subject: The Comprehensive Manual On Muiden, Amsterdam Packages With Effortless To Understand Advice On Findi [print this page] 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. Found at the Eastern area of Amsterdam, De Plantage is starting to become the hub for many intellectuals, adventurers, adults and even kids. 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 and adults on a day trip, try the Artis Zoo, which is a beautiful way to interact with all kinds of animals as they have an aquarium, butterfly garden, petting zoo, a planetarium, geological museum and a research center housed in its property. Of course, there are still many historical sites such as Rembrandts House, the Dutch Resistance Museum and 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 so many things to captivate the sense in De Plantage including stores, museums, cafes and parks, one will surely not regret visiting here.
Bike through the Country and Check out Muiderslot Castle
Just 15 kilometers off Amsterdam, in the town of Muiden, the Muiderslot Castle (named so because Muiden means rivermouth, affirming the castles location) is set to explore its 132nd anniversary as a museum this coming 2010. Medieval arms, armories and paintings show their history as a residence of famous figures and as an ammunitions depot during the medieval period. 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. Now, all of its rooms, kitchens and surrounding areas is as it was when the original owner, Count Floris V built it. From Amsterdam, one 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.
Making the day out of Strolling in Westerpark, Amsterdam
The greatest attraction is of course its namesake, Westerpark, which is a stunning combination of park and people along with strategically placed in waterscapes that allow locals and visitors to lounge around in the park all day long. Aside from the park, there are so many restaurants, eating areas, cinemas, galleries and unique buildings to search through. If youre looking for unique architectural finds, head off to Silodam or to Amsterdam School. Silodam is a beautiful structure that was designed by one of the award-winning architectural greats, MVRDV, which looks like a crate of boxes suspended on water. After the walking tour, grab a bite to eat at eateries like WestergasTerras with a fascinating view of the people on the streets with the advantage of a huge terrace or for something more exotic, go to Rainarai for authentic Algerian cuisine. For those on a budget, one can try the Caf Restaurant Amsterdam which serves delicious hearty meals in what used to be a 1900s engine room. Have fun!
Touring the Cheese Capital of Holland from Amsterdam
Like Amsterdam, the city of Alkmaar has so many beautiful sights to behold worthy of a day trip away from the more populous Amsterdam. Alkmaar has many interesting sights and sounds to offer the tourist especially since its considered as the cheese capital of Holland. 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 has garnered in most of the visitors in Alkmaar, being its most popular attraction. 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. But the actual buying takes place in the specialized stores surrounding the area. The city is one huge mall for shopping as different shops, boutiques, cafes quite unique from the typical Amsterdam gift shops are found here. And after all that shopping, relax in their airy terraces and restaurants, and people-watch.
