Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, and is
one of the largest historic cities in Europe. The city lies near
two bodies of water, the Amstel river and the IJ bay. For many tourists,
Amsterdam is a city which is well known and praised for its entertainment
and culture. The city at this time has a population of over 700,000.
Amsterdam is a city, which had very humble beginnings. It was founded
in the 12th century as a small fishing village, but didn't begin
to gain recognition until the 17th century, during the Golden Age
of The
Netherlands. A series of canals have been built around the older
part of the city, and many luxurious mansions and homes lie near
these canals.
If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam, do not
expect to be bored. For those who love art, Amsterdam is well known
for its many museums. The Rijksmuseum showcases art from the Golden
Age, and the Van Gogh Museum along with the Rembrandt House Museum
are places every art lover should visit.
Those who enjoy history may want to visit the Anne Frank House,
and anyone with a love of classical music should visit the world
class Concertgebouworkest. Amsterdam is also known for its red light
district, called de Wallen, and the many coffee shops, some of which
sell cannabis.
Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone. If you are
traveling there, it is important to get accomodations at excellent
amsterdam hotels. Although you can find cheap hotels in
amsterdam, Amsterdam is an upscale city. Budget travelers and
backpackers may find themselves spending a little more than in other
European cities.
When it comes to money, Visa or Eurocard are widely accepted. Most
large purchases will require use of a credit card. For everything
else, just keep fifty dollars handy. Changing your currency in Amsterdam
is easy. Any post office or bank will exchange currencies for you,
often at good exchange rates.
The restaurants available in Amsterdam have a very international
flavour. Traditional Dutch food is fairly simple, with meats and
potatoes. There are restaurants for those on a budget as well as
those wanting to eat in luxury.
Restaurants in Amsterdam usually charge service fees and taxes
along with the prices you pay for your meal, and tipping is always
welcomed. When it comes to traveling, Amsterdam is bicycle friendly.
Buses also travel heavily throughout the city, and you can always
catch a taxi cab. Due to the many types of transportation available,
getting around in Amsterdam is fairly cheap.
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