How to Enjoy Amsterdam

As one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in Western Europe, it is know wonder that Amsterdam bring the tourists in by the millions year after year. Amsterdam has the balance of big city and small town down perfect. The canals, the flower markets and the sheer design of the city make it an enjoyable place to visit and one that is still quite reasonable priced. Read on to learn how to enjoy Amsterdam.

Instructions

1. Understand that traveling in the shoulder seasons is highly recommended. Amsterdam has quite a mild climate so even the winters are tolerable. The summer months are the busiest and the city is filled to capacity. It is a fine time to visit but expect to pay twice as much for hotels and have to wait in long lines to see any of the points of interest.

2. Keep in mind that eating in a restaurant can get to be quite expensive in Amsterdam, especially if you decide to eat only there. There are some wonderful alternatives available. The streets of Amsterdam are literally packed with street vendors offering all kinds of cultural cuisines. These are all perfectly safe and offer a delicious and cheap alternative to restaurants.

3. Finding good accommodation in Amsterdam is quite simple. There are several hotels available and they will be quite reasonable in the shoulder seasons. There are also lower budget guest houses and hostels for you to choose from. The Dutch tourist board or VVV is an excellent source of information for finding a great place to stay.

4. Getting around the city is best done by public transport. The traffic is horrendous and the streets confusing. There are great links to the center of town from the airport. The city offers excellent links around to the major tourist attractions. Don't forget about the canal rides. They are a unique and great way to get from point A to point B.

5. Visiting the many museums around the city is highly recommended. Few cities offer such an array of exhibits. The Van Gogh Museum comes highly recommended among art enthusiasts. If looking at old masterpieces isn't you cup of tea then why not try Anne Frank's house. This is the home of the Frank family who went into hiding in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation. It is fascinating to see and incredibly moving.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch out for mad cyclists. However this is another great way to get around the city. Also, ask where your room is located. Many staircases in Amsterdam are too steep and narrow to get luggage through.