Discover Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city with countless personalities. Old Masters, sex shows advertised with neon lights, cyclists wending their way through narrow streets, cutting edge nightlife, clogs and tulips, hippies and Anne Frank and the faint, herbal whiff of cannabis mixed with fried food - these are all part of the life of Amsterdam, a city that has many stereotypes and is still more than the sum of them all. It's one of those places that you simply must visit at least once during your time on Earth.

Legend has it that Amsterdam was founded by a sick dog - the ship it was travelling on ran aground, and the dog alighted with two sailors. Where the dog vomited, the city began. Traditionally the dog was seasick, but who knows? It may have had one too many tokes of a fat joint, in the finest stag party tradition.

About Amsterdam	Amsterdam eGuide	Map

But what is certain is that Amsterdam has been a busy port for hundreds of years. Its importance to commerce began during the Hanseatic era and then, after the turbulence of the Reformation, Amsterdam underwent its Golden Age. The canals were built and the city centre began to take on its modern shape. Amsterdam became a centre for the discovery and colonisation of the New World. Its importance declined afterwards, and Amsterdam suffered badly during the Nazi occupation of the Second World War. Since liberation, Amsterdam has rebuilt itself as a city that's a beacon for liberalism, tolerance, environmental consciousness and art.

And the art on offer is amazing - Amsterdam is by no means just a city that attracts stag parties and hedonists. The Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum are three of the most impressive art collections in Europe. There are also numerous other, smaller galleries, where you can find hip, emerging new talent as well as Old Masters. If you're more interested in the past than art, then the Anne Frank Museum is a must-visit. There are also museums devoted to Dutch history, houseboats and Heineken.

As a port city, Amsterdam thrives on shopping and trade. You'll find plenty of kitsch clog and windmill souvenirs, but there are also some enormous department stores and shopping malls, as well as plenty of small, independent and quirky shops that are great fun to browse. One enduring commodity of Amsterdam is flowers, particularly the tulips for which the city is famous - you'll find stalls selling both blooms and bulbs dotted around the city centre.

Of course, Amsterdam is well known for its trade in other sorts of plant life, too. Cannabis cafes - euphemistically known as "coffee shops" and identifiable by the green and white logo they display - are part of everyday life here. You will be able to buy a range of different cannabis varieties, but coffee shops are no longer licensed to sell alcohol. Most of the cannabis on offer is strong, too, so don't overindulge or you'll start believe there's someone following you around the streets!

But Amsterdam's tolerance goes beyond mere cannabis. Whether you're day, straight, or are not sure yet and want to have a fabulous time figuring it out, Amsterdam will welcome you with open arms. The Red Light District is possibly the most famous in the world. There's also a whole array of strip clubs and sex shops, which can either be down or dirty or aimed at a more enlightened crowd.

Or, you might be a romantic who loves lingering over bridges having meaningful conversations, or enjoying candlelit dinners with your beloved - in which case, remember Amsterdam can be a very romantic city.

There's also a wide range of nightclubs too - everything from cutting edge dance to rock and goth establishments, as well as dives and hangouts aimed at older straight, gay or lesbian couples - whatever your particular niche is, you will have no trouble finding somewhere that you'll feel at home. You should also have at least a round or two of frothy beer in one of the brown bars. These cosy pubs are the traditional way to drink in the 'Dam, and are worth visiting to find out more about how the locals spend their time in this big, cosmopolitan city.

If a few drinks makes you hungry, then bar snacks tend to involve cheese and potatoes, often deep fried. You can even pick up traditional fillers from vending machines. If you're after something more substantial, then head to an Indonesian restaurant - the equivalent of Indian restaurants in the UK. Thanks to Amsterdam's rich trading history, it's easy to find excellent and authentic curries and rotis. Dutch cuisine used to be thought of as stodgy, but contemporary chefs have made it incredibly appealing. As with any big city, you'll also find a range of international cuisines on offer too.

Amsterdam is a year-round destination. In the summer, you can wander through the Vondelpark, take a cycle ride, walk the car-free streets and enjoy the beautiful architecture and sunshine. In the winter, Amsterdam is one of the most appealing cities in Europe - as well as the museums, restaurants and nightlife, there's also an annual Christmas market which attracts visitors from across Europe.

And it's worth remembering that Amsterdam is very easy to get to and from. If you're staying for a few days and fancy a day trip, then the excellent public transport system will whisk you to the Hague, Haarlem or Rotterdam, theme parks and the seaside. The Netherlands is a beautiful country and it's well worth venturing out its biggest city - you'll find flowers, cheese markets and much, much more. Amsterdam is also generally regarded as an essential part of any backpackingholiday in Europe, and it has excellent connections to Germany, France, Belgium, and beyond.

Amsterdam is a city to be savoured, whether your pleasure comes from hedonism, hash and clubbing, or an appreciation of fine art, wine or food, or a mixture of both. There really is nowhere else like it in the world, and everyone will find something to love about Amsterdam.