Warning. Whatever you have heard about Amsterdam is true. All, to the last detail - that seems pulled to exaggeration, and perceived by the majority of other Europeans as urban myth.
Idrythen the late 12 th century, Amsterdam has evolved very quickly into a major economic, commercial and cultural centres in Medieval Europe, enjoyed its golden age during the colonial period of 17 th century and managed to get almost alovito from the tragedy of World War II, overlooking the 21 st century with the arrogant, while sygkatavatiko, eyes indisputable European capital of liberty.
And if freedom has been, over time, the subject of disputes, controversy, allegations of excessive and incentive tourism, and efforts silencing and repression, the city has managed to keep the atmosphere and color and to demonstrate clearly that has much more to offers its visitors from defusing the youth apothimenon for which advertised, deliberately or otherwise.
Important examples of architecture, especially the 17 th and 18 th century, countless museums which house a large part of the history of the city, its contribution to arts and culture and modern culture, the only road and air, which contributes not only lax disposal residents and visitors and olonychtia party, but also those images charisan in Amsterdam in prosonymio "Venice of the north", make up the profile of a city that seems disadvantage from the perception that all visitors to the flexibility of the legal framework.
The centre of Amsterdam, which corresponds to the old town and retains almost all of the architectural and rymotomias, the chamber is bounded by five omokentra channels, Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and Singelgracht. Each with his own personal style, formed as the buildings that frame, the channels are a sight in themselves. The Herengracht was the district of the richest traders in the town, the golden age of the 17 th century, and retains the hitherto aristocratic air, while the Prinsengracht will see some of the smaller width buildings in the city.
In the center of the chamber, the starting point of many routes exploration of the city, is the central railway station (Centraal Station). The majority of hotels, attractions, restaurants and night life in general is concentrated in this region.
Starting the tour you here, it would be good to avoid surprises, to consider given that wander several times, at least until you get used to the layout of channels and logic with which cut across the streets - or is it vice versa?
Next visual challenge - but usually more-is building on the banks of channels gernoun forward. The architecture of this innovation is a very practical reason: the safe transport of pianon, which had, during removals, and to climb down from windows because of the close ladders connecting the floors.
Starting from the central railway station cross the busy road Damrak, where kylouse the Amstel before the construction of the dam, which gave the town its name - the original Amstelredam, dam in Amstel, became, over the years, Amsterdam. Bars, café, coffee shops, restaurants, theaters and tourist shops species are concentrated here, and in the surrounding streets, and from this point starts and the famous district with the red lantern, which is more tourist attractions and less kakofimi neighborhood.
The "shell" which are the hallmark of the region gather more crowds of tourists rather odd candidate "clients", many hotels, restaurants and café right next bustling life all hours of the day, and the region in general is far from the atmosphere of illegality and underworld who apopneoun respective districts other cities. This is, indeed, for residential area, which in daylight and in anything resembling a night of images. Here is the oldest of the churches of Amsterdam, the Gothic Oude Kerk.
Continuing the tour, arrived through the Damrak, the square Dam, with impressive summer palace of Queen, which celebrated the National Day of the Queen, on 30 April. This deserves to spend some time to admire so much the same palace, unique architecture sample of 17 th century, and other attractions, like the statue of Atlas in carrying on the shoulders of the Earth, with its bell tower, Annex to the museum Madame Tussaud, the Gothic basilica of the 15 th century Neuwe Kerk, and exactly opposite the National Monument, dedicated in memory of victims of the Second World War.
Near Dam, the number of route 263 Prinsengracht, is the house where Anna Frank wrote the famous diary. The building dates from 1635, while the rooms behind the library, where the family hiding from 1942 to 1944 is now visited.
From here begins the famous region Jordaan, with canals and streets flying exclusively names of flowers and trees, the preserved buildings of the 17 th century, the popular brown cafes, entirely decorated with wood, and stylish boutiques. Ftochiki residential district before a few centuries, Jordan is now considered one of the most artistic parts of the city.
South of the park, immediately after the channel Singelgracht, the Museumplein square hosts the Royal Concert Hall, and three of the most interesting museums of the city - the impressive museum Van Gogh, hosts a rich collection of works by Dutch painter, the Rijksmuseum holds the title entyposiakoterou museum of art and history of the city, with works by Rembrant, Vermeer and other Dutch designers, while the Stedelijk is the municipal museum of modern art.
Very near the Museumplein, the Vondelpark is an oasis of green, entyposiakotatis area, vibrant throughout the year. The park housed the museum and film, which relies on daily three selected films.
A visit is worth, also, and the botanical garden Hortus Botanicus, which formerly belonged to the University of Amsterdam, and if you decide to visit the nearby zoo Artis estimate at least an entire morning. One of the largest and oldest - founded in 1838 - zoos in Europe, hosts animals - penguins and sea elephants until visones and oposoum-in their natural environment, but also entyposiakotero perhaps aquarium viewed ever - in a two-storey building who makes you kollisete for hours-and planitario and museum of natural history.
For all kinds of markets and souvenirs outside the standard tourist shops with goods, head to Waterlooplein. The outdoor market stinetai daily here offers virtually everything - from food to souvenirs and artwork-at reasonable prices and with undisputed extra bonus only if and polyvoui, atmosphere classic European street market. Perfect for everyone window shopping, at that cost-effective, are the two leading trading walks in Dam, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk.
Broadly speaking, the Amsterdam can easily cross on foot - although his favorite way to travel is the local bicycle, which strongly recommended if you do not do very cold, since the whole town is remarkable flat. Hiring your bike will cost about 15-20 euros a day, while 3 million extra asfalizete bicycle in case of theft, which is extremely unlikely.
The transport network is excellent, with four metro lines and sixteen trams to cover the entire city and suburbs. Residents are filikotatoi, with very few exceptions, while the overwhelming majority speaks excellent English.
We finally left from Amsterdam when one used - and chortasei-a sense of freedom that governs almost everything, relaxed lifestyle, so harmonious coexistence of the aquatic element with the mainland, which seems to be the framework, rather than surrounded by this , And the multicultural culture is the image of a city that won the standard of living and its charm, not so much because its inhabitants made their choices, but because they respected the choices of others. A city that could be a model for cities of the future. A city, much more than beautiful, is authentic.
Accommodation
Since Amsterdam has more than 400 shelters, from economic to luxury class, are more likely to dyskolefteite selection, despite finding room. Nevertheless, if you travel in high season, or weekend, it was time to make a reservation, as the city literally invaded by visitors who arrive here from neighbouring countries such as Belgium, France and Germany, on vacation or simply for weekend.
Some of the best choices of residence are as follows.
The complex Bridgewater Residences, in the heart of the city, the channel offers Keizersgracht nine homes with one, two or three bedrooms, living room and kitchen dating from 1687. Recently renovated and fully equipped with all modern facilities and amenities, the rooms bear the names of famous Dutch painters and authors, whose projects have inspired the owners to decorate each one of them. Prices start at 225 euros.
The channel Singel, the Estherea Hotel combines the aura of the 17 th century, when it was built, with friendly service and all the facilities you would expect from a 4-star hotel. The 71 fully renovated rooms are decorated with unique styles, each different from the other, and equipped with safe, minibar, wireless access to internet, satellite television, radio and DVD player. Prices start at 175 euros.
If you're looking for an original idea residence, the popular HouseBoat Phildutch is the ideal choice. Five minutes from the Museumplein, the boat - hotel rooms equipped with television, radio, kitchen, coffee, clocks, washing machine and stegnotira and, of course, magnificent views of the canal, which will not cost you more than 50 euros per person.
Food and fun
To the disappointment of those who feel that to know a country should try and kitchen, the Dutch feel that theirs is not remarkable - and not investing the minimum for viewing.
Thus, in Amsterdam is very easy to find restaurants serving Polynesian, Asian, sourinameziki, Indonesian, Mexican and Italian cuisine, falafel, round and fried potatoes, but very difficult to try even a plate genuine Dutch Kitchen - with the exception of those potatoes , Served with mayonnaise in packages "to go" and considered by the youth of the city, the national dish.
When not endure other, go to Iguazu (Prinsengracht 703) for some of the best fillets and T-bone steaks in the city, with Brazilian - Argentiniki philosophy and exceptional sauce with obvious influences from Latin American countries. Friends of the good - although not necessarily kalopsimenou-meat will appreciate and Parana (Geldersekade 5), where the meat is cooked to Grilling. For both estimate about 25 per person.
From the best representatives of Asian cuisine in the city, Top Thai (Herenstraat 22) near the home of Anne Frank, serves Thai dishes with a variety of sauce and, of course, spices - ask for salad Papaya Pok Pok, one of the most spicy flavors that never tried. Calculate approximately 25-30 per person. Cheaper, but equally good, is Eat Mode (Zeedijk 105), where you will have the opportunity to try Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine with only 15-20 per person.
For those seeking something more original, the absence of national cuisine is to compensate the Semhar, with plates and dishes in direct from Ethiopia. Meat, vegetables, traditional pies, even… Ethiopian beer, at a price of 13 euros per person.
The evening, but generally fun in Amsterdam, despite what is said, do not stop with the drugs. The coffee shops possessing marijuana and hashish normally do not sell alcohol - and vice versa, large bar and club in the city will find a list of relevant substances.
Thus, at around 1.00 after midnight, so closing the bars and coffee shops, the center of night life traversed just outside the centre, the Leidseplein, which hosts some of the best bar and club in town.
Here it is worth visiting the older dance clubs Zebra, Jimmy Woo and Sugar Factory, for all night clubbing. Equally good and the lounge bar The Mansion, while ideal for cocktail proposal is the Suzi Wong.
In Rembrandtplein, on the banks of the River Amstel is a member of the internationally renowned chain Ice Bar, entirely made of ice - for those who do not stand right next there is a hot lounge bar with… oxymoro name Xtra Cold. A visit is worth, also, and the massive club Escape.
Live music ranging from rock and jazz to blues and funk, you will hear in The Waterhole (Korte Leidse-dwars-str 49), while fans of jazz will appreciate more the Alto (Korte Leidse-dwars-str 115) and Bourbon Street (Leidse-kruis-straat 6).
