Visiting the City

Amsterdam is among those cities where everything contributes to being an attraction itself. It is not only famous for its Red Light District and legalized marijuana; it is also called the "Venice of the north". The extensive network of canals proves this name to be worthy. In terms of cultural wealth the Netherlands stand out with the largest number of museums per square foot in the whole wide world. Amsterdam owns the best of those.

Dam Square
The very heart of the city is Dam square where the beautiful Royal Palace stands. This area is famous for its souvenir shops, street performers and restaurants. There are also various events and concerts taking place here. This is also the home to numerous pigeons. The two main shopping streets of Amsterdam, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, are located in this area.

Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein
The Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein usually are very busy even during nights. Here street performers entertain the public, tourists mainly, with acrobatic acts and music. As soon as the night comes the crowd transforms. This is the place where locals go to celebrate, and to visit the theatres, cinemas and clubs.

Jordaan

This working-class district was built in 1612 during the expansion of the city, it is widely known all over the country for its specific street life, sarcastic humor and working-class mentality. This is now the district of many students and young urban professionals. The Jordaan is like a small village in a big city. The area is located between Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht, Raamstraat and Marnixstraat.

The Red-Light District (De Wallen)

This is the area located left of the Damrak, and is the former Medieval Amsterdam place. De Wallen is famous for its sex industry and live shows, offering what-Amsterdam-is-known-for services. There are numerous bars, restaurants and cafes here.

Canals
The network of canals (ranging from Singel Canal up to Prinsengracht Canal) is historically important, and is one of the city's most attractive sights. The canals start at River Amstel and end at Brouwersgracht. The area represents mostly classicism style architecture.

Pijp

Pijp represents the first modern area built in Amsterdam. It is famous for its multicultural society. The main streets in Pijp are Albert Cuypstraat, with the famous market Albert Cuypmarkt, and Ferdinand Bolstraat. This area offers many exotic restaurants and typical Amsterdam pubs.

Museum Quarter

Museumplein with its Museum Quarter are within ten-minute walk from Leidseplein. It hosts all the main museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and The Stedelijk Museum. Most of exclusive shops are located in this area. Other international clothing brands are in P.C. Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat. Being very crowded during the day, Museum Quarter usually gets deserted at night.

Banks of the River Ij

The Banks of the River Ij is the area of most modern buildings, this part of town, with its great view of the river, is completely redeveloped. Oostelijke Handelskade houses many theaters and busy nightlife. The innovative architectural style here draws people from all over the country. There is a cruise terminal here to be found, called Passenger Terminal Amsterdam.