subject: A Practical Guide To Amsterdam, Netherlands Getaways Along Uncomplicated To Follow Pointer On Discov [print this page] Touring the Cheese Capital of Holland from Amsterdam
Alkmaar is an ideal place to spend a day tour in as its only a few kilometers off of Amsterdam proper. 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. There are different historical museums in the city such as the National Beer Museum, the City Museum of Alkmaar, the Holland Cheese Museum and even a Beatles Museum as John Lennons first guitar seems to have been made here. The cheese market in Waagplein cant be found on any other day but Friday. The market is open every Friday from April to September, during which different cheeses are weighed for spectators. The buying isnt done in the actual market though but at the different stalls surrounding the market with different specialized cheeses for sale to individuals. 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.
How to Get Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam has easy to use facilities even for visiting tourists which are evident in its public transportation, quite commendable as it gives tourists a chance to be self-sufficient on the trip. For one, even before getting to Amsterdam, one can already plan his or her trip and route by using their interactive map at their online website. The map provides a practical guide in getting around every stop in Amsterdam and even advises which route is the fastest one to take, and which public transport is available to get there. Theres also Arriva which is a public transportation service that has a fleet of buses, trains, taxis and coaches which allows one to go around at different parts of Amsterdam. For those who want a guide, try Oostenrijk Touringcars which is a combination of a tour guide and custom travel in one. But if you need the luxury of controlling your own time, then the best alternative would be to rent a scooter, bicycle, car or boat just so its convenient for you.
Amsterdam for the Romantic at Heart
For most people, Amsterdam is all about the Red Light District and ultimate freedom, so how can the place be connected to real romance too?Well, surprisingly, it can be given that the many people find the unexpectedness more romantic than any commercialized setting will ever bring. One might note that Amsterdam is also quite like Venice as it is considered as a floating city with canals and waterscapes, cobblestoned streets and couples walking hand in hand everywhere to provide an overall beautiful atmosphere thats just intoxicating. The cafes in Amsterdam, some found in Amsterdam small enough to fit a table for two, are also ideal to spend some idle time simply talking or basking in each others presence such as those found in the mysterious streets of Spanjer en van Twist. The parks are also great getaways as they are considered perfect backdrops with lush greenery and strolling people such as that found in Flevopark, Vondelpark, Sarphatipark, Westerpark and Snippendaal Garden. After everything, laze the remaining day away in one of Amsterdams minimalist hotels and watch the sunset together on a city thats bright with new perspective.
Relaxing Stroll at De Plantage, Amsterdam
If youre trying to escape the nostalgic feel of the village, then De Plantage is probably one of the most affordable escapes one can get whilst still hooked to Amsterdam, far 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. De Plantage houses in its territory the ARCAM or the Amsterdam Centre for Architecture which has year-round exhibits that strive to make known the concept of architecture. For the kids, theres the Artis Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Europe which houses a research center, planetarium, aquarium, geological museum, a petting area and butterfly garden. Although De Plantage is considered a contemporary area, there are still many historical sites which can be visited such as Rembrandts House, the Dutch Resistance Museum and the Tropenmuseum. 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. There are still so many stores, museums, cafes and parks to discover at de Plantage, and its high time to discover each one.
