That
the city is a beautiful woman with the body and soul of a Botticelli angel and
the earthy sensuality of a Botero painting!
What
To Do
Visit
The Museums:
Visit some of the world-famous art museums - the Van Gogh, the Rijks and the
Stedelijk Museum, which showcase masters like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Jan Steen,
Gaugin and Monet among others. Then there is Anne Frank House, from where the
young Jewish girl wrote her classic work during the German invasion. Dutch
history and culture have been proudly displayed at the Madame Tussaud's Wax
Works overlooking bustling Dam Square.
Take
A Tour Of A Diamond
Factory:
The
Netherlands has been the land of diamonds for centuries. There are tours that
take you into a diamond factory to show you the cutting, polishing and grading
processes, and also give you the opportunity to choose from the world's best
stones!Go On A Canal Cruise: One of the most memorable experiences of holidaying
in Amsterdam - a cruise boat trip along the canals - gives you an enchanting
view of the best localities in the city. With seating around tables-for-four
near each wide window, you can eat, drink, chat or just watch the unique
architecture of Amsterdam unfold along both banks. The canals are well
maintained and it is today a trend for the rich to own houseboats. There are
four main city centre canals and numerous smaller waterways.
Other
Attractions:
Visits to factories manufacturing cheese and wooden clogs, the early Heineken
Brewery, windmills, the Royal palace and Delftware pottery shops.
The
Seamy Side Of Amsterdam
Prostitution,
drugs and pornography are legalised in the Netherlands. In fact, walking tours
are organised through the famous Red Light Area, which lies close to the city
centre. The brothels lie on both sides of clean, well-maintained streets and are
little more than tiny cabins - each with a glass-fronted door and a red light
glowing above. During business time, which is after sunset, a girl stands behind
the glass doors, gazing at passers-by. As soon as a customer walks in and the
deal is struck, the curtains are drawn and the red light switched off! sex shops
are also a common sight in this part of town.
To
really get a feel of the city, it is necessary to travel on the public transport
system and to walk along the streets, mingling with the crowds. People are
helpful, love to talk and also love their ountry and want to preserve its beauty
and ecological balance. Buses and trams are efficient modes of public transport,
so people prefer to travel by them, or to cycle. A mother and her children
riding together on bicycles is as common a sight here as a well-heeled pensioner
waiting for a tram.
Fact
File
WHERE:
Located in Northern Europe, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. It is
ranked as Europe's fourth most important tourist centre.
Currency:
The Euro. One Euro equals approx Rs 55.
Where
To Stay:
Hotels are cheaper close to Schipol Airport, but the city centre hotels mean
less commuting for sightseeing. Tourist counters at the airport and Amsterdam
Central Station offer hotel bookings at good discounts.
TOURS
AND TRIPS:
Organised tour tickets are available in shops in the city centre and also at the
airport/ Central Station. One can travel to other European countries by train
from the airport.Where To Eat: Restaurants offer varied cuisines - Continental,
Pan Asian and others. Indian cuisine is available closer to Schipol, but is
often expensive. Vegetarians can easily thrive on bread (a great variety is
available), salads and ice-creams.
What
To Buy:
Pick
up miniature windmills or 18th-century building models as mementos. Also, buy
prints and reproductions of the Dutch Masters at the museums. Flower bulbs or
seeds can be bought from the market.
Best
Time To Visit: Tulip time is Spring (March-April), but the weather remains good
till October end.For more information, visit: www.visitamsterdam.nl/
www.amsterdam.info.com/ www.wordtravels.co
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