"Amsterdam: Historic and Tolerant" Amsterdam by CoAir13
Amsterdam Travel Guide: 12,430 reviews and 20,145 photos
Amsterdam is the greatest planned city in Northern Europe. In the 17th century, it was the center of world economy and now it is known for it's tolerant character. It offers a distinct cityscape dominated by canal houses with their tall, narrow facades and ornamental gables. Amsterdam consists of about 90 islands cut by it's over 100 kilometers of canals, and linked by about 400 stone bridges.
While there are busses and trams easily transporting people across the city, the best way to get around is by foot or bicycle. Bikes are everywhere, and enjoy their own lane on the roads around the city.
VincentJJ took the train into Amsterdam to attend the Boom Chicago show with us on Thursday night. After the show (and 3 bottles of Cabernet) we went to the Holland Casino. There, Vince found out that I was bad luck at the Roulette wheel and lost 50 EURO!
He came back into Amsterdam the following day and we went to the Van Gogh Museum and to dinner. He was a WONDERFUL guide and fun to hang out with. I miss you already, Vince!!
While my travel buddy, Marlene, was at her theatre audition, Vince and I walked through the Leidseplein and up to the Flower Market on Singel. I had mentioned to Vince around the holidays that all I wanted for Christmas was a pair of slippers and pajamas. Since I didn't get the slippers I had asked for, he treated me to this pair of "house clogs" from a souvenir shop! They are shaped like wooden shoes, but very soft and comfortable.......and decorated with the emblem of Amsterdam!! I LOVE them!!!!
- Pros:Historical, tolerant, beautiful, and VERY friendly!!
- Cons:Too many dogs that no one cleans up after!!
- In a nutshell:Delightful city full of delightful people!!
Reviews (28)
English isn't taboo!!
Local Customs
(2)
Although I tried to learn the basics before visiting....Dutch isn't the easiest to speak! I tried, but was interrupted... more travel advice
Dutch Masters
Things to Do
(14)
If you are an art lover, this is the ultimate destination in Holland! There are over a million pieces here, making it... more travel advice
Open Air Market
Things to Do
(14)
Along Albert Cuypstraat between Van Woustraat and Ferdinand Bolstraat, you'll find this open air market that sits a... more travel advice
Recycling
Favorites
(6)
I also noticed many recycling bins throughout the city for paper and glass. What a fantastic idea. Why don't more cities... more travel advice
-
Transportation (3)
See All Biking it! -
Been to Amsterdam?
Share your travels with the world!
Amsterdam Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "MY BIRTHPLACE"
- "God made the Dutch, but the Dutch made Holland"
- "Amsterdam - I love it!"
- "Amsterdam, is it real?"
- "Amsterdam, where the Dutch money is spend"
- "Amsterdam! The most liberal city in the World"
- "dila's new Amsterdam Page"
- See All...
Badges & Stats in Amsterdam
- 28 Reviews
- 39 Photos
- 0 Forum posts
- 41 Comments
- 8,182PageViews
- See All Stats
- See All Badges (7)
Have you been to Amsterdam?
Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Amsterdam
- Commented on VincentJJ's Amsterdam Page
- Wrote a Review English isn't taboo!! about Language in Amsterdam Local Customs
- Uploaded a Photo to "English isn't taboo!!"
- updated a Amsterdam Travelogue "Thanks to Vince"
Top 10 Pages
-
Top 5 Page for this destination
Cleveland
Intro, 47 reviews, 75 photos, 5 travelogues
-
London
Intro, 32 reviews, 49 photos, 1 travelogue
-
Amsterdam
Intro, 28 reviews, 39 photos, 3 travelogues
-
Chicago
Intro, 21 reviews, 33 photos, 2 travelogues
-
Niagara Falls
Intro, 22 reviews, 29 photos, 1 travelogue
-
Point Pelee
Intro, 15 reviews, 34 photos, 2 travelogues
-
New Orleans
Intro, 20 reviews, 27 photos, 1 travelogue
-
Paris
Intro, 18 reviews, 26 photos, 1 travelogue
-
Arches National Park
Intro, 18 reviews, 20 photos
-
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Intro, 17 reviews, 20 photos
Friends
See All Friends (80)Latest Amsterdam hotel reviews
- Hotel De Koopermoolen Amsterdam
- 81 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Yotel Schiphol
- 177 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 2, 2012 - Mercure Amsterdam Aan Amstel4m
- 147 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 30, 2012 - Wynnobel
- 1 Review & Opinion
Latest: Feb 15, 2006 - Bed & Breakfast Op de Gracht
- 3 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 18, 2007 - Frisco Inn Bar Hotel
- 106 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2012 - citizenM Amsterdam City
- 884 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 31, 2012 - Best Western Blue Tower Hotel Amsterdam
- 165 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 31, 2012 - Hotel Damrak
- 80 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 10, 2012 - Frans Halshuis
- 5 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 20, 2011 - Hotel Keizershof
- 100 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2012 - Thorbecke Hotel
- 59 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 10, 2012 - Hotel Mevlana
- 31 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 2, 2012 - Campanile Amsterdam
- 29 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 29, 2012 - NH Schiller Hotel Amsterdam
- 205 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 31, 2012

Family Travel
Budget Travel
National/State Park
Comments (34)
flower market looks amazing
No question about it; Amsterdam (The Netherlands) is the best place to start a tour of Europe. There is NO language barrier because of English fluency among the population. More important, they WANT to practice their English.
a nice page bringing back great memories. Dog-poo may be found at many cities in Europe unfortunately, but people start to change that (hopefully soon...)
Ride a Bike, it is much easier and faster. But make sure you don't get one from Bike Mac or any of the other palces that rent a bike with a big sign on it. Riding a bike is the absolute best way to see Amsterdam.
Fine travelogue about Multatuli, whom I had never heard of either until now. And I had a nice tour of Amsterdam through your tips.
Great page on Amsterdam(ned) So close to my place me and only visited it twice.
Hi Jen, You took a photograph in the red light district??? NOT!!!!Lucky you didn't lose your camera or worse to the p*mps who are very protective of their girls and turf. Gr8 tips! Doug (^_^)
Crazy us...we found ourselves in the district by mistake. with all three of our kids! The boys loved it. We didn't stay long. :-)
Jen beautiful page. I like the 3 cheek kiss and if someone asked me how much whip cream I wanted I would have said, "the whole can" lol and the Sex museum?!?!?! LOL Kat
hi Jen. How are you? I am back (unfortunately) form benelux. Had a fun time.
1 - 10 of 34
View 24 More