Amsterdam is the place to visit if you want to spend time in a city that has much you can explore. From villas owned by rich merchants to vibrant parks with splashes of vivid colors, Amsterdam has it all. The nightlife in the city is captivating as are the small but grand festivals that take place throughout the year. Here are the top ten things you can do when you are in Amsterdam:
Go on Canal Tours
The beautiful canals in Amsterdam have been key to transportation and defense in the 17th century. In 2010, all 165 canals in the city were identified as UNESCO monuments. Most boat tours will take you along the Canal Belt and Center. You will have plenty of options to for traveling along the waters and seeing the canals. Open boats, private boats, dinner cruise tours and special-themed tours are a few options.
Glimpse the Memories of World War II
Anne Frank House, a memorial of World War II, has been made a museum. It holds the famed "secret annex" in which Anne Frank and her family hid. It was there that she wrote in her diary. Verzetsmuseum is dedicated to the couple that hid the Franks. The historical museum is recognized as one of the best in Netherlands. A few other museums in Amsterdam are - the Jewish Historical Museum and Dutch National Museum.
Tulip Season
Netherlands prides itself on its spectacular bulb flowers like tulips. To see the magnificent flowers in bloom, visit Keukenhof in Lisse. This bulb-flower park is one of the most visited in the city. Rows of colorful flowers line the park during tulip season. Many varieties of tulips are showcased in the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. The museum places emphasis on their history and cultural significance. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam and Bloenmenmarkt are a few other places you should go to, for an eyeful of tulips.
Bicycle Rides
For a taste of how half the people in Amsterdam explore the city, hire a bicycle and go for a ride. During peak hours, the bicycle lanes in the city are choc-a-bloc with bikers. Just about everyone rides a bike - students, parents with children and office-goers. You can hire a bike and buy a map designed specifically to guide bikers, and ride through the city. If you're not sure about your biking skills, take a guided tour by bike.
Delve into Dutch Cuisine
After spending your day looking through what the city has to offer, visit one of the many restaurants that serve traditional Dutch cuisine. Most of the dishes in this cuisine are comfort food. Some of the local favorites are stamppot boerenkool, pancakes, Gouda cheese, French fries and erwtensoep. For a taste of exotic dishes, restaurants that serve Suriname and Indonesian food are the best. You can savor rijsttafel, a presentation of several Indonesian dishes.
Cannabis Cafes and Drinks
Cafes that serve space cakes, drinks and coffees are among some of the most visited places in Amsterdam. They showcase various aspects of the city's culture through art and craft exhibits that were originally created as forms of self-expression.
Shopping in Designer Stores and Flea Markets
Amsterdam has an interesting mix of some of the best retail and fashion stores, and flea markets. You can go shopping for Versace, Gucci and Prada merchandise in the city. The Nine Streets' exclusive boutiques are the right place for those who want an exclusive, upscale shopping experience. The flea markets in the city offer some of the most interesting items that have been a part of Amsterdam's history.
Take in the Finest Art
The city has some of the best modern and fine art museums in Netherlands. Rembrandt's work has made the artist's residence, now known as the Museum het Rembrandthuis, its home. The interiors of the museum have been redone to look grand. The Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit, especially for those who love modern art.
Explore the Street Art Scene
The art scene in Amsterdam is not restricted to the museums and exhibitions in the city. You can get a glimpse of the skills of its artists on the street. The art scene on Amsterdam's streets is dynamic, vibrant and enriching. Sculptures, graffiti and stenciled poetry on city walls are just a few of the artistic elements that can capture your attention.
Listen to Jazz and Rock Music
One thing no visitor to Amsterdam should miss out on is the city's jazz music. As the jazz capital of Europe, the city has a lot to offer music enthusiasts. From local trios that perform in cafes and bars, to international jazz musicians, you will find them all in Amsterdam.
Bart van de Grift is an art historian and tour guide in Amsterdam. He specializes in art and historical excursions in Amsterdam
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