In Amsterdam one can go look at the original Vermeer and Rembrandt, stroll through the famous Red Light District, settle on a barge, buy a bouquet of fresh flowers every day, shop at unique local markets, rent a bike and strengthen the leg muscles or spend the whole evening in the coffee shop. If you still haven’t found a reason to visit Amsterdam, these post will give you one.
Opportunity to live on a barge
In Amsterdam, with its abundance of channels and islands settling on the waves is quite simple – there are large floating hotels, such as the Amstel Botel with the 175 rooms and small mansions with three to four rooms. Some of them may be pretty expensive like for example Le Maroxidien with organic breakfast. Only few however dare to refuse to stay on land but be sure that staying on a barge is definitely worth it. They are considered to be the most romantic spots in the city.
Artists and museums
Netherlands gave to the world culture many great artists. The originals, of familiar tro everyone since early childhood paintings like “Night Watch” by Rembrandt or “Milkmaid” by Vermeer can be seen in the Rijksmuseum. There are also very entertaining collections of porcelain figurines and dishes, doll houses and other objects of decorative art. And in the famous Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, contrary to popular belief, there are pictures not only of this artist (the most extensive collection in the world, covering all periods of Van Gogh’s life), but those of his contemporaries, the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, including Monet, Seurat, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Markets
There are dozens of local markets in Amsterdam where you can find practically everything including vintage clothing, antiques, flowers and farm products. Everyone should attend Blumenmarkt – flower market on the water, where you don’t even need to buy something, just to enjoy the variety of colorful flowers. For antiques and art go to Art Plein Spey or De Loire. There is an abundance of oriental flavors on Dappermarkt Keypmarkt and fresh products in Lindengraht Nordenmarkt.
Liberal traditions
It is known all over the world that here soft drugs, prostitution and same-sex marriage are absolutely legal. Till January 2013 every tourist still has a chance to leagally smoke a joint in one of the coffeeshops in Amsterdam. The main thing however is to remember the possible adverse effects of local risky but legitimate entertainment.
Amsterdam is the bike capital of Europe
In Amsterdam there are more bikes than people. There are no bike paths only in the older parts of the city. It is possible to rent a bike on every corner of the city. Cycling here is safe and moreover is the cheapest way of getting around the city.