If you’re someone that enjoys travelling, a dilemma that you’ll probably face quite often is deciding what part of the world to explore next. Do you go for sun, sea and sand? Or are you going to opt for a snowy mountain in the Alps? A great way of making the most out of your travelling experiences is to weigh up what each location can offer you.
Amsterdam is a well known city in the country of the Netherlands. Founded in the thirteenth century, it began as a fishing village and since then, has developed its own character and culture that many people find extremely desirable. So, today we’re going to give you some incredible reasons as to why you absolutely must visit Amsterdam on your travels!
The suitable climate
One thing that many visitors of Amsterdam find very attractive is the suitable climate pretty much all year round. It resembles a climate close to that of the UK, meaning that you’re able to predict what kind of clothing you’ll need for the day. With a regular summer and winter, it also makes it easier to plan what time of the year you’d prefer to visit too! Super handy if you already live in the UK!
The people
A difficult part of travelling to a new city or country is language barriers. While many people around the world speak English, you might not find it in every country or city. However, Amsterdam is an exception to this, as pretty much everyone speaks English, meaning that you’ll feel right at home and not have to worry about any language barriers. The people in Amsterdam are also well known to be extremely friendly too, so if you’re ever stuck or simply just looking to make a new friend, you’re sure to do that there. And, with Amsterdam being one of the 15 safest cities in the world, you can enjoy the company of their citizens without a worry in the world!
The simplicity
Sometimes the greatest things in life are the more simple things. If this is something that applies to you and whomever you’re travelling with, then the idea of cycling around the beautiful city of Amsterdam might just appeal to you. You’ll find that while it’s a busy and exciting city, that it is also simple and relaxing at the same time!
The night life
A great way of truly experiencing a new area is by joining in on the night life. Some places have rituals, some places are quiet and peaceful, and some places are booming with people heading out to have a good time. Amsterdam has one of the most legendary nightlife scenes in the world! Again, much like the UK you must be at least 18 to enter any of their clubs or bars, with the exception of a few which require you to be 21. If you’re someone that loves dancing the night away, Amsterdam is definitely for you! If you’re planning on visiting Leidseplein, you can look forward to a wonderful night on the square!
There is also the red light district, which, everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Even if you’re not interested in taking part, you can book yourself a guided night walk and party so that you can get a real feel of what it’s all about!
The coffee shops
One thing that Amsterdam is well known for, is it’s coffee shops. For many years, tourists weren’t allowed in the coffee shops in Amsterdam. However, there are quite a few ‘do’s and don’ts’ that you should be aware of. When visiting their coffee shops (not to be confused with a cafe), you should always remember these few things:
Make sure you buy something. Even if you’re bringing your own supply of cannabis, it’s rude not to buy a snack or refreshment while you’re there.
Don’t buy too much. Many people make the mistake of buying way too much. Cannabis in Amsterdam is likely to be much stronger than anything you’ve tried before. Many visitors end up wasting their money and having to bin their leftover supplies when it’s time to go home.
Do ask questions about the menu that’s on offer. The staff will be able to help you find the right legal high for you – even if you’re a newbie! Some products will hit you harder than others, so it’s always best to ask!
The museums
Finally, there are a plethora of museums in Amsterdam showing off the history and culture of the place. A personal favourite is the Van Gogh Museum, displaying all of his incredible artwork from the 1800s. With nearly 2000 paintings, drawings and prints from the iconic artist, you’re sure to get a feel for the artistic side inside of you! You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to see many other artists work from the nineteenth century too!
Or maybe you’re more into the idea of visiting the Max Euwe Chess Museum, who was a world class chess player from the Netherlands. You can enjoy a tour around the chess hall, office, or even play a game of large chess right outside of this incredible chess museum!
As you can see, there are a plethora of things to do in Amsterdam, so whether you’re planning a short or long stay, there’s plenty of things to keep you occupied – and this is just scratching the surface!