Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Netherlands, The / Amsterdam
 |  | Destination Guide : Amsterdam |
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| | | World's best hangout |  | Why go on holiday to Amsterdam?
The Netherlands' capital is one of the world's best hangouts, a place where you can immerse yourself in history, art, in the head of a beer or a self-rolled smokestack.
The city is a canny blend of old and new and, with its cosmopolitan feel, you'll find it hard to pack up and leave.
How much does it cost?
For a three-night city break, including flight, from £200. If you buy a flight-only return, book accommodation beforehand as Amsterdam is busy year-round. Flights from £70 return. Hotels from £40. Prices do vary so shop around.
When should I go?
Amsterdam is an all-year-round destination. The summer months are great as the whole city seems to live outdoors but it's the peak tourist season so prices are hiked.
Sunniest months are May to August, hottest June to September, with highs of 21C/70F. From mid-October to mid-March, the weather is miserable but there's still lots to see including skating on the canals if it gets cold enough.
Rainfall is spread throughout the year.
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| | | Old Masters |  | What should I do when I'm there?
The Rijksmuseum, the country's premier art museum, is a good place to overdose on old masters. And the popular Van Gogh Museum nearby is home to more than 200 paintings by Vincent. The other main tourist attraction is Anne Frankhuis, which tells the story of the famous Jewish Frank family.
What else can I see?
Taking a canal boat trip is a great way of seeing the city. The Jordaan district is a good place to hang out as there are many pubs, bars and arty types walking around. The Diamond Factory is worth a look to find out how these beautiful stones are cut.
Should I avoid the red-light district?
It's actually a very pretty part of town and you can pretend you're there for the architecture if you need an excuse. Crowds of sightseers mingle with would-be pimps, drunks, weirdos, drug dealers and Salvation Army soldiers.
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| | | Entertainment capital | | Where's good for nightlife?
One of the entertainment capitals of the world with wonderful pubs, music and great theatre. When the locals say cafe they mean pub and there's an assortment to pick from.
Theatre cafes attract performing artists, the brown cafes have sand on the floor and nicotine-stained walls. The grand cafes are big and often have classical music. For information on the best nightclubs, music, etc, buy the weekly Uitkrant.
What's the food like?
Dutch cuisine is not exactly world famous but you'll find virtually every other cuisine under the sun. A standard Dutch meal consists of potatoes, meat and vegetables, in daunting portions.
Try the delicious pancakes from the street vendors who offer a tantalising choice.
What should I buy?
Amsterdam's famous for its diamond industry — they're not cheap here but prices are competitive and if you buy from a factory you get a detailed description of what you're buying.
A cheaper souvenir is the excellent chocolate. Find art and antiques in Spiegelgracht, interesting shops in the Jordaan area, a great market at Albert Cuyp and the Waterlooplein flea market's worth a visit. Check out the floating flower market along Singel.
What is there for children to do?
Attitudes to children here are very positive with lots of fun things to do. The Vondelpark is a good place for a family picnic. There's a beach at Zandvoort, only a short train ride away. The Tropenmuseum also has a good activities section.
Tourist office
Netherlands Board of Tourism, PO Box 30783, London, WC2B 6DH. Brochure line 0906 871 7777 (60p/min).
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| | Available rental properties in Amsterdam |
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| |  | | Luxury 2 double bedroom apartment + ADSL
75 m2 2 bedr. ap., center Amsterdam. Livingroom, luxury kitchen and bathroom, 2 bedrooms and balcony. with shops, restaurants, pubs nearbyCentral Station. Incl. ADSL connection
|  | | B&B schip
Stay on an inland vessel from 1901 in the midst of the centre of Amsterdam! Previously, this ship transported goods on the rivers and canals of the Ne
|  | | Vakantieboot
Feel like a real Amsterdamer and enjoy an original residence on the water!
A green space in the heart of Amsterdam with the deck decora
|  | | B&B Plezier ' bij de Amstel'
Near the Amstel in a characteristic buidling from the 19th century, the small scale B&B offers two attractive rooms.
The rooms appea
|  | | B&B Plezier 'bij de Amstel'
Near the Amstel in a characteristic area from the 19th century, the small scale B&B offers attractive rooms.
The room appears very we
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