Amsterdam for beginners
Amsterdam is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. I am convinced of this every time, making voyages along its picturesque canals. The tolerant character of the Dutch capital is felt in everything, even in architecture: modern buildings here organically fit into the historical quarters.
If the canals are the soul of Amsterdam, then the Keukenhof flower park is the heart of the city. This natural wonder attracts over a million people every spring. And it is not surprising: where else can you see in one place 7 million blooming tulips of 800 varieties? In addition to lush tulip fields, Keukenhof beckons guests with flower shows, art exhibitions, boat trips and fun activities for children.
The main cultural treasure of the Dutch capital is its museums. There are over seventy of them in Amsterdam. The most famous - the Rijksmuseum - has a collection of more than 8000 paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens. Guests are invited to visit the museum's bookstore and a small sculpture garden.
If you come to Amsterdam during the warmer months, you can relax on the cozy terrace of the Rijksmuseum at the back. If your visit is in winter, do not miss the opportunity to go ice-skating on Museum Square, which, in addition to the Rijksmuseum, is adjacent to three other famous museums in the capital: Stedelejk, Van Gogh Museum and Diamond Museum.
Other "specialties" of Amsterdam include a vibrant nightlife (the De Wallen quarter is especially notable in this sense), international restaurants and coffee shops selling cannabis.
Since the city is small, all attractions are within an acceptable distance from each other. But I still recommend renting a car. This advice is especially useful for those who have a lot of plans, but time, like me, is always short.