THE NETHERLANDS (HOLLAND) TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
HOTELS IN AMSTERDAM

Travel Guide to the Netherlands (Holland):

Amsterdam with an attitude
Cheap hotels deals in Amsterdam
Destination Guide: Amsterdam
Eight Ways To Vacation In Holland
From Windmills To Diamonds: Travel To Holland
Holland - Beyond Amsterdam
Holidays in Amsterdam - The Flower city
Know Some Facts about Rotterdam
Maastricht:  Worth a visit

Amsterdam with an attitude by JILL MATT

Amsterdam—the name inspires thoughts of impressionists and culture. Rembrandt and Vermeer in Rijksmuseum and the disturbing paintings of Van Gogh. The historic downtown, the culture and the canals are one reason to visit this great capital. Of course, for others it’s the spirit of “tolerance” for things like soft drugs(pot smoking) and legal red light district which make it an interesting destination. As an observer at least. While Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands, the government is based out of the Hague. Fewer paper pushers per square mile, as a rule of thumb is proportional to the joie de vive of a city, and distinguishes Amsterdam from many other European capitals. Amsterdam has been able to maintain it’s compactness and old world charm through a conscious effort rather than a stroke of fortune. 

There is another side to Amsterdam as well— its history as a mercantile power of the 17th century. The “Golden Age” of Amsterdam shows in its buildings, and the multicultural residents of Amsterdam are to some extent a result of the Dutch colonial history. Most people are introduced to Amsterdam through the Schiphol airport. If you are unlucky enough to be stuck there due to a flight delay, you will notice that the gates don’t have bathrooms and have only eight seats for each planeload of passengers. While this Spartan introduction is unfortunate as well as uncomfortable (and not representative of the charm of Amsterdam), it gives an insight into the thought process of the Amsterdammers.

The Schiphol has a shopping area with the casino, and the airport authorities want you to spend most of your time there. Their hope is that you spend the time shopping and gambling, instead of taking up space in a comfortable lounge. Airlines love the arrangement too, given the cut rates offered by Schiphol as opposed to the more “full service” airports in Europe. This unabashed capitalism goes hand in hand with the tolerant culture, making Amsterdam an enigma and a place to visit. For it’s beautiful tulips, as well as the memories of its famed Tulipmania, where the Dutch were trading tulip buds like .dotcom stocks! 

The transportation system of Amsterdam is excellent, with the frequent tram service probably the best choice for traveling within the city. Renting a car therefore is usually a “very” bad idea, especially when compared to the ease of trams within this compact city. The less said the better about the parking situation in the city. A canal boat tour of the city, may also give you a look at the city from a different angle. Anne Frank house, one of the most famous landmarks of Amsterdam, encompasses some of the painful history of this country. While the house is not remarkable, it is a monument to some terrible events. It’s worth a visit, especially if you have read the book. Rijksmuseum, with its superb collection of paintings is reminiscent of the Central Station from the outside. That is, because they have the same architect! The main attractions are Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Steen, but there are more than 5000 paintings. The Van Gogh museum is right next door. 

The Red Light District of Amsterdam is billed as a tourist attraction in most guide books. It’s actually quite safe to go there, if you keep your wits around you. The obvious things to remember is, to ignore the drug pushers or answer with a firm “NAY” and keep the camera in your hotel—taking pictures here is inviting trouble. An occasional pick pocket aside, you get to see fat women in windows and giggly tourists trying to soak in the scene.

Accommodation-wise, Amsterdam does not have much in the way of Pensions or Bed/Breakfast. Therefore, we have a collection of hotels in Amsterdam to give you the information that you need to make an informed decision.

About: http://www.amsterdam-hotels-deals.net

Holidays in Amsterdam - The Flower city

Established in 12th century as a fishing village, today Amsterdam is the largest and most popular city of Netherlands. Although Amsterdam is fairly small, the city is packed with hundreds of treasures for travelers.

Here are a few of Amsterdam's most popular attractions and sightseeing activities listed to make your travel experience the best possible.

Museums

When touring Amsterdam, it is worth visiting its variety of museums famous for their historical and antique collections. Some of the major museums of Amsterdam are Rijksmuseum (know for its 17th century Dutch collected works), Steldelejk museum, Kroller-Muller (named on the daughter of a rich and eminent German industrialist) and Van Gogh museum (known for its collection of paintings by Van Gogh and other eminent artists from 19th century). 

With more than 50 museums each boosting amazing collections, it would be a sad thing to miss the experience of museum tour when holidaying in Amsterdam.

The Dam square

The Dam square is known for its historical value and is often an important part of many Amsterdam tours. The beauty and the historical background of this Dam make it a part of every tourist's visit, when touring Amsterdam. The various fascinating things about the Dam are also documented in the historical museum of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Holiday in Amsterdam can never be complete without the Amsterdam Canal Cruise, through its magnificent and incredible canals. Cruising through canals is the best way to cherish Amsterdam tour, as you get to see marvelous 17th century houses and mansions, as well as startling architecture.

Oude Kerk

Surrounded with small houses, Oude Kerk is a very old and beautiful church, adored by many visitors both locals and foreigners. The church has a building designed in Gothic-renaissance style and has an octagonal bell tower. Located at the centre of red light district, the church has become quite popular among visitors on Amsterdam tour.

Hortus Botanicus - (the Botanical Garden)

With more than 6000 plants, Hortus Botanicus is quite an old and unique botanical garden. It dates back to the year 1632 and has some plants almost 2000 years old. Situated within the walking distance of other major tourist attractions like Amsterdam zoo and resistance as well as historical museum, the garden is remarkable place to enjoy your holiday in Amsterdam.

Albert Cuyp market

With more than 300 stalls, Albert Cuyp market is one of the most busiest and popular tourist attractions. This remarkable outdoor market has a variety of products and is situated in Pijp district.
Surrounded with numerous shops and cafes, the market gets to see huge amount of visitors, local and foreigners, everyday.

Best time to visit or holiday in Amsterdam

With its tourist attractions and friendly local people, touring Amsterdam at anytime of the year proves to be good. But the best time or the peak season for holidaying in Amsterdam is in the pleasant months of July and August. Even off-season Amsterdam tours are quite popular.

AMSTERDAM FEATURED HOTELS - THE NETHERLANDS (HOLLAND)