Holiday Amsterdam - travel guide for Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the official capital of the Netherlands, is a beautiful city with friendly people, impressive architecture, a taste of culture and history, lovely canals that criss-cross the city, great shopping, serious partying, and the relaxing charm of old Europe. In short, Amsterdam is a traveller's delight with something to do for everyone and every budget.
Amsterdam Hotels and Accommodation
Like you have a variety of things to do and see in Amsterdam, similarly you can choose from a wide range of luxurious 5-star hotels to cheap and modest motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels and guesthouses. However, no matter where you plan to stay at you will be assured of comfort and hospitability. Some of the places that you can put up at are NH Doelen Hotel, Jonas Houseboat, Aivengo Youth Hostel, Owl Hotel, Hotel D'Amsterdam, InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, and Inner Amsterdam.
Getting to Amsterdam
Almost all the major airlines have flights into Amsterdam from Australia. You must have a valid passport that should be valid for at least three months after the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period. For more detailed information on flights and accommodations in Amsterdam, check Travel.com.au for regular cheap flights, last minute deals, and combined value travel packages which include cheap flights, accommodation and car hire during your Amsterdam holiday. Keep an eye peeled and you may just find your next holiday to be Amsterdam.For information on visa requirements, passport and required documents you can contact your local Dutch Consulate.
Amsterdam Holidays
Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centres in Europe, with about 7,000 registered historic buildings. There are many interesting places that you can visit such as churches, windmills, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, parks and beaches.
Vondelpark
Named after the poet Joost van den Vondel, Vondelpark is a large and green oasis..Vondelpark is a nice, serene place away from the chaos of the city that is very popular among the locals as well as the tourists. You can enjoy inline skating or a nice cup of hot coffee on any one of the four terraces. If travelling with family, then this place is a must as your kids will have fantastic fun in the park's playground.
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is considered as 'the national treasure of the Netherlands' as its exhibits include paintings from the Netherlands' 17th century Golden Age by Rembrandt, Jan Steen, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. It also houses paintings from the Middle Ages and the 18th and 19th centuries along with great collections of silver and delftware ceramics, fantastic examples of Asian Art, and old doll's houses. The main attraction here is Rembrandt's 'Night Watch'.
Nieuwmarkt
A delightful walk along the canals, amid some of Amsterdam's oldest houses is very refreshing and highly recommended here. Nieuwmarkt is a square that is a hip gathering place that is surrounded by pubs and small restaurants that you can eat at and are very cheap. Some time spent here is time well spent.
Magere Brug
Magere Brug is a bridge built across the river Amstel. It has been known as 'Chicken's Bridge', 'Skinny Bridge' and 'Skinny' because of its structure since the 1671, the first time it was constructed. It's made of wood and now days it's lit at night further enhancing the beauty of the river Amstel in the dark; a sight worth seeing.
Westerkerk
Westerkerk is Netherland's most famous church and has inspired many musicians. This church marks the site of Rembrandt's burial and the wedding of Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus. The famous tower was completed in 1638; its bells manufactured by the renowned François Hemony foundry in 1658.
Amstel
Amstel is the river from which the name of the city of Amsterdam was derived. After the river was dammed it became the heart of the city. At night, the banks of the river Amstel are a charming place to enjoy the lights of the city at a distance and away from the sights and sounds of the city.
Heineken Brouwerij
In 1864, Gerard Adriaan Heineken took over De Hooiberg (the haystack) brewery, at the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal that laid the foundation for one of the world's largest brewery. It has been out of use since 1988 but now days it serves as a meeting and information centre and a company museum. It shows you the history of Heineken breweries, a pub, a film theatre, the horses' stables, the old copper brewery house, and exhibitions.
Artis Zoo
Artis is a zoo that offers winding paths, monumental historic buildings, more than 8,000 animals, a planetarium, majestic trees, two museums, and an aquarium. You can also take courses ranging from astrology to drawing as per your interests.
