Amsterdam – possibly the coolest city!

05Sep
by Kamila Pala

WHEN YOU PICTURE – special rings of canals with more than 1 000 bridges in down town and thousands of bicycles anywhere…almost everybody knows that you are talking about the capital and largest city in Netherlands – Amsterdam. Here, you can do everything – take a canal cruise boat and view the 17th century houses from the water, or just take a walk.

Amsterdam is an exciting city where you can never get bored. Locals are helpful and friendly, almost everyone speaking English.

Public transport can take you everywhere but you can obviously rent a bicycle too! If you enjoy shopping jewelry, here is the perfect opportunity to buy some diamond jewelry – in the Gassan or Coster Diamonds center. Typical small souvenirs from the Netherlands are clogs or a selection of different cheese varieties. No wonder that this city has more than 10 million visitors a year!

HERE are my TOP places to visit in AMSTERDAM!

MUSEUMS

Among the most famous ones is the Van Gogh museum, celebrating 125 years since the painter’s death (1890)

  • Van GOGH MUSEUM, has 1.6 million visitors yearly, coming to see the unique collection of paintings, drawings and letters. I love his fabulous Sunflowers, that is very colorful and impressive painting.
  • RIJSKMUSEUM – is a Dutch national museum, you can admire the classical artwork by Rembrandt or Vermeer but if you like that part of art do not forget to also visit REMBRANDT HOUSE – MUSEUM in Amsterdam – a historic house where Rembrandt lived and worked!

OLD TOWN and CITY CENTER

You can take a walk in the legendary RED LIGHT district as the prostitution is legal in Netherlands – it is an interesting experience and the walk will lead you to “China Town”, ideal place to rest and try some ‘authentic’ food.

A few minutes from Central Station is Dam Square with the Palace, the National Monument and a shopping center.

JUST FOR FUN

HEINEKEN EXPERIENCE – is a historic brewery from 1864. It is divided in two parts : the museum part with authentic interiors, old photographs etc… and the entertainment part with 3D cinema- a really amazing tour.

VONDELPARK – is a large and the most popular (over 47 hectares) public urban park in Amsterdam with a rose garden, an open-air theatre, a skate rental shop and many restaurants or cafés. It is the right place to relax or bring your children to play.

Also very interesting places are Anne Frank House, JORDAAN, Science Center NEMO(for kids), STEDELIJK Museum, Madame TUSSAUDS…

THIRSTY or HUNGRY?

You have a choice of many multicultural restaurants or small local fast foods. I recommend walking a bit outside of the center as menus tend to be overpriced there with a more limited selection.
The best experience is to taste local beers such as Heineken or Amstel and relax in coffee shops, which are to be found at almost any corner of the city center.

MY EXTRA TIP – ONE DAY TRIP! I really enjoyed our trip to KINDERDIJK. The Netherlands is known as the land of water and windmills, and the MILLS of KINDERDIJK were built around 1740. Their purpose was not the milling of grain but rather for drainage. It is an original and unforgettable trip!

74 thoughts on “Amsterdam – possibly the coolest city!”

  6. Dalo 2013

    This is a great intro to Amsterdam (have yet to visit the city properly outside of business), and the photo series makes your words shine even more. I am a Van Gogh fan, so his museum would be a must see…but other than that, I like your idea of just walking and riding to get a great feel for this city. Cheers to safe travels!

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    1. Kamila Pala

      Thanks for nice comment! I have to say that in Amsterdam you can feel balance between culture and fun! For me was the Van Gogh museum really unique place for good atmosphere with special collection of paintings and private letters!! But the evening’s walking around the canals is so original and impressive, too! 🙂 Bye. Kamila

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    1. Kamila Pala

      Pleased you liked that! I have to say that Amsterdam is really a little bit different capital city – of course interesting historical and culture city but you can used a lot of fun with family or friends :)! Bye. Kamila

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  11. ledrakenoir

    Yeah as a “just become a teenager” I visited Amsterdam for the first time – and the Vincent van Gogh museum too – since his have been my favorite painter – always the main course for me to visit Amsterdam, but of course the city have a lot more tempting places and events – excellent post added very inspiring photos… 🙂

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    2. Rolling Harbour

      Nice to have a reminder to go back. Everyone probably has a different niche recommendation but I’d suggest the histotic and secret attic church ‘ons lieve heer op solder’, a most surprising relic from times of religious repression. Then go and have a huge meal by the canal! RH

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  19. lisadorenfest

    Well captured. Amsterdam is definitely one of the coolest cities. I found much welcomed respite there in 2011 the day after a 36 hour sail across the North Sea in gale force winds and rain. It is imprinted in my mind and wonderful to visit again through your lens.

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    1. Kamila Pala

      Thank you! And I think that is great destination for you – bicycles anywhere, interesting history, unique landscape with beautiful flower fields, culture and a lot of fun! 🙂 The end of spring is the best for everything. Have a nice weekend. K

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  26. equinoxio21

    Thank you Kamila for this post. Amsterdam is indeed special. I lived there between two african postings. (Bloody weather!) (Amsterdam, of course) But then, I was 10, and for the first time in my life, I did not depend on someone “driving” me somewhere. The freedom of the bicycle! All of a sudden I was free to go wherever I liked. Whether with rain, sun, snow or sleet, but free! 🙂
    (One additional memory: holland as belgium are flat countries. Nothing to stop the wind. Try to paddle against a headfront north wind.
    🙂
    Have a nice week-end.

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  33. kiwidutch

    Kamila Pala ,
    You have a wonderful blog, full of tips and great photographs. Of course for every tourist destination there are ten local off-the-beaten-track places to see as well but that can of course be said for EVERY large city in the world, and no one ever has enough time to do everything 🙂
    You certainly get around a lot… I look forward to seeing more places and sights!

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