Why Amsterdam

Capital of Inspiration

More of a cosmopolitan village than a bustling, active capital, Amsterdam remains cosy, yet progressive and is a magnet for contemporary artists, thinkers and entrepreneurs as well as a popular location for international festivals and congresses. With its rich cultural and historical heritage, Amsterdam effortlessly balances its past with its present. Amsterdam’s charm as a destination is that it functions most efficiently as a modern 21st century city, while retaining its classic 17th century ambience. The canal houses and surrounding museums and monuments serve as a unique backdrop to this dynamic and cosmopolitan capital, known over the ages for its freedom and tolerance.

Culture on every corner

Amsterdam provides a cultural feast for all the senses, with its world renowned museums, monuments of the Golden Age and modern architecture. Over the centuries, Amsterdam has been known as a capital of culture. Admire the masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer and other Dutch masters. Ballet, opera and music concerts by highly acclaimed performers and internationally regarded companies are an important part of the cultural calendar. A variety of festivals and special events are held throughout the year, many of them with an English-speaking public in mind. Experience a variety of art at dozens of galleries. There is something special on almost every corner. Church bells, organ grinders, and street musicians contribute to the never-ending feeling of festivity in the air.

Countless unique shops

When it comes to shopping, the choice is unlimited. Charming specialty shops and trend-setting designers can be found around the historic city centre and along the picturesque canals. Shops crammed with bric-à-brac where you’ll make that unique once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Luxurious department stores and shopping centers in unique locations as well as one-of-a-kind boutiques. From Delftware to tulip bulbs, diamonds to chocolates. There is something for everyone. Don’t forget to visit the colourful flower market and other lively street markets where you can rub elbows with Amsterdammers.

At your own pace

There is always more than meets the eye in Amsterdam. Explore the less traveled paths. Get lost in time. There are many ways to discover our picturesque city. Whether gliding along the canals in a traditional canal boat or a (pedal) boat, taking a bike tour around the city, inline skating among the locals, or simply strolling at your own pace. Amsterdam is easily accessible on foot… with or without a guide or suggested route. Enjoy one of the ‘green pockets’ and watch the seasons change before your eyes. Sit down and reflect for a while. Then get up and start exploring again.

Diverse night life

As soon as the sun comes out, no matter what the season, sidewalk terraces on the squares and along the canals are the place to be. Amsterdam by night will delight you with its diversity. Start off the evening in a traditional brown café or a modern grand café. A wine bar or beer tasting bar. Choose from a variety of restaurants: from Dutch to Ethiopian. A seafood banquet or an Indonesian ‘rice table’ feast. A simple bistro or a chic hideaway. The best rule when deciding where and what to eat is: just give it a try! Dance till dawn in a trendy discotheque or while away the hours in one of the new ‘lounge bars’ where you can drink an exotic cocktail. Sit among the locals in a jazz club or a cafe. Have fun in a comedy club or piano bar. Meet people, see and be seen.

Savour a bit of Holland

Discover the essence of Holland beyond Amsterdam. With short distances and efficient transport, there are a number of day trips to choose from. Experience the true Dutch landscape of windmills, dikes, and green pastures inhabited by the famous black and white cows. Evidence of why Holland’s delicious cheeses come in hundreds of varieties! Enjoy the technicolour flower gardens of the Keukenhof or visit the international flower auction in Aalsmeer. The Zaanse Schans, with its windmills, craftsmen, cheese farm and bakery is further proof of Holland’s continued co-existence with water. Stroll around the romantic fishing villages of the past in Marken, Volendam and Monnickendam, where many of the inhabitants still wear traditional costumes. Take a boat excursion along our scenic waterways. Wander around the old city of Haarlem or Alkmaar or along the windswept dunes and North Sea beaches. Have a herring, enjoy a pancake! Taste a bit of Holland and savour the memories after you return home.

A memorable experience

Amsterdam’s unique charm as a destination is that it functions most efficiently as a modern 21st century city, while retaining its historic ambience. Its population takes pride in being multilingual and more global than local. Whether arriving by train, cruise ship, airplane or motorcar, Amsterdam is easily accessible. The modern highways are good connections to other European cities. Trains arrive regularly from points north, south, east and west. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, regarded as one of Europe’s finest, has flights to and from every corner of the world. It can be reached in fifteen minutes from Amsterdam, with at least six scheduled trains every hour. In terms of lodging, the choices are endless: intimate canal house locations with a view, luxurious hotels with a history, hostels, camp sites, houseboats, apartments and trendy hotels. Most of the hotels have state-of-the-art congress facilities.