Issue 155

Amsterdam

14th May 2007

Before visiting Amsterdam I had many preconceptions of what delights this slightly controversial city had to offer - clearly clogs and windmills had to simply be everywhere, then there was the notorious red light district, and of courses the drugs! However on arrival in the city I found that beyond these typical expectancies of Amsterdam there is so much more.

The best way in which I can describe Amsterdam is as a living breathing oxymoron. As expected there was the infamous Red light district, a well established tradition synonymous with Holland's first city, which attracts thousands of stag and hen parties every year. Admittedly it is shocking initially when strolling round this risqué area of town, but bizarrely you almost familiarise yourself with half naked women in windows.

Another Amsterdam speciality are the renowned sex shops and coffee houses, selling cakes a little bit on the magical side. Straying just for a minute away from the business like atmosphere of the Damrak (the city's main shopping stretch) then you are most certainly going to smell and see very interesting sights, which may seem a tad surreal!

Away from the madness of the central areas, a short tram ride away, you will find an utterly different experience - the Museumplein. This museum quarter is the height of sophistication and culture, and an absolute essential for the art enthusiast, exhibiting some of the great works and artists. In this square you can find the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art and the Van Gogh Museum.

Next on the agenda is the Floating Flower markets, providing the opportunity to purchase traditional Dutch souvenirs. The markets are situated on the Singel canal about ten minutes walk from the Damrak, here vibrantly colored stalls are located on houseboats and sell all varieties of flowers which you are able to export, allowing you to experience a little bit of Amsterdam in your own home.

My suggestion would be to travel to these sights by water, in a city full of canals it is one of the best ways to see the sights. However if the sun is shining then take to the streets and see Amsterdam by bike. The Dutch are bike mad - and you can either hire one for the day, or sit back and let someone else do all the work for you with a guided tour.

Amsterdam is definitely worth visiting as it has something for everyone. On this trip you will see artistic masterpieces by Van Gogh, experience quality food and architecture followed by sex museums, magical coffee shops and partial nudity all in one trip! All this and unfortunately not a windmill in sight.

Gemma Roberts