Personal Favourite Travel Destinations: Amsterdam

Hi, my name is Jess and I'm one of the bloggers, posting on things to do and sites to see in the various locations we blog about. Growing up in a family that loves to travel, I have been to the USA, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and various destinations throughout South-East Asia. Recently, I have travelled around continental Europe with some friends and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!!! The best place of all? AMSTERDAM

Map of the Netherlands

ABOUT AMSTERDAM

The nominal capital city of the Netherlands, it’s the nation’s most visited city roughly attracting 3.5 million foreign visitors per year. Situated in Western Europe, the Netherlands, often called Holland, shares its borders with Belgium in the south and Germany to the east while its north and west are bordered by the North Sea. Like most countries within the European Union, the currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (€, EUR).

Probably the most planned city of northern Europe, Amsterdam has long been a well-known city. During the 17th century the city was the centre of world economy, while in this day and age its known for its tolerant character and the diversity present. 

With a population of more than 820,000, the city’s main form of transport is by cycling with roughly 600,000 of the population using bicycles as their main form of transport. Arguably the greatest small city in the world, it has the benefits of a big city but is quiet, mainly due to its extensive canals, resulting in minimal road traffic. In this city your destination is never far away.

THE MANY SIGHTS OF THE CITY

There is plenty to see and do in Amsterdam, home to cultural highlights including the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum and the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt’s world-famous Nightwatch. The Van Gogh Museum, along with the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, are known as the big three, fanning out around the grassy expanse of Museumplein.

Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum

 The Anne Frank House, situated in the western canal ring, brings the poignant history to life, as the location where the Frank family hid from the Nazis in a secret annex for over two years, and Anne wrote her immortal diary.

Anne Frank's House

 The lively Dam Square is the main square located in the historic centre of Amsterdam. Overlooking in the square is the Royal Palace, Koninklijk Paleis, the official residence of the royal family.

Vondelpark

The city’s best loved escape it Vondelpark, a 47 hectare English style garden complete with ponds, footbridges, winding footpaths, and many sculptures.

I Am Amsterdam Letters

Take a photo with the iconic 'I Am Amsterdam' letters. Though a typical tourist picture may seem cheesy at the time, it makes for a great souvenir.

MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS'

Bicycles along a bridge in the canal ring

1. For the most authentic view of the city, a bike tour and canal cruise is a definite must to any traveller. Even for someone like me who hasn't ridden a bicycle since before my teenage years, riding a bike in Amsterdam was no big feat due to its relatively flat surface and little road traffic.

2. Pedestrians are low down the pecking order so be very careful and watch out for trams, cyclists and cars when walking around.Look both ways when crossing bike lanes (marked with white lines and bicycle symbols) and never walk along them.

A Coffeeshop

3. Know the difference between a cafe or Koffihuis and a coffeeshop. If you are in the mood for a caffeinated beverage, make sure you go to a koffiehuis (coffee house) which sells coffee as well as light meals. A cafe on the other hand is a casual restaurant or bar while a coffeeshop is the name referred to a licensed seller of cannabis products. 

I Amsterdam Card

4.To avoid massive queues at popular museums/attractions, pre-purchase your tickets online for fast-track entry. If you're hitting a lot of museums,an I Amsterdam Card is worth to be invested in, with a canal cruise and public transport included.