Scotland

Amsterdam got its name when a dam was built on the River Amstel during the thirteenth century. Popular belief is that The Hague is the capital of The Netherlands when in fact it is Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has earned a justifiable reputation as the ideal city break location, although with so much to see and do, a weekend might not be long enough to justify the trip. With such a huge variety of prices, there are cheap Amsterdam hotels to suit all testes and pockets. A very enjoyable way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Amsterdam is to cruise along the canals. There are 1,281 bridges spanning the four main canals and many cruise companies who offer all sorts of themed journeys around what is the city’s intricate water system. Many cruises are available throughout the year. As a suggestion, reserve a day to take in a selection from the many museums in Amsterdam and buy a ticket on the museum boat where you will be taken in style to a selection of the popular museums. One stop is that of Rembrandts Museum at the Jodenbreestraat. Here you will be able to admire the original collection of 250 etchings and a number of sketches and drawings by the famed Dutch master Rembrandt. In addition to Rembrandt’s house, you will cruise the canal waters over to the house of Anne Frank. The house is presently a museum, but was once the home of the Frank family. In fear of capture by the invading German army, the Frank family spent years in hiding. The daughter, Anne, wrote her engrossing diary during the two years of hiding. The house (her home) has been conserved by the Anne Frank Foundation and was opened as a museum 45 years ago.

The famous Rijksmuseum contains the country’s biggest collection of art and history including dolls houses, Asian art, paintings and the history of Netherlands exhibition. The main event at the museum is that of the famed works from the country’s wonderful Golden Age with artists such as Vermeer, Steen and Rembrandt.

Should you be searching for a never to be forgotten art experience, located halfway between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum is that of the Van Gogh museum. A wonderfully detailed exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh’s life is exhibited within the walls of this landmark and you will enjoy over 200 of his paintings. In addition to his paintings there are hundreds of drawings together with amazing amounts of written documentation by the commonly misunderstood painter. Totally unmissable for fans of modern art, impressionist fans and lovers of Holland!

The Amsterdam red light district is famous the World over. It is located in the area of the Oude Kerk region where many of the city’s most impressive buildings are also located. The Red Light area runs between Warmoesstraat and Nieumakt square. Stag Nights are a popular event in the De Wallen area, particularly attracted here by the reputation for window prostitution and sex shops. This area is especially interesting because it is where people come to be themselves. It is a vibrant energetic area where you will find a fine cup of coffee, people of every race and creed, a good selection of shops and a huge range of places to eat.

Touring in the area of Amsterdam can be very enjoyable. The roads are wide and modern and Amsterdam can be considered an ideal centre for touring into the adjoining regions and countries. Rates for Amsterdam car hire are very economical and you can make substantial savings by making an online booking.

Dam Square is the place to return to time after time being a tourist hotspot generally and a great place to enjoy people watching and street entertainment whilst sipping a well earned cappuccino! There is such a wealth of visitor attractions in Amsterdam that visiting just a few of them could set a family back a small fortune. The City offers its treasured tourists the Amsterdam Card saving you lots of money!. Introduced by the Amsterdam Tourist Board, it allows you to admission to all of the leading museums as well as a free canal cruise and discounts to many shops and restaurants. Furthermore, the Amsterdam Card offers free travel throughout the city. You can obtain an Amsterdam Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours. A 24-hour card costs EUR 31 (GBP 25), 48 hours EUR 41 (GBP 33) or 72 hours EUR 51 (GBP 41) and can be obtained from Tourist Information  (VVV).

In the middle of the frequently all too hectic city centre can be found a peaceful pocket of green space nicknamed ‘the town’s pride and joy’. Amsterdam’s particularly beautiful botanical gardens, Hortus have been on this spot for more than 400 years and are maintained with pride by its devoted keepers. A haven of quietness for the times when life in the city gets a bit too fraught!

Should you are visiting Amsterdam in August, you will enjoy the colourful ‘Gay Parade’. It takes place every August and consists of a stream of wildly decorated and brightly painted boats. Its a great camera opportunity unmissable and is best enjoyed by watching from any of the bridges that cross the Prinsengracht Canal.