Original plans to conquer Amsterdam
FOR CULTURE AND ART PASSIONATES
As soon as you arrive at Amsterdam Centraal station, you can start by taking a look at the beautiful Basilica of St. Nicholas. Many are the travelers who stay admiring it from afar. Come inside to see the crown of Maximilian of Austria on the High Altar. **Film buffs and architecture buffs will be amazed by the Eye Film Museum ** - Its impressive building, reminiscent of a simple hybrid of the Sydney Opera House, houses highly recommended film exhibitions. Other essential culturetas are the exhibitions 'Pixar 25 years' at the Amsterdam Expo (until October 27) with 500 film artifacts from the production company , 'A Russians Taste for French Art' with works by Gaughin, Bonnard and Denis at the Hermitage, the temporary exhibition of paintings and artifacts from the Ming Empire at the Niewe Kerk; Lee Frieslander's 'America by car' photography expo at the FOAM Museum (through Dec. 11), Philip Mechanicus's photography retrospective at the Jewish Historical Museum, and the W139 art gallery near Dam Square.
And at night, don't miss the impressive Oude Kerk, the Skinny Bridge and part of the medieval walls in the Waag. Its beauty will fascinate you both for its architecture and for its moonlight lighting.
FOR ECOLOGISTS AND LOVERS OF SLOW-LIFE
Amsterdam is an ideal city to get around by tram, on foot and, above all, by bike. Here the car, the taxis and the heels are better left in oblivion (the latter, at least until nightfall). Think green. We talk about bike, fresh air, parks, long walks... The best options are to get lost in the charming neighborhood of Jordaan (no map please) ; watch the harbor in the Docklands to the sound of Jacques Brel's melancholy Amsterdam song, discover Beginhof , rent a bike and tour the entire city; take a cruise through the canals at sunset; and, walk among flowers in the bloemenmarket . And those who want to keep in shape can have lunch at SLA (Lettuce in Dutch), a salad bar where carbohydrates are prohibited.
TO GO WITH CHILDREN
The little ones can have a great time in the thousand and one fun activities for children that the city offers. One of the ideal plans for them will be to spend a day exploring the nature oasis of the Artis Royal Zoo. Be amazed by its Planetarium, Aquarium, Butterfly Pavilion or be amazed by the flamingos or the monkeys. **A good alternative would be to discover the gigantic botanical garden Hortus Botanicus ** and let them get lost among the flowers, plants and trees that make up this colorful urban Eden.
Another plan to go with the whole family will be to ride a bike to the Vondelpark and have a picnic. To buy various delicatessen for the feast, go to Albert Heijn in the center or the Landmarkt gourmet supermarket. Another ideal sports activity to get to know the canals of Amsterdam is to rent a pedal boat and navigate with Canal Bike (8 euros/hour). But, the most exciting selection will be to visit the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum where to be photographed with her favorite actors and characters; the educationally fantastic NEMO Science Museum in the harbor; or the extensive Troppenmuseum, with a variety of children's events and workshops. For interesting low-cost gastronomic alternatives that the little ones will love, you will find restaurants such as the Wagamama noodle bar and the Italian Vapiano or La Traviata in the vicinity of Rembrandtplein . Perfect for kids and adults.
FOR SHOPPING ADDICTS
The best thing is to walk around the surroundings of the always frequented Dam Square: In its surroundings you will find all kinds of clothing stores, antiques, books and various knickknacks. At the charming store of handmade Venetian masks Mark Shop Venice they sell masks to hide in an Eyes Wide Shut or Gossip Girl style party. And in the cool Condomerie you can see the most extravagant and grotesque condoms. It's worth a visit if only to take a look at the city's most unheard of condoms. Fans of vintage fashion will find their new favorite shop around Waterlooplein. The Big Store! Jenny de Jager's (St. Antoniebreestr. 25A) has been since the 1980s selling clothes, shoes and bags to all kinds of fashion and film stylists . Other highly recommended boutiques are Cottoncake (for women's urban clothing), Bendorff (for men) or Pina (for a very chic party dress). Those who want to lose themselves in a huge market of clothes, textiles, antiques and flowers should head to AlbertCuypmarkt.
FOR ADVENTURERS AND CURIOUS
The adventure begins when you set foot in a typical coffee shop for the first time. Chill-out spaces, colorful decorations that look like the Amazon jungle, but at the same time are totally endearing . Remember that in most coffeeshops you cannot consume alcoholic beverages or smoke tobacco cigarettes. To start browsing the forbidden universe, it is better that you visit one of the most mythical coffee shops in Amsterdam: Bulldog. Their extensive menu ranges from Space cakes, marijuana to truffles... A paradise for the laziest as they sell them ready-made or already packaged like the commercial Space cakes in the form of chocolate muffins.
If you don't go into one it will be because you don't feel like it because you can find them all over the city : the Smokey at Rembrandtplein, the Mellow Yellow near the Van Loon Museum, the Blue Bird at Waterlooplein, Free Adam, Grasshoper, Homegrown fantasy or Players are other options. And if you want to teleport to Tokyo, go to the tiny Coffeeshop Rockland, characteristic for its minimalism and its white touches and red lines. Another mythical stop is the greenest brewery.
Another typical plan is to taste the Heineken Experience. You will taste the different types of this magical concoction for a very cheap price. And if you dare to stroll through the luxurious Red Light District, you better walk safely and do not miss any shop window. "I'm shy, I'm ashamed" doesn't apply here. If you go it is to observe. If you are curious you can always enter one of the live shows at the Teatro Casa Rosso (50 euros with two drinks). His huge pink elephant with neon lights at the entrance in front of the channel will make the search very easy for you.