A canal cruise tour shows a different side to Amsterdam.
The four main city center canals are Herengracht, Prinsengracht,
Singel and Keizersgracht but there are numerous smaller canals.
The most famous park in Holland, the Vondlepark, lies in the
south of Amsterdam, five minutes walk from the Leidseplein
and in walking distance from the Rijksmusuem.
A Trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete
without a visit to a windmill. There are eight stunning windmills
at the heart of the city just waiting to admired. There are
plenty of small shops for browsing, and the Albert Cuypmarkt,
in the Pijp district, is one of the best-known and busiest
outdoor market in Europe, attracting thousands of visitors
every day.
Oude kerk
23 Oudekerksplein, Amsterdam
Telephone - +31 20 625 8284 - Hours: 11 am - 5 pm Monday to Saturday, 1 pm - 5 pm Sunday.
The origins of the Oude Kerk date from early thirteenth century. It’s the oldest church in Amsterdam, and now a center of cultural activities.
Dam Square
Dam square is at the heart of Amsterdam. The Dam was the reception area for Napoleon and his troops during the 1808 take-over of the city. Its impressive history is documented in the Amsterdam Historical Museum. The Royal Palace, which dominates the square, was originally used as the town hall.
Begijnhof
The Begijnhof can be reached through a doorway on the Spui. - Hours: 9 am -1 pm.
A narrow, vaulted passageway leads to this charming garden. The houses in the courtyard were once occupied by Béguine nuns. In the center of the lawns is a medieval church and at No.34 stands the oldest house in Amsterdam.
Artis Zoo
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ; Telephone - +31 20 523 3400
Hours: Open daily from 9am - 6pm, closes at 4pm in summer.
Artis zoo is in the center of Amsterdam and is the oldest zoo in Holland. It consists of four main areas: Zoo, Planetarium, Botanical Gardens and Geological and Zoological museum. Adult admission €14.50.
Red Light District
A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a walk around the Red Light District. Prostitution isn’t the only attraction in the area. There is a mix of architecture dating from the Middle Ages. The areas to explore are Waterlooplein, Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt Square. The Red Light District is like a sexual amusement park. The famous red window lights are striking against the old canal houses. No photographs are allowed.
Amsterdam’s canals
The number of canals has led Amsterdam to become known as
the Venice of the North. A trip to Amsterdam is not complete
without a boat ride. A canal tour is relaxing by day and romantic
at night when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated.
Jordaan
The Jordaan oozes atmosphere with narrow streets, picturesque
canals, brown cafes, art galleries and unusual shops.
Vondelpark
The Vondelpark is located in the south of Amsterdam, just
five minutes walk from the Leidseplein and in walking distance
from the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum.
With 10 million visitors a year, the Vondelpark is the most
famous park in the Netherlands.
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