By Paula Swenson
5 Things to Do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a marvelous city to explore on foot, by bike or by boat. Like Venice, Amsterdam is a city of canals, but this Venice of the North is also a city of bicycles, bridges, tall narrow houses, art and history. There are plenty of enjoyable things to do in this watery metropolis, indoors and out.
Explore the Canals
canal cruise boat
Amsterdam's canals provide excellent opportunities for walking and biking on shady paths. Take to the water aboard the low-slung canal boats of the City Canal cruises. The boats glide past sights that include a replica of a Dutch East Indies sailing vessel, the stately old homes of prosperous merchants, under countless bridges and alongside charming houseboats. Visit the Houseboat Museum in the Prinsengracht canal to experience what life is like on board. For a break, stop at one of the many canal-side cafes. and enjoy a refreshing beverage and some terrific people watching.
City Canal Cruises
Stadhouderskade 30
1071 ZD Amsterdam
011 +31 [0]20 679 1370 (If calling from Europe, eliminate the 011 and add the bracketed zero)
http://www.amsterdamcanalcruises.nl
Houseboat Museum
Prinsengracht 296-K
1016 HW Amsterdam.
011 +31 [0]20-4270750
http://www.houseboatmuseum.nl
City of Cycles
bicycles, bridges and canals
Four hundred kilometers of cycling paths crisscross the city of Amsterdam, and bikes can be rented in all quarters of the city, especially near Centraal Station or the Leidseplein. You can rent a bicycle for as few as 3 hours, and the average cost for a day's cycle use in 2009 is about 8 euro. If you don't feel like exploring on your own, there are guided bicycle tours with various themes. There are many bike rental locations; to find one check www.amsterdam.info/transport/bike-rentals/ or try Damstraat Rent-A-Bike, Damstraat 20 - 22, http://www.bikes.nl 011 +31 20 625 50 29
Museums
Amsterdam is home to more than 50 museums. Immerse yourself in fine art at the Van Gogh Museum (www.vangoghmuseum.nl - 011 +31 20 5705200), or Rembrandthuis (Jodenbreestraat 4, http://www.rembrandthuis.nl, 011 +31 20-5200400).
Explore history where it was made at Anne Frank House (Prinsengracht 267, http://www.annefrank.nl, 011 +31 (0)20 5567105), or for an insight into ordinary Dutch life in the past, try Museum Willet-Holthuysen, the only fully restored canal house that is open to the public daily (Herengracht 605, http://www.willetholthuysen.nl, 011 +31 20 5231870).
At The Amsterdam Diamond Museum (Paulus Potterstraat 8, http://www.diamantmuseumamsterdam.nl, 011 +31 (0)20 30 55 300), you can trace diamonds from 200 kilometers beneath the earth to the ring on your finger.
Floating Flower Market
famous tulips
The city is crazy about flowers, overflowing in spring and summer with flower gardens, hanging flower baskets, window boxes and manicured green spaces surrounding fabulous floral displays. Delight your senses at the world's only floating flower market, located on barges on Singel Canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein. You can buy armfuls of cut flowers, bulbs for tulips, narcissus and even Christmas trees in December.
Vondelpark
Don't miss Amsterdam's biggest park, Vondelpark with its amazing rose garden, cafes, and concerts all summer long. It's also a great place for walking, cycling and in-line skating. Vondelpark is located Southeast of Leidseplein about 5 minutes walk. Vondelpark 1, www.vondelpark.nl/ +31 20 523 7790
Resources
About the Author:
Paula Swenson is a writer, artist and teacher. She has a degree in communication arts and has worked for NPR, NBC and the NEA. Swenson has been writing about art, business, travel and the English language for over 10 years. She also teaches English to business people and travelers from around the globe.
Photo Credits:
photos © DutchAmsterdam.nl: Amsterdam Tourist Guide; bicycle image courtesy of Massimo Catarinella
