Looking for ideas for your next holiday?
The Dutch city of Amsterdam lies roughly an hour’s flight time from London, making it the ideal location for a weekend break.
For those with young children, the Artis Royal Zoo is well
worth a visit. There are a huge variety of animals including elephants,
vultures, baboons and penguins. Zookeeper talks and guided tours enable you to
learn more about the animals. A walk through the butterfly pavilion is not to
be missed; hundreds of brightly coloured butterflies flying gracefully in front
of you will delight the whole family. The historical Aquarium allows you to
discover the vast diversity of life under water.
Art lovers will appreciate the many museums in Amsterdam.
The largest is the Rijksmuseum, which holds many famous paintings, including
The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer. Similarly, the Van
Gough Museum, just a short walk away, displays many of the artist’s finest
works, including his famous Sunflowers. For budding photographers, the FOAM
photography museum will provide endless inspiration; it features many pieces by
up and coming young photographers.
A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without visiting
the Anne Frank house, where the young girl and her family hid for over two years.
A moving yet inspiring visit allows you to appreciate the torture the family
went through, most noticeably the confined conditions in which eight people
lived. There is also a sobering exhibition about discrimination and the
persecution of Jews during the war. Anne’s original diary is on display.
Dam Square is a fantastic bustling central location, and you
will always find something to do. The square itself is home to street
performers and mimes. Throughout the year, it hosts festivals and events. The main
attraction in Dam Square is the Royal Palace, built in the 15th
century. When not in use by the royal
family, it is open to the public and makes a very interesting diversion.
Explore the history and grandeur of the building, making sure not to miss the
opulent furnishings. Dam Square is also home to the National Memorial- a statue
erected in honour of the members of the Resistance and Dutch soldiers who died
during the Second World War.
At the edge of the Square lies Madame Tussauds,
home to many famous celebrities. There are sports, celebrity, royal and culture
areas, so you’re almost certain to find a waxwork of your favourite celebrity.
A relaxing trip on the canals is a perfect way to view what
Amsterdam has to offer, giving you a unique perspective of the historic city.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, the cruises are a great
introduction to many of the attractions. If you’re feeling more energetic, you
can even hire a pedalo and navigate your own route through the city.
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