Amsterdam Travel Guide

Amsterdam Travel & Tourism Guide

Bridge Herengracht Amsterdam

In the Netherlands, Amsterdam is not only a seaport but it is also the largest city. Amsterdam serves as the commercial, financial and cultural center of the Netherlands as well as being the official capital of the country. Amsterdam is pretty flat compared to most cities. Most of the city sits on piles that have been driven down into the earth so that the city is divided into about ninety islands by over 160 canals which are all connected through about a thousand bridges. It is these canals that make the city a famed attraction for many visitors in addition to the historic buildings, world-class museums and lax social customs.

As of 2004 Amsterdam had a population of over seven hundred thousand with the entire metropolitan area have over one million people. Most individuals speak the national language, Dutch, but there are other widely spoken languages as well such as English and German. The city has a temperate climate with winter temperatures rarely dropping below zero. Their summers are warm but not usually hot. There will be days with measurable precipitation, but their annual average is under 760 mm. The cooler months are October through March which you may have cloudy and damp days.

When to Go to Amsterdam

Cafe De Jaren Amsterdam

The high season in Amsterdam is from mid-April to mid-October with tourist season reaching its peak in the months of July and August when the weather is the best. However, since the climate in Amsterdam is never really extreme then you may want to considered off-season travel. This way you will be saving money on flights, hotels and restaurants while still seeing an attractive city. There are even some appealing events during the off-season such as the bulb fields which come alive with color from mid-April to mid-May.

The high season is when the tulips are in bloom from early April to mid-May and the school vacations in July and August. During both these times the city is very busy which means you will have a hard time finding hotels and there are no bargains to be found. If you want to go during the high season then you will need to book several months in advance.

During the winter months you can generally get cheaper hotel rates and you will find the cafes and restaurants less crowded. There won't be long lines to get into the museums and you can take your time viewing all the classic paintings. There is also a better view of the canals since the bordering trees have shed their leaves. There is no bad time to visit Amsterdam since it has year round activities and favorable weather. It is best to choose an event you want to visit and then plan your vacation around the best time for this event.

Which Museums to See in Amsterdam

Allard Pierson Museum Amsterdam

With so many museums in Amsterdam it can be difficult to see them all. If you are pressed for time then there are three museums which you need to see. First there is Rijksmuseum which is a state museum that houses of the most important artworks from Holland's history include Rembrandt's The Night Watch, four Vermeer miniatures and many other pieces as well. This museum has one of the most impressive collections of the Old Masters anywhere in the world.

Then there is the Van Gogh Museum which houses the world's largest collection of Van Gogh works. Nearly two hundred paintings and five hundred drawings. This is the only museum where you can trace the artistic and psychological development of this great painter.

Finally you should consider the Anne Frankhuis museum which is set in the hideout she used during World War II to get away from the Nazi's. There is no better museum to help you understand the circumstances and terror that went into surviving the horrors of World War II.

Things to Do Outdoors in Amsterdam

Amsterdam features more bridges and canals than Venice. Consider walking outside and crossing as many of the city's 1200 plus bridges as you can.  The views you enjoy cannot be compared anywhere else. Or you can join Dutch tradition and take a stroll through the tulips when they are in bloom. Finally you can visit Zandvoort which is a wonderful coastal resort in any type of weather.

Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

There are four hotels well worth your stay while in Amsterdam. The first is Amstel InterContinental Amsterdam. This is truly the best of all hotels and includes one of the best restaurants in the city. It also features an excellent location right beside the Amstel River. For visiting celebrities this is often the first stop on their list.

Then there is the Amsterdam American which also has an excellent location on Leidseplein the liveliest square in Amsterdam. This means the hotel is close to theaters, cinemas and a casino. Aside from their location they are a fine Art Deco-style hotel which also has Café Americain which is considered a city institution.

Third on the list is the Grand Sofitel Demeure Amsterdam. Both inside and out this is a grand hotel that lives up to its name. It was even the seat of Amsterdam Admiralty at one time and has served many municipal functions since the fifteenth century. Now it sits along a tranquil canal that borders the Red Light District of Amsterdam.

Finally there is the Hotel Pulitzer which is twenty-five old canal houses that have been converted into this fine hotel. If you want a truly prize winning hotel consider this as one of the main hotels on your short list of places to stay while in Amsterdam.

Best Places to Stay on a Budget in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Red Light District

So you need to save money on your hotel stay. There are five hotels in Amsterdam which you can get for a moderate price. First is Hotel Agora while it isn't as fancy as some of the more expensive hotels it more than makes up for this fact with their personal touch. The intimate atmosphere of this hotel makes it feel like you are staying in a canal-side home.

Your second option is the Ambassade Hotel. This hotel uses ten neighboring canal houses on the Golden Bend which is the most fashionable district in Amsterdam. Staying here makes you feel like you are in the home of a seventeenth century merchant. All the rooms are spacious and individually style with large windows that allow you to overlook the canal.

Then there is Hotel Arena which is an unusual place due to its action-oriented and information temperament which is typical of Amsterdam. This hotel combines the bustle with a genuine style and comfort level.

Or consider Hotel de Filosoof which has a distinctive operating philosophy, taking its inspiration from the great thinkers of the past. Their idealism has become a reality and you won't find a better place to stay on a budget than here.

Lastly there is Seven Bridges Hotel in Amsterdam. Here you get the feeling that the owner is doing what they love and not just running a business. All the furniture, fixtures and fittings have been carefully selected and you get the same personal attention from the staff. For a budget price you can get the same personal service that you would expect from a pricey, upscale hotel.

Amsterdam International Airport Review

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