political events. The Jordaan district is perfect for meandering around, wander at will and when you tire of its picturesque streets, drop into one of its trendy shops, brown cafes or bookshops.
One must not get completely stuck indoors, when surrounded by so many areas of outstanding natural beauty and picturesque villages. Travel to the outskirts of the city and beyond, where there are all manner of delights to be discovered. Among these are historic Haarlem and Edam, famous all over the world for its cheese. Alkmaar for its varied display of architectural styles including Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque and the many harbour towns bordering the IJsselmeer such as Hoorn and Enkhuizen.
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