It has more canals than Venice
Amsterdam’s watery maze of canals could be considered its most distinguishing – and most charming – feature. But when people refer to the city as ‘The Venice of the North’, what they may not realise is that the tree-lined channels outnumber the lagoon-filled lanes of our Italian cousin (Amsterdam also has about three times as many bridges, more than 1200).
Museums
When you measure per square metre, Amsterdam boasts more museums than any other city in the world. It seems like there is a museum around every corner. The Dutch capital is home to more than 40 museums and galleries and the layout of the city makes sightseeing on foot quite easy, with most of the museums situated close together on the area known as ‘Museumplein’ or along the main canal ring.
Spring
Spring is the time of year when both nature and people flourish. Amsterdam welcomes spring. In the city parks the first spring flowers are in bloom and leaves are unfolding on the trees. Terraces fill the city as Amsterdam residents wander the streets and parks.
Want a taste of Spring fever? Buy flowers for your home at the floating flower market or on the longest market in the Netherlands; the ‘Albert Cuyp’. For those who cannot get enough of flowers, ‘De Keukenhof’ is the place to go. There is no place in the world where spring is as colourful and blooming as here. De Keukenhof, with its millions of flowering bulbs and flowers shows, is the largest sculpture garden of the Netherlands.
Culinary Amsterdam
A visit to Amsterdam is not only a feast for the eyes but a feast for the taste buds as well. With its many cultural influences, it is a place which offers a varied selection of cuisines to both challenge and satisfy the palate. There are hundreds of restaurants to experience and lots of exotic foods to try. From Dutch to Ethiopian, it is an adventure in eating that will open doors to another world. Which restaurants you will prefer is not only decided by your taste but also your choice of quality, your budget, location and atmosphere.
De 9 Straatjes (The 9 streets)
Between Leidsestraat and Raadhuisstraat there is an area known as De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets), named after the nine side streets connecting the main canals. Together they constitute an appealing neighbourhood full of unique shops, wonderful places to have lunch and a great atmosphere.
For more information, take a look at See and do | I amsterdam