Travel Netherlands - Amsterdam

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam is in the north of Netherlands on the southern banks of the river IJ. The city is shaped like an enormous U and is cut by a series of artificial canals. The city was founded in the 12th century as a fishing village and grew to its present population of over one and a half million. The historic center of this ancient city is one of the largest of any European city.

When To Visit

The best time to visit Amsterdam is in March, April and May. The spring brings fields of tulips and migrating cranes nesting in the city's trees. The fall and winter in Amsterdam is cold, wet and cloudy with short daylight hours and poor traveling conditions. Summertime is better, with mild days and more sunshine. To see the city at her best, visit during the spring.

Getting There

Amsterdam's international airport, Schipol, is an enormous place. The sprawling building is about a 15 minute train ride from the center of town. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes from Amsterdam to Schipol and back. Whether you're arriving or departing from the airport, you'll notice it's extraordinarily well-organized. Signs are placed at regular intervals to direct you around the large complex. If you're lost, you'll know it pretty quickly.

Some budget flights will land in Eindhoven, a city just about an hour and a half south of the city. If you land here in the small, clean and attractive business center, you can easily take a bus to the city's Centraal Station. Simply walk out of the landing gate, through the doors and into the large, sparsely decorated lobby. A lone desk at the center of the room houses two attendants who sell the 17 euro tickets to Amsterdam's center. Buses leave approximately every 45 minutes. Grab a ticket and head out the door. An hour and a half later, you're in Amsterdam.

Arriving to Holland's largest city by train is also very straightforward. Your last stop will be Centraal Station, a large gothic building in the center of the city. Walk out the front doors to see the city's south, the back doors face the river and the northern part of the city. You'll likely be heading south, so take a look at one of the many maps posted outside and catch the bus or tram of your choice.

A thick network of highways lead into the city's core. Depending on which direction you're driving from, smartly labeled roads lead to the beltway surrounding the city.

If you're coming from the...

• South: Take the A2 into the city.
• North: A1, A2, A4 lead to the beltway.
• East: A1 to the beltway.
• West: A4 leads to the beltway.

Things to See in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a plethora of sights in its large historic center. Museums of all types can be found sprinkles around the southern part of town, while beautiful architecture and more bridges than Venice will fill your eyes just by taking a stroll.

• Anne Frank House - The house of the famous diary writer always has a line. Don't be fooled: it moves quickly and the house is well worth seeing. http://www.annefrank.nl/eng/afh/afh.html

• Rijksmuseum - Houses works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and many more Dutch masters. The museum is currently under renovation and much of it is closed. http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/

• Artis - A zoo, botanical garden and many other natural wonders thrive in the Artis. Reserve half a day to explore its wonders. http://www.artis.nl/international/

• Van Gogh Museum - The largest collection of Van Gogh works in the world. Some of the more famous works are elsewhere, but a good chronological history of the painter's works is on display. The museum is on Museumplein. http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/

• Filmmuseum - Exhibits contemporary and classic films several times daily. http://www.filmmuseum.nl/

• Canal tours - Many small ferry boats leave from near Centraal Station and take you on a tour through the horseshoe canals in Amsterdam. A great way to see the architecture and get a good feel for the city.

Red Light District

Everything you've heard about the Red Light District is true. Amsterdam's center of sub-culture gathers here in the largest collection of alternative-minded tourists and natives in perhaps any city in the world.

The Red Light District covers much of the old city (map) and is divided into various themed-streets. It's worth a stroll through even if you don't participate in any of the activities. The city legalized prostitution several years ago, forming a prostitute union and basing it in an old church.

Many police officers in plain clothing roam these streets, making the Red Light District one of the safest places in Amsterdam. Still, be mindful of pickpockets, stay in groups, and don't take photographs of the prostitutes.

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