Just in case going on a vacation is one of the things you have planned for this summer, then exploring Netherlands should definitely be in your list. Amsterdam, the capital city of The Netherlands, situated in the south of Netherlands, has been famed for many things. Chief on that list is its array of vices; sex, drugs, drinks and gambling.
Clearly any city clever enough to bring all the vices together under "one roof" cannot go wrong and Amsterdam has proved that, making it a dream location for almost everyone looking for some fun and freedom.
The Amsterdam city council present a different side to the city, art, museums, 17th century buildings, amazing canals, great food and everything Dutch including the now frowned upon Zwarte Piet, the black helper of Santa.
Clearly this reason has made Amsterdam the dream spot on the earth for certain people who revel in these vices. But the real truth about this famed city has been hidden within the hubris of these overblown vices. While the rumors about the city are basically true, the full story has not been told...
While I cannot exhaustively give you an overview of the city of Amsterdam, here are a few appealing facts you probably didn't know about visiting Amsterdam that should get this city on your list fast:
1.You Absolutely need to have some Dutch Cuisine
Good food should determine your tourist sites; I mean it does for me. You wouldn't understand just how important good food is when you are visiting a new place until you find yourself on vacation with terrible food everywhere you turn.
Dutch Cuisine and indeed Dutch food generally is famed and this fame is not for nothing too. It's properly earned.
For instance, if you like fish, you absolutely need to have the 'Hollandse Nieuwe' (Dutch new herring) at least once in your life. The taste in your mouth will justify the trip once and for all, there is a reason it is the most famous Dutch food.
Try out the 'Stroopwafel' or the very popular "Bitterballen" 'Always available', Dutch snack or the vast array of amazing Dutch foods available in Amsterdam.
2.You would Simply fall in Love with the Museums in Amsterdam
If you are a Museum Lover then that is another reason Amsterdam should make your list. There seems to be a Museum dedicated to everything in this City. You will find museums dedicated to Modern art, photography, to the Dutch masters, Torture, Horror and even to Erotica.
Amsterdam is home to World Famous Museums like Heineken and the Rijksmuseum as well as the very impressive maritime Shipping Museum, NEMO which is housed in a purpose built building resembling a sinking ship. There is a vast array of Museums in Amsterdam to expand your perception and knowledge about almost anything.
3.You Don't Necessarily Need a Whole Lot of Money
Visiting Amsterdam might be a great idea even if you don't have a whole lot of money to burn. There are a whole lot of wonderful things to do in Amsterdam when you are broke.
For instance, if you are an art and architecture lover, then you need to visit Amsterdam at least once. You can take the free boat rides connecting the city to the IJ Island and check out the stunning Architectural designs you will be exposed to.
You can climb to the top of the NEMO building (with no charge, except you are entering) and be amazed by the entire view of the city that you get from there.
Try visiting Amsterdam's Bloomenmarkt (Flower Market) at the Singel if you are a nature lover or the Vondelpark. Plus Amsterdam is renowned as a walking city, you will do a lot of your travelling on foot anyway.
4.You Will Almost Certainly Find a Home in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has such an effect on people that they tend to come and never leave. The city boasts of a very diverse cultural collection in its 700,000 population. So, even if you don't speak Dutch, you are almost certain to find people from your nationality who will make your visit easier. Often you can know about them before you arrive.
Statistics show that people from Non-western origin make up about one third of the city's population and more than 50% of the city's Children. You are almost certain to find a home of some sort in Amsterdam.
These clusters of people are probably responsible for the large influx of legal and illegal immigrants into Amsterdam, but this is good news for the Tourist nonetheless.
5.Book Lovers will kill to Visit the Amsterdam Central Library
Visiting the "Openbare Bibliotheek" will absolutely justify the trip for all bibliophiles. The Library is so enormous and breathtaking that it was the Traveller's choice winner for 2016.
Without saying much more, You need to go there!!
6.The Events Are Definitely Going to be Worth Your While
Amsterdam hosts a lot of the very important conferences in Europe. The very impressive RAI Venue is one of the continent's Key Conference and business hubs. If you are a business and art lover, then you should definitely book to attend a conference in Amsterdam and that will grant you access to all the other wonders of the city as well.
Visiting Amsterdam in April could also see you experience the Queen's Day Parade, it is usually a crazy fun day with over one million people descending on the city and displaying their merchandize and art forms... anything goes on the Queen's Day.
There is also the Prisengracht Music festival, two nights of Musical magic, every September, you will be totally awed by this festival and intrigued by the musical flavors and expertise.
The truth is that either way, there is always going to be something for you to do in Amsterdam, some Magic to experience and some beauty to be seen with or without money and in whatever time of the year. Amsterdam should definitely make that list!