subject: The Complete Guide To Centrum, Amsterdam Residing And Trouble-free To Track Tips On Locating Inns [print this page] Combining Different Cultures at De Pijp, Amsterdam
Although its reputation as a working class district makes it less popular than many of the other tourist areas in Amsterdam, theres no doubt that De Pijp has so much to offer travelers and locals alike especially when you want a taste of local and foreign culture cultivated in one area that they progress so seamlessly together. De Pijp is a hodgepodge of sorts from its shops to the culinary cuisine it serves its guests which makes it exciting for those who are in search of a lively experience in the city. De Pijp also has the Albert Cuyp Market which sells affordable items from flowers to alternative medicine and is considered as the largest outdoor market in Netherlands. The market is open 6 days a week excluding Sunday 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. De Pijp is also famous for their charming, unique shops where most artists sell their work for great deals.
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 has many interesting sights and sounds to offer the tourist especially since its considered as the cheese capital of Holland. More than cheese, they also have many historical museums worth the visit such as the City Museum of Alkmaar, the National Beer Museum, a Beatles Museum since John Lennons first guitar was apparently made here, and of course, the Holland Cheese Museum. The cheese market in Waagplein has garnered in most of the visitors in Alkmaar, being its most popular attraction. And its only open from April to September, when the cheeses undergo a weighing ceremony to the delight of the crowds, so its best to plan a trip in those conditions. 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. 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 hanging out in their cafes, spend more time lazing the day away in their many huge terraces for some insightful people-watching.
Relaxing at the Amsteltuin Vineyard and Patio
Although Amsterdam is quiet a busy village in itself, its good to know that theres an easy escape with a more laidback lifestyle which can be found in the nearby village of Amstelveen. Amstelveen houses the only Dutch vineyard close to Amsterdam, the Amsteltuin Vineyards, which has wine-related activities such as workshops and wine courses. Request for a group tour in advance in order to see the full capacity of the vineyard. The grapes in the vineyard are still under experimentation as of now, conceptualizing which wine is best made with the grapes, so wine tasting sessions will have to be under special request. If youre lucky, a lunch buffet or barbecue can also be done. In the meantime, one can just sit back and relax on the different open patios and terraces with a wine in hand and the vineyard as the picturesque backdrop. Coincidentally, the vineyard has also been transformed into a care centre for the disabled.
What to do and Where to go in Westerpark Amsterdam
The most obvious answer, of course, is to lounge around in its famed Westerpark, a huge sprawl of grassland where one can sit down and watch the waterscape or have a picnic with friends. 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. If youre on a budget, head on to Caf Restaurant Amsterdam, a historic structure which was once a 1900s engine room, now a favorite hangout place of Amsterdammers in Westerpark. Have fun!
