subject: The Comprehensive Guide For Centrum, Amsterdam Living With Easy To Follow Suggestion On Finding Hote [print this page] Visiting the Historic City of Alkmaar Visiting the Historic City of Alkmaar
Alkmaar is great for a day tour as its only a few miles outside of its more popular counterpart, Amsterdam. Alkmaar is considered as the cheese capital of Holland and it has so many interesting sights to take in, apt for a day tour for more adventurous tourists. Different museums are found in this city of canals such as a Beatles Museum since John Lennons first guitar was made in this city, the National Beer Museum, City Museum of Alkmaar and of course, the Holland Cheese Museum. Among many attractions, the cheese market in Waagplein is by far the most popular of them all. The cheese market is open from April to September, during Fridays, when cheeses are weighed as a form of ceremony to be viewed by spectators. The buying isnt actually set in the market though although you can buy different kinds of specialized cheeses in the surrounding stalls after the ceremony. There are also many unique boutiques, shops and cafes which arent found in the more tourist-laden gift shops of Amsterdam. After which, relax in their many open terraces and restaurants in the area.
Walking through Amsterdams Sights and Attractions
Although the village of Amsterdam is best known for its cycling enthusiasm, theres an even better alternative in checking out their city and that is through walking which allows one to get a slower pace and discover the hidden sights that abound. Walking is a great way to see the city because most of the attractions are close enough to each other that its possible to do so anyway. The map is one of the most important tools that youll need when embarking on a walking tour, plus a great navigational system and some discipline. If not, then the surest way to enjoy the experience is to book a guided tour. The Board has many walking tours going to the Joordan District or the Amsterdam City Centre, as well as De Pijp or its Jewish District. Each tour will take about 3 to 4 hours, and since theres no transportation mode involved, will come out cheaper than any tour found in the market.
Searching through Bargain Finds at De Pijp
Although not as famous to tourists because of its reputation as being a working class neighborhood, De Pijp is one of the great neighborhoods to visit in Amsterdam, particularly if you want to see a blend of local and foreign culture so seamlessly combined in one setting. De Pijp is a melting pot of sorts for many cultures which is evident in their cuisine offerings. Theres the Albert Cuyp Market, which is the biggest outdoor market in Netherlands selling all types of brick-a-brack at affordable rates such as flowers and alternative medicine. The Albert Cuyp Market is open on weekdays and Saturdays from 9: 00 AM to 6: 00 PM. They have different restaurants to offer the adventurous individual such as Mamouche where they serve North African dishes with a Western European influence or Bazar where they have Arabian dishes with North African twist. There are also many shops in De Pijp not found in more commercialized areas which should result to surprise finds and a satisfied shopping experience.
A play of Culture and Arts at De Plantage
De Plantage is a great alternative escape in Amsterdam for those looking for something more modern than places such as Muiden or Centrum. The whole area found at the East part of Amsterdam is spacious and offers different attractions for kids, adults, intellectuals and adventurers. ARCAM or Amsterdam Centre for Architecture is found at De Plantage and offers year-round exhibits which promote futuristic architectural structures. Theres also Artis Zoo, ideal for the kids, being one of the oldest zoos in Europe with a planetarium, aquarium, geological museum, butterfly garden, petting zoo and a research center. Since this is Amsterdam, it cant be helped that there are still many historical sites in this contemporary area such as Rembrandts House, Tropenmuseum and the Dutch Resistance Museum. After all the sightseeing, one can have lunch at Restaurant De Kas, which was a former greenhouse turned dining area, or at Bloem, a former warehouse near Artis Zoo. Really, whichever way you look at De Plantage there are so many stores, museums, cafes, museums and parks to have fun in.