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"Amsterdam" a Amsterdam Travel Page by el_ruso

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"Amsterdam" a Amsterdam Travel Page by el_ruso

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el_ruso   
So many places to see! So little time!


Real Name: Anthony
Lives In: Coral Gables, US
Member Since: Jan 26, 2005
VT Rank: 620

 

Page Views: 321            Last Visit to Amsterdam: August, 2007      

Amsterdam

by el_ruso - last update: Aug 28, 2007

I had only a day to see Amsterdam. Of course I did not see everything of interest, nor did I have enough time to understand the city as my experiences here did not have a chance to integrate into one picture. But I certainly left with a desire to return.
view from the train station
Amsterdam center is fairly compact and you can use the boat tour to supplement walking to see most of the city's highlights on a tight schedule. The two museums I really wanted to see (Rijksmuseum of art and the museum of the Dutch Indies Company) were in the process of renovation, so I have an excuse to return. Other highlights include the Van Gogh museum, Jewish museum, house of Anna Frank, NEMO children's museum. The Red Light district is a lot cleaner than I imagined and actually constitutes a tourist sight. Amsterdam, despite its size and history, lacks somewhat in outstanding architecture. The most notable examples are a row of patrician houses "Golden Bend", St Nicolas church, city palace.
along a canal
But Amsterdam certainly does not lack in atmosphere. It is very... different. The contrast with the nearby Belgium is especially poignant. While people speak basically the same language and the architecture is vaguely similar, these similarities deepen the contrast of the many profound differences. What you have heard about Amsterdam IS true: it is a profoundly liberal place where certain behaviors are not only legal, but are celebrated. Amsterdam is one of the few places with a very open and celebrated Red Light district, legal marijuana shops and a monument to gays who were killed in WW II (one of a kind). Come here with an open mind, or you will not enjoy it. You don't have to accept the weird attitude of the place in your daily life, but it is worth to experience it, at least once.

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"very liberal and weird"
Cons:"very liberal and weird"
In A Nutshell:"one of a kind experience - come with an open mind"
el_ruso's Amsterdam Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 18 - Photos: 26
 
Restaurants
Tips: 1
Hotels & Accommodations
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
Tips: 3 - Photos: 2
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
Transportation
Tips: 2 - Photos: 1
Local Customs
Tips: 5 - Photos: 2
 
Packing ListsShopping
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

Comments for el_ruso about Amsterdam
pieter_jan_v Wed Aug 29, 2007 18:45 UTC
 The Amsterdam bicycle parking is becoming the most pictured attraction. PJ

Amsterdam Hotels

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