Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known world wide as the most famous city of the Netherlands. You certainly won't find as many attractions and tourist sights as you do here. Monuments dating from the Golden Age, old Dutch masters and the most modern of buildings, Amsterdam has it all. Not only is it the capital city of the Netherlands, but it is also the largest. The vast number of national and international tourists are proof of this city's attractive power. The informal character and the diversity of people and nationalities create a unique atmosphere.
Museums
There is an abundant choice of museums in Amsterdam. To see the old Dutch masters, you can veer to the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Would you like to know more about the history of Amsterdam? Then head to the Amsterdams Historisch Museum (Amsterdam Historical Museum). You'll find contemporary art at the Stedelijk Museum. Other worthy places of interest are the Hermitage Amsterdam, featuring stunning Russian art treasures; Madame Tussauds with its famous wax sculptures; and NEMO, exploring the sciences. Also not to be missed is an arresting visit to the Annex, that is The Anne Frank House.
Going out
Amsterdam is also a great place to enjoy the nightlife. The city centre is a veritable Walhalla for the partygoer. Pubs, bars and clubs are bountiful, the largest concentrations of which are to be found around the Rembrandt square (Rembrandtplein) and Leidse square (Leidseplein). Are you more of a pub local? Then head to de De Jordaan or de Pijp. You'll also find great places to eat in these two areas. There are lots of little restaurants serving any type of food you like. And choice is certainly not something lacking in the city centre itself.
Music
Theatre and music performances take place throughout the entire city. You can to the Stadsschouwburg, Carré or the Concert Hall from days old. The larger pop concerts are generally held at the Heineken Music Hall or the Amsterdam ArenA. The smaller at Paradiso or the Melkweg.
Shopping
The largest shopping street in Amsterdam is the Kalverstraat, featuring shops from all the well known chains. Bordering on this street is where you'll find the Kalvertoren shopping centre and the Magna Plaza is also nearby. For the more particular shopper there are the markets on Waterloo square (Waterlooplein) and the unique, individual shops in the 9 Straatjes. The big spender should definitely head to the P.C. Hooftstraat, where there are many designer shops.
Hotspots
As well as the above mentioned attractions, Amsterdam also offers the visitor a vast array of possibilities. You can experience number 2 of the official top 10 day trips: a round trip through the canals. A walk across the Amsterdam canals, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, is also a great option.
You can also take a walk on the de Dam, where you'll find the Royal Palace on one hand and the National Monument on the other.
Are you a beer buff? Then enjoy the ultimate pleasure at the Heineken Experience.
Hotels
Amsterdam has the largest amount of hotels out of all the cities in the Netherlands. There is a hotel for everyone in Amsterdam. Large budget, small budget, big, small, deluxe, basic, or a Bed & Breakfast, Amsterdam has it all.
