To say that Amsterdam is a liberal city would be a huge understatement. The capital city of the Netherlands doesn’t shy away from anything. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll are not illegal in Amsterdam, well within reason. The classic Amsterdam coffee shops shell out legal amounts of marijuana to tourists and locals. What began as a sleepy fishing village has grown into this carefree, bohemian, wide-awake city. Strung out along glassy canals, Amsterdam’s beauty only helps its case even more. Being one of the most densely populated cities in Europe and the largest city in the Netherlands, clearly Amsterdam’s bohemian attitude works for many.
While some glaze over the Red Light District in Amsterdam, it is easily one of the most famous parts of the city. The Red Light District reflects the city’s bohemian attitude towards sex. It remains one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam, lined with pubs, cafes, and coffee shops.
If sex, drugs and rock and roll leave you hungry for more while in Amsterdam, Albert Cuyparkt will quiet that grumbling stomach. The city’s largest and busiest market perfumes with aromatic stalls. The delights blanketing the air include Dutch cheese, olives, herbs and spices. Cozy cafes and eateries also decorate the area, creating a food lovers delight while in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam’s struggles perhaps come to a forefront at the Anne Frank Haus. The famous diary composed by Anne Frank was written in Amsterdam. Anne was hiding from the occupying Germans during World War II within the home. Visitors come here to pay tribute to her story and the atrocities of World War II.
Museums may be Amsterdam’s specialty apart from coffee houses. One of the most popular remains the Van Gogh Museum. Works by the famed impressionist artist cover the walls including The Potato Eaters and The Sunflowers. With around 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 letters, the Van Gogh Museum rivals many others in the area. If you haven’t had enough of Van Gogh, head to Rijksmuseum. The Museum prides itself on housing one of the largest and most popular collections in the Netherlands. Anyone from Rembrandt to Van Gogh can be found within, well not personally.
Speaking of Rembrandt, the artist’s home rests in Amsterdam. Visitors can get a little personal with the artist by exploring his home while traveling throughout the city. The house of Rembrandt van Rijh shows where the artists lived and worked while in Amsterdam. It radiates in 17th century style and contains a collection of the artist’s sketches and self-portraits.
After sightseeing all day in Amsterdam, it may be time for a cold brew. Green glows from the Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam. Heineken remains one of Europe’s leading brewers and suppliers. The transparent green bottles can be consumed after a tour of the Brewery. The tour educates beer drinkers on the company’s rich history.
If you arrive in April, expect to view the famous tulips of Holland while in the city. The flowers note Amsterdam’s color while the rest of the city loudly splashes character about. From the Red Light District to a quiet art gallery showcasing Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Amsterdam is liberal and giving to tourists, visitors, and locals alike.
