Web City Travel

Amsterdam got its name when a dam was put in place on the River Amstel during the thirteenth century. It is a popular misconception that The Hague is the capital of The Netherlands when in reality it is Amsterdam.

The City has earned an enviable reputation as the ideal city break destination, although with such a lot to see and do, a weekend might not be long enough to do the city justice. With such a wide variety of rates, there are Amsterdam hotels to fit all testes and pockets. An enjoyable way to enjoy the Amsterdam experience is to cruise along the canals. There are four main canals and 1,281 bridges and most cruise companies who provide a variety of themed journeys around the city’s complex canal system. Many cruises are available all year round. One suggestion that you might wish to think about is to set by a day to take in a selection from the many museums in Amsterdam and climb aboard the museum boat where you will be transported in style to all of the leading museums. One point of interest is that of the Rembrandts Museum at the Jodenbreestraat. Here you will be able to admire the full collection of 250 etchings and a number of sketches and drawings by the great Dutch master Rembrandt. Apart from Rembrandt’s house, you will cruise the canal waters over to the house of Anne Frank. The house is now a museum, but was originally the Frank family home. Afraid of capture by the invading German army, the Frank family spent years in hiding. The daughter, Anne, wrote her engrossing diary during the two years of her concealment. The house (her home) has been conserved by the Anne Frank Foundation and was onverted to a museum in 1962.

The renowned Rijksmuseum contains the country’s biggest collection of history and art including Asian art, paintings, dolls houses and a history of Netherlands exhibition. The main event at the museum is that of the famous works from the country’s fabulous Golden Age with artists including Steen, Vermeer and Rembrandt.

For a memorable art experience, located halfway between the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum is that of the Van Gogh museum. A very full demonstration of Vincent Van Gogh’s life is exhibited within the confines of this famed building and you will see over 200 of his masterpieces. As well as his paintings there are hundreds of drawings together with incredible amounts of hand-written notes by the frequently misunderstood painter. Absolutely essential viewing for fans of modern art, impressionist fans and fans of The Netherlands!

Amsterdam’s red light district is known throughout the World. It can be found in the region of the Oude Kerk region where lots of the city’s greatest buildings can be located. The Red Light area can be found running between Nieumakt Square and Warmoesstraat. Stag Nights are a popular happening in the De Wallen area, presumably attracted here by the expectation of sex shops and window prostitution. The district is especially attractive because it is where visitors are allowed to be themselves. It is a lively energetic area where you will find a fine cup of coffee, people of every race and creed, a good selection of shops and plenty of places to eat.

Driving in and around Amsterdam can be very enjoyable. The roads are modern and well organised and the city is an ideal centre for touring into the adjoining regions and countries. Costs for Amsterdam car hire are very reasonable and you can make substantial savings by making an online booking.

Dam Square is the place to return to time after time because it is a tourist meeting place generally and the perfect location to enjoy people watching and street entertainment whilst sipping a well earned cappuccino! Amsterdam has such a wealth of attractions for the visitor that visiting just a few of them could set a family back a small fortune. Amsterdam offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving its users a lot of Euros!. Provided by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, it entitles you to admission to all of the leading museums together with a free canal boat trip and discounts to lots of restaurants and shops. In addition the Amsterdam Card offers free travel in and around the city. You can buy an Amsterdam Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours. A 24-hour card costs EUR 31 (GBP 25), 48 hours EUR 41 (GBP 33) or 72 hours EUR 51 (GBP 41) and can be obtained from Tourist Information  (VVV).

In the middle of the frequently all too hectic city centre is a peaceful pocket of parkland nicknamed ‘the town’s pride and joy’. Amsterdam’s very attractive botanical gardens, Hortus have occupied this spot for over 400 years and are maintained with pride by its dedicated keepers. A peaceful retreat for the periods when city life gets a bit too exhausting!

Should you are visiting Amsterdam in August, you will enjoy the colourful ‘Gay Parade’. It happens each August and consists of a stream of wildly decorated and brightly painted boats. Its a great camera opportunity unmissable and is best savoured by watching from one of the bridges that cross the Prinsengracht Canal.