Travel Guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam there are not that many places of interest, which are well known all over the world. But actually the city itself is a great place of interest: its atmosphere, its international spirit, the spirit of tolerance and, of course, its channels make Amsterdam an outstanding city. If you are going to do sight-seeing there, we strongly advise to include into your program some boating.

What can Amsterdam offer to its visitors? In this city you can find not only a wide range of historical and cultural places of interest, such as, for example, The Royal Palace or the Rijksmuseum, but also such funny places, as Hash-Marijuana-Hemp Museum. In general, Amsterdam is mostly famous for its museums, which attract millions of tourists every year. There is hardly any person in the world, who has never heard about Van Gogh Museum or The House of Anne Frank, and it's not the end. There are more than 50 different museums in Amsterdam, not saying about a great number of art galleries.

The Royal Palace. The Royal Palace and adjacent Dam Square are situated right in the centre of the city, they may be called the heart of Amsterdam. Nearby there is Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. The Royal Palace used to be a city hall, and only after Napoleon raised to the Dutch throne his brother Louie, it was turned into The Royal Palace. Nowadays everybody has an opportunity look at the inside of the palace and to have a walk along its corridors, surely under the stipulation that at this time it is not used by the royal family.

Oude Kerk. Many tourists get quite surprised, when they learn that Oude Kerk is situated in the centre of Red Light District. Surrounded by prostitutes, which sell themselves in red-lighted windows, Oude Kerk managed to save its medieval look, the road beside is cobbled, and it's quite easy to slip on it when it's raining. The decoration of the church was removed in the times of Reformation. There is a legend of the 13th century:'Once upon a time there lived a man. One day he got very ill and actually was very close to death. Since that moment a host, that was given him at Eucharist, started appearing in his house. The man even tried to burn it, but nothing worked. After the man died the host was kept in one of the chapels, which after some time burnt down, but the host got through this fire too'. Since then, people pilgrimage to Oude Kerk in memory of this miracle. On the 15th of March annual ceremonial procession is organized, and it has an end at Oude Kerk.

Red Light District. It's no sense in visiting Amsterdam without visiting notorious Red Light District. Not only at night, but also at daytime a very special atmosphere reigns there. In Red Light District sex for money is absolutely openly offered to everyone, in red-lighted windows one can see women of all ages and nationalities. But beware of pickpockets, especially on weekends, when Red Light District is crowded with tourists.

Amsterdam Channels. The amount of water in Amsterdam can amaze almost everyone. Because of great number of channels (the exact number is 165) some people call the city North Venice. The main channels are Singel, Heren-, Keizer- and Prinzengracht, which flow through the centre of Amsterdam. Not far from the station and Damrak firms, that organize boat excursions across the channels, are located. The only thing that differs them from each other is the length of queues.

Amsterdam Arena. Amsterdam Arena is worth visiting not only for football fans: in summer at this place such well-known bands as Rolling Stones or U2 make their performances. You also can enjoy the manner of play of famous football club 'Ajax', of course if only you are not so unlucky to arrive to Amsterdam during their summer or winter pause. By the way for real fans of 'Ajax' there is a big shop, where one can buy various goods with the emblem of the favorite club.

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is located in an enormous building in the centre of Amsterdam. The museum has four stores; one of them is completely devoted to the history of Amsterdam. Visitors are greeted by skillfully wax-made figures of numerous European celebrities, sportsmen, culture workers and members of royal family. There is a hall with double-people of Hollywood stars and another one with figures of history-making persons, such as Gandhi or Einstein. If you want to have a chance to stand really close to your idol, this place is what you need! And don't forget to take a photo camera with you, funny photos are guaranteed to be made.

The station building. The station building in Amsterdam was built in 1889 and at first it was used as station for transportations of goods. It was projected by a well-known at those times architect Kaupers, who also planned the building of the Rijksmuseum. The foundation consists of 8 687 wooden posts, because the building is located in a very damp place. The original construction of building was constantly changed because of endlessly growing quantity of transport. Not long ago the front of the station building was restored and today everyone can enjoy its beauty and magnificence.

Read more about Amsterdam:
Restaurants and cuisine in Amsterdam
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Amsterdam
Nightlife and attractions in Amsterdam
Preparing for Amsterdam: Advices
Amsterdam photogallery