Amsterdam is located in the north-west region of the Netherlands in the province of North-Holland. Amsterdam is the capital as well as largest city in Netherlands which was in the 12th century a small fishing village. River Amstel which runs through the city terminates in the heart of the city creating numerous canals for which the city has been named as the “Venice of the North.” In the 17th and 19th century, Amsterdam saw its golden period and became one of the important ports during the Dutch Golden period. During this period, Amsterdam also evolved as a leading financial and diamond trade centre and became one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Today, Amsterdam is known for its historic ports, the Rijksmusuem, de Wallen and canals and also for its liberal ideas and thoughts.
Amsterdam a small-fishing village of the 12th century is known for as the “Venice of the North” for its canals. Today, the city though known for its liberal ideas and thoughts is also known for its historic port, de Wallen and many other buildings and monuments which describe the glorious history of Amsterdam
Some of the famous sights in Amsterdam are:
- Rijksmuseum- It is the largest and most renowned museum of art and history in Netherlands. It is home to the works of Vermeer, Rembrandt and other Dutch artists.
- Diamond Museum- The museum exhibits as well as also provides information on the history of diamond trade in Netherlands.
- Artis Zoo- Artis Zoo features animals of all the species and the botanical garden features plants and trees from all over the world.
- Rembrandtpark- Rembrandtpark is a big park where you can enjoy complete serenity.
- Red Light District- Red Light District features several canals with side streets between them.
The main shopping streets in Amsterdam run from Central Station to the Leidseplein. Though more emphasis is given on clothes and fashion still they are plenty of shops in Amsterdam offering plenty of things. Some areas of Amsterdam also have several Chinese shops too. The most upmarket shopping street in Amsterdam is the P.C. Hooftstraat shopping street.
Some of the important shopping streets in Amsterdam are:
- Nieuwendijk
- Kalverstraat
- Heiligeweg
- Leidsestraat
- Haarlemmerstraat
- Nieuwmarkt
Amsterdam has three airports namely, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Eindhoven Airport and Rotterdam Airport from where you can get low-carrier jets other than national airlines. The Amsterdam Centraal Station is the main train station where several trains arrive and depart. There are several other train stations in Amsterdam which include Duivendrecht, Bijlmer-Arena, Amstel, Muiderpoort, Lelylaan, Sloterdijk, RAI and Zuid-WTC from where you can get local trains as well as trains to Brussels, Paris, Cologne, Frankfurt and Berlin. If you want to travel in bus, you can have the privilege of bus services by Eurolines from bus station at Amstel Station. The city also has three ferry ports, the nearest being IJmuiden.
To move around in Amsterdam, you can take several public transports trains operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen and you can get the tickets from the Central Station. Taxis can also be taken but they tend to more expensive mode of transport. You can also enjoy traveling in three-wheeled vehicle which are rather economical.