Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a great place to visit...

By Sharon Stajda,

Visiting the Netherlands means plenty of gorgeous scenery and friendly people, but the small world-class city known as Amsterdam has many of its own features not to be missed by travelers. Many visitors book a trip to this northern European city between the middle of spring and late summer when the city's festivals and special exhibitions are in full force. There are a variety of Amsterdam sites sure to please a wide variety of travelers. The subsequent article discusses several that are not to be missed stops on your visit to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam's Historisch Museum is a great place to begin as it will help put all the other sites in perspective. It contains relics of the city's history from centuries ago. Walking through the streets of Amsterdam is bound to be more meaningful after learning about their history.

The Van Gogh Museum contains the world's largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's work; it owns approximately two hundred paintings and five hundred drawings. The museum also contains many of Van Gogh's letters and items from his own collection. All in all, it is a stunning portrayal of the work of one of history's greatest artists. Art lovers will especially glory in this fine museum.

If vibrant nightlife is your cup of tea, than Leidseplein, an Amsterdam square filled with local Dutch flavor and many street cafes, is a must. During the warm season, the square is also a haven for entertainers who delight the crowds with their fire-eating or sword swallowing antics. Be sure to stop by the American Hotel for a peak at its lovely Art Nouveau features.

Travel along the picturesque canal known as Herengracht and you will see four centuries of Dutch architecture in the buildings you pass. The canal contains the "Golden Bend" section that contains some of the grandest homes in Amsterdam. A tour of the canal is not only historic, but today's homeowners offer their own stamp on the canal with their gables.

Bloemenmarkt is Amsterdam's only floating market. At one point during history, the city had several owing to the "tulip mania" that swept across Europe. Today, the stalls of this unusual market bloom with horticultural delights rich with Dutch bounty. Although bulbs are most popular throughout the country, visitors with an interest in gardening will find seasonal flowers, herbs, shrubs, decorative ornaments and more at this uniquely Dutch market.

Other noteworthy sites on your visit to Amsterdam include: Begijnhof (characteristic almshouse), Nieuwe Kirk (national church), Magere Brug (landmark drawbridge), Vondelpark (park near the core of the city), Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum), Anne Frankhuis (where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding before their capture) and Rijksmuseum `De Meesterwerken' (collection of master paintings from the Dutch Golden Age).

Art In Holland And Especially In Leyden During The Seventeenth Century

http://www.oldandsold.com/articles27n/gerard-dou-1.shtml

A Few Great Article's On Amsterdam

Netherlands - Amsterdam...: "AMSTERDAM is notable for two possessions above others : its old canals and its old pictures. Truly has it been called the Venice of the North but very different is its sombre quietude from the sunny Italian city among the waters. There is a beauty of gaiety and a beauty of gravity ; and Amsterdam in its older parts- on the Keizersgracht and the Heerengracht-has the beauty of gravity." Read more...
Netherlands - How We Saw Amsterdam: "On our arrival at Amsterdam, James found a letter from the Captain telling him he would be with us on the afternoon of the following day, and a cablegram from Ben Hardon which announced that young man's intention to be with us a day after the arrival of the next Rotterdam steamer. I made no comments when James read these communications,--- Read More...
Vincent Van Gogh (1853-90): "Dutch-born master of the Post-Impressionist period in France, representing the more emotional and intuitive side of that art. He influenced the early twentieth-century painting of the Fauves in France and the Expressionists of the Briicke group in Germany. Born at Groot-Zundert in Holland, he was the son of a minister and the nephew of a group of art dealers. " Read More...

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THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM

The Van Gogh Museum...: Overview
Enjoy the world's largest collection of Van Goghs, including paintings, drawings and letters. The museum also has a large collection of works by some of Van Gogh's contemporaries... Read More...
Anne Frank House...: "Overview
Anne Frank and her family went into hiding here on July 6, 1942, and lived in isolation for over two years. The German occupation removed all the furniture when the inhabitants... " Read More...
Vondel Park...: "Overview
This large, green oasis was created in the second half of the 19th century, and named after the poet Joost van den Vondel (1587-1679), a statue of whom was unveiled here in 1867... " Read More...
Nieuwmarkt...: "Overview
Initially a lively fish and cloth market, the square upon which the castle-like De Waag building stands, was the holding place for Jews arrested during WWII. In the 1970s, Chinese..."
Bike And Boat Tours...: "Gray Line Amsterdam offers a wide variety of sightseeing tours and day excursions in and around the city lasting a few hours to a full day. Hop On Hop Off Canal cruises, romantic evening cruises on the canals and day excursions to the Keukenhof and the picturesque villages Volendam and Marken. Ride a luxury motorcoach, hop on a bicycling tour or take a walking tour. Discover Amsterdam by fun Canal Bike or book a free guided tour at one of the famous diamond factories. We can also provide your limousine transportation from and to the airport. " Check this site out!

Looking For A Good Hotel In AmsterDam? The Amstel Hotel Is Wonderful

Since the opening in 1867, InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam has been celebrated as the most beautiful and luxurious hotel in not only Amsterdam but all of the Netherlands. It ranks up there with the best hotels in the world.

The stately Amstel Hotel Amsterdam is the essence of elegance. It is located in a quiet, though central section of Amsterdam, and hugs the banks of the Amstel River. It is in the heart of the financial, cultural and entertainment district of Amsterdam. The hotel is easily accessible by car and offers good parking facilities. The La Rive restaurant, offers up wonderful meals. Buffets may have become the norm in many hotels, but not at the Amstel, which besides the buffet, reverts to an old tradition the petit déjeuner à la carte. La Riva overlooks the river, and is breathtaking.

The original 111 rooms of the Amstel were converted in 1992 to create 79 larger suites and executive rooms. The ambiance in all of the 55 rooms and 24 suites are decorated with an elegance reminiscent of a grand European estate. Each luxury suite and executive room is perfectly suited for business or pleasure. All rooms are equipped with the amenities you would expect from a first class hotel....

IMPORTANT THINGS TO PACK FOR YOUR VISIT TO AMSTERDAM...

A money Belt, just to be on the safe side. A shoulder bag, that is some what water proof, and comfortable to carry. Depending on the time of year, coat or jacket. Inside pockets can come in handy, for pass Port and money.

Two good pair of comfortable waterproof shoesor boots. If one pair are damp you will need that second pair.Comfortable clothing is recommended. Waterproof over clothing - don't forget your umbrella. It can be windy so a second umbrella may come in handy. Take a plastic raincoat.Although not fashionable, they are cheap and compact. And travel folded up in your luggage. A warm sweater,is a must--- Amsterdam can get cold, even in Summer.

Places to Stay While in Amsterdam...

Crowne Plaza Amsterdam: "Want to find an Amsterdam hotel? Locate the Amsterdam hotel that meets your travel needs. Crowne Plaza Hotels provide comfortable accommodations at affordable rates. At Crowne Plaza Hotels, get special offers like the Crowne Plaza Sleep AdvantageTM which gives you comfortable new beds, quiet zones, guaranteed wake-up call, sleep amenities, and a sleep CD. Get all these hotel amenities with quality lodging from Crowne Plaza Hotels when you travel to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Make your Amsterdam hotel reservations online with Crowne Plaza today."
The Jolly Hotel: "The Jolly Hotel Carlton is a 4 star deluxe hotel ideally located in the centre of Amsterdam, nearby the famous Floating Flower Market, Munt Tower and main shopping streets. The hotel offers 218 bright bedrooms, 9 comfortable meeting rooms for groups of 10 up to 150 delegates, an Italian speciality restaurant named "Caruso", "Grand Cafe Il Girasole" and a private garage."
Victoria Hotel Amsterdam: "The 4-star deluxe Victoria Hotel Amsterdam is located in the heart of the bustling shopping and business centre, opposite Amsterdam's monumental train station, close to Dam Square, Royal Palace and countless places of interest.
Rooms: 306. Hotel Chain: Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts."
Amsterdam B&Bs and Inns Amsterdam: Amsterdam has 100s of wonderful Bed And Breakfast and boutique hotel's. Its a good way to stay...

"Find the perfect Amsterdam Netherlands Bed and Breakfasts and Inns. Stay at a B&B for the unique lodging alternative to large hotels! "

Anything Dutch at Squidoo!

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Some Great Lenses To Check out...

Dutch-American Stuff: I have many heritages, amoung them, Dutch. My original ancestor into this country was a man named Hubert Vandebogart.

I thought it would be fun to check out things for Dutch-Americans and place them here.

The logo on the right is a design I created. It is available on shirts, tees, etc. To see your choices,--- Please read more....
Vincent Van Gogh: "Preface: Undoubtedly you know of Vincent Van Gogh, the painter. But, did you know that there is also a line of designer handbags known as the Vincent Van Gogh Brand? These handbags are very much like wearable art definitely inspired by his beautiful paintings!" Please stop in and have a look...
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