From 17th century brick buildings inspired by Gothicism and French classicism to ultra-modern buildings that would make even London’s Gherkin blush; Amsterdam’s architecture seems to come at you from all angles. In fact, rotting wooden foundations have made many buildings list threateningly, and architect Renzo Piano has even built a museum that looks like […]
Visit Three Quaint Villages on a Day Trip from Amsterdam
The Netherlands has so many fascinating cities that it’s tempting to ignore the verdant countryside. However, this isn’t just any countryside: this is The Netherlands, where two-thirds of the land is below sea level and the vast green fields are framed and dissected by canals. The three villages of Volendam, Edam, and Marken are less […]
Recommended Amsterdam Hotels and Hostels
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam, then you basically have to choose between being in the middle of the madness or being slightly removed from it. Ever since Holland decriminalized the sale and use of marijuana, this place has become a pilgrimage spot for any young rebel worth his/her weight in booze […]
Red Light, Green Light … Amsterdam is Going Green
Amsterdam has long been known as a pioneering city, now Amsterdam is going green. Four hundred years ago, it was a leader in religious tolerance and global commerce and now it’s the front runner in the world’s next challenge “Climate Change”. Among Amsterdam’s 17th century town houses and winding canals, green changes are popping up […]
The Best Museums in Amsterdam
Amsterdam, one of Europe’s leading artistic and cultural centers, is home to over 50 museums and galleries. In fact, it boasts more museums per capita than any other European capital. Most museums are close in proximity and easily accessed on foot or by water taxi in this pedestrian friendly city of canals. If you are able to […]
Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Editor’s Picks
Here are our suggestions for where to stay in Amsterdam. These are our favorite hotels at price-points ranging from luxury to budget. With a rich history dating back to the 14th century, Amsterdam is an international city and the cultural/financial center of The Netherlands. Visitors are delighted by the wide range of attractions and activities available, to include: fine […]
Literary Café Culture in Europe
The beautiful photographs and interesting stories in the book, Grand Literary Cafés of Europe, by Noel Fitch, provide both the background behind the history of café culture in Europe and great ideas for places to relax on your next European city trip. “Coffee is the beverage of thought, dialectic and dream”. From the first cafés […]
Guide to Biking in Amsterdam
In a city where bikes outnumber people, it is no surprise that bike rentals are high on the priority list of every Amsterdam tourist. However, cycling the lanes in the Dutch capital is not as easy as it seems. Follow these simple rules and suggestions to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. Where to […]
Amsterdam Budget Restaurant Guide
The Dutch certainly do not have a reputation for fine cuisine; in Amsterdam, the emphasis is more on drinks than food. However, this is somewhat of a misconception. History plays a large part in the array of food offerings available in the city today, as the country’s rich trading history has brought a number of […]
Amsterdam Insider Travel Guide
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, once had an established reputation as a den of iniquity. But today there are so many more aspects of Amsterdam that appeal to every type of traveler: wonderful museums and galleries, up-and-coming cuisine, and quirky bars and cafes. It is a city full of nooks and crannies to be […]