Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Approach Amsterdam as an ethnologist observing a strange culture. It's a place where
carillonschimequaintlyfromspirestoweringabovecoffeeshopswhereyuppiesgotosmoke
pot. Take it all in, then pause to watch the clouds blow past stately old gables—and see the
Golden Age reflected in a quiet canal.
Planning Your Time
Amsterdam is worth a full day of sightseeing on even the busiest itinerary. And though the
city has a couple of must-see museums, its best attraction is its own carefree ambience. The
city's a joy on foot—and a breezier and faster delight by bike.
In the morning, see Amsterdam's two great art museums: the Van Gogh and the Rijks-
museum (cafeteria lunch). Walk from the museums to the Singel canal flower market, then
take a relaxing hour-long, round-trip canal cruise from the dock at Spui (described later, un-
der“ToursinAmsterdam”).Afterthecruise,strollthroughthepeacefulBegijnhofcourtyard
and tour the nearby Amsterdam Museum. Visiting the Anne Frank House after 18:00 may
saveyouanhourinlineinsummer(see here forlast-entrytimes).Haveamemorabledinner:
Try Dutch pancakes or a rijsttafel —an Indonesian smorgasbord.
On a balmy evening, Amsterdam has a Greek-island ambience. Stroll through the
Jordaan neighborhood for the idyllic side of town and wander down Leidsestraat to
Leidseplein for the roaring café-and-people scene. Tour the Red Light District while you're
at it.
With More Time: With two days in the Netherlands, I'd side-trip by bike, bus, or train
to Haarlem. With a third day, I'd do the other great Amsterdam museums.
Orientation to Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal), on the north edge of the city, is your
starting point, with the TI, bike rental, and trams branching out to all points. Damrak is
the main north-south axis, connecting Central Station with Dam Square (people-watching
and hangout center) and its Royal Palace. From this main street, the city spreads out like a
fan, with 90 islands, hundreds of bridges, and a series of concentric canals—named Heren-
gracht (Gentleman's Canal), Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal), and Prinsengracht (Prince's
Canal)—that were laid out in the 17th century, Holland's Golden Age. Amsterdam's major
sights are all within walking distance of Dam Square.
To the east of Damrak is the oldest part of the city (today's Red Light District), and to
thewestisthenewerpart,whereyou'llfindtheAnneFrankHouseandthepeacefulJordaan
neighborhood. Museums and Leidseplein nightlife cluster at the southern edge of the city
center.
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