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Amsterdam Journals

Amsterdam and Around

A travel journal to Amsterdam by Globe

Amsterdam Photo - Amsterdam, Netherlands More Photos
Quote: Amsterdam has a reputation as being a host to the seedier side of life. You can find such things, but the city also offers a great deal of culture, scenery, and excitement.

Amsterdam and Around

Overview

Amsterdam Photo - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Quote:
The best way to see the city is to take a canal tour. Also, the city has many world-famous museums highlighting some major artists and their works. Of course, no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a stroll through the Red Light district. Quick Tips: Amsterdam, like most of the Netherlands, has moody weather. Also be prepared for a rain shower. Don´t worry, though, because there are plenty of indoor activities to fill even a week full of rain.Best Way To Get Around: The city is small enough to cover on foot. The public trams can get you from one side to the other quickly. If you buy a canal trip, some tours allow you to hop on and off, and this is a good way to see some of ...Read More

Logies de Tabaksplant

Hotel

Quote:
Accommodation in Amsterdam is overpriced and often of poor quality, so a good idea is to escape for the night. Only 30 minutes away lies the lovely town of Amersfoort. This is also a good spot if you are planning to go to Six Flags the next day. Logies de Tabaksplant is a charming little hotel, a great place to spend the night and enjoy the town. We were met at the door by the owner, a kind, friendly man who checked us in. We were shown to our room, which was on the small side, but spotlessly clean and beautifully decorated. We had asked for the cheaper room option, so the toilets and showers were in the hall. We had mentioned to the owner that we had to leave early the next morning, before brea...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 26, 2002

Logies de Tabaksplant
Coninckstraat 15
Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 (0)33 472-9797

Rijksmuseum

Attraction

Quote:
The Rijksmuseum is one of the country´s most famous museums, and for good reason. The building itself is worth a look, and once you enter you will find fine collections of art and history. The art exhibits showcase the works of many artists from around the world, including the Dutch masters. Perhaps the most famous piece is Rembrandt´s Night Watch, although don´t miss the pieces by other famous artists such as Van Gogh. You can also see displays of pottery and ancient artifacts. The entrance fee is somewhat steep, about $8, but is worth it for museum fans.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 25, 2002

Rijksmuseum
Stadhouderskade 42
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1071 ZD
+31 20 674 70 00

Amsterdam Canal Cruises

Attraction | "Canal cruise"

Quote:
The canal cruises, operated by several different boat operators, provide a great way to see the highlights of the city in a short amount of time. The cruises cover parts of the main canals that ring the downtown area of the city. With some companies, you can hop on and off at various stops, while other boats do not stop at all. The boat drivers give an ongoing narrative in several languages to help you understand what you are seeing. A canal cruise may be good at the start of your visit because it can give you a good overview of the city. From there, you can pick the points that you want to see in depth. It can also be a good break for resting your feet after a long day of sightseeing.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 25, 2002

Amsterdam Canal Cruises

Amsterdam

The Anne Frank House and Museum

Attraction | "Anne Frank House"

Quote:
The Anne Frank House looks today, supposedly, much as it did when Anne and her family were pulled out of hiding and sent to concentraion camps. This is worth a stop, if only to bring her story closer to reality. This is always a popular destination, and the lines can be outrageous. It is best to arrive as early as possible to avoid the huge crowds.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 25, 2002

The Anne Frank House and Museum
Prinsengracht 267
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1016 GV
+31 20 556 71 00

Walibi Holland

Attraction | "Six Flags Holland"

Quote:
Six Flags Holland bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of Europe, and it´s easy to see why. There are six full scale roller coasters of all kinds - wooden, metal, with and without loops, suspended, and of varying length and speed. The newest one is Goliath, which starts with a huge, unbelievably steep hill. There are other smaller but equally thrilling rides throughout the park, which is grouped into themed areas such as Italia and Yukon Territory. Some shows and restaurants are found on the grounds, but this is really a park for the thrill seekers.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 25, 2002

Walibi Holland
Spijkweg 30
Flevoland, Dronten

Haarlemmermeerse Bos

Attraction | "Floriade"

Floriade Photo - Haarlemmermeerse Bos, Haarlem, Netherlands
Quote:
Holland is known for its amazing tulips, and once every ten years, you can see thousands of them all in one place. Floriade is a huge garden show that occurs only once every ten years in some part of the Netherlands. In 2002, it was held in Harlemmermeer, near Amsterdam. The park covers 65 acres and has amazing floral displays for every interest. One section has exhibits from countries around the world, showcasing typical plants and flowers from these areas. Another section is more educational, with museum-like exhibits. Pick up a map on your way in to make sure you see everything. The most breathtaking spot was the area with typical Dutch flowers. As far as you could see, tulips and hyacinths...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 25, 2002

Haarlemmermeerse Bos
Ijweg 971
Hoofddorp, Haarlemmermeer

Red Light District

Story/Tip

Quote:
One of Amsterdam´s most famous spots is the Red Light District. Allowed because of the legalization of prostitution in the Netherlands, this is the spot where prostitutes can publicly flaunt their services. Although this may not sound appealing to the average visitor, the area is probably worth a quick look. The District stretches for a few blocks between two tree-lined canals, actually a pretty spot. Especially during the day, the area is not at all intimidating. You see couples, families, and large groups walking up and down the streets. After all, the District is between the train station and the downtown, so you really don´t even have to go out of your way to pass through!

About the Writer

Globe

Globe
Salt Lake City, Utah

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