Amsterdam Guide
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is one of the most convenient hubs from which to travel to your island holiday destination. Amsterdam's International Airport has direct flights to many island travel spots across Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. There are also flights to popular Asian resorts as well. All of this, plus Amsterdam's charms as a tourist destination in its own right, make the city a great base from which to embark on your vacation.
Attractions
Most people head directly to the Old Centre, where most of the historic buildings are located. Must-sees include two rare examples of medieval wooden houses, as well as the Begijnhof, a medieval enclosed square surrounded by houses for Catholic nuns. Surrounding the Old Centre is the UNESCO listed Canal Ring, which makes a lovely historic walk or boat tour. For more modern attractions, try the acclaimed zoo and botanical gardens.
Activities
Bicycle riding is the way to get around the city, and Amsterdam has plenty of places where you can hire a bike hourly or daily. Another great way of exploring the city is to use the canals. You can either opt for regular cruises or hire a boat yourself if you want a quieter, more leisurely experience. Amsterdam also has a very busy festival calendar, so there is usually always something happening especially on weekends. Street markets are an additional place where you can pick up some bargains and just enjoy taking in the jovial atmosphere.
Places to Stay
Like any big city, Amsterdam has a wide range of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to more affordable inns and budget hotels. Perhaps the best deals, however, are to be found at one of the many Amsterdam hostels that are located convenient to the airport and port. Rooms in hostels can be very cheap on weekdays, and on weekends are much less expensive than a hotel. Hostels are great places for meeting interesting people as well!
Dining and Nightlife
Amsterdam is famous for its range of dining and nightlife choices. The city is a cultural melting pot, and restaurants serve all kinds of local and international cuisine. Perhaps most famous are the city's cafes, but these days foreign visitors may not be able to order as freely as previously. Nightlife is very active and lively, with venues catering to all ages and tastes. Basically Amsterdam is a city where almost anything goes, particularly after the sun goes down.
Safety
As with most large European cities, Amsterdam has its fair share of crime and visitors should be vigilant against pickpockets and other thieves. Other than petty crime, the city has a reputation as one of the safest in Europe, so as long as you take care of your valuable, you should be fine. Of course, there are some districts that are more dangerous than others; explore the Red Light District at your own risk!
