Amsterdam guide

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, stands on the river IJ and about 20 km from the North Sea coast. Many monuments and historic sights can be found in Amsterdam. Either you walk along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht or Prinsengracht, you step back to into the Middle Age of the city.

The Old City

The oldest bit of Amsterdam lies between the Singel and Kloveniersburgwal, centred on the Dam square. Today this zone contains the two main transport routes, the Damrak/Rokin and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. These two wide streets are actually filled-in canals. Running parallel to the tram routes are two smaller canals, Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal - a home of the Red Light District.

The outer zone of the old city is well structured, and is dominated by the concentric semi-circles of the three main canals: The Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht date from Amsterdam's Golden Age in the 17th century. They are dissected at regular intervals by the main routes leading into the centre, creating an elegant variation on the grid pattern.

Getting around

Most people, whether travelling by train or plane, arrive at Centraal Station.

Amsterdam sights

Oude Kerk (The Old Church) - The oldest church in Amsterdam, which origings date from early 13th century, is now a centre of cultural activities like concerts and exhibitions.

The Begijnhof - This is an enclosed courtyard dating from the early 14-th century. The complex Include the Amsterdam's oldest house, Het Houten Huis, dating from around 1420.

Museums in Amsterdam

Museums are the main attraction in Amsterdam.

The Rijksmuseum - The largest museum in the Netherlands, National museum. It is known for its collection of 17th-century Dutch masters, with twenty paintings by Rembrandt and many other highlights of the period, including works by Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen.

Stedelijk Museum - The museum dedicated to modern art from the nineteenth century till the present day displaying contemporary art including traveling exhibits from many countries. Displays works by Picasso, Monet, Cézanne and Mondriaan.

Anne Frank House - The hiding place where the jewish girl, Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during the World War II. There is usually a long queueing to entry.