Amsterdam: Commercial Hub of the Netherlands
The capital and trade hub of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is one of the country's most important landmarks. The origination of this trading hub started as a village, mounted on the dam on the river Amstel. However, after the city’s port started the trade, the financial and commercial advancement of the place skyrocketed. The Canal Cruise available in Amsterdam is one of the key aspects that attract the attention of travellers all year. The most famous landmarks are Hortus Botanicus, Royal Palace Amsterdam, and Dutch Tulip. Its longstanding tradition of artistic expression is one of the most prominent aspects of Amsterdam’s culture. It has been a nurturing ground for renowned artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Don’t leave the city without savouring its vibrant food scene and discovering shopping streets like Kalverstraat. Some of its Dutch delicacies, bitterballen, stroopwafels, raw herring, and international flavours like Indonesian cuisine, suriname and Antillean food, are worth trying.
Places to visit in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city full of surprises. Some so many landmarks and attractions will surely leave you in awe. Here are some of the many destinations you can visit when travelling to Amsterdam.
- Vondelpark: Established in 1865, Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s most significant urban parks. This urban park is spread over a vast area and covers an area of 120 acres. It is estimated to have 10 million visitors every year. The open theatre within the premises of this park is another famous aspect that attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world.
- Hortus Botanicus: The Hortus Botanicus Garden is one of the Netherlands' most famous and oldest botanical gardens. The Hortus Botanicus Garden was opened in 1638 to serve as the medicinal garden for the doctors. The apothecaries planted essential herbs in this area and named it Hortus Medicus. Presently, this landmark is a public attraction which offers seven different greenhouses, showcasing the exquisite plants that grow in unique climates and soil conditions. You can also find a few restaurants and cafes near the garden that serve most of the local delicacies, adding to your trip and visit to the park.
- Anne Frank House: Anne Frank House is a famous museum that showcases the life of Anne Frank and her family during the World War. The family was in hiding for almost two years and lived a life of hardships. Today, their house has been converted into a well-known museum that will take you to that era and help you understand people’s emotions. Many writers and poets visit this place to look at the original materials used by Anne Frank and preserved by the authorities today to connect with her story better.
- Royal Palace Amsterdam: Surrounded by bustling streets, the Royal Palace symbolises Amsterdam's rich history and royal heritage. The grand architectural marvel was built in the 17th century as the city's Town Hall and became a royal residence in the 19th century. Designed by architect Jacob van Campen, its neoclassical facade showcases regal elegance. Lavish interiors feature marble floors, exquisite furniture, and artwork. The palace, still used for official ceremonies, offers public access, allowing visitors to marvel at its majestic rooms and historical significance.
- Van Gogh Museum: The Van Gogh Museum is a true dedication to one of the most respected painters of all time, Van Gogh. This museum is a famous destination in Amsterdam and the Netherlands due to the vast collection of paintings and drawings created by Van Gogh. This art museum displays the complete artistic life of the celebrated individual and has over 600 of his creations and 700 of his letters. Some of his most famous works, including The Bedroom, Sunflower and the Almond Blossom, are exhibited at this museum.
- Stedelijk Museum: Amsterdam is also famous for its Stedelijk Museum. This contemporary and modern art museum celebrates the artists and their art of today’s world. A beautiful blend of creativity and digitisation can be seen and experienced in this modern-day museum. This museum currently holds over 90,000 paintings, drawings, sculptures, furniture and photographs. If you visit the capital city, don’t forget to explore the modern art and craft museum.
- Dutch Tulip: An offbeat gem of Amsterdam is the Dutch Tulip field, almost 40 km from the city centre. Known as the Keukenhof Tulip Garden, this landmark is a heaven when it blooms completely. You will see endless rows of tulip flowers when you visit this place in spring. The best time to reach this landmark and enjoy Tulip flowers' serene beauty and freshness is between April and May. It is one of the most photographed destinations in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Airport (AMS)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), sometimes addressed as the Schiphol Airport, is one of the most important airports in the Netherlands. Currently, this airport only has a single terminal, divided into three departure halls: 1, 2, and 3. These three departure halls cater to all international and domestic flights, including IndiGo’s flights to Amsterdam. Additionally, the airport offers many other services like luggage storage, hotels and restaurants, showers and special washrooms, medical kits, a library, a kids' playground area, and free Wi-Fi. The distance between the airport and the city centre is about 17 km. You can easily take a train, bus, cab or bike to the airport from your accommodation.
