Amsterdam

Overview

Amsterdam has a charming network of canals, world-class museums and flower markets, and is especially beautiful when the tulips bloom in spring.

History

Amsterdam was founded in the 13th century, its name coming from a dam built on the river Amstel. During the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century it became a centre of world trade and culture, home to the Dutch East India Company and to masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. The canal ring dug in the 17th century divided the city into concentric arcs and became a World Heritage Site in 2010. Anne Frank hid here from Nazi persecution during the Second World War, writing the diary that became world famous.

Highlights

• •The Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum
• •The moving Anne Frank House
• •Seven million tulips at Keukenhof in April
• •Cycling past windmills and canals
• •Original masterpieces including The Starry Night at the Van Gogh Museum

Practical tips

• •Renting a bicycle is the most local way to get around
• •Buy museum tickets in advance

Practical information

Best time

April to June

Tickets

Rijksmuseum about EUR 22.50; Anne Frank House about EUR 16 with advance booking

Opening hours

Museums roughly 9:00 to 17:00; canals accessible at all hours

Local food

Dutch pancakes, herring, cheese and beer

Getting around

Trams and metro cover the city, and the canal ring suits walking or cycling

Visa

The Netherlands is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Book an appointment one to two months ahead with complete documents.

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