An Elaborate Guide For First Time Visitors To Amsterdam

By Author: Dennis Dunbar
Total Articles: 10
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Amsterdam, the capital city of Netherlands, is a highly organized and well planned city and area wise is the largest city of the country. With its architectural glory and historical buildings it's one of the must see cities for tourists from all over the world. The city is lined with three rings of canals that beautifully encompass elaborately decorated merchant's residences and warehouses built in the Dutch ‘Golden Age', in the 17th century. The canals are connected throughout the city by hundreds of charming bridges. With more than 6,800 monumental houses, Amsterdam has the largest city center in Europe.

To go about exploring the city you ideally need to carry minimum baggage and this can be accomplished by choosing the right place to accommodate yourself. Amsterdam's city center is the ideal place to look for a place to stay. There are hotels and hostels all over the city, nevertheless. There are 3 main neighborhoods from where all the interesting sights are at a walking distance. These are the Central Station, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. If you want a better insight on how the locals go about living their ...
... day-to-day lives you may choose to stay in any of these three neighborhoods. You could always choose other major commercial areas if you wish to be close to restaurants, bars, cafes, coffee shops and the main tourist attractions.

Before embarking on your trip to the city you might have researched on what to expect out of this city. Some of them might or might not be true. There are a few things though you ought to comprehend about the city. Amsterdam is filled with bike riders and although it might seem like the most happening thing to do in the city, it is not very practical since you don't want to be stuck in crowded biking lanes or face difficulties finding a good parking space for your bike. You may choose this commuting method for a day to travel in the suburbs to visit windmills but try not to rent it for your whole trip. You may observe that the city is devoid of car traffic given that parking can be expensive also that the public transportation is excellent and not to forget flocking number of our biking pals. Also you would not find office buildings in the city center but only 17th century canal houses mixed in between hotels and retail districts. All the office buildings are built on the outskirts of the city and this unique aspect of Amsterdam is what makes visiting the city more of a pleasant experience.

You should have heard the reason why Amsterdam was famous and that was anyone over 18 years of age can walk in to a coffee shop and legally buy hash or weed and smoke it right there. Well you should be warned that effective from July 2008 smoking of tobacco has been prohibited in local pubs and coffee shops. Except in glassed-in sections of certain shops smoking tobacco is illegal in other places. Weed is still legal though. Prostitution is also legal and is mainly practiced in the Red Light District in Amsterdam. You might hesitate walking through this place after sunset but it's a good place to have a tour in during the day. Sightseeing in Amsterdam thus has no limits. Everywhere you go you end up looking at some of the most unique places in the world. The city is packed with museums, galleries, shopping districts, bars, coffee shops and picturesque places like The Muiderslot Castle which gives you a real European castle experience. There are walking tours and canal tours that are rather interesting and a must try out. Amongst other places that are a must visit are the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Rembrandt House, Cannabis Museum and the old Heineken Brewery.

The author has great knowledge about Canal Cruises in Amsterdam. With his knowledge, he has written many articles on Airport Transfers in Amsterdam. He has organized many Walking Tour Amsterdam as well.