Amsterdam is a city with countless contents, and apart from the already well-known attractions, it also offers much more than that. The Dutch metropolis is often associated with the adjectives controversial, unusual and special, and not only because of its popularity coffee shops i Red light district. They say that Amsterdam is one of those cities that everyone should see at least once in their life, and we recommend five interesting places and locations that are truly worth experiencing.
Discover unknown Amsterdam by bike
There are more than 800.000 bicycles in the capital of the Netherlands. In Amsterdam it is a way of life, facilitated by an excellent city network of cycling routes and flat landscape. Amsterdam regularly appears at the top of the list of world cities that are most suitable for cyclists, and there is no better way to explore the region’s attractions than by pedaling. Jump on a bike and head to Sloterplas for a swim in the spacious lake or ride your bike to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel to explore a 12th-century rural idyll full of historical sights. You can discover many of Amsterdam’s best-kept secrets from the comfort of your seat.
Windmills and landscapes
If you’re in town for more than a few days, plan a day trip to explore the diverse attractions of the surrounding area. Near Amsterdam there is a rich selection of beautiful landscapes, windmills and historic cities, which are easy to reach from the city center. Just a 20 minute train ride from Amsterdam is picturesque the city of Haarlem flooded with history and culture and a large selection of shops, cafes and restaurants. Looking for the perfect view of windmills, rolled lawns and winding canals? Focus on Zaanse Schans, a photogenic pastoral paradise.
Museums and magnificent buildings
Home of the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Royal Concertgebouw, Museumplein is the cultural heart of Amsterdam. Recently renovated to world standards, the architecturally stunning 19th-century Oud-Zuid district is the utopia of art lovers.
The open square between the buildings pulsates with activities all day, with outdoor exhibitions, markets and a large rowing pool into which you will dip your toes on warmer days. In the winter months the square turns into a huge ice rink in the open.
Smell the tulips
Yes, they are as clichéd as clogs, but tulips are definite a symbol of Dutch culture, and the trip to the Netherlands would not be complete without your eyes watching these beautiful flowers. If you visit Amsterdam in the spring, take a short 20-minute journey to the world-famous tulip fields Bollenstreek - stretching in colorful stripes for miles of lowland fields between Haarlem and Leiden.
There are also numerous opportunities to stop and smell the tulips in the heart of the city. Flowers pour out of a bouquet at Bloemenmarkt, there is also Tulip Museum, and in April tulips can be found in all possible jardinieres, during the Tulip Festival.
Canal cruise
The name of the city comes from the Amstel dam, which was used for flood control. Created in the 17th century to retain the sea, Amsterdam’s protected UNESCO canal belt is the most prominent visual of a perfect postcard. Precisely because of the large number of channels, Amsterdam is also called "Venice of the North". It’s an incredibly beautiful sight, especially after sunset when the bridges are lit by fairy lights and the whole area takes on a magical feel.
Floating channels boat tour it’s a great way to get into the fabric of the city, and along the way you’ll learn a lot of fascinating facts - like why sloping houses along the canal are known as “dance houses”. There are many different canal cruises on offer, from hop-on-hop-off tours to night candlelight cruises with food and wine.
Photos: Pixabay.com
