subject: A Full Manual To Amsterdam Living Plus Trouble-free To Grasp Tips On Choosing Transportation [print this page] Exploring the Muiderslot Castle and Museum
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. 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 local government of Muiden had to save this once-decaying castle as it was set for demolition by the Netherland National government before it was declared as an important historical site in correlation to Amsterdam and the town, now reaping its share of tourists everyday. Now, all of its rooms, kitchens and surrounding areas is as it was when the original owner, Count Floris V built it. For those interested, the castle is just a short drive from Amsterdam or one can take a bus going to Muiden Proper and walk a few minutes going to the castle itself.
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 Albert Cuyp Market is open on weekdays and Saturdays from 9: 00 AM to 6: 00 PM. Mamouche, a restaurant in the area, has sumptuous North African dishes peppered with a Western European taste and theres also Bazar, an Arabian restaurant spiced up with a North African twist. De Pijp is also famous for their charming, unique shops where most artists sell their work for great deals.
The Design World in Amsterdam
Really, when so much freedom has been inculcated in a place, its no wonder that the mind can roam free without inhibitions of the conventional. Its no wonder then that the design and art world in Amsterdam has flourished in recent years, from the urbane designs to the more functional industrial designs in Europe. One of the most sought-after schools of design is found in Amsterdam, the Gerrit Rietveld Academy which brings in some of the most gifted students in Europe through their corridors to study courses on architecture, graphic design, fashion and textile design, jewelry design and special parts of photography and ceramics. Unique stores in the area have also flourished along with the school and Amsterdammers love for art selling all types of functional accessories and furniture. There are many design stores in the area to suit the fancy of many tourists, selling both functional pieces and art for arts sake such as the Moooi Gallery, Droog at Staalstrrat, Woonstudio, Mobilia, Pols Potten, the Frozen Fountain and Bebob design in Prinsengracht, giving shoppers a chance to choose some of the best works to fit their interiors and lifestyle.
Making the day out of Strolling in Westerpark, Amsterdam
Westerpark was named as such because of the beautiful park that dominates its landscapes, filled with strategic waterscapes and people lounging around with picnic baskets, kids running around the lined trees and adults reading a book or chatting the day away. But aside from Westerpark itself, there are many cinemas, galleries, unique structures, restaurants and cafes to go to. For starters, one can visit the different unique architectural styles found at the Amsterdam School and Silodam. The latter is a beautiful building which looks like its suspended above the waterscape and was commissioned off of one of the great architectural firms in Amsterdam, MVRDV. After which, get some snacks or coffee at WestergasTerras with a nice view coming from their big terrace or to Rainarai for that interesting Algerian cooking. 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!