subject: The Complete Guide On Muiden, Amsterdam Packages Plus Easy To Grasp Advice On Finding Transportation [print this page] The Special Sites at De Plantage, Amsterdam
For those searching for something more contemporary than what places like Centrum and Muiden brings, De Plantage is probably one of the more contemporary escapes Amsterdam has to offer. Found at the Eastern area of Amsterdam, De Plantage is starting to become the hub for many intellectuals, adventurers, adults and even kids. The Amsterdam Centre for Architecture or ARCAM is located at De Plantage which offers annual exhibits with futuristic architecture as its theme. 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. 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. Have lunch at Restaurant de Kas, a greenhouse turned eating area, or at Bloem, a warehouse turned restaurant found 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.
Walking through Amsterdams Sights and Attractions
For all the intimacy and camaraderie Amsterdam has related to the sport and leisure of cycling, an even better way to check out this city of variances is the slower pace of ones choosing: walking. Most of the tourist spots are close enough that walking wont be a hassle and will even be a form of leisure rather than a footrace. 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 Amsterdam Tourism and Convention Board offer many walking tours depending on the priorities of the individual, from discovering Amsterdams City Centre or off to the Jordaan District to going to a more pinpointed theme like discovering the different Jewish Quarters or going through the Latin part of Amsterdam, Pijp. 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.
How to Conquer Zaanse Schans in a Day
For those looking for some old world charm which shows many interesting parts of Dutch History, Zaanse Schans is the way to go, just 20 minutes away from Amsterdam proper. There are so many details in this town that show remnants of it as an old 17th century industrial village from the clog workshop, the still working windmills which allow visitors in on selected days and the cheese factory. The latter gives out free cheese samples for passing travelers. One can either bike going to Zaanse Schans or take the train to Koog Zaandjik and then walking about 10 minutes going to the museum village. Zaanse Schans is best kept as a one day trip and not an overnighter since they only have one accommodation available, the Hotel Sans Pareil. Dont forget to drop by the Museum Zaans in order to know about the local customs and history of the whole village.
Bike through the Country and Check out Muiderslot Castle
In the town of Muiden just 15 kilometers away from Amsterdam, the Muiderstlot Castle (from the word and town name muiden which means river mouth ) is set to celebrate their 132nd anniversary as a museum this coming 2010. Muiden means rivermouth and aptly gives a clue to the castles location and Muiderslot was in a good location indeed, it being used as an ammunitions depot during the Medieval Period and as residence to many prominent figures prior to that evident in its collection of medieval arms, painting and armories. The Muiderslot castle was restored back to its original beauty back in 1954 after having been threatened of demolition on several occasions prior before the government and the local town unit stepped in to officially name it as an important historical monument in Amsterdam, and the town of Muiden itself. The rooms from the kitchen down to the bedrooms have been fully restored properly to its original concept as when Count Floris V first built it. Tourists wanting to visit the town can either drive going to the castle or take a bus at Amstel Station which can take one to Muidens town center every 15 minutes.