The Netherlands: Amsterdam
Areas in the city:
In a nutshell...
Among the diverse cultural attractions in Amsterdam, visits to Anne Frank's house and the Van Gogh museum give a glimpse of the historical and artistic riches of the city. The capital is home to no fewer than 50 museums from the truly bizarre to the most classic collections of Dutch national heritage.
Vondel Park and the canals make up the backdrop of the city, ideal for family picnics and romantic strolls, with out for getting an essential visit to the flower market, the most famous in the world, near Muntplein. On bike or by foot, a stop at one of the city's numerous squares is a great way to get a feeling for the vibrancy of daily life in Amsterdam: in Rembrandtplein or Leidseplein, the most famous squares, you will find the well-known "brown café's".
To end the visit with a panoramic view of the city, make your way the Westerkerk and its bell tower, the tallest in Amsterdam, located in the heart of Jordaan, one of the fashionable quarters.
Amsterdam : Walks
Few hours in Jordaan Quarter
This popular neighborhood built along the drainage ditches along the Grachtengordel (Canal Belt), has kept its charm despite being recently colonized by a yuppie population that has reconstructed the district according to its own desires. Originally constructed among numerous gardens, this was a haven for Huguenots who gave the district its name (Jordaan, stems from the french work "Jardin" meaning garden). Many artists live here, attracted by narrow, winding streets, flowery walkways and an abondance of houseboats along the banks of the canals.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, rich Amsterdamians built hospices for the poor and needy, each centered around a courtyard garden. These peacefu havens still exist, some even have continued in their orignal mission. It is lovely to tour through some ofthem, as long as you respect the privacy of the residents.
From CAFE FINCH to THEATER INSTITUUT NEDERLAND
Continue on Noordermarkt
Right on Prinsengracht
Left at Prinsenstraat
Cross Prinsensluis
Right on Prinsengracht
Left at Leliegracht
Right on Keizersgracht
Left at Leliegracht
Right on Herengracht
From THEATER INSTITUUT NEDERLAND to TEUNTJE
Continue on Herengracht
Continue on Herenmarkt
Left at Haarlemmerstraat
Cross Eenhoornsluis
Continue on Haarlemmerdijk
