Amsterdam

Amsterdam, often called the Venice of the North, grew from a small fishing settlement on the Amstel River into one of the great trading cities of the world. It received toll privileges in the late 13th century, and during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century it was among the wealthiest cities on earth, financed by overseas trade, the East India Company and the stock exchange. That legacy is still visible in the elegant canal houses, merchant mansions and bridges lining the UNESCO-listed canal belt, laid out in the 17th century and added to the World Heritage List in 2010.

The historic centre is Dam Square, home to the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk, with busy shopping streets and cafes around it. The museum quarter is a cultural treasure trove, with the Rijksmuseum and its masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, the Van Gogh Museum with the world’s largest collection of his works, and the Stedelijk Museum for modern and contemporary art. The Anne Frank House, on the Prinsengracht canal, gives a poignant glimpse into the city’s wartime history. The Oude Kerk, the oldest surviving building in the city, and the Westerkerk, with its tall tower, are among the other landmarks of the old centre, and the Begijnhof is a quiet courtyard of old houses just off the main shopping street.

Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods each have their own character. The Jordaan is known for narrow streets, independent boutiques and brown cafes, while De Pijp has a multicultural atmosphere and the Albert Cuyp Market. The Red Light District, with its old buildings and nightlife, draws curious visitors, and Vondelpark provides a peaceful place for picnics and people-watching. East and north of the centre, former docklands have been reborn: the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam Noord is an area of studios, street food and festivals, reached by a free ferry from behind the central station, and the EYE Filmmuseum sits on the water.

The city is best explored by bicycle, with an extensive network of bike paths and rental shops. Canal cruises are an Amsterdam classic, giving a different view of the architecture and daily life. Food lovers can try Dutch pancakes and herring, Indonesian rijsttafel and many international restaurants, and the Bloemenmarkt, the floating flower market, is a good place to buy bulbs and cut flowers.

The calendar is full of festivals, from King’s Day celebrations in April, when the whole city turns orange, to the Amsterdam Light Festival in winter. Nightlife is lively, with a wide range of bars, clubs and music venues, and the Royal Concertgebouw is one of the great concert halls of Europe. For families, attractions such as Artis Zoo, the NEMO Science Museum and the interactive Amsterdam Dungeon offer entertainment for all ages.

Getting to Amsterdam is easy, with Schiphol Airport offering direct connections to cities around the world, and fast trains to the rest of the Netherlands. The efficient public transport system of trams, buses and the metro makes the city simple to navigate, and many attractions are within walking or cycling distance of the centre. It is wise to book the Anne Frank House and the major museums ahead of time.

The best time to visit Amsterdam is from April to May or September to early October, when the weather is mild, tulips are in bloom in the surrounding country and the city is less crowded than in peak summer. Even so, the museums, cafes and cultural events make Amsterdam a year-round destination.

Whether the interest is art, history, nightlife or the simple pleasure of wandering along the canals, Amsterdam offers an unforgettable visit to the capital of the Netherlands.