Cheap Holidays in Amsterdam
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Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the cultural capital of the Netherlands and one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, attracting more than 3.5 million international tourists each year. It has a unique architecture featuring cobbled streets, very tall narrow buildings and an extensive system of waterways. Amsterdam is a very tolerant and diverse city, perfect for a romantic city break but also features a vibrant night life that’s dynamic enough for even the wildest stag party.
Landmarks
Amsterdam’s Canal Ring frames the city centre and a tourist boat cruise is a great way to explore the city. Magere Brug on the river Amstel, is a beautiful Dutch draw-bridge built in 1670 and still in operation today. Wait around a short while (no longer than 20 minutes) if you’re in the area to see it in action. Oude Kerk (Old Church) is a 14th century Gothic church and the oldest in Amsterdam. Artis Zoo is a large zoo and aquarium right in the heart of the city. It also boasts a Botanical Garden and Planetarium. Other popular tourist areas include the Red Light District, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, Jordaan and Dam Square.
A museum for everyone.
The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands and is visited by over a million people each year. It boasts an internationally renowned collection of art, crafts and history including a collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age. It is now the home of many world famous works from the likes of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals and Steen. Other museums worth a visit include the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Anne Frank House, Museum Amstelkring and the Heineken Museum.
On your bike…
Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the world so take advantage of the extensive system of bike paths and racks and get on your bike! The city centre is not a car friendly place, with high parking fees, complex one-way systems and pedestrianised streets. Cycling is the perfect way to see the city which is largely flat and in contrast to other capital cities, fairly small. If you’re not a fan of cycling, there is an extensive system of efficient bus and tram lines as well as water taxis, water buses and various canal cruises that utilise Amsterdam’s waterways.
When night falls…
The two most popular night spots in Amsterdam are the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein. The Leidseplein is a square in the centre of the city, full of restaurants, theatres, nightclubs, bars and cafes. The Leidseplein is also home to the newly refurbished City Movie Theatre, the Stadsschouwburg (City theatre), Holland Casino, the Vondelpark and the famous American Hotel as well as numerous street performers.
The Rembrandtplein, named after the famous painter, is home to the largest LCD screen in Europe and has been developed into a centre for nightlife. The café terraces are particularly popular during the summer and around the edge of the square there are numerous bars, cafes, night clubs, souvenir shops and diamond factories.
If you like live music, head down to Paradiso, Amsterdam’s own ‘temple of modern music’. There’s a different club night every night of the week, showcasing a wide mixture of music from pop, to jazz, to hip-hop, to classical. The Sugar Factory is another good choice for live entertainment featuring evening shows of live art, poetry, cabaret and theatre. Later on, the venue transforms into a club open till dawn. Both Paradiso and The Sugar Factory can be found next to the Leidseplain in Amsterdam’s centre.
Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a tourist attraction in itself. Here, women can be seen showcasing themselves in the famous red windows (prostitution is legal in Amsterdam), and the streets are lit with the neon lights of brothels and museums. During the day, the area is picturesque featuring cobbled streets and 14th century architecture, but it is at night time that the area really comes to life.
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Amsterdam facts and weather
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Flight Length
Short Haul
Time Zone
(+1) GMT
Currency
Mexico Peso
Electricity/Plug
2 Point
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