The 30 best Hotels with free newspapers in Ámsterdam

About Ámsterdam

Welcome to one of the most avant-garde cities of Europe, also known as the Venice of the north because of its numerous and magical canals. In fact, many zones of the city are below the sea level. There's a big cultural diversity, the people of Amsterdam come from many different nationalities; the visitors of this capital can also enjoy diversity thanks to all the different activities available in this northern city: art lovers come for Rembrandt or Van Gogh, there's always someone who comes curious to see the Red Light District, someone who craves the charm of a walk along the canals and who prefers the craziness of coffee shops. Each and everyone have their place here. I Amsterdam. Ja.

Moving around

In Amsterdam, the public transport system is very efficient. There are two types of tickets: OV-Chipkaart card and the single ride ticket. If you decide to buy the card, choose the "anonymous card" option which will allow you to use it during your stay. These cards are personal and they can be recharged in trains and metro stations and wherever they sell tickets. Trams also offer a good service either in the city center or in the outskirts. Although, the best way to move around the city is by bike thanks to the many bike lanes available. Renting one is easy and cheap and it will allow you to enjoy the city in a more authentic way, like a real Dutch.

Out & About

The streets of Amsterdam have a signaling system that marks different routes to visit and get to know the city either on foot or by bike. There are 6 different routes. Dam square is the most important one in the city, Amsterdam was built around it. It's a must see for every visitor and, besides, there are museums and places of interest all around it. Near the square, you'll find the Red Light District known for its many windows where you'll find everything you need for a crazy vacation. Very close from here, you'll find Nieuwmarkt, a square in Chinatown surrounded by important landmarks, cafes and bookstores where every Saturday there's a market of biological products. It's the perfect place to get mixed up with the locals. If you're lucky enough to enjoy a sunny day, do not hesitate and go to Volderpark, the biggest park in the city, you won't regret it. It's a beautiful park where you'll be able to go for a walk, make a picnic, skate or whatever comes to your mind. The house of Anna Frank, Anne Frankhuis, is where she wrote the famous diary. It's easy to pinpoint, you just have to look for the long line on the entrance. Jordaan neighborhood is made up of little streets full of nice terraces and lots of shops. As for museums, the two most important are Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Anyone older than 18 can buy up to 5 grams of marijuana or hash in any of the many Coffee shops scattered around the city. Despite this, Amsterdam is still a very familiar place with plenty of activities to do with the little ones. Another good choice is to rent a boat, sail along the charming canals and spend a romantic evening with dinner included.

What's going on in

Queen's day, Koninginnedag is celebrated the 30th of April in Amsterdam and in all Holland. The streets and the bridges get all dressed up in orange, the color of the country. It's the national celebration. Kwakoe Festival. It celebrates cultural diversity and the many immigrants who live in Holland show their rich and diverse cultures in Bijlmerpark. It takes place during summer weekends and there are music, dancing and sports activities, talks and food tasting. During the celebration of Saint Nicholas' Eve, the 5th December, it's a tradition to taste many traditional and delicious treats.

Shopping

In the Flower Market, you'll be able to buy the famous tulips and other souvenirs. In De Negen Straatjes, or the Nine Streets, you'll find restaurants, art galleries and alternative and original shops. Besides, the neighborhood is beautiful and the ambience is excellent. In Jordaan, there are plenty of interesting shops and many places where you'll find Dutch products to take home. There are street markets that sell fruit, vegetables, new and used clothes or books. They fill the streets with life and color. Albert Cuypmarkt, from Monday to Saturday, is the biggest of the open air markets and there you'll find everything. In 2005, it was its centenary. Many of the locals buy their food here. In Singel canal there are flower markets where you can buy tulips that will cheer up your balcony at home.

What's cooking?

There are plenty of typical dishes in Amsterdam, and in Holland. Some of them are: Apple pie, herring or the wide variety of beer and cheese such as gouda or edam. Erwtensoep, which is a pea soup, or Stamppot Boerenkool, which is kale and sausage, are very Dutch dishes. For those who like sweet things, you have to try the Stroopwafel, a kind of round waffle sandwich filled up with sweet syrup. Bruine cafés are the Dutch version of an English pub and it's where people gather after work for a beer. Eet smakelijk, I mean, bon appétit.

Weather

The weather in Amsterdam changes a lot. They say that, if you don't like the weather, you just have to wait for a few minutes and it will change again. Temperatures during summer don't usually go above 25º so the climate is nice. The best months to enjoy Voldelpark or the terraces are July and August.

Practical information

The official language in Amsterdam, and in Holland, is Dutch but don't worry if you don't know the language, they will get you if you speak in English. If you know a few words in French or German, you shouldn't have problems either. The currency used there is Euro. If you don't want to annoy Dutch people, don't walk on the bike lanes. Taking pictures of the windows in the Red Light District isn't a good idea either. With the I Amsterdam Card, you can use public transport and enter for free in many of the museums and attractions.

So...

With its many canals and its beautiful architecture, Amsterdam is the perfect place to spend some days as if living inside a tale. Romantic strolls, picnics in the park... Every corner of the city has its charm, let it captivate you. Open your mind and get to know every side of it, sit down in a bruine café and get mixed up with locals, you'll feel like you've always been here.