Amsterdam

Everyone in Amsterdam is "gay". Or so says the city advertising in the United States. It is the vision of joy, colorful people who enjoy around the canals of the Dutch capital. And as you may have already guessed, this is a play on words because "gay" in English means happy and playful. But advertising alluded to two very typical Amsterdam characteristics - Diversity and tolerance. No one here sees crookedly as different to look even a matter of honor to oddball.

  

However, this is the city that has become activities that are considered criminal offenses in many other countries, legally and in daily lives tourist goldmine.

Most Europeans and Americans come here to smoke weed of will and undisturbed washes to eyes (and not only) in the bare flesh on "Red Light." But Amsterdam is more than legalized soft drugs and legal prostitution and gay marriage.

Red Light

The city of canals is an architectural jewel with a unique charm and comfort, unique small local traditions, colorful nightlife with great types of beer and smiling, talkative, open and always ready to help the Dutch.

Place that can not pass is square "Dame." He's transport junction in the city center and here is the biggest tourist flow. Open space with lots of street performers, the Royal Palace, the museum "Madame Tussauds" and "Magna Plaza" - shiny mall.

My advice is as faster and less of going there because the place is captured very little of the authentic atmosphere of Amsterdam.  

Easily and quickly by "Dame" leads to the Square "New Marks". During the day you will hit the nose smell of raw fish because it is one of the most famous locations for the sale of fresh seafood.

The whole square, in whose center is typical Amsterdam market, there are restaurants exotic cuisine and Dutch cafes and bars. This is your place for coffee and beer. One of the small streets that leave from here is the so-called "China Town" where there are dozens of Asian food restaurants and massages salons - a compulsory stop on your stay.

Two other square, famous for its many and varied establishments, " Rembrandt" and "Lytse" Both are located south of the "New Brand", are equally alive, full of energy and sparkling nightlife. And if you are looking specifically coffeeshop, they are everywhere. Will orient the specific smell of weed is an omnipresent and permeated the walls of all the buildings in the center.

Locals claim it's fun selling mushrooms. This is the main reason to "hate the French - hallucinogenics they are no longer legal because of the many incidents of French tourists who fell in the canals after use.

Amsterdam city center is small and perfectly suited for long walks. Can not go wrong wherever you go on the streets around the main channels. Here just to see you that you have opened a tourist map and look for the signs on the streets, you will immediately find a Dutchman polite to ask if you need help. and if he does not know will stop another passerby to hold your hand and lead you where you're going.

You can explore Amsterdam by bike, but my advice is, if you are a good rider, you did not. Bicycle traffic is nightmarish. Will only be stressful and nervous locals who rush to work or to a meeting. They do not recognize the rain, snow, wind and roll off the their bikes in the most bitter weather.

Commercial shopping street is "Culver" in the southern part of the center, close to the statutory flower market channel "singles". But I personally recommend you to go and channels "Prince", which is perhaps the most typical Amsterdam destination

.
All in small shops for jewelry and nice galleries and many cafes and bars. Also do not miss the Saturday markets. Make sure you're in Amsterdam, so I can take weekend. Particularly picturesque are the markets, "Nord" and those on the streets, "Wester" and "Linden". All of them are located west of the Channel "Prince" in one of the best quarters "Jordan." It is very close to the center and at the same time away from the tourist hubbub. Quiet, charming, very Amsterdam, complete with authentic restaurants. Markets have them only on Saturday and are part of the mandatory local custom: shopping and then eat and libation in one of the restaurants around the colorful stalls. Cheeses, meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes, flowers, clothes, shoes, jewelry, antiques, everything you can think of can be found here. And no clothes and vintage.

The whole charm is to walk between the busy and noisy stalls with bread with herring and onion in hand, to dig into piles of different widgets. Be sure that you will find a great treasure. Speaking of food, the local claim that their typical dishes are slip and chips (not that they are not in the UK), nachos with various sauces (also Netherlands is not exactly their homeland) and biterbolen - small juicy meatballs. But the lack of specific local food is offset by the fact that in Amsterdam you can find any other cuisine, and very tasty prepared. Of course, everything has to be thoroughly sprinkled with beer - white, dark, alcoholic, Dutch, Belgian, German ...

I recommend the Museum Square. For convenience all the great and interesting museums here. Absolutely essential is that of Van Gogh. It is not only the richest collection of his paintings, but also exposure to artists of whom he influenced and who influenced. Here is the museum of the Dutch art "Reichs" where you will see many of the paintings of Rembrandt and Vermeer. And the curious thing - the museum of diamonds.