Crossed by 165 bridges, Amsterdam’s historic city centre is built within five canal rings which keep the sea at bay. The most picturesque of canals is Prinsengracht, lined by shady trees and beautiful merchant mansions. As you journey along this canal, you will find the tall spire of Westerkerk and the famous Anne Frank House.
Clogs, tulips, cheese and windmills, all unmistakable Dutch images. During your stay visit the worlds only floating flower market to buy all types of beautiful tulips, Bloemenmarkt, along the Singel. There you can also find delicious cheeses at Reymenaer Tasting Room. If you get thirsty while exploring the city, enjoy a beer at the award-winning artisan brewery Brouwerij ‘t IJ
CAmsterdam’s Rijksmuseum has been lavishly renovated and is now the fitting surrounds to house the country’s largest art collection dating from the 15th Century to the present. Not to be missed pieces include Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s Kitchen Maid.
Take time to visit the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work in the world at the dedicated Van Gogh Museum. Follow the trials and tribulations of Van Gogh’s life which contributed to the development of his unique style which can see seen in over 200 paintings and 550 sketches.
There is no better way to see this unique city than renting a bike and getting off the beaten track to discover the real Amsterdam. Cycling is a quintessentially Dutch means of getting around and it couldn’t be easier with its web of cycle lanes that traverses the city. There are plenty of places to hire them such as Mac Bike and Rent-A-Bike.
For a real sense of the city, have a drink with some locals at one of Amsterdam’s old brown café, stained brown after years of smoking by customers. Small and untouched by modernisation, these bars give a real sense of the city away from tourist traps. Enjoy typical Dutch snacks such as kroketten and bitterballen while watching the world go by.