Why I Love Visiting Amsterdam
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Groeten from Amsterdam! The iconic “I AMSTERDAM” certainly contributes to my sensational mood as I enjoy a lovely stroll in this fascinating city. Truthfully, I didn’t have any expectations of the Netherlands upon arriving in Amsterdam. I guess you can say that I was fully engaged in my exams and schoolwork as well as it was academically risky taking a trip here at the time. Nevertheless, I really craved for a break from my books and I don’t regret my travel. When you are back in school, any kind of holiday is absolutely a breath of fresh air.
Amsterdam is a bustling and lively city filled with tourists and locals alike. On a bright and clear day, it is exceptionally festive and refreshing. On a cloudy day, it is mysteriously enigmatic and romantic. The belt of canals, or what locals would call Amsterdam Centrum, is filled with sublime history. Amsterdam has more historic buildings and sites than any other city in the world. The oldest part of the city dates back to the 13th century! Everything is not more than a half hour’s walk which I found opportune for all travelers who visit here as most visitors arrive in Amsterdam via the Central Station, and then walk south over the streets Damrak and Rokin. The exterior of Central Station gloriously looks like a palace and without doubt sets off a great first impression of the city. It took us only about an hour by train to arrive here from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
I can personally say that the two principal scenes that captivated me upon my arrival were Amsterdam’s medieval buildings and charming canals. Coming from America, we are all about the new and modern. Now I legitimately know why Europe is so firmly adored by its illustrious old world environment. Honestly, walking around surrounded by exquisite medieval architecture is really something one doesn’t experience everyday – that is unless you live in the city center of Amsterdam. Their attention to detail is sincerely phenomenal and no place better illustrate it than walking the famous canal district, an area that was enlisted a few years ago as part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
As far as my travels go, I always try to develop some sort of list to help my viewers find meaningful reasons why they should visit a certain place. As an effort to get straight to the point, I narrowed down ten valuable reasons why you should visit Amsterdam this year.
1. Like I mentioned above, the picturesque Canal Belt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as the “Venice of the North”, it is older than the United States!
2. The Anne Frank House. I feel that her book is the best first person perspective that covers the holocaust. The house where she grew up had a powerful yet melancholy ambiance. Make sure to visit this place when you come to Amsterdam.
3. The Red Light District. Whatever you heard about the legendary nightlife in Amsterdam is all true. Every single one of it — peep shows, brothels, sex shops, a sex museum, an extravagant condom shop and prostitutes in red-lit windows — audacious, improper and bold as it may sound. Seeing it first hand was a shocking and sad experience. I feel that women shouldn’t be treated as objects and should most definitely not be for sale, no matter what societies say. This area became the main highlight in regards to nightlife tourism. I even saw kids and babies in this environment.
4. The Fabulous Van Gogh Museum. I share this to you all in an honest manner that seeing his most grand collection of all time was genuinely electrifying. How can someone be that talented? Although I feel for his pain when he lived, his life and the collection of artwork that he left behind continues to inspire millions of people every year. Thrilling is the only word I can think of as I reminisce my experience here.
5. A Canal Cruise. Upon interacting with locals, it was suggested that there is nothing like experiencing Amsterdam in the waters of the canal. I’ve always loved cruising for the fact that I find it the most relaxing and peaceful way to view the sights. I had a similar harmonious encounter cruising by the River Seine in Paris and I made sure to make a mental note not to cross out future cruising adventures.
6. The Royal Palace on the Dam. Le Palais Royal is not exclusive to Paris. Amsterdam has it too! Even better — The Netherlands is still a kingdom up to now with real living and breathing royalty. The Royal Palace has an equally rich history like the canal district. Make sure to propose this in your itinerary on your visit to Amsterdam.
7. Tasting its Famous Beers and Cheese. Might I say that one of the best and most delectable cheeses I’ve ever chanced upon is right here in Amsterdam? The flavors and options they have are unimaginable. I brought home with me a kind of pesto cheese, truffle cheese and a luxuriously rich aged cheese. Their distinguished local brewery is also gloriously excellent and is home to Heineken Beer.
8. Exploring Traditional 17th and 18th Century Architecture. With more than approximately 6,000 houses and buildings protected as monuments and dating from the 16th to the 20th century, Amsterdam has by far the largest historical inner city in Europe. You must glimpse upon it first-hand!
9. Language is Not a Problem. Almost everyone can speak English well. They are the most amiable and diplomatic people. I surely enjoyed my interactions with them.
10. Dutch Food. Amsterdam has quite the list of Michelin-starred restaurants. Fresh, seasonal ingredients reign here featuring a diverse menu of exceptionally fresh fare. I can’t wait to share with you all my foodie finds coming up soon.
So there you have it! I frequently receive e-mails from my readers asking for some word of advice on the cities I visit and I hope this helps out a few! The Amsterdam neighborhoods certainly have their own charm and style. I hope you check this city off your bucket list just like I did. The place is the most ideal for travelers — resolutely compact yet so incredibly charming.
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