If you want a travel experience that combines great culture, art, food and beauty, look no further than Amsterdam. With canals that wind past quaint shops, shops and ateliers, this European city offers a unique blend of old and new that makes for an unforgettable experience.
Cycling is the primary mode of transportation, so consider renting a bike if you didn’t bring your own. Plenty of cobblestoned and quaint streets offer easy walking, as well. Areas like the Jordaan and the Rozengracht are especially inviting places to take in the local flavor. Whether you bike or walk, you’ll want to meander into many of the small shops and galleries that offer everything from beautiful jewelry to contemporary art.
If you want to shop until you drop, don’t miss an opportunity to find great deals at the market located near the Northern Church (Noorderkerk) or PF Hoofstraat, one of the area’s best shopping districts. You also may want to splurge on a fine leather Depster purse designed exclusively by Margriet Deppe (www.depster.com).
Looking for a unique place to stay? Houseboats are one of the most popular types of accommodation in Amsterdam. Many offer state-of-the-art amenities such as cable television and wi-fi. Visit www.houseboathotel.nl for details on rates. Speaking of boats, exploring Amsterdam by boat is a wonderful way to see the sights and beauty of the city, such as the Western Islands. For more information, visit www.rentaboatamsterdam.com.
Avid book readers will enjoy perusing the shelves at bookstores like Boekie Woekie that features artists’ books that are bound by hand, or the Amsterdam library that offers one of the largest book collections in the Netherlands – plus a fabulous view of the entire city. Cultural outlets abound, including the Rembrandt House Museum and famous concert hall (Concergebouw). And slow down for a stroll in Vondelpark, a lovely public park in any season.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, consider one of several restaurants guaranteed to serve delectable delights. The Sama Sebo restaurant offers excellent Dutch-Indonesian cuisine (www.samasebo.nl). The locals especially enjoy Pont 13 (www.pont13.nl), a ferry now docked just a small distance from the interior of the city. If you just need to quench your thirst, check out any of Amsterdam’s brown bars that feature dark paneling and lots of charm.
Whether your visit is a whirlwind stop or a longer stay, Amsterdam has something very special to offer everyone.
