What is it that makes Amsterdam so popular? Is it the canals and little bridges, its rich history, its many cultural events, the cosy quarters with cafés and curiosity shops or the city parks where you will never feel bored? Or is the liberal attitude Amsterdam is associated with, where everyone is treated on a level of equality, regardless of skin colour, religious beliefs or sexual preferences? It is the combination of the above that makes Amsterdam a unique town.
AMSTERDAM THE PLACE TO BE
This you shouldn't miss!
Famous museums, including thehet Rijksmuseum,Anne Frankhuis and the Hermitage Amsterdam; the most distinct quarters, like the cosy Jordaan quarter, the popular, common centre and the rich quarter Oud-Zuid. What should you do? Go on a boat tour of the canals, explore the city by bike and enjoy a sunny outdoor café. And when you think you've seen it all, there's much more in Amsterdam City.
City parks
Start your day like the people in Amsterdam do. Buy fresh products on the organic Noordermarktinde Jordaan, go shopping at 9 straatjes and have a great sandwich in one of the cosy lunch cafés? Need a moment to relax? Sit or lie down in the grass in the city park and enjoy the surrounding area. The most well-known park is the Vondelpark; this is where joggers, sun worshippers, terrace lovers, footballplayers, skaters and performers hang out. Hip and happening is the park and area around the Westergasterrein; there used to be a large gas factory here.The Oosterpark on warm summer days attracts familiies with large picknick baskets. Their children can swim in the public paddling pool.
Festivals
Regardless of the time, you will visit Amsterdam, specifically in summer there is always a festival you can attend, including the travelling theaterfestival De Parade; the utterly crazy and orange coloured Koningsdag;the open-air Grachtenfestival with classical music; Holland major running event "De Dam tot Damloop"; dance eventSensation; Dutch design month and the annual parade of gay and lesbian citizens during the Gay Pride.