Did you know that an average Dutch man is about 6 cm higher than the world average, or that despire the general knowledge, it is actually illegal for a foreigner to buy cannabis in the Netherlands? Welcome to one of the most liberal cities in the world. I'm sending regards from Amsterdam!
Amsterdam is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands as well as the country's financial and cultural center. Wherever you plan on going in the Netherlands, I bet you will end up in this port sooner or later. Let's pause for a moment to look at the top five attractions that you don't want to miss:
Or the Dam Square, this is literallily the center of the city. Originally this was just a swamp that had been dried out (by creating a dam, therefore the name) and became a square that serves you today some of the most magnificent examples of dutch architecture. In the middle of the square, youo may find the Royal palace which is one of the three oficial residencies of the dutch monarch. The palace is open for visitors, so don't miss a guided tour. Right next to it you will find the Niuewe Kerk, the New church, a place of all the royal celebrations, including coronations. You can also find here a 22 meter high National Monument.
While I mostly do not add museums among to my bucket lists, there is something interesting about this one. There are multiple exhibitions that you may visit, some for free, some have entrance fee. If you intend to visit some other museums in the Netherlands - in Amsterdam that would be most likely Anne Frank House and van Gogh Museum, it may make sense for you to buy the Museum Card for 60 euro that will give you access to more than 200 museums throughout the Netherlands for the whole year. And even if you are not interested in visiting the interiours, just walk around and take a picture with the I AMsterdam letters like milion others. It will be for free :)
The "Old Church" is the oldest of the main churches in Amsterdam. It stands in De Wallen, right in the Amsterdam's Red Light District - how poetic, right? You may want to climb up the main tower to get some lovely view of the city. It is however a little overpriced and if you don't book in advance, you may find out that it has been already sold out for the day.
While probably not the right tourist spot, this building is a beautiful landmark of the city. And even though you may not wanna go inside, just stop buy and spare a glance at this marvel of Neo-Baroque and Neo-Gothic architecture.
5/ Walk / Cycle
I cannot stress this enough. Even though there are some tourist spots in the city, if you really want to get something from Amsterdam, just take a walk of the city or rent a bike and ride around a bit. The amazing architecture of these typical dutch houses, all the picturesque canals with their bridges, churches and official buildings, have picnic in a park, visit a coffee house. Just try to experience the city a little from the point of a local. Because, trust me, you will not go home the same.
Thanks and hopefully we meet again next time :)
Lex
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