Amsterdam

Yes, Amsterdam is an expensive travel destination. In fact, it is amongst the most expensive cities in Europe to travel and live, accomodation being the major cost. If one likes to try the finest cuisine, enjoy a luxury stay and shopping, and want to visit all the major attractions, an Amsterdam trip is going to cost you a lot.

However, the beauty of the place is that Amsterdam can be as expensive as you want it to be! For those who are okay with doing a backpacking trip, experiencing dormitory stays and are open to explore the many free attractions and things that the city offers, it is possible to even enjoy Amsterdam at around INR 4,000 a day.

Amsterdam is considered to be one of the safest cities in the world. If one if exercising common caution like remaining close to your group and avoiding dark alleys, walking at night is mostly safe with the exception of a couple of places.

One must avoid walking in areas like the Red Light District and Southeast (Amsterdam Zuidoost). This is where most of the petty crimes and vagaries involving hard drugs, pick-pocketing, etc. happen.

Housing coffee shops selling cannabis, legal brothels, street food carts, and over the top clubs and bars, the Red Light District’s risqué atmosphere and brazen ambience though are attractive but must be approached with caution. This is where most of the illegal drugs are sold and pickpocketing takes place. You’re quite safe if you are just taking a stroll. However, prohibition on taking pictures is an unwritten rule. Your phone and camera will be immediately confiscated.

Since Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a part of Europe, the only currency that will be accepted here is Euro. Hence, before visiting Amsterdam, you will be required to exchange your currency to Euro through currency exchange agencies.

Depending upon the commission rates charged by them, you can exchange to get Euro coins and notes at a bank or the official Foreign Exchange Bureaus. Even though there are notes up to 500 Euros, try avoiding them as they aren't accepted at some places. Hence, it is safe to carry notes of denominations equal to or less than 50 Euros. Credit cards are also an accepted mode of payment, although the transaction fees charged is high.

Dutch is the mother tongue of the people of the Netherlands. However, the majority of them can comprehend and speak English very fluently. Hence travellers can heave a sigh of relief as they can easily travel throughout Amsterdam by conversing in English. A mix of other foreign languages is also spoken throughout the city, including French, German and Spanish.

A trip to Amsterdam is only complete if you hit the local restaurants and make a point to try out the delicacies of their traditional cuisine. Here are some culinary marvels from Amsterdam that are too good to be missed.

1. Stroopwafel- If you have a sweet tooth, then you can head to any bakery and dig in the traditional waffles called Stroopwafel. Bathed in caramel syrup, these thin layer waffles are best enjoyed when served on top of a hot beverage.

2. Bitterbalen- A hit snack in the bars, this crispy delicacy is made by deep-frying meatballs and is served with mustard sauce.

3. Dutch cheese- With over 50 varieties, make sure to shop at Kaas stalls for some delectable cheeses like Gouda and Maasdammer.

There are plenty of items one can bring back from their trip to Amsterdam as a souvenir of the country's blissful vistas and lively culture.

1. Hand painted wooden shoes- You can buy your loved ones a pair of hand-painted wooden shoes called clogs, and have their name calligraphy on them.

2. Dutch cheese- You can also buy the delectable Dutch cheese that is a highlight of the food of the people over here. The Dutch cheese is so famous over here that you can find it in any bakery.

3. Stationery and handbags- You can hit the store and get some cool stationery. You can shop for funky cowboy belts or colourful handmade bags.

Amsterdam is a romantic haven that is touted to be the favourite destination of couples. You can drink champagne and have a lovely candlelight dinner as you cruise through the canals. You can sit amid a blanket of tulips and enjoy the mellow flowery fragrance at Keukenhof Gardens. Or you can walk barefoot with your hands intertwined as you watch the sunset in the sky.

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Whether you intend to stay close to the prime attractions or you’re looking for a tranquil stay, here are the best areas for a memorable stay in Amsterdam.

1. Eastern Docklands- This is an upcoming district in the city that displays a quirky mix of eccentricity, culture, and local life. It is home to theaters, nightclubs, and restaurants where you can relax and unwind. It offers some of the best hotels and lodges where you can have a leisurely stay.

2. Oud-West- This is an offbeat tourist path close to Amsterdam that encompasses cultural hotspots and offers an eclectic shopping experience. It offers some of the most tranquil stay options far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

3. De Pjjp- This is the multicultural neighborhood of Amsterdam that is anchored by some of the best street markets. You can also find here both budget as well as luxurious stay options.

4. Binnenstad- This is the central neighborhood of Amsterdam that is a hotspot for the low budget as well as high-end hotels. All these hotels are located among a mass of bars, cafes, and restaurants serving delicious food and refreshing drinks to the tourists.

5. Jordaan- Jordan is extremely renowned for its quaint shopping joints, fancy restaurants, and thriving nightlife. Hotels in this area are unique and offer you an option to stay in an old train depot and a converted art gallery.

History lovers can take a walk through the fascinating historical monuments situated in Amsterdam and find themselves intrigued by the mystifying legends behind them. While some of these monuments commemorate the glorious Dutch heritage, others are celebrated for their quintessential contribution to Amsterdam’s development. If you wish to gasp into the tales of the bygone era, then here are the most famous historical monuments in Amsterdam that you must visit.

1. Dam Square- This is a peaceful square in Amsterdam that was built in the 13th century and is a great feat of engineering excellence. It houses many important buildings, such as the Royal Palace, National monument, and Neiuwe Kerk. You can also find a few cafes and restaurants here where you can have an amazing dining experience.

Location: Close to Amsterdam Central Station

2. The Portuguese Synagogue- This synagogue was constructed by the Portuguese Jewish families who fled to Amsterdam to escape from the Inquisition. This building has been an important part of the Jewish community of Amsterdam for over three hundred years. It has a separate men’s and women’s gallery for entrance and is touted to be one of the oldest buildings of Amsterdam. It is also considered to be the largest working Synagogue in Europe and serves as a center of worship and learning.

Location: Mr. Visserplein 3, 1011 RD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Timing: 10 AM-5 PM (Mon-Sat)

Price: €7.50 for children & €15 for adults

3. De Oude Kerk- This is the oldest surviving building of Amsterdam that was owned originally by the Catholic faith, but after the reformation, it has been converted into a Protestant Cathedral. In 2016 the building also became an official museum, and you can find artifacts from a different period of history here. The contemporary artists perform over here to keep the visitors entertained, and many exhibitions and cultural activities are also organized.

Location: De Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23, Amsterdam

Timing: 10 AM-6 PM

4. The Canal Belt- This is a crescent shaped beautiful canal system that dates back to the sixteenth century. Four canals make up this central belt, namely Singel, the Keizersgracht, the Herengracht, and the Prinsengracht. It allowed traders to transport goods from one area to another and significantly boosted the Dutch economy, but now it has become a popular tourist attraction. The popular shopping areas and entertainment zones are located around the canal belt. It also houses the beautiful canal houses and the one-way streets over here seem bustling with the tourists throughout the day.

Location: Grachtengordel, Amsterdam

5. Rembrandt House Museum- This is the oldest art museum and a historic house in Amsterdam that is touted to be the workshop and the real home of the most celebrated Dutch artist Rembrandt Van Rijn. It also houses the paintings made by the contemporaries and students of Rembrandt. Temporary exhibitions are held over here to highlight a certain notable aspect of Rembrandt’s work to the art lovers.

Location: Rembrandt House Museum, Jodenbreestraat 4, Amsterdam +31 20 520 0400

Timing: 10 AM-6 PM

6. OOST-INDISCH HUIS- This was the former headquarter of Dutch East India Company, and the building signifies luxury and class. It was designed by Hendrick de Keyser and is home to warehouses, administration units, and boardrooms. In 1999 the company shut down, and the government entities occupied this building. It is now open for public visit, and you can even relax and unwind in its vast courtyard or stroll through the corridor for a memorable experience.

Location: Kloveniersburgwal 48, 1012 CX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Timing: 8 AM-8 PM(Mon-Sat)

7. Anne Frank House- The hiding place of Frank’s family, before they were captured and sent off to concentration camps, is now a historic landmark and has a museum honouring the bravery of Anne Frank. Click Here to Book: Anne Frank Walking Tour in Amsterdam

8. National Monument- Built-in honour of people who braved wars and lost their lives during the Dutch resistance and Second World War, the National Monument is a pearly white pillar outlined by carved statues and is present at the centre of Dam Square.

9. Homomonument- Shaped like an enormous pink triangle, Homomonument is a memorial landmark in remembrance of the LGBTQ citizens. These people were brutally killed during the Holocaust because of their homosexuality.

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Amsterdam is a city that never sleeps. As soon as the stars lit the night sky, the city comes alive to the sound of music. Musical performances, operas, and live concerts are held throughout different venues of the city. You will hear crowds humming the lyrics as they sway their bodies to the beat played by the DJs. Bachelors love Amsterdam for the cheerful nightlife they get to enjoy partying in peppy clubs.

From one-of-a-kind collectibles to high-end designer stuff, every shopping area in Amsterdam offers unique experiences. Some of the best places to shop here are:

1. P.C. Hooftstraat: Also known as the museum district, this is the most expensive and exclusive shopping street in Amsterdam. You will find Dutch labels like Marlies Dekkers and international brands like DKNY, Chanel, LVMH, Ralph Lauren, and many more here.

2. Dam Square: This stunning plaza houses De Bijenkorf, a humongous department store built in the 1920s to cater to the well-heeled and those who love fine things in life. It houses some of the best brands in the world like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, etc. The square’s cobbled streets are dotted with standalone outlets of Monki, Topshop, Urban Outfitters, H&M, etc.

3. Spiegelkwartier: A haven for those who love to buy artworks, this street is famous for its kitschy stores, antique shops, and galleries. You can pick up centuries-old collectibles like paintings, ceramics, furniture, jewellery, etc.

4. Batavia Stad Amsterdam: Home to over 250 branded shops, this is the best place to get a bargain on your favourite brands. The shops here run year-round discounts on brands like Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Denham, Guess, Nike, etc.

5. Noordermarkt Farmers Market: For those who want to explore the local organic produce in Amsterdam, they must visit this hugely popular market. It is a great place to not only interact with the local farmers but also pick up spices, fresh flowers, varieties of mushrooms, coffees, etc. Don’t miss trying rustic waffles and pancakes while here along with a cup of delicious organic coffee.

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For enjoying Amsterdam, you don’t need to burn a hole in your pocket. Here’s a list of some of the things to enjoy without spending anything:

1. Take a canal tour: Amsterdam’s Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an amazing experience to stroll along these 400-year-old waterways in the old city centre area amidst the ancient gabled houses. Don’t miss to see the canal houses on Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht.

2. Visit a street market: To get a sense of the real vibrancy, colours, and character of Amsterdam, visit Albert Cuyp Market. This is the largest street market in the Netherlands where you will see sellers from all over the country selling beautiful fabrics, locks, jewellery, flowers, cheese, etc. Don’t miss visiting the Westerpark Area on the first Sunday of the month to see a huge pop-up market. Pick up souvenirs and enjoy food and drink tastings here.

3. Visit the floating flower market: Amsterdam is synonyms with gazillions of brilliantly coloured flowers, so much so that it even holds its own flower auctions. Visit the Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market), one of the most fragrant places here to see the stunning tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and many more varieties.

4. See the iconic Westerkerk: This 16th-century church is one of the finest landmarks in Amsterdam. Its imposing structure and stunning architecture is a must-see. The 85-metre high tower, piercing the city’s sky, can be seen away from miles. What makes the church more surreal is its mention in Anne Frank’s diary and the fact that she used to hear its bells ringing while in hiding from the Nazis.

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, Amsterdam’s historic canal system of more than 100 kilometres, which has just been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While each one of them is unique, here are the one that you must see:

1. Brouwersgracht: Voted as the most beautiful canal in Amsterdam, it connects 4 main canals in the town- Singel, Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht. This tree-shaded canal is famous for its 18th-century canal houses, functional houseboats, charming stone bridges decorated with flowers and amazing views of Amsterdam’s skyline.

2. Groenburgwal: One of the best-kept secrets in Amsterdam, it was named after a dye house specialising in the colour green. The place is still green due to the presence of huge trees shading the entire length of the canal. Located on the Amstel River, this is the perfect place to go when you’re looking for a bit of quiet. Since it’s quite narrow and has a low drawbridge, not many boats come here, hence fewer crowds. There is an old bridge where you’ll see hundreds of locks attached with people’s names.

3. Reguliersgracht: This is the canal that not only mimics the picture-postcard like beauty of Amsterdam, but also has the most unique architecture amongst all the canals here. It is built in a straight line that gives a very distinctive view of its seven bridges in a straight line. There is a huge public square with cobbled streets that’s great for a stroll and several great cafes along with a 17th-century wooden church, which is now a quaint brassiere.

4. Prinsengracht: Even if you want to, you cannot miss this humongous and one of the most popular canals in Amsterdam. Threading for around 3 kilometres through the city from Brouwersgracht and ending in the Amstel, you literally can’t miss seeing this.

This 16th-century canal’s most popular attraction is the Anne Frank House, located at a stone’s throw. There are old and new houseboats, cafes, churches, and museums dotted along its length. This is the site for the yearly ‘Gay Parade’, the ‘King’s Day’ celebrations, and the annual Prinsengrachtconcet, the largest open-air classical concert held each year.

Here is a season-wise list of things to pack while visiting Amsterdam:

Summers:

- Raincoat/ Umbrella
- Waterproof jacket
- Thin full-sleeved sweater
- Cotton shirts, T-shirts, shorts, trousers
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, cap
- Sneakers, open flat sandals
- Cotton socks

Winters:

- Heavy sweaters
- Thermal/ fleece layers
- Heavy layered jackets
- Wool-lined shoes, thick socks
- Sunscreen, sunglasses
- Woollen gloves
- Shawl and woollen head cover/ scarf

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