House of travel Northern, Central & Eastern Europe Brochure 2017 | Page 13

Amsterdam
Built on a maze of extensive waterways, many lying below sea level, this is a
city known for its canals. Cycling is without question one of the main forms of
transportation, with bike lanes getting the green light in the busy central city
streets, and where multi-storied parking buildings are home to thousands of bikes
every day. Bikes aside, the waterways which meander across the land abound in
history with classic Dutch architecture, including Anne Frank’s home, hugging the
banks. It’s a city proudly showcasing great art museums like Van Gogh and the
Rijks, both of which play a major role in the heritage of this laid-back city. This
place buzzes by day and night: restaurants, ‘space cake’ cafés, street artists, a lively
Red Light District and a vibrant cheese market.
Our favourite things to see and do
Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein) – Named
after the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt, it was originally
the Botermarkt (Butter Market) and was established in 1668.
These days it’s a buzzing nightlife centre with hotels, clubs
and cafés. A cast iron statue of Rembrandt stands in the
middle of the square.
Flower Market – On the Singel Canal where the flowers are
displayed on floating barges, this is one of most colourful and
fragrant places in the city.
Museumquarter – Two of the big drawcards of this area
are the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Van Gogh
houses the largest collection of his paintings, along with
drawings and letters, and the Rijksmuseum features a famous
collection of Rembrandt works.
Jordaan – A funky area that is popular with students and
business people. It has loads of atmosphere, narrow streets
and picturesque canals with lovely little shops, restaurants
and bars.
Anne Frank’s House – A really moving exhibition in the
house where Anne and her family hid. Especially of interest if
you’ve read her diaries.
Magere Bridge (Skinny Bridge) – One of Amsterdam’s
1280 or so bridges. Built in the 1600s, it is a traditional Dutch
draw-bridge and opens approximately every 20 minutes.
Must be seen from the water and is striking, especially in the
evening when it is lit with fairy lights.
Our favourite places to stay:
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Hotel Ibis Amsterdam Centre
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City
Centre
Amsterdam ID ApartHotel
Conservatorium Hotel
‘Brown Cafés’ – These are to the Dutch like a local pub
to the British. A casual place where you can grab a bite
and a drink. The term “brown” comes from the dark wood
and stained walls that supposedly owe their hue to years of
smoking patrons.
Canal Boat Ride – A magical way of experiencing the
Venice of the North, you’ll glide down the canals past islands
and under bridges and see the city from a different angle.
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