Amsterdam is a great place to
visit from the UK, with a flight time of only one hour.
Cheap Amsterdam flights are available, so shop around and enjoy a
fantastic, low-cost, and easy holiday.
The vibe
‘Live and let live’ is a motto likely to have been invented by the
residents of Amsterdam. The city is open-minded, tolerant and freedom of
expression is doggedly protected.
The infamous Red Light District is one of the first things that many
people think about when they think of Amsterdam. Also well known for its
cannabis cafes, the idea of Amsterdam can be a little intimidating to
the uninitiated.
Yet, the city is much more than just space cakes and sex shows.
Amsterdam is actually a very clean and safe place. So much so that it
was named the 22nd safest city in the world, in a Mercer Quality of Life
study.
Amsterdam is made up of six distinct areas, all with its own individual
atmosphere and attractions. To get a good feel for the city it’s worth
taking some time to explore each of these areas.
The best way to get around the city is to do as the locals do and hop on
a bike. Everyone travels by bicycle in Amsterdam and the city is
designed to encourage this mode of transport.
Mikes Bikes is a great place to hire bikes, or take one of Mike’s
excellent city bike tours.
Oud-Zuid (Old South) area
The Old South area is where the museumplein is
located. This is a collection of amazing museums located around a large
recreation ground. The four museums of the museumplein are the
Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum, the Stedelijk museum and the Diamond
museum.
Also located in the Old South is the vast and very pretty Vondelpark,
where you can walk, cycle and skate like a local.
When in the Old South you must try the steak frites at Café Loetjie.
There’s always a queue but it will be worth it for the best steak frites
you’re ever likely to experience.
Leidseplein
The Leidseplein is the place to be when darkness falls. A lively square
flanked by popular bars, pubs, clubs, theatres and casinos; the area
really comes to life at night, when the crowds spill out onto the
square.
Amstel
The Amstel area is great for shopping and is where the famous
Bloemenmarkt is located. This flower market floats on the River Amstel
and is where you will find a spectacular variety of Amsterdam’s iconic
tulip.
Also in this area is the beautifully ornate Tuschinski cinema, where you
can take in a film during your stay. This gorgeous Art Deco cinema is a
world away from your local Showcase, with plush velvet, hand woven
Moroccan carpets and a bronze and marble bar. Cinemagoers are served
wine and nibbles in their seats; it’s an altogether sophisticated
affair.
Dam Platz (Dam Square)
The Dam Platz is the place to go to see some amazing examples of
architecture, including the enchanting Royal Palace, the Oude Kerk (Old
Church), the imposing Church of Saint Nicholas and the
Centraal Station.
Jordaan
Jordaan is a pleasant leafy
area of Amsterdam that is literally like a breath of fresh air. A wander
around the Jordaan area will see you stumble upon tiny boutiques, art
galleries and cafes, and is the place to lose yourself for a happy
afternoon.
At the top of the Jordaan area is the Noordermarkt which hosts an
eclectic market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Conveniently overlooking the
market square is the Winkel café.
Winkel is well known among the locals for serving up the most delicious
apple pie, and it’s simply essential to sample a slice while in
Amsterdam.
The Old City Centre
The Old City Centre is probably the area that defines Amsterdam’s
reputation most accurately. This is where you will find the Red Light
District, in-your-face sex shops and the cannabis coffee shops.
This area, however, is also very beautiful and is crossed by over a
hundred canals and bridges. There’s no need to feel intimidated in any
area of Amsterdam as the city is very safe and well policed.
Exploring the de Wallen area (the Red Light District area) can be a real
eye-opener and some may even find it shocking and offensive. That one
area, however, should not define your opinion of Amsterdam.
A beautiful and peaceful city, it is a destination that the phrase
‘never judge a book by its cover’ must have been invented for.