All about Amsterdam
Amsterdam Comfort travel blog5 top tourist attractions in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam: Located in the province of North Holland, Amsterdam is the largest city and capital town of the Netherlands. It is one of the major business and financial centres of Netherlands and Europe respectively. The city is home to many Dutch Institutions and some of the world’s top companies such as ING and Phillips. Its main tourist attractions are historic canals, museums, De Wallen (the notorious red-light district) and more. Amsterdam is also famous for its retail marketing and fashion designing. In this article you’ll get to know some of the most important tourist attractions of Amsterdam.
- Museums in Amsterdam:
There are around 20 famous museums found in the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Some of the famous museums are Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Rembrandt House Museum, Anne Frank House, Museum Het Grachtenhuis, Hermitage Amsterdam, Tropenmuseum, NEMO (museum) and many more. The Nemo museum is located in the science center which is situated between Oosterdokseiland and Kattenburg. It is the fourth largest museum of the Netherlands, which attracts more than 5 million visitors a year. Rijksmuseum is the 3rd largest of Netherlands and 55th largest in the world respectively. - Churches in Amsterdam:
Amsterdam is a city of famous old and historical churches. Some of the famous churches of Amsterdam are Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk, Zuiderkerk, Noorderkerk, Westerkerk, Oosterkerk, Ronde Lutherse Kerk, English Reformed Church and many more. Oude Kerk or Old Church is the most famous, which was built in 1306. It is located in the famous De Wellen, the red-light area of Amsterdam. - Canals of Amsterdam:
Netherland’s canal city Amsterdam is also called ‘Venice of the North’. It is famous for its more than 90 islands, one hundred kilometers of canals and 1500 bridges. The most famous canals of Amsterdam are ‘Herengracht’ or Lord’s canal, ‘Keizersgracht’ or Emperor’s canal and ‘Prinsersgracht’ or Prince’s canal. These canals were built in the 17th century to enable transportation of goods. The other notable canals are Zwanenburgwal, Brouwersgracht, Kloveniersburgwal, Brantasgracht, Lamonggracht, Majanggracht and Seranggracht. The canals add much interest for tourists when visiting the city. - Concert halls:
Amsterdam has more than 10 famous concert halls; it’s a great idea to visit these on any trip to Amsterdam. The ‘Concertgebouw’ or concert building is considered one of the most excellent concert halls in the world for its world class symphony orchestra. The other concert halls in Amsterdam are Stopera, Heineken Music Hall, Paradiso, Melkweg, the Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ and The Bimhuis. - Red light district: Amsterdam’s red light district is one of the largest in Netherlands. The famous area ‘De Wallen’ is the largest and famous tourist attraction of Amsterdam. The prostitution and sex employment is totally legal and regulated in this area. This type of attraction isn’t for everybody but it certainly attracts many visitors to the city.
Conclusion: Amsterdam is a city with many more tourist attractions apart from the 5 listed here. The city has a number of town halls, opera houses and towers to visit. The Coster Diamonds Company, which is the oldest diamond polishing factory of Netherlands is worth a visit and there are many open markets in the city to purchase goods from.
Author Bio: This is a guest post by Outdoor World Direct. If you want to buy tents and camping equipment, visit the site.
Tags:
Eating good food in the city of Amsterdam
In case that you are planning a visit to the city of Amsterdam these days, there are a few dining places that you should consider visiting. The first one on our list today is called “t’Gasthuys”, being located in the center of the capital of The Netherlands, across the canal from the University of Amsterdam and near the Law faculty. The interior of the place is not its strongest point, however you will go there not because of the décor after all. If you happen to be in the area and you are hungry, try the hamburgers here. They come with fries and salad and they are very tasty. The other things that you can try here are chicken kebab and steaks. In general the food is simple, but very tasty. Good news to add here is that in June the place will show European championship football matches on their terrace. The place works every day from ten o’clock in the morning until after midnight.
The second place that will focus our attention today is called “Beter & Leuk” (which is translated as “Better and Pleasant”) and this is a nice tea and coffee place, where you can have a decent and healthy menu for lunch. The place works from Wednesday to Monday from 10 o’clock until 17.30 o’clock each day. The café is located in the Oost neighborhood and is famous for the organic products it uses for preparing the meals from its menu. You can try different sandwiches here, as well as soups, carrot cake, smoothies. The atmosphere is quite pleasant here, there are benches with pillows and relaxing music. If you are into healthy living, next to the café you will find a shop for organic clothes and beauty products as well.
The third place on our focus today is called “Café Friday Next” and it is placed in South district of Amsterdam city. The place works every day but on Mondays and is combining the functions of a café and a store. This is a new lifestyle store for the city that sets a new trend in the local culture. So, while having your coffee here, you can also go through some design furniture items, leather bags, jewelry and other nice things. On every two or three months, ta famous designer or a reputable international brand will present its work here, so you should check the place from time to time.
The café looks like a pleasantly decorated apartment and the feeling is quite cozy. You can also have lunch here, which will be made of fresh products. Of course, you can also work here or check your mailbox, just like so many of the other clients that come here. After being here, you will feel relaxed and inspired to go sightseeing or shopping in the streets and along the canals of the beautiful Amsterdam city.
Tags:
5 top tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal
As a tourist visiting a new place, it’s ideal to know the history of that new place. Knowing the history will often lead us to some of the best attractions that the location has available. Lisbon in Portugal is a city with tremendous culture and heritage that everyone must try and visit at least once in their life time. Lisbon is famous for its architecture, ancient monuments and some of its past celebrity residents. If you want to stay in the city, apartments in Lisbon are recommended for value. In this article we take up the challenge of identifying 5 top tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal.
1) Jeronimos Monastery
This monastery indicates the wealth and power of ancient Portugal. This is the place where Vasco da Gama and his crew members spent their time in prayer before leaving for India. It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. There is a wonderful fountain in the center in the monastery, this is illuminated on special occasions and it is a fantastic sight that no visitor to Lisbon should miss.
Jeronimos Monastery, this views shows the main visitors entrance.
2) Belem Tower
The Belem Tower was actually built as a fortress which was built in 1500 in order to prevent the harbor of the Lisbon. Again this is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Belem Tower has become a symbol of modern day Portugal. The tower is close to the first attraction we discussed, Jeronimos Monastery. So, if you visit to the Belem Tower don’t forget to visit Jeronimos Monastery.
3) St.George Castle
St. George Castle overlooks all parts of the city of Lisbon. The castle consists of long extensions of walls along with eighteen towers. Just imagine the splendor of how St George Castle would have looked like at the time it was built. The castle has become somewhat a ruin over centuries but this merely adds to its charm. Visitors to the Castle can climb the towers and enjoy splendid views of the city. Visitors can also sit in the garden along with different kinds of birds and enjoy an oasis of calm.
4) Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Calouste Gulbenkian was one of the world wealthiest men in twentieth century, he died in Lisbon in 1955. He had collected a lot of the world’s finest art collections for more than forty years and donated all his treasures to the country of Portugal. Gulbenkian’s finest private art collection is housed in this museum.
5) Berardo Museum
The Berardo Museum displays modern art collections. Whatever time a visitor attends the museum there will always be a display of more than two hundred and fifty art collections. Ranges of Paintings, sculpture, photography, and installations are spread across two floors. Those who are interested in modern arts should pay a visit to the Museum. There is no entrance fee to visit in the museum, which is great value!
Conclusion
By now you should be convinced, Lisbon is very worthy of being the destination for your next vacation, book an apartment now!. Just 5 of the attractions are listed in this article, that’s just scratching the surface as there are so many other attractions to view whilst in this wondrous city.
Tags:
Where to take a car rental in Amsterdam
Get The Most Out Of Your Amsterdam Adventure When You Rent A Car
Amsterdam is an extremely popular travel destination that is full of fun things to do and see. From its coffee shops and cafes to its outdoor scenic beauty, Amsterdam is a place that keeps vacationers coming back year after year.
If you are planning to explore this amazing and historic city and you want to make certain you will have enough time to enjoy all of its exciting attractions, a rental car will help ensure that you do not miss a thing while on your Amsterdam adventure.
Where to go during the day?
Choosing to rent a car to accompany you on your explorations of Amsterdam is the smart choice to make if you want to make certain that you will be able to do and see as many things as possible during your trip. For daytime explorations of Amsterdam in your rental car, you should visit Dam Square, otherwise known as “The Dam”.
The Dam is chock full of restaurants, unique shops and a wide variety of street vendors and performers, and it is the place where both tourists and citizens of Amsterdam combine to enjoy this exciting and fun city. Another fun daytime destination in Amsterdam is the Waterlooplein Flea Market. The Waterlooplein Flea Market is the oldest street market in Amsterdam, and it is here where you will find a variety of interesting treasures you can purchase.
Things to See in Amsterdam at Night
For nighttime fun in Amsterdam, let your rental car guide you in the direction of exciting jazz clubs like Cafe Von Leeuwen and Bimhuis so you can dance the night away. Or, if jazz music is not your thing, visit Rembrandtsplein. Rembrandtsplein is a square that contains a variety of different restaurants, clubs and cafes that are certain to bring excitement to any Amsterdam adventure. While visiting Rembrandtsplein, make sure to stop in at De Kroon and the Cafe Schiller Bar for some real Amsterdam fun. There are so many things to see and do in Amsterdam and make sure that you can get to all of these places with a rent a car.
These are just a few of the numerous places you can visit while cruising around Amsterdam in your rental car. While you can choose to bike ride or walk around Amsterdam, you will miss out on experiencing all there is to experience in Amsterdam because these modes of getting around are quite slow in comparison to driving. Amsterdam is full of many park and ride areas that will enable you to park your rental car for a low fee 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so no matter which part of Amsterdam you choose to explore, parking will be convenient. If you want to make certain that you will get the most out of your trip to the exciting city of Amsterdam, choosing to rent a car is a wise decision to make.
Tags:
Dining and beer time in Amsterdam
If you are planning a visit to Amsterdam, you have to know that locals love to eat sandwiches and toasts with cheese and this is what they have for lunch when outside or in their offices. Quite popular are the salmon sandwiches and the sandwiches with goat cheese and honey, which are quite tasty. However, if you want to try something different than a sandwich you can go and treat yourself well at the restaurant Dish. For three days each week this restaurant is open for dinner and also take-away. In this place you will find sandwiches of a different kind with some really interesting toppings and combinations. The place offers wonderful brownies and fruit shakes for those with a sweet tooth.
Another great place that is on focus here today is called “De Hegeraad” and it is placed in the city centre. This is an old pub where you can enjoy your long coffee in the afternoon or a few beers in the evening. This pub reminds of De Pilsener Club. It has a nice terrace set under lovely trees and is set on the Noordermarkt street. The pub could get quite busy during the weekends, but it is fun to be here.
The mentioned above “Pilsener Club” is also located in the center of the city and is open every day but on Sundays. This is among the oldest pubs in the city of Amsterdam and the atmosphere reminds of the past with the old pictures on the wall and its original sandy floor boards. Many people who come here are regular clients and some even have their name on plates set on their favorite seats, which is kind of cute. You can have some really tasty beer here, which goes well with Dutch cheese and the other specialties that are served in this pub.
Another place that deserves the attention if you like to drink beer is called “’t Arendsnest”, which is a very special beer bar, arranged in the typical Dutch way and atmosphere. Placed in the centre of the city, the pub is open every day for a great night out. This is actually the first Dutch bar that is specialized on selling beer. The bar offers to its customers different types of beer that are locally brewed and thus you will find here thirty beers on tap and thus you can try as many of them as you like and see how they taste. With the “’t Arendsnest” pub you can enjoy some private beer tastings or you can sign up for a master class or take part in one of the open events. Besides beer, the bar also serves different liquors, wines and whiskey.
The last bar to be presented here is called Melkweg, also set in the center of Amsterdam city. Here one can not only have a drink or two, but also can attend a concert of famous bands or a dance party, enjoy a movie, or take part in a festival or an exhibition. The program is always interesting and there is a nice restaurant. This is a kind of a cultural center and you will like to spend some time there for sure.
Tags:
Easter holidays in Amsterdam city
Easter is among the most important, pious and widely celebrated Christian holidays on earth, marking the resurrection of Jesus and the beginning of spring and new life. The Easter holiday is celebrated in a similar way throughout the Christian community around the world; however there are certain rituals that make the holiday different in each country. In general, the celebration of the Easter holidays in the city of Amsterdam and in The Netherlands as a whole is similar to the celebration of the holiday in the rest of the western countries. Still, there is one special tradition in this country that is called Easter Carnival.
The Easter carnivals in the Netherlands are something that is worth to be seen here. The preparations start in the previous year, exactly on the 11th day of the 11th month. These special Easter carnivals are events that are characterized with joyful celebrations full of color, during which are organized parades and dances, as well as many masque balls. In each of the Netherlands cities, is being elected a prince of the Carnival, who is being given the keys to the city.
The holiday starts on Palm Sunday, when children in the Netherlands go to the farms around and collect eggs. The kids carry special stick with them that is decorated with paper flags and egg shells, as well as other sweet things like figs and raisins, as well as oranges. The fun for the children is real, as they also search for the eggs that were hidden by the Easter Bunny and when they find them, they take part in the coloring of the eggs as well. Children also participate in a special game during which each knocks one’s egg with the other children to see which will break first and which will remain unbroken.
Amsterdam, like all the cities and villages in the Netherlands, is very quiet and peaceful on the Easter Sunday, when people usually go to church and attend the special Easter service. At noon, families organize an Easter lunch that could be done in the church or at home with the family. The table on that day is specially decorated and the food served looks very beautiful. The dishes on the table usually include boiled eggs, sweet bread with nuts, raisins and chocolate, and also shrimps and ham, butter with herbs, salmon or smoked fish, as well as chocolate sweets with the form of an egg. The main course on the Easter Sunday lunch is usually made of lamb. There is also one ritual, which is connected to the Easter celebrations in Amsterdam city and this is the Easter bonfire, which is being lit on the hills near the villages in the country. People who will participate in the event are collecting wood for several weeks in order to build a big bonfire. Then on Easter Sunday, after the family lunch, this bonfire is lit.
Tags:
Amsterdam: a few cafes and bars to check
If you have arranged a trip to Amsterdam, then maybe you have already organized a stay in one of the holiday apartments and have booked the flight tickets. Finding Amsterdam apartment is way easy than Paris apartment or Valencia apartment. Probably you have already made a long list with the sights that you should not miss and the things that you have to experience, while in the city of Amsterdam. That is why I will give you a few ideas where to go for a nice meal or a quick bite and where to stop for a few drinks. These places I have found on my own, wandering the streets of Amsterdam and I find them very authentic, cozy and pleasant, but also affordable.
This photo of Maxwell’s Cafe & Bar
The first place on my list is Café Maxwell, which is located in district East, a bit outside the city center. This is a corner bar that works every day of the week and has a long menu of beers, starters, main dishes, as well as several deserts that are a must! Every day of the week there are different social events and quizzes, which are organized here, while on Sundays there is lice music as well. The other bar that is on my list is called Skek and it is located in the center of Amsterdam. The place is very popular among the students and is open every day of the week from noon until late at night. Skek bar is divided into two zones, one with a bar with great atmosphere and a room for the artists to perform. In the second zone is served the food. The menu is simple, but changed on every two months. The ingredients used are from fresh, organic products.
Another great restaurant to consider is called Het Vliegertje, which is located in South District, not far from the trade fair RAI. The working hour is from 4 p.m. until late at night. People usually come here for the beef and the ribs. The interior of the café is very interesting as well and it is based on… airplanes. The place is quite popular, so you should expect to wait a little bit for a table, though not too long.
This photo of 500 Caffe by Marisa
Since I love the Italian food, I will recommend a few restaurants that serve this type of cuisine. The first one is Caffe 500, which is placed in South District. This is a new restaurant that works every day except on Sunday and Monday and is open only for dinner, so reservations are required, as the place is busy. The restaurant is very cozy, with excellent Italian wines and great Italian food. The other Italian spot to consider is called Bella Storia, which is located in West District. This places works from 10 a.m each day of the week and offers Italian specialties, some being homemade like the pasta and the sauces. If you want a good night here, better make a reservation to avoid the waiting. The third Italian restaurant on my list is called Frenzi and it is located in the center, open every day from 10 a.m. The specialties here are very tasty and there are always fresh fruit juices, and great coffee. The place has a cozy atmosphere and live jazz music on Sundays.
Tags:
Sandwiches, bagels and burgers in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is among the most visited tourist destinations in Europe and as such, it has everything that one might need for when on a holiday. This is valid for the well-to-do travelers, but also for students and people on a budget. In case that you are one of these people and do not have enough funds or you have them but you do not want to spend them on fancy restaurants, there are many other places to go where to get a decent meal to keep you going.
Among these places for a cheap lunch is the snack house “Convenience to go”, which is placed in the city center near Metrostop Weesperplein and is open every day until 6 p.m. This place serves some excellent sandwiches that are offered at a quite reasonable price. The other eating options include baguettes and buns, multigrain, brown and white-flour rolls. The choice of fillings that you can pick from is really impressive, including both salty and sweet options. For those visitors that really need to get something sweet, there are brownies and cookies, cakes and muffins, as well as my favorite cheesecake that comes in three different flavors. Of course, one could also find here coffee and tea, as well as other beverages.
The other place that I want to recommend for those who are hungry in the city of Amsterdam, but do not wish to spend a lot of money, is a place called “Tony’s NY City Bagels”, which is also located in the center. At first I thought that this is just one of the many bagel shops in the capital of the Netherlands, but this place is different and the bagels here come in large shapes and feature the tastiest ingredients. All the bagels being offered here are absolutely delicious, and so are the muffins and the coffee. The atmosphere is very pleasant as well, since the staff makes you feel as if at home. And on the top of that, the place is not noise as such places usually are. The place works every day from early in the morning until 6 p.m. in the evening.
This photo of Burgermeister’s
This photo of Burgermeister’s
In case that you happen to be in the southern end of Amsterdam city, there is a nice place to visit, which is called “Burgermeeester”, and which is open every day from noon until 11 p.m. This place has cozy atmosphere and the staff is very polite, as they even tell you how much time you will wait to get your hot burger. Usually, this takes approximately ten minutes, as everything is prepared onsite. The burgers here are very delicious and they have many ingredients like onions and tomatoes, lettuce and toppings, as well as big pieces of meat. The price you are asked to pay is very reasonable and once you get that burger, it will give you power to keep on going and exploring the city of Amsterdam until the evening or until the nest morning.
Tags:
Relaxing St. Valentine holiday in Amsterdam
As St. Valentine’s Day is coming, there are plenty of things that one can do to feel relaxed and in great mood. This is especially so, if you and your loved one plan to be in the city of Amsterdam during the days around St. Valentine’s Day. The capital of The Netherlands has a romantic appeal during all days of the year, but it gets even more romantic for that special time of the year, when everyone wants to feel more loved and to express one’s feelings even more than during the rest of the year. There are many interesting things that one can do in Amsterdam and here I will point just a few ideas.
Among the things that the couple can do is a walk down the Amstel river. During that winter season, the city is very beautiful with its white gown and even if the temperatures are a bit lower, the overall experience is quite romantic, hugging your loved one and looking towards the water. The river walk can start from the Waterloopein and go to the east, covering landmarks such as the historical and cultural museum the Hermitage, the theatre Carre, many beautiful bridges and park zones, many restaurants, etc. Another nice area for a romantic walk is the Amsteldijk area, which is placed in the area between Buitenveldert neighborhood and the Amstelveen city. This park is also based on the Amstel river banks and has nice alleys, a statue of the famous painter Rembrandt and an old mill that dates back to year 1636. My advice would be to visit this park in the morning, as the winter days could be quite short in the winter. If you happen to be there around lunch, you can also go to the “Het Klein kalfje” restaurant.
Another great way to spend a relaxing day in the city of Amsterdam, you and your loved one can go to the Jaap Eden Baan for some ice skating, which is a very popular activity during the winter days. This ice ring is quite big and is visited by beginners and by professionals when it comes to ice skating. The atmosphere is very pleasant and it seems that everyone is having fun. One can rent pair of skates on the site of the ice ring. A visit to the ice rink is a great fun, but it could make you feel colder. If so, you can go to two nice places to get warm and relaxed after you have been that active. I am talking about a visit to a nice sauna and a massage studio. The sauna that I have in mind is called “Badhuis Da Costa.” and it is ideal for those couples who are on a budget. This sauna is placed in an old bath house in the Out West neighborhood, close to the city centre. For a nice massage you can go to the “Corpus Rub Massage Studio”, which is a very pleasant massage studio, located in Oud-Zuid area and offers different massages that guarantee that afterwards you will feel very relaxed.
Tags:
Three religious places to visit in Amsterdam in November
Now that the most beautiful festive season is almost here and Christmas is at the door, I want to present three beautiful religious homes in the capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam city. These places have great importance as far as religion is concerned, but are also very nice landmarks with great architectural significance and historical appeal.
The first place that is in my focus today is the church De Krijtberg, which is one of the most beautiful churches in the country. This is a Catholic Church, placed on Spui in the center of Amsterdam. It is made for services of the Catholic church and is open for visitors every day except Friday, from 13.30 o’clock just half ah hour before the mass starts and is closed at 17 o’clock. The official name of the church is Roman Catholic Church of Sint Franciscus Xaverius, however locally the church is known just as De Krijtberg. The place has been visited by people who wanted to pray since year 1654, but the building of the church was officially started many years later, in year 1881. It has Neo Gothic style and comes with high windows. The church has a large organ, called the organ of Adema, which is used here since year 1905. Travelers say that De Krijtberg is among the most beautiful churches in the city of Amsterdam, since it has detailed paintings and many colors on the walls and ceilings. The place is full of light and the atmosphere is pleasant and inviting.
This photo of Evangelical Lutheran Church
The next church to be presented is the Lutheran Church, which also serves as a wedding chapel and a library. The church is named after the reformer Martin Luther and was built back in year 1633. It gave shelter to the Lutheran refugees from many European cities and also to the Suriname people. Since year 1961 and still today, the church has been rented by the Amsterdam University along with its accompanying buildings, which are used for various congresses and conferences, orations and doctoral degrees. The Lutheran Church features seven houses, which are constructed in a row. This includes one main church on three floors. The capacity of the place is several thousand people. Now there is also a library here, the Tetterode Library, which is set next to the wedding chapel. The place is open every day.
This photo of Old Church (Oude Kerk)
Now, the last place sto be described here is Oude Kerk, which is the oldest building of Amsterdam, constructed in year 1306. The church is located in the Red Light District of Amsterdam and is open every day, as follows Mpnday to Saturday from 11 to 17 o’clock and Sunday from 13 until 17 o’clock. Before the Amsterdam revolution from 1578, the church was Catholic, but later it was adopted by the Protestants. On that same year, the Oude Kerk became also a place for marriages. For a certain period of time, it was also used as a city archive. Interesting to be seen here is the largest medieval wooden vault on the continent and the Estonian planks which create the finest acoustics in Europe. The church is thus used for concerts and exhibitions.
Tags: