Radiating from its central Canal Ring, Amsterdam's characterful neighborhoods are made up of intricate networks of streets filled with one-off boutiques, cozy restaurants and cafes and lively bars, along with open green spaces.
Each of these interlocking districts has its own individual personality and attractions. Wherever you choose to stay, Amsterdam's compact layout and integrated network of bike paths, trams, buses and trains makes it easy to discover the city on a single trip.
From top shopping districts to the ideal places for first-time visitors to base themselves, here are the best neighborhoods of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam's grand Centraal Station sits on an artificial island on the broad IJ River. With trains arriving here from the airport, the country and international destinations, this Gothic-style landmark is likely to be your introduction to the city.
Walking south from the station plunges you into the Medieval Center, with busy tourist-filled streets, shopping thoroughfares and iconic sights. Amsterdam was founded in the 13th century on what's now Dam, a vast square dominated by the Royal Palace. Damrak, the original mouth of the Amstel river, is the departure point for many canal sightseeing cruises.
On Damrak's eastern side is the Red Light District, locally known as De Wallen. As city authorities introduce measures to curb its wilder side, the area remains infamous – at least for now – for its canal-side brothel windows and concentration of "coffeeshops" (cannabis cafes), jostling alongside souvenir stores and copious bars. Incongruously at its heart is Amsterdam's oldest building, the 1306 Oude Kerk (Old Church).
East again on Nieuwmarkt (New Market), the 1488-built Waag was originally a city-wall gate that became the city's weigh house. Rembrandt lived and painted nearby; his former home and studio now house the illuminating Museum het Rembrandthuis.
Accommodation options abound in the city center, from hostels and budget hotels through to five-star luxury.
Only a short walk from the center, the leafy Plantage is a peaceful haven. If you're traveling with children, this neighborhood has plenty to keep them entertained. On the Amstel, the Amsterdam Museum provides a snapshot of the city's past and present. Across from the 17th-century Hortus Botanicus botanical gardens, mainland Europe's oldest zoo, the Artis Royal Zoo, incorporates the world's only museum dedicated to microbes, the mind-boggling Micropia.
Enquiring young minds will also like NEMO, an interactive science museum in an extraordinary boat-shaped green-copper building with panoramic views from its deck-like roof. Amsterdam's adjacent eastern docklands and islands with repurposed shipping warehouses are inextricably tied to its
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Large wildfires burning across the islands of Maui and Hawaii, fueled by intense winds, turned scenic beach destinations into smoky, catastrophic scenes on Wednesday. The fast-moving flames have scorched hundreds of acres, destroyed homes and businesses, and prompted a series of evacuation orders, road closures, and power and cellphone service outages. At least six people have died.
Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines recently launched a brand-new monthly “all-you-can-fly” pass that promises customers unlimited flights for 30 days for just $149.
Whether you’re jetting into town for a long weekend or looking for an atmospheric place to write that best-selling novel, Porto is a fascinating city to explore. You’ll find cutting-edge art, medieval streetscapes and an overflowing bounty of great food and wine.
Chicago is that unique city that marries rich history with contemporary marvels. Renowned for its diverse neighborhoods, stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and delectable culinary experiences, Chicago is a city that never fails to captivate its visitors.
Researchers in Connecticut are warning that tick populations are on the rise this year, so you need to be especially vigilant—not just at home, but also while traveling. If your trips take you anywhere within North America, Europe, or Asia, you could be at risk for ticks and the many diseases they cause.
Editor’s Note: For travel insurance information specific to the current COVID-19 epidemic, see our stories on Travel In the Time of COVID: What You Need to Know; Travel Insurance Coverage: 18 Things Your Policy Won’t Cover; and Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance, Explained.
Passport changes are coming, and if you plan on traveling in the near future—especially if you’re among the 49 million Americans whose passports will expire in the next few years—you need to know what passport changes are in store.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 25, 2016 and was updated in December 2018. Please consult this article: Do You Still Need to Worry About the Zika Virus for 2019? for the latest info.
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Lost City of Petra hides coyly behind Southern Jordan’s pink sandstone cliffs. The rock-cut ruins of the lost Nabatean Kingdom feature Corinthian pillars, Hellenistic urns, and, in the case of the Treasury, classical relief sculptures fit for a king. The contrast between the jagged desert cliffs and the grand edifices that adorn them is as jarring as a crop circle perfectly etched into a field of corn.
So, you’re planning a vacation to Disney World. Congratulations! If this is your first time visiting the popular Orlando theme parks, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide on how to plan a Walt Disney World vacation. Keep reading for planning advice and all kinds of Disney World tips.
The complete shutdown of Primera Air and now WOW Air are examples of the reality that an airline can abruptly fail. Without notice, even a large airline can shutter, leaving some passengers stranded away from home and others responsible for out-of-pocket costs for worthless tickets.