This is the capital of Holland. Here they have their greatest airport and there are many cafes, coffee shops, discos, bars, hotels and they have there their famous hookerzone. That street where the hookers are they call "The Wallen". In Amsterdam many famous people come from America. This week Justin Timberlake is in Amsterdam for a concert.
Basic facts about Amsterdam
Although the Netherlands seat of government is at The Hague, Amsterdam is the nominal capital. It is the country’slargest city, with a population of almost 750,000, and the most visited, receiving over 3,5 million foreign visitors a year.
The Netherlands is situated in Western Europe, bordering Belgium to the south and Germany to the east, to its north and west in the North Sea. Although the Netherlands is the country’s official name, people popularly call it Holland.The provinces of North Holland and South Holland form only part of the Netherlands.
Timing your visit
Any time can be the best time to visit Amsterdam. The season in Amsterdam means from mid-April to mid-October. The peak of the tourist season is July and August, when the weather is the finest. Weather, however, is never really extreme at any time of year, and if you’re one of thegrowing numbers who favour off-season travel, you’ll find the city every bit as attractive during these months. Notonly are airlines, hotels, and restaurants cheaper and less crowded during this time (with more relaxed and cheerful service), but there are also some very appealing events going on. As an example, the bulb fields near Amsterdam are bursting with colour from mid-April to mid-May.
The cultural season is in full swing between September and May in Amsterdam, along with The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and other nearby towns and cities.
Museums in Amsterdam are the main tourist attraction. Everyone knows the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, but there is much more. Amsterdam has over fifty museums which attract millions of visitors each year.
Amsterdam’s top ten attractions
- National Maritime Museum
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Stedelijk Museum
- Museum Amstelkring
- Anne Frank House
- Oude Kerk
This old church with little houses clinging to its sides, remains a calm heaven at the heart of the frenetic Red Light District. Its buildings, especially the Gothic-renaissance style octagonal bell tower, was used by sailors to get their bearings.
- Begijnhof
A narrow, vaulted passageway leads to this charming garden surrounded by old houses. The devout celibate Béguine nuns have been replaced by old ladies. In the centre of the lawns stands a medieval church, while No.34 is the oldest house in Amsterdam. Entrance on Spui is indicated by a carved sign, entry is free.
- Koninklijk Paleis
Built as the town hall, the building’s Classical facade and fine sculptures were intended to glorify the city ofAmsterdam and its government.
- Magere Brug
Is a traditional double-leaf Dutch draw-bridge connecting sides of river Amstel. About every 20 minutes the bridge opens, as the bridge master lets boats through. The original bridge was built in 1670.
Canals
The canals provide a leisurely pace from which to observe Amsterdam’s unique architecture and street life. Byday-time already very charming, by night they become even more enchanting because a lot of canal houses and bridges are illuminated. The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel.
Anna Koblásová
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