tourism in amsterdam

The city of Amsterdam attracts many visitors who come to discover the Flemish historical heritage, stroll amid the canals, visit the museums and party ... perfect for a long weekend exotic, Amsterdam is one of the major European capitals easily accessible from France: so if the return is so simple, why miss the charms of the Dutch capital ?






Amsterdam is 550 km from Paris, access by highway is very simple if you prefer to travel by car even though once you get to your car will not be very useful since priority is given to means of transport such as bicycles, trams, subway or the bus ... It is also very pleasing to see the city by bike. Meanwhile, the riverboats are another nice way to see the city in a different way.

In addition, everyone will find in Amsterdam necessarily something that calls, whether architecture, charming canals and cafes, nightlife, or even the well-known tolerance of the Dutch capital.

Walk in Amsterdam

Start your visit at the historical center of Amsterdam, discover the great Dam Square with the church Niewe Kerk and Royal Palace.

In the historic district and the Jewish Quarter you can visit the Beguine, the Spui, Zuidkerk the church, the Rembrandt House, Stadhuis, the Portuguese Synagogue, the new market, church and museum Amstelkring, Oude Kerk church the Commodity Exchange Berlage ...

The historic center is surrounded by four large canals (Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht). Stroll along the first canal (Singel) and find out the skinny bridge, the Tuschinski cinema and the flower market. Around the Herengracht canal, you will discover the Gouden Bocht the museum theater and its spiral staircase. Keisergracht on, do not miss the house heads. Around the Prisengracht visit the Westerkerk, Anne Frank House and the Jordaan church.

In the museum district, southwest of downtown, do not miss the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the museum and the Stedeljik Vonderlpark.

The Red Light District, which is part of the historic center is very lively. In the evening you will find bars, coffee shops and clubs in large numbers, and the famous windows with prostitutes.

Channels and attractions in Amsterdam

The center of Amsterdam is composed of 90 islands connected by 400 bridges, its main feature is its concentric canal system. The oldest part of the city center dates from medieval times, be sure to stroll through the old streets very Warmoesstraat and Dike which include wooden houses dating from the Middle Ages.

Another unusual feature is the presence of Amsterdam Windmills, there are a total of eight, most of them are located in the west of Amsterdam, have fun to find them while walking in the streets of the city. The only mill open to the public is the Molen van Sloten in Sloten.

Amsterdam also has a fine collection of museums: the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, the latter has the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world.



And how to talk without mentioning the Amsterdam Red Light District, Red Light District or legal prostitution is displayed behind glass cases. Some will find this city can be a bit unhealthy, while others will find it extremely exciting and interesting, the best is still to visit to make your own opinion.

You should know that many people choose to visit Amsterdam because of its tolerance towards cannabis use. The sale, possession and consumption of small amounts of cannabis is tolerated by the authorities, but it is still technically illegal. Go to a coffee shop, but be careful not to get a taste ...

Amsterdam and Coffee shop

To discover the brown cafes slightly akin to beer bars, it must go to the Leidseplein. Rembradplein meanwhile, includes cafés whose terraces are pleasant places especially in hot weather.

The Coffeeshops, which should not be confused with cafes selling cannabis for personal use (no more than 5 grams). There are about 250 coffee shops in Amsterdam, most of them are in the old center, the Coffee shops are expected to sell as cannabis, for example, the sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms is prohibited, as is the sale of alcohol.

Since the anti-smoking laws, those mixing tobacco with cannabis in their joints must ironically go into a separate smoking area or outside. Many Coffeeshops provide herbal instead of tobacco for those who find their strengths too pure joints. The most famous coffeeshops are: Grey Area, the Bluebird, Barney, Betty too.

The Amsterdam restaurants

There are a variety of restaurants in Amsterdam, including Asian, Indonesian and Surinamese restaurants, which also recalls the colonial past of the Netherlands.

Most Asian restaurants are clustered around the Nieuwmarkt, that besides the small Chinatown is nicknamed Amsterdam, we find Chinese restaurants, Thai and Japanese.

Another area that has a number of restaurants of all kinds is the Haarlemmer Area (north of Jordaan). The area of Jordan, a sort of haven away from the bustle of the city, is especially recommended for a quiet dinner.

Most restaurants are closed at noon because the townspeople almost no lunch. For cons, the evening meal is particularly plentiful. And finally, some good advice: avoid fast food in the very center, they are generally very expensive for poor service.

Escapes from Amsterdam

The north of Holland is the most visited region in the country, thanks to Amsterdam, but do not return the attractions of the famous sulphurous capital and looking a bit on the advantages of this beautiful region as it is diverse .

Holland is a rather special territory since much of the land is not 'original'! Indeed, the low-lying land, especially wetlands have been drained, punctured all their water to make polders of the reclaimed lands that significantly enlarge the territory of the region!

The product range includes traditional Dutch villages in the regions of Waterland and Zaan (Alkmaar, Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Volendam) windmills, thousands of canals, fortified towns (Weesp, Muiden, Naarden), the resorts on the coast (Zandvoort, Kennemerland), parks protected (Zuid-Kennemerland) dunes, and many islands and it is ideal for biking and exploring the quiet and neat Dutch countryside.

These regions include Kop van Noord-Holland located in West Frisian, one can find many historic market towns dating from the Dutch Golden Age: Enkhuizen, Hoorn and Medemblik. Texel is the largest of the West Frisian Islands and a large tourist resort.

Useful Information

Prepare its budget for Amsterdam

Its proximity, Amsterdam is a great destination for a weekend of two or three days, for example. Connected to Paris by Thalys, the trip to Amsterdam takes only a few hours, a return is quite possible over a short period: by taking them in advance to reserve a ticket, even expected in scot price!

Find where to stay in Amsterdam is not always simple as it is a major tourist destination, all the hotels are full and propose prohibitive tariffs at major peak periods. Better to choose their dates and book in advance to avoid this kind of disappointment!

The budget will turn to hostels (hostels), the sometimes rédibitoires rates, but still remain the most economical solution. Hotels are expensive in general, so choose a well located, the price will not be very different. Alternatively, some B & B offers a friendly environment, but all addresses are not equal.

On site, it manages its budget within its means, eating in snacks and sandwiches for those on a very tight budget. The restoration appears similar to those on Paris prices ... it's not really cheap!

Capital festive, go out to bars and clubs of Amsterdam is relatively affordable, unless you get so involved in wild parties ... By adding a few museums and monuments, transportation or renting a bike adding climbs quickly, but it's worth it because you do not get bored for a second!

Tips: Amsterdam free

There is plenty to do in Amsterdam, even without a slot pocket

Sure stroll along the canals of Amsterdam is an attraction in itself, but you can also visit the flower market, the Bloemenmarket, Albert Cuypstraat the market, or relax in the Vondelpark.

There are also some free tours:
-The Brewery museum and beer on Friday and Sunday.

-The Diamond factories in Amsterdam, Gassan Diamonds and Coster Diamonds.

-The Ferries in the city that are on the north side of Central Station offer free river crossing.

And if it rains, you can always go take refuge in the Amsterdam library, a lovely cocoon. It even has a panoramic coffee and guess what ... books. For some books quietly for a while!

Main events and festivals in Amsterdam

Amsterdammers (Amsterdam residents) hold festivals and events throughout the year.

In February, we start with the Chinese New Year, and then in April we celebrate the Queensday, the national holiday, on this occasion everyone wears orange clothing, the national color, and down the street.
In May, there is a contemporary art fair.
In June, the Holland Festival that celebrates the arts.
In summer, do not miss the days on this occasion 'Open Gardens' you can get inside the courtyards of the houses along the canals.
In September, takes place Aalsmeer Flower Parade, with parade floats decorated entirely with flowers.
Finally in November, organizes Amsterdam Museum Night (Museumnacht): a sort of white Parisian night with hollandaise sauce.
Other info:

You can visit Amsterdam at any time of the year, however, be aware that winter days are short and the temperature can drop rapidly. January and February are the coldest months with temperatures around freezing in the summer, the average temperature is 25 degrees. The right time to go there is in the spring when the tulips are in bloom.

A last note the existence of a City Card I'Amsterdam, which offers discounts for transport, shopping and visiting some attractions: an offer that may be interesting, depending on what is planned to do during his stay in Amsterdam ...

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