Canals
The best way to see Amsterdam is from its wonderfully quaint network of famous canals. Amsterdam canal cruises come in all shapes and sizes. Hire an individual boat, relax on a guided tour, join a sunset Amsterdam canal cruise or simply take one of the regular Amsterdam canal buses. The Houseboat Museum will satisfy all those curious about life on an Amsterdam houseboat. Walking among Amsterdam’s canals is a constant delight.
Art
Amsterdam rivals Madrid in terms of art. The Van Gogh Museum is an absolute joy: the largest collection of Van Gogh in the world plus works by contemporaries like Gauguin and Toulouse Lautrec. The Rembrandt House Museum features the beautiful 17th century house where Rembrandt lived. The Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art (eventually the Museumplein) has a stunning collection that includes Chagall, Monet, and Picasso. The museum brilliantly presents the development of 20th century art. The vast Rijksmuseum has a marvellous collection of the Dutch Masters as well as beautiful gardens.
Museums
Amsterdam museums are one of the city’s major attractions. Most are within walking distance of each other and have pleasant courtyards and outdoor terraces. Anne Frank House is the building where Anne Frank and four others hid from the Nazis in the Second World War. Other worthwhile Amsterdam museums include an outstanding Maritime Museum and the Historical Museum. Beer aficionados will enjoy the amazingly popular Heineken Experience. A tour of Stoeltie Diamonds includes diamond cutters at work. Fans of the bizarre might also enjoy the Sex Museum, the Hash Museum and the Torture Museum. If you are in Madrid with children then head for the NEMO Museum, a far more hands-on experience than other Amsterdam museums.
Shopping
Amsterdam city breaks provide particularly rewarding shopping, with plenty of unusual shops and colourful markets. Amsterdam shopping is particularly strong on antiques, art, bookshops, designer clothes, retro fashion and clubbing gear. Make sure you visit the Bloemenmarkt floating flower market on the Singel. Noordermarkt has a good farmer’s market on Saturdays. Pedestrian Leidsestraat is the major shopping street and has dozens of cafes with canal views.
Red lights, “coffee” and nightlife
Few visitors can resist taking a look at the famous red light district with its legalised prostitution. The resulting mix of tourists and local “traders” has a surreal quality. The red light district also has interesting architecture, unusual squares and a vibrant cosmopolitan mix of residents. “Coffee shops “or “brown cafes” are spread around the city and prove endlessly fascinating for visitors. Amsterdam nightlife is legendary. You will find everything from old-fashioned cafes and pubs to the trendiest of clubs and after hours venues. You can party well into the following morning if you so wish.
Amsterdam City Breaks
