Amsterdam Hotels

Attractions

The canals of Amsterdam are an attraction in themselves. The city is compared to Venice with its string of waterways embracing the city centre. The four main arteries you will see during any of the canal tours being offered are Singel, Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. The smaller ones such as Leliegracht and Bloemgracht also make for a pleasurable ride.

What would Amsterdam be without its museums? There are over fifty museums in the city—laudable among the lot are Van Gogh Museum, National Maritime Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Museum Amstelkring, and Anne Frank House.

Fascinating architecture is hard to miss when you're visiting Amsterdam. Dam Square stands at the very core of the city with the Royal Palace as the key feature. It is mainly used for official functions and rites as the Royal Family hold residence in The Hague.

Located within the Singel canal, Begijnhof is one of the oldest courtyards in the city. The private houses still retain that calm, monastic atmosphere as it served as a home for religious women. Visitors can also find the oldest house in all of Amsterdam at Begijnhof court.

Amsterdam has a popular red-light district which is very much a legal area of business in the city. This section is worth checking out for its old rickety buildings and narrow pathways, made more atmospheric by the pink or red lights beckoning patrons. Oddly enough, at the heart of it all is Oude Kerk, a gothic church which traces its origins to the 13th century. This would be an interesting stop to your travelling just so you can have a feel of the place (that is if you're not a paying customer), truly one of its kind in Europe.

Where can one hang out for some beers and great dining spots? A good portion of Amsterdam's nightlife can be had at Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Bars, restaurants and theatres line the streets of Leidseplein. Making things more lively are the outdoor performances in the square during the summer. Rembrandtplein, apart from having the great master's bust in the middle of the park, offers clubs, restaurants, gay bars and souvenir shops.

Events

There is much to celebrate in Amsterdam with its busy calendar of festivities. During the first half of the year, the Dutch take to the streets in April 30 for Queen's Day, decked out in their orange outfits to celebrate their beloved monarch's birthday. Needless to say, the leisure and entertainment sections of the city are packed with both locals and tourists, as this is a major event in the whole of Netherlands.

Also on April, the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival reels off featuring thriller, fantasy, cult and animation flicks. Then on May, the Literary Festival sees springtime in Amsterdam with talks and exhibitions in the company of local and international writers. Also, head for the Keukenhoff, the world's largest garden located between Amsterdam and The Hague to gaze at the superb array of tulips in all shades laid out in carpet-like fields.

Summer bustles with a full load of events with which to enjoy the warm weather. Kwakoe Festival is a weekend spree of food fairs, concerts, theatre, art and cabaret spreading that multicultural vibe. Amsterdam Roots Festival brings global music to the masses with free concerts! Gay Pride in August is a rambunctious worldwide party with the parade being held in the canal. Uitmarkt is a big cultural event toasting to Amsterdam's arty climate. There are hundreds of free concerts, art exhibitions, theatrical performances and even workshops to nourish that cultural bone in every Dutch.

Towards the end of the year, to demonstrate how Amsterdam takes its hemp-loving ways to an extraordinary level, the High Times Cannabis Cup in November offers samplings in coffeehouses, free concerts and open forums attracting all hemp fans in the world.

Climate

• Winter (January-March)-1 to 9°C Bitter cold with wind, occasional snow and rain

• Spring (April-June)3-20°C Pleasant and warm sometimes turn into rainy periods

• Summer (July-September)9 to 22°C Generally warm and clear with little rainfall

• Fall (October to December)1 to 14°C Weather changes frequently like in Spring