When we talk about Amsterdam, Netherlands, it is very hard not to imagine misty cafes and scantily clothed women moving provocatively in windows with red lights. Many of the travellers from across the world return to this ultimate city of “sin” because of these sights alone. Most of them are bursting with tales of the unexpected and if you get chances to visit the place, we’re sure that you will also have your own tales to tell.
Well, Amsterdam is not just about sex and drugs; it has all the great things that Mother Earth has to offer. The Netherlands has in fact the most amount of great museums per square foot than anywhere else in the world. If you take a tram ride 10 minutes from the heart of the city, you can overwhelm yourself with those narrow streets occupied with nothing else other than the cyclist and a car every now and then. The city is in fact so quite, but interesting.
Things to See in Amsterdam
The greatly planned city of Amsterdam is one of few cities in the world where the people, the streets and the atmosphere are an attraction in themselves. It is in fact well-known throughout the world as the sole city where marijuana and hashish are sold legally. And, the world known Red Light District is just as much an attraction as a favourite hub for young men full of testosterone to go at night.
But as mentioned earlier, there is much more to the city than drugs, prostitutes and sex. The city has long been considered as the “Venice of the North” because it was built on a cobweb of canals. You can see most of the city from a canal boat, and from there you’ll surely appreciate the unique architecture that Amsterdam has long been proud to offer.
Furthermore, Amsterdam is heaving with culture. It has a lot of great museums and libraries. Of all the interesting museums in the city of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum and Van Gogh Museums are names not to be missed.
Where to Eat
When you stroll around in the city of Amsterdam, you’ll find a lots of restaurants. You can see sandwich boards in front of the many restaurants advertising their daily specials and from a minute walk down the Damrak, the street facing Central Station, there are some neon lights saying “pizza”.
If you delve further into the city, you can find the Damstraat, the street on Dam Square, also peppered with eateries. Further down again towards Leidseplen, the Leidsekruisstraat and Leidsetraat have their fair share of restaurants too. It is necessary to note however that the streets mentioned are located in some of the city’s most touristy areas. So, if you wish to steer clear of such commercial centres, you can alsovisit the Jordaan as some of the city’s coolest restaurants are found there.
If you prefer not to eat out in a restaurant beyond your budget during your holiday, there are also some fast food outlets all over Amsterdam where you can get pizzas, chips or kebabs. However, just be careful when asking for mayonnaise on your French fries – They will be completely drowned!
