Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands, Rotterdam is the industrial
centre, and the Hague is the home to government. Much of The
Netherlands once lay under water, and it has a maritime tradition
which was the source of the country's wealth mainly in the 17th
century. It is also one of the world's most free thinking
countries with a record of cultural and racial tolerance.
Amsterdam was once a small fishing village on marshland at the mouth
of the Amstel river, and has a population of almost 800,000 today.
The Netherlands remained neutral in both World Wars, but did not
escape occupation in 1940 which left enduring scars on the nation.
The rich history of Amsterdam is reflected in its many
old buildings and large number of fine museum collections.
The city is compact and well structured making it an ideal place
to explore. Amsterdam has a diverse appeal, from world famous
orchestras to organ concerts in an old church or a simple evening
in one of Amsterdam's jazz clubs.
Visitor Attractions:
- Rijjksmuseum, Stadhouderskade 42. It is too immense to be
seen in a single visit, but start with the 17th century Dutch
paintings including Rembrandt and Vermeer
- Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23 - Present church structure dates
from the 14th century but its origins go back to early 13th
century
- Koninklijk Paleis - built as a Town Hall in 1648 and occasionally
used by Dutch royal family for official functions
- Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat7
- Begijnhof - originally built for the Béguines (lay Catholic
sisterhood) who looked after the sick and educated the poor
- Red Light District - known locally as de Walletjes (the little
walls), is centred around the Oulde Kerk. A night time
visit can seem a bit sinister but a visit during the day is
a whole different thing - with flocks of visitors it has a very
festive feel
- Anne Frank House, Prinsengracht 263. The house where the family
hid for 2 years until their betrayal to the Nazis
Amsterdam Shopping & Leisure:
Main areas are the Leidsestraat between the Leidseplein and Spui,
along with the Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijjk. Large shops
such as Hema and Vroom & Dreesmann are near the Munt Tower.
At the Dam is "the" Amsterdam department store - De
Bijenkorf and 50 metres from the Dam and royal palace is the Magna
Plaza. For more individual shops try the Jordaan and the
surrounding streets. There's a second-hand market around the City
Hall and Opera, along with a food and clothes market in the Albert
Cuypstraat.
The city has many leisure facilities - including indoor skiing,
golf clubs, karting, ice skating, shooting ranges, tennis, horse
riding, fishing, canoeing, scuba diving, surfing, rowing and water
skiing.
Amsterdam has 28 parks, 165 canals and 755 restaurants - so you
can relax however you wish. Of course there's also the local
brown cafés characterized by low ceilings, wooden furnishings,
dim lights and the cloud of tobacco smoke.
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