Amsterdam, Netherlands
A laid-back and tolerant city
It’s not difficult to see why people keep coming back to Amsterdam year after year. One of Europe’s most laid-back and tolerant of cities, it’s a place where anything and everything goes. And the stuff that doesn’t go by bike goes by canal. Take a deep breath and launch yourself in.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | Dutch | |
| Currency: | Euro | |
| Time zone: | GMT +1 hour (GMT +2 hours in summer) | |
| Flight Time: | 1 hour 25 | |
| Holiday type: | City break | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 9.9°C (24 hour average) Rainfall: 831.6mm a year |
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Must See:
There’s only one place to see the world’s largest collection of the master’s original works. Amsterdam’s post-modern Van Gogh Museum chronicles his life, work and sheer brilliance. Meanwhile, the Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht chronicles another life – go for a moving insight into the story of her struggle in wartime Amsterdam.
Must eat at:
Just round the corner from Rembrandt’s house, you’ll find the helpfully named Rembrandt Corner, which, as well as wireless access, has mussels by the bowlful that always go down a treat. Must be there for: 30 April is Queen’s Day. And, with any old excuse for a knees-up, Amsterdam’s largest open-air party celebrates the birthday of the Dutch Queen Mother.
Well-travelled tips:
Hire one of the 600,000 bikes in Amsterdam for just a few euros – there are hire and repair points dotted around the city – and pedal like a local. If you’re out late and can’t find a cab, you can book and reserve a Thai-style tuk-tuk. They’re particularly handy after public transport shuts down around 12.30am.
Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit The Netherlands.
Timetables:
Flights are due to resume from 31 October 2012, schedules will be announced shortly.
