Overview

Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands. Amsterdam is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country and has a population of 1 million. It is a beautiful, cultural, and an architectural wonder, which draws close to 4.2 million tourists annually. It is famous for its vibrant and diverse nightlife as well. Many large Dutch institutions are headquartered here. Amsterdam is also one of the important ports in Netherlands.

Activities & Attractions

Amsterdam is neither a cheap nor an expensive place to visit. The main attractions include the historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, its red-light district, and its numerous cannabis coffee shops. These coffee shops are one of the city's biggest claims to fame.

Amsterdam is also a good place to shop. The nine streets, Kalverstraat, and P.C. Hooftstraat are some places to shop. The Albert Cuypmarkt is Amsterdam's largest market. It is known for selling Dutch cheese, olives, fresh fruits, herbs, and spices. There are also other goods for sale, such as clothing, which is often cheaper than elsewhere. Here, you can experience the multiculturalism of Amsterdam at its best.

The Amstelkerk, built in 1668, was a makeshift church. Amstelpark is a family favorite. There is a petting zoo, pony rides, and a playground. There are also wondrous gardens where art exhibits are also held. The De Gooyer Windmill is another must-visit. It is the last of the 18^th century grain mills that stood in this area and it is now a private home. Overall, museums, gardens, and amusement attractions are plentiful in Amsterdam. The Civic Guards Gallery has paintings on the street and Begijnhof is a medieval haven in the center of the city, where there is also the Spanish riding school in the Dutch Stables.

Lodging

Lodging is not a problem in Amsterdam. There are many places to choose from and most of them are quite luxurious and beautiful. Amsterdam certainly is not low budget and prices vary. It is best to check the availability before you decide where you want to stay. Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam, NH Special Hotel, RobertRamon Hotel, American Hotel, Downtown Hotel, Grand Hotel Amsterdam, and Hotel Pulitzer are some of the recommended places to stay in Amsterdam. All these hotels are well furnished with restaurants and beauty salons.

Transportation

Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Renting a bicycle for local transport is a good idea to enjoy your visit. The "all in one ticket" is an example of Amsterdam's forward thinking. It is a collaboration of the Amsterdam Public Transport Authority and the Dutch Railways Organization in cooperation with the Amsterdam Tourism Board. The pilot program began in 2007. Buying tickets separately can be very confusing, especially for tourists.