Amsterdam, Holland/Netherlands.

With the 17th century historical atmosphere combined with the mentality of a modern metropolis creating a friendly and relaxed environment, it's makes Amsterdam are so attractive. The small scale of the buildings and the intimacy of the streets, canals and squares create an atmosphere that visitors find unique.

The city has the highest museum density in the world and is home to cultural highlights, such as the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Hermitage Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt’s world-famous Nightwatch. Other well known places of interest in Amsterdam are the Palace on the Dam, the Artis Zoo, Jewish Historical Museum and the Rembrandt House.

Take a canal tour of Amsterdam and discover the historical canal district which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. The best way to get around Amsterdam is on a bike.

Attractions in Amsterdam:

1. Floating flower market

The floating flower market was first held in 1862. It has since developed into the best-known flower market of Holland. Merchandise ranges from the traditional Dutch tulips and geraniums to indoor cypresses and plants. Along this part of the Singel canal you’ll also find a lot of souvenirs shops

You can visit the floating flower market every day of the week between 9 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. and on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. If you’re visiting Amsterdam in December you’ll notice that the Singel market colors green with masses of Christmas trees in all shapes and sizes.

2. Red Light District

While most major cities in the world have a ‘Red Light District’, none are quite as touristy as Amsterdam’s or its Red Light District. Amsterdam has three of these districts, however, ‘De Wallen’ in the city center is the largest and best known. This quarter of Amsterdam is one of the oldest parts of the city. The mansions along the canals and the Oude Kerk (Old Church) are worth a look at, but it’s hard not be distracted by the many sex clubs and window prostitutes.

The Red Light District in Amsterdam attracts many tourists. This is also stimulated by a tour offered by the local VVV (Tourist Information Office). The presence of police and security cameras ensure that ‘De Wallen’ is one of the safest areas of Amsterdam.

3. Canals of Amsterdam

Known as 'Venice of the North', a visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without enjoying the canals. They are a symbol of Amsterdam and of great cultural and historical value. In 2010 the World Heritage Committee decided to submit the 17th century canal ring area in Amsterdam to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Though every canal is beautiful and unique in itself, there are some absolute musts:

• The Golden Bend: the canal from ‘Leidsestraat’ to ‘Vijzelstraat’ has the most beautiful and magnificent stretch of canal houses of Amsterdam.
• One view, fifteen bridges: the bridge on the corner of ‘Reguliersgracht’ and ‘Herengracht’ has a unique view over fifteen bridges. Make sure you stand on the side of the street with the odd numbers.
• Magere Brug: the ‘Magere Brug’ (Skinny Bridge) is one of the most picturesque bridges of Amsterdam. At night the bridge is romantically illuminated. 
• Canal tour: enjoy the beautiful canals and canal houses from the water with one of Amsterdam’s many canal tours.

4. Amsterdam Diamond City

For more than 400 years Amsterdam has been the City of Diamonds. 

• Gassan Diamonds

The Amsterdam diamond company Gassan Diamonds is located in a formerly steam-driven diamond factory. In this historic, monumental building, you’ll learn how 400 years of craftsmanship and tradition has perfected the art of diamond-polishing. At the end of the tour Gassan Diamonds gives you the opportunity to buy a world-famous Amsterdam Cut diamond.

• Coster Diamonds

Take a free-guided tour at the diamond factory Coster Diamonds and see how craftsmen cut and polish a diamond. Coster Diamonds polished many famous diamonds, like the world famous Koh-I-Noor, a blue-white diamond which is part of England’s crown jewels and the beautiful Dresden diamond, part of the crown jewels of Saxony. During the excursion in the diamond factory you will also see the Lucullan: the largest unpolished gem in the world.

How to get there:

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