Amsterdam Overview Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands with impressive architecture. Amsterdam is a sixth modern metropolitan area located on the western coast of Europe in the country of the Netherlands, also popularly named Holland. The political policy of this nation is socialist in nature, meaning the government provides many services to its citizens. Amsterdam is a popular destination because of its vibrant city life. Amsterdam is not the seat of government but it is the biggest city and the cultural and creative centre of the Netherlands. History The earliest recorded use of the name "Amsterdam" is from a certificate dated 27 October 1275, when the inhabitants, who had built a bridge with a dam across the Amstel. By 1327, the name had developed into Amsterdam. The 17th century is considered Amsterdam's Golden Age, during which it became the wealthiest city in the world. Climate Unlike many holiday destinations, an Amsterdam city break can be enjoyed all year round. The weather is traditionally at its best at Easter time and between July and August. However Amsterdam's climate changes hourly throughout the year and rarely becomes extreme. January and February are the coldest months, with lows around -1C and highs around 5C. Festival and Culture Throughout the year Amsterdam offers variety of cultural events and festivals. Amsterdam offers various cultural events and festivals all throughout the year. Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival, a weeklong celebration full of fantasy, anime, thriller, cult, horror and sci-fi, is held every year. Amsterdam Literary Festival that includes talks with authors, workshops, a literary tour and salon and a boat tour is really informative and pleasing. De Parade, one of the few traveling festivals in the world is like an old-fashioned fairground that lasts for 17 days featuring dance, theatre, magic, art, animation and music. The Gay Pride Festival is celebrated with an extensive program consisting of sports, cultural activities and parties. The main highlight of the festival is the canal parade and cultural and naughty boat parade through Amsterdam's canals. Amsterdam offers a wide selection of excellent restaurants, serving delicious food as well as a choice of international cuisine. Although it’s a huge city, the historic center is fairly compact. Visitors can find that there is a vast selection of City Breaks in Amsterdam to suit every taste and budget. Nightlife Amsterdam has the name of Europe’s main party cities and wild nightlife. If you wish to hear live music while dancing there is many places where you can dance and also enjoy food, drink or just sit and watch the world go by over a coffee. Live music if you wish to hear live music while dancing through the night, then head to Rembrantsplein and Leidseplein areas or there are also a few in the around the red- light area. Coffee shops Hunters Coffee Shop Amsterdam Hunters Coffee Shop Amsterdam is a fantastic franchise that goes from strength to strength. Unlike Barneys and Dampkring, these guys don't enter the cup but they still have incredible product. They have two shops on either side of a street named Warmoestraat. They also have a bar that is next door to one of the shops. The bar is lively and open late on Friday and Saturday night. Shopping Amsterdam is the city of antiques, books, diamonds, and curiosities. In general, shop-opening hours are 1-6pm on Mondays and 9/10am-6pm Tuesday to Friday. Most have late night shopping on Thursday until 9pm and close earlier on Saturdays, at 5pm. Some Supermarkets, like Albert Heijn stay open until 8 or 10 pm. â€The Nine Streets, De Negen Straatjes. Nine narrow streets between the main canals from the Prinsengracht to the Singel, south-west of Dam Square. Boutiques, specialist shops, galleries and restaurants. â€Santa Jet, Prinsenstraat 7, â +31 20 427 2070. This little boutique specializes in hand-made imports from Latin America. You can find everything from mini shrines made of tin, to lamps, to kitschy postcards.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
