How to spend top weekend in Amsterdam - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Always crowded and popular with tourists, Amsterdam has many interesting and unusual places. One of them can be found in Hortus Botanicus . This botanic garden was established yet in the first part of the 17th century and is known as one of the most famous and beautiful gardens in whole Europe. It is so big that not all visitors have enough stamina to see all interesting places of the garden during an excursion. When visiting it, don’t forget to attend the magnificent “subtropical greenhouse”. There is a fancy bridge in the greenhouse, from which visitors will enjoy an adorable view of ferns and blooming trees.

Travellers, who are interested not only in sightseeing, but also in tasting local cuisine, should not limit themselves to eating in restaurants only. Pannenkoeken have become one of gastronomic symbols of the Netherlands. These delicious pancakes are served with different fillings and are distinguished not only by an original way of cooking, but also by quite an unusual way of serving. Experienced foodies know that the best place to taste this national dish is to visit The Pancake Bakery that is located not far away from the Anne Frank Museum. Here visitors can choose from 70 different types of the popular national dish. The bakery will also please with its affordable prices.

Red Light District has been known as one of the most famous symbols of Amsterdam. Besides sex shops and various entertaining venues, the area has some interesting landmarks. One of the most extravagant monuments in the city is also located here. This is a bronze relief depicting a hand caressing a female breast. The monument is installed right in the ground and that makes it even more unusual. There are many legends connected with that monument. It is believed that it is particularly beneficial for men as those men who touch it are guaranteed to have male power and rich sexual life. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Those, who are tired of visiting classical museums, are recommended to head to Amsterdam Tattoo Museum . This museum was founded by Henk Schiffmacher, famous tattoo master. The opening of the museum took place in Amsterdam in 2011. Currently, the venue exhibits more than 40,000 items that are somehow connected to tattoo making. Having observed the museum and its exhibition, do not hurry to leave the area. There is an interesting book store near it, where it is possible to buy various books dedicated to tattoos.

If you like modern art, then wait till Sunday and head to Spui Plein . On weekends, the square turns into a large and very popular art market. This is the place where travelers can see works of the most famous and talented artists of Amsterdam. It is possible not only to observe, but also to purchase the works that you like. Besides art, people come to the market to listen to live music as this is one of rare places where it is possible to see street musicians play on harps.

There are many parks in Amsterdam, and each of them has its own interesting peculiarities and places of interest. If the idea of seeing one of the most symbolic and unusual park monuments sounds appealing, head to Leidseplein Square and find the Hotel American that is located close to it. Then move south-west and you will reach a small charming park that is not known to the majority of travelers. In the park, find the old sycamore tree and look at its branches. There is a tiny figure of a human with a saw. This monument is a vivid illustration of the famous proverb “don't cut the bough you are standing on”. The author of the statue and the time when it was installed are not clearly known. According to a theory, the monument was made by a local and it appeared in the park in the 80s of the previous century.