Amsterdam Sightseeing and Hotels
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, and is one of
the largest historic cities in Europe. The city lies near two
bodies of water, the Amstel river and the IJ bay. For many
tourists, Amsterdam is a city which is well known and praised
for its entertainment and culture. The city at this time has a
population of over 700,000.
Amsterdam is a city, which had very humble beginnings. It was
founded in the 12th century as a small fishing village, but
didn't begin to gain recognition until the 17th century, during
the Golden Age of The Netherlands. A series of canals have been
built around the older part of the city, and many luxurious
mansions and homes lie near these canals.
If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam, do not expect to be
bored. For those who love art, Amsterdam is well known for its
many museums. The Rijksmuseum showcases art from the Golden Age,
and the Van Gogh Museum along with the Rembrandt House Museum
are places every art lover should visit.
Those who enjoy history may want to visit the Anne Frank House,
and anyone with a love of classical music should visit the world
class Concertgebouworkest. Amsterdam is also known for its red
light district, called de Wallen, and the many coffee shops,
some of which sell cannabis.
Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone. If you are
traveling there, it is important to get accomodations at
excellent hotels. Although you can find nice hotels on a budget,
Amsterdam is an upscale city. Budget travelers and backpackers
may find themselves spending a little more than in other
European cities.
When it comes to money, Visa or Eurocard are widely accepted.
Most large purchases will require use of a credit card. For
everything else, just keep fifty dollars handy. Changing your
currency in Amsterdam is easy. Any post office or bank will
exchange currencies for you, often at good exchange rates.
The restaurants available in Amsterdam have a very
international flavour. Traditional Dutch food is fairly simple,
with meats and potatoes. There are restaurants for those on a
budget as well as those wanting to eat in luxury.
Restaurants in Amsterdam usually charge service fees and taxes
along with the prices you pay for your meal, and tipping is
always welcomed. When it comes to traveling, Amsterdam is
bicycle friendly. Buses also travel heavily throughout the city,
and you can always catch a taxi cab. Due to the many types of
transportation available, getting around in Amsterdam is fairly
cheap.