Located below the sea level in North-West Europe, the Netherlands has gained its popularity for being the country of wonderful canals, picturesque windmills, colorful flower fields, traditional wooden shoes, great cheese, zillions of bicycles and rich in art and culture. Amsterdam, the largest and prettiest city in the country, lies in the province of North Holland. It is a picturesque cluster of canals around the Amstel River. Vibrant, cosmopolitan and steeped in culture, Amsterdam is one of my favorite places in Europe.
So, I will post some of the main places to visit while you are there. Have a great time!
1. Van Gogh Museum
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2. Tour Amsterdam by the canals
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3. Anne Frank House
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4. Flower Market
Since I love flowers you must visit the flower market. I do know that lots of cities have flower markets, but Amsterdam's
is uniquely different and is a "must see" for your trip. Since the middle of the 19th century, this city
of canals has boasted a floating flower market. It is located on the Singel
Canal, one of the oldest canals in Amsterdam, this unusual flower market is the most famous in Holland.
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Today, plants are imported from various other places, so don't be surprised when you find tropical and other non-native plants on the barges at any given time.
Prices are quite reasonable and many tourists enjoy taking home a few tulip bulbs they can plant in their garden when they return from their trip to Amsterdam. The barges also display a large selection of Dutch souvenirs.
5.The Royal Palace
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Over the centuries the structure gain fame not only for its external beauty; but, also for the priceless beauty brought to it by the famous sculptors and painters who created masterpieces to be exhibited there. Inside you can find paintings by Rembrandt and other greats of the Netherlands.
The City Hall first reverted to a Royal Palace when Napoleon's brother was appointed King of Holland
in the early 1800's. He converted the building into his palace and decorated it in Empire style. Many
of his furnishings can still be viewed today. When Napoleon Bonaparte fell in 1813, the
structure was returned to the city. However, King William I took the structure for his personal residence. The building continued to be used by Royalty until 1936, when it again became a public building. Currently, the building is at the Queen's disposal for state functions. When not in use for royal functions, tourists
can visit several rooms inside the palace on a guided tour where they are treated to stories of history and Dutch Royalty.
6. Hortus Botanicus Garden
The botanical gardens offer a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. It contains over 6,000 different indigenous and non-native trees and plants. Visitors will find a ‘hothouse’ that emulates three different tropical environments, outdoor gardens and hundreds of majestic butterflies that flit around, inside the Butterfly Greenhouse.
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If you look closely, you will also find some history inside. For example, a 154 year old lily, Victoria Lilly, is a giant water lily that opens its flower every night around dusk when in bloom. You may also find the centuries-old agave cactus that dates back to the Roman era.
Because of the extensive nature of these exhibits, you may also enjoy the lovely cafe and coffee house where you can relax and simply enjoy your surroundings.
The botanical gardens offer a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. It contains over 6,000 different indigenous and non-native trees and plants. Visitors will find a ‘hothouse’ that emulates three different tropical environments, outdoor gardens and hundreds of majestic butterflies that flit around, inside the Butterfly Greenhouse.
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If you look closely, you will also find some history inside. For example, a 154 year old lily, Victoria Lilly, is a giant water lily that opens its flower every night around dusk when in bloom. You may also find the centuries-old agave cactus that dates back to the Roman era.
Because of the extensive nature of these exhibits, you may also enjoy the lovely cafe and coffee house where you can relax and simply enjoy your surroundings.
7. Rijks Museum
This is the largest museum of art and history in the Netherlands. With nearly 1 million objects in its permanent collection, this immense museum attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors each year, making it one of the city's most popular cultural attractions. The Night Watch, an imposing masterpiece of Rembrandt's is on permanent display here.
The Rijks Museum is open daily from 9 to 5 PM and can be very busy; so, you should plan ahead if possible. The busiest times are Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11:00 and 15:00, on bank holidays and during the holiday period. As you arrive, you may have to stand in line to get inside. These lines are
for all visitors – except for benefactors or people with reservations for a guided tour or workshop. Once inside, Museumkaart and e-ticket holders do not have to go to the ticket counter. Check online or with your hotel for Museumkaart.This is the largest museum of art and history in the Netherlands. With nearly 1 million objects in its permanent collection, this immense museum attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors each year, making it one of the city's most popular cultural attractions. The Night Watch, an imposing masterpiece of Rembrandt's is on permanent display here.
Admission is € 15: adults aged 19 and over. Children 18 and younger are free.
8.Coffee shops
Since drugs are not a crime in Amsterdam and you want to "really" relax, you can go to several coffee shops in the city and buy pot or hashish and smoke it right there.
In the Netherlands, the term "coffee shops" is reserved for cannabis cafes, and bars
often masquerade as "cafes." This can make it a little confusing for visitors. But the Netherlands,
the world's winner in coffee consumption (about
three cups a day), does have some excellent coffee spots with Amsterdam leading the way.
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