Travelling to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the great cities of Europe. Home to the oldest stock exchange in the world, it has been at the political and cultural centre of Europe for much of its 700 year history. Visitors today flock to Amsterdam to experience the city’s wonderful architecture, the slew of museums and galleries and its vibrant night-life and unique coffee houses. The Canal Ring, which constitutes a number of canals built in the 17th century during Amsterdam’s golden age, is also a major attraction for many of the city’s visitors, and it recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to see the city on your own terms, renting an apartment in Amsterdam or B&B in Amsterdam could be a good way to go. Having your own apartment gives you all the comfort, privacy and space of a home away from home. With your own apartment you could head down to Lindengracht, the weekend food and flower market where the locals shop, and get some fresh local produce to fix breakfast in your own kitchen. It’s a great way to see the city from a local’s perspective, and it can work out a lot cheaper than a hotel for a family holiday or a group of friends. You can rent apartments worldwide via www.wimdu.com, and it’s got a good selection of places in Amsterdam.

With your accommodation sorted, all you’ve got to do now is focus on enjoying all that Amsterdam has to offer. Amsterdam is famous for its nightlife, and whether or not you wish to partake in the various delights on offer in its coffee houses and notorious red light district, this aspect of the city is certainly something to be witnessed. For art fans, the museum quarter is a must-visit. The Rijksmuseum has the best collection of Dutch masters in the world, including important works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. And the Van Gogh Museum celebrates one of the Netherlands’ most famous sons with a comprehensive collection comprising over 200 paintings spanning his career, from The Potato Eaters to Wheatfield with Crows.