|
|
|
An Overview of the City of Amsterdam |
Perhaps the best way to describe Amsterdam is to learn which
terms most people associate it with: the Red Light District and the
“Venice of the North”. These two nicknames are such contrasts that
it would be really interesting to know which one best describes the
city when you finally get there to pay Amsterdam a visit.
Amsterdam’s Location & Regions
Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands which can be simply
described as a charming, old European city. It can be divided into
two regions: the city center and the outer districts. The city
center is where the most-visited areas in Amsterdam can be found
including Dam Square, the canals, the Old Side, Chinatown and the
infamous Red Light District. Meanwhile, it is in the outer district
that you can find places like the Museum Quarter in the south, the
vast suburbs of the Old West and Bijlmer which is a place where
adventurous travellers and football fans go to visit.
Interestingly enough, the center of Amsterdam is shaped like a
horseshoe but you can easily get from one place to another by riding
a tram. First time visitors should definitely not miss one of the
canal tours that Amsterdam is known for – where you will stop by
canals like the Singel, Prinsengracht and Keizergracht.
Amsterdam is also known as one of the largest historic city centers
in the region where more than 7,000 historic buildings are
registered. As such, you will see how the horseshoe shaped city
center is linked by 400 bridges, some of which are lit up at night –
making the city a truly stunning sight to behold.
For travellers who wish to go back to the medieval times, you should
definitely stroll through the oldest streets in the Old Center like
Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk. You should also not miss going on a tour
of the mostly Protestant churches including Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk
and Noorderkerk.
For those who are more interested in modern architecture, you will
get to witness that by driving through the Eastern Docklands where
newer residential buildings stand. Windmills, museums, zoos and
botanical gardens are the other things which you should see in this
huge city.
The Red Light District
As mentioned earlier, Amsterdam is probably best known for its being
the site of the Red Light District. Also known as De Wallen, the Red
Light District is a designated area for legalized prostitution which
unfortunately has become a ‘tourist attraction’ for people from
other countries. There is a portion of the Red Light District where
female sex workers offer their services from behind a glass door or
window which are typically lit with red lights.
Other Things that You Need to Know about Amsterdam
Despite its being a home for the Red Light District, there is
definitely more to Amsterdam than meets the eye. It wouldn’t be
called the “Venice of the North” for nothing. This dynamic city is
where you can bike around like a local; discover quaintly
tucked-away hofjes or almshouse courtyards; sip the local jenever
drink in a 16th century bar; or party like there’s no tomorrow
during Queen’s Day or one of the festivals held year-round.
The city is outlined in such a way that you can have a scenic view
of the network of canals, while still making the cafes, bars and
other tourist attractions within walking distance as you set your
foot on the cobbled streets.
True enough, Amsterdam is a city that almost nobody can say no to.
No matter which side of the city it is that you wish to explore,
there is definitely something that Amsterdam can offer – so it’s a
place that you must include in your travel itinerary if you wish to
explore more of Europe. |
|
|
