|
There are as many reasons to travel
to Amsterdam as there are people who go. Capital of the Netherlands,
and one of Europe's most vibrant and varied cities, Amsterdam offers
an unparalleled combination of high culture and decadence.
Look once, and it is a pretty European city laced
with canals; twice and it becomes a cultural centre with an incredible
collection of art. Look for a third time and you will see a decadent
party town where anything goes.
So which is the real Amsterdam? The romantic will
adore the lazy curves of the city's waterways and enjoy watching
from cafés in cobbled streets or picturesque bridges as the
mood of the city changes with the weather. Even in the rain there's
magic to Amsterdam.
The culture-hungry will soak up the offerings of the
Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum along with the
hundreds of smaller collections the city contains. Amsterdam satisfies
a wide range of tastes and displays include everything from the
best Dutch Masters to ultra-modern exhibitions.
Then there are the alternative delights which draw
their own crowd - some seeking the easy immorality of De Wallen
or De Walletjes (the notorious Red Light District), others attracted
by the liberal attitude toward soft drugs that are sold in the city's
"coffeeshops". For those who are curious, but not tempted
to partake, a stroll through De Wallen in the evening is still likely
to be an illuminating experience albeit a bit seedy.
In truth the city is a kaleidoscopic mixture
of all these things, where visitors can take as much or as little
of each element to create a unique experience that is their own
Amsterdam.
|