Amsterdam attractions: photos and description

A Unique city with an intricate system of channels successfully combines the modernity and ancient traditions. The charming capital of the Netherlands holds many monuments which will appeal to tourists. It combines the amazing beauty of nature, the splendor of the ancient architecture and tolerance to human vices.

The Town developed from a fishing village

Dynamic Amsterdam attractions which are transferred in the past era, has a special energy. It attracts millions of travelers seeking to explore the city, destroying all the stereotypes and give a breath of freedom.

The First mention of a Dutch gem dates back to 1275. At this time it was only a small fishing village grew up on the banks of the river Amstel. Residents built a dam to prevent floods, and gradually the settlement became a port city, standing on 90 Islands, separated by channels.

The Modern capital of the Netherlands

And now Amsterdam attractions which merit a detailed story, is a densely populated European city that has preserved the charm of the middle Ages. Its territory encompasses more than 750 thousand people of 175 nationalities. The local population prefers to live on houseboats (houseboat) moored along the quays. In such dwellings, more like barges, there is electricity, gas, Sewerage. A real tourist Paradise attracts tourists from different countries, because you can come here several times and always find something interesting.

Tours – ideal discover the city

To See the main attractions of Amsterdam in one day is simply impossible. Those visiting it for the first time, it makes sense to start with a sightseeing tour of the capital, continued for two hours. Tourists will travel to memorable places in comfort on the bus, and everyone can get out at any stop, and then again to continue the exciting journey with the same ticket.

However, the most impressive way to discover the amazing city – cruise the waterways, covering the historical centre. Trips differ by time and route, and inspection of monuments is accompanied by explanations as a guide and a glass of sparkling wine. If the locals prefer to get around the tourist center on bicycles, foreigners are choosing cruises through multiple channels. It cannot be assumed that you are familiar with the city, if not on the boat tours, which take place both day and night.

Surrounded by water, it is compact, and in just a few hours you can pass by the main attractions of Amsterdam, connecting the legacy of different eras. A canal cruise is so inspiring to tourists that they rent private boats and go in your own journey, becoming a captain, exploring the waterways.

Foreigners like to walk, in fact the bustling city-a great place for these walks, and access to objects of mass pilgrimage for tourists and can be on public transport. It is best to buy a city guide that will enable you to follow a special route or to build your own, choosing the most interesting places.

Main square of Amsterdam

Familiarity with the historical centre, where is concentrated the main attractions of Amsterdam, preserved from the middle Ages, starts at Dam square, where is always crowded. It was here that originated the Venice of the North. For more than seven centuries, it is the heart of the Dutch capital. Received its name from the word "dam" (dam), she appeared on the very spot where the inhabitants erected a mound, regulating water flows and protecting the area from the elements. Once the houses on the square were built of wood, but after numerous fires in the XIII century, they began to build of stone. Architectural works of various epochs and styles are very harmonious, and it is curious to observe how historical objects are combined with colorful storefronts of fashion boutiques.

Royal Palace

Which is a rectangle connecting the two historic streets, Dam square is always full of tourists. Here is the Royal Palace – the main building and the main attraction of Amsterdam (photo and description provided in the article).

An Architectural marvel, appeared in the XVII century, stands on wooden stilts, not allowing a three-storey building, adorned with allegorical figures, down into the swamp. Built of yellow Sandstone, it looks dark because of the porous material over the centuries has absorbed a lot of dust.

New Church

One of the places of worship, a religious landmark of Amsterdam (photos can be seen below), was erected for 70 years. Numerous fires completely destroyed the Church, dedicated to saints Catherine and Mary. And it was long restored. Built in the Gothic style, it is famous for its beautiful altar and colorful stained-glass Windows, causing admiration.

In the temple are married and a crown of monarch of the Netherlands, but the worship here is not carried out. But everyone will be able to attend concerts of organ music.

Obelisk dedicated to those who died during the Second world war

Dominating the square is the national monument-an obelisk 22 meters high. Praising the heroes who died during the Second world war, it is faced with travertine of white color. A landmark of Amsterdam, a photo that is sure to make memory guests mixed feelings. The stele is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting chained to each other male figure, symbolizing the suffering of the people, and howling at their feet dogs – devotion and despair. The monument is crowned by a sculpture of a woman holding a child surrounded by pigeons. It represents the victory and new life, and liberation from the fascist yoke.

Sights of Amsterdam: where to go and what to see?

The Dam Square gained fame thanks to a curious Museum, located on its territory. Appeared in the XV century, it allows to meet the most famous people not only of the present but also the past.

Wax Museum Madame Tussauds, divided into several thematic zones – this unique exhibition, which contains interesting exhibits in full size. Royals, pop diva, popular movie stars, great politicians waiting for visitors who have their picture taken with celebrities. And the latest technologies used in the institution, will make any visit interactive. Such a reliable picture of the most famous people of all times and eras results in a real shock.

The City of contrasts

The City of Amsterdam, the sights of which made its appearance unique and limited territorial space. Man has conquered land from the sea, and the abundance of water determined the architectural originality: there are almost no tall buildings and only a pointed Church spires towering over the capital of the Netherlands.

It really is a city of contrasts, here peacefully coexist art lovers and freedom-loving hippie with a fondness for intoxication. It is respectable and at the same time liberated the city, where they sell soft drugs, allowed same-sex marriages and prostitution. It is no coincidence that many people in Amsterdam (Netherlands), attractions that reflect its cultural and historical development, associated with the forbidden pleasures.

Coffee shops

Here from the early times trade was more important than religious beliefs and ideology. The city authorities of immigrants made the decision to control these areas of life, not to leave them in the shade. As shown, the crimes of drug use in the Netherlands is several times less than in Europe. The law punished the use and possession of marijuana and hashish, and their sale is carried out in special establishments.

Young people from other countries coming to coffeeshops where you can smoke pot. In the coffeeshop to sell soft drugs only, and the appearance of "heavy" is excluded. Enough one of the complaints of neighbors about the disturbance of public order, as the institution can close without the right to receive a new license.

In the coffeeshops don't sell alcohol, and the bartender weighs in the balance pot. Those who are not eighteen years of age, do not sell it. Most places closes at midnight and only a few work to three hours a night.

Red light district

One of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam is the Red light district, which for the guardians of morality in the most vile place on earth. Tourists visiting the area should know that it has its own rules: it is impossible to photograph and make a video, otherwise you can lose an expensive camera. Compulsory tour attracts crowds of visitors who dream to touch the Dutch exotic.

In the middle Ages the small settlement became a major trading port. Dozens of ships went sailing, and sailors descended to the shore, craved the love of women. At that time all the inhabitants walked through the dark streets, illuminating the path lights. Residents were outraged filthy harassment and wanted to protect their daughters and wives from nagging. The government required prostitutes to use the lights with a red tint, the most striking and visible from afar.

In the sixteenth century the administration allocates the priestesses of love single quarter, and all the jobs obkladyvaet tax. Moths do not wander the streets in search of customers, and they themselves come to him in the appointed place. Women received the right to do business, pay taxes on business activities.

The"Showcase" love

Naked ladies behind the glass, sitting at the ajar window, not paying any attention to guests and be on my way. If the box is covered with a curtain, it means that the position has been filled and is knocking in another. Such a trade of love was called "display". Someone comes here out of pure interest, and someone wants to relax in full to appreciate the taste of forbidden love.

Most tourists fill the beach promenade in the evening, but on many Windows the light does not light,as the girl worked her shift in the afternoon. It is no surprise the fact that among the seekers of the love of money is a lot of women. Wishing to take advantage of intimate services and I know that the Rembrandt square and the river are the showcase of men, love of the profession, taking for one session € 150 Euro.

Problems associated with exotic sights

In recent years, the residents of Amsterdam (Netherlands), attractions that are of great interest, are against the quarter where you can buy love. They resent tourists seeking here because they are attracted to sexual experimentation, not a lot of architectural monuments.

> soon I plan to reduce to a minimum the number of public houses, the revocation of their license. And even want to completely change the appearance of a remarkable quarter, bringing the Treasury of more than $ 100 million. Whatever it was, but it plays an important role in the economy not only of Amsterdam but of the whole country.

Museums

After visiting the unique attractions Amsterdam (the description presented in the article) can go to the erotic Museum, located in the same quarter. Nothing depraved visitors will not see, but hypocrites should just stay home. In addition, a minor entrance here is closed.

The Exhibition, which occupies four floors, talk about love, and it is easy to see how changing ideas about human beauty for many centuries. There are statues from Ancient Rome and Egypt, presents a fragrant oil from Mesopotamia, a lot of erotic photos and modern fixtures. Trips always turn out interesting and informative.

For all those wishing to open the door to a curious Museum of the Amsterdam canals, which are the hallmark of the city. Tourists can go on an interactive tour that will not replace a real walk. It was during sliding on the water surface guests, inhaling the smell of wet wood, imbued with the unique atmosphere of the bustling city.

Royal Park

The Tourist Mecca, many associated not only with bridges and canals, but also with tulips. Therefore, once you are there, be sure to visit the Royal Park, the gardens of which are known even outside the country. Beautiful Keukenhof – one of the main attractions of Amsterdam. City in the Netherlands boasts huge plantations, where you can find the most rare varieties of bulbous plants. Some tulips cost as much as an expensive car.

During the flowering period wonderful the Park is visited by over a million people, seeking to see with your own eyes what before had only read about in the magazines.

What guests say?

Reviews of the tourists about Amsterdam attractions which reflect its diversity, full of delight. Travelers agree on one thing: this city is created for entertainment, not for living.

Recommend Guests to rent a Bicycle to see the main monuments, because some of them are hiding in the most secret corners. As recognized by vacationers, cute houses, tilted in different directions, immediately attract attention. As a tourist Paradise built on a swampy area, all the buildings were built on stilts, which eventually rotted, and the house sagged.

Of Course, it is impossible to imagine Amsterdam without a network of picturesque canals that form a concentric belt around the settlement. This seems surprising, but barges and boats moored off the coast, are a haven for local residents, since housing here has always been a big problem. More recently, the city appeared floating hotels on the water, which began to enjoy unprecedented success, because living in them is much cheaper than standing on land.

The Unique town of kaleidoscope, which has an unusual atmosphere that captivates with its beauty at first sight. Amsterdam attractions (tourists, it only confirms) become the subject of admiration. They attract guests from many different countries, and whatever the purpose of visit of travelers, some monuments need to be seen.