Sightseeing in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city with many faces – world port, financial hub, cultural fountainhead, and entertainment mecca – in short, Tourist Paradise. Here’s a sneak preview. The Rijksmuseum (also called the "Louvre" of Holland), needs at least a couple of hours to take in the impressive works of the old Dutch masters. Be sure not to miss viewing the famous Rembrandt work ‘Night Watch’. The museum which is open daily from 10:00 to 5:00 also holds a varied collection of Italian, Spanish and Flemish paintings as also ceramics, sculpture and prints.

If you are interested in Modern Art, then head for the Stedelijik Museum which houses a fabulous collection of contemporary art, pottery and photography.

The Dam Square is the main square of the city and is a good place to feel the pulse of this vibrant city. You can sit at any one of the roadside cafes and watch the traffic and people go by or be enthralled by the live performers either strumming their guitars or doing a jig. Take a stroll down the square and walk into the many shops that circle the area.

Amsterdam being the epicentre of cultural and artistic activity in the Netherlands, houses the wonders of its many famous artists and geniuses in its numerous museums. The Amsterdam Historisch Museum is a must for those wanting to get the dirt on where the Dutch really came from and to trace their history through the ages. Open weekdays 10-5, weekends 11-5. Another not to be missed sight is the Van Gogh Museum which contains the largest collection of this artist’s works. The best way to see this fairly new museum is to take an audio tour and learn more about the life and works of this genius. Everyone has read or heard about "The diary of Anne Frank". A visit to Anne Frankhuis takes you back to the early 1940’s where this young girl and her family were holed up for two years. This house now holds exhibits and documents regarding the Holocaust.

If you want to get a taste of the exquisite art of diamond-cutting, the Dutch will be happy to let you have a peek. The city’s 20 or more diamond factories are open from 9 to 5 and regularly have exhibitions, demonstrations and sales, displaying some of the world’s most finely manicured jewels. It is impossible to summarize the many wonders that Amsterdam can dazzle the visitor with – so plunge into the excitement of the city yourself, and discover the thrill.

The oldest church in Amsterdam is the Oude Kerk. It was built in the 14th century and though it was damaged in the subsequent years, the church still has its original bell tower as well as some beautiful stain glassed windows. The New Church or Nieuwe Kerk with its imposing Gothic frontage is the Netherlands national church and this where all coronations are held. In the true Dutch style this church is also the venue of temporary exhibitions and sometimes used as a meeting place and even has a café.

When you are done with the museums and churches take a trip to the prettiest part of Amsterdam – Jordaan. This was the original French quarter and even today retains its bohemian spirit. The streets are lined with trees and flowers and are filled with little cafes and boutiques vying for your attention. So take some time off – sit down and have a cup of aromatic coffee and watch the world go by!

Since the capital city is built along more than 80kms of canals, a relaxing way to view the city would be to take a canal boat and sail comfortably under the bridges as your tourist guide reveals the history and the trivia behind Amsterdam’s sights and monuments. You will encounter charming houses and chapels along the way, floating markets and luxurious hotels. The trip will end in Amsterdam’s landlocked harbor, and if you like you can top off the evening by dining in one the water-borne restaurants around this area.

The Gouden Bocht or the Golden Bend has the most well known canal "the gentle men’s canal" bordering it. This stretch of canal is famous because it is lined with fine houses with gabled roofs and Louis the XVI architecture. If at the end of the day, you are thirsting for a drink, visit the Heineken Brewery where you can learn about the process of beer production. Best of all though is that admission is free and you get a free beer to top it all!