Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a popular tourist destination. From everyday citizens to travelers and exchange students, the city is always full of life. Why not travel to Amsterdam when given a chance? The city awaits, with canals and majestic houses at each corner and roads full of cyclists.
Introduction to Amsterdam
-The City of Culture and Canals
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is its largest city. Even so, Amsterdam’s size is only one-third of Seoul, and all its tourist attractions are packed closely together. This makes the city easy to travel on foot and by public transport. Amsterdam was founded in the 13th century and became one of the world’s most important cities during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century) as the Netherlands’ international presence peaked. Despite its small territory, the city saw over 5 million visitors in 2022. Although Amsterdam is not a site frequented by Korean travelers, its atmosphere is truly enjoyable. It features numerous canals running throughout the city with narrow low-rise buildings, creating a unique scenery.
-Tips for Your Visit to Amsterdam
When planning a trip to Amsterdam, it is best to place it as a short stop in the itinerary since you can tour all its major attractions in just three days. Amsterdam is also an especially ideal stopover, as numerous train and coach services from all over Western Europe stops at Amsterdam Centraal Station. When visiting Amsterdam, buying an Amsterdam City Card is an attractive option, as it offers great benefits for reasonable prices. With this card, you can visit the Rijksmuseum, the Zoo, and 70 other attractions all over the city, along with a discount at the Heineken Experience. Cardholders also have free unlimited access to public transport, and a chance to take a canal cruise. Additionally, the Netherlands Museum Pass is an alternative option, which allows cardholders to enter over 450 museums in the Netherlands.
-Things to Look Out for in Amsterdam
As marijuana is legal in the Netherlands, the drug is easily accessible in the streets of Amsterdam. As marijuana dispensaries disguised as “coffee shops” can be mistaken for ordinary cafés, travelers must take extra caution. Koreans who smoke marijuana abroad can still be prosecuted upon return, so it is vital to decline when someone offers it. Thankfully, marijuana has a strong grassy smell which helps to distinguish it from general tobacco. In addition, pickpocketing in Amsterdam is a common issue, so tourists need to watch out for their belongings. For example, valuables like phones or wallets should be kept in inner pockets, and baggages must be zipped and locked.
Amsterdam-Oost: Holding the Heritage of Amsterdam
-Anne-Frank Huis
Anne Frank is an iconic figure who recorded her daily life as a Jew under the rule of Nazi Germany in her diary, which is still widely read today. Anne and her family’s hideout is still preserved in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam-Oost and has been reborn into a museum called Anne-Frank Huis (House). From the attic where she lived to the secret door disguised as a bookshelf, Anne-Frank Huis holds a piece of history, becoming a must-visit spot for tourists. Here, you can sense the fear Anne would have experienced as a Jew at the time. Meanwhile, as Anne-Frank Huis is a popular attraction and does not offer offline ticketing, a reservation must be made in advance. The entrance fee is 16 Euros, and tickets can be purchased online at the Anne-Frank Huis museum website. After your visit, enjoying a local delicacy at Heertje Friet, a French fries restaurant, is recommended. Topped with Joppie Sauce, which can be only found in the Netherlands, you will have a great time walking through the canals with a delicious snack in your hands.
-Koninklijk Paleis
Koninklijk Paleis, a royal palace in Amsterdam still used by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, is open to the public. It was initially built in the 17th century to be operated as Amsterdam’s city hall but has been used as a palace ever since the Dutch Royal Family resided here after the building’s transformation. During the Dutch Golden Age, the palace was beautifully renovated to represent the power of the nation. Additionally, the palace displays the paintings of Flinck and Bol, who were students of Rembrandt, along with marvelous decorations and furniture. Koninklijk Paleis is different from every other European palace as it is placed right in the middle of the city, blending naturally into its surroundings. Admission to the palace costs 12.5 Euros but can be discounted to 9 euros with an international student identification card, and entrance is free with a Museum Pass. Upon exiting the palace, heading east will lead you to a grand plaza, a place where you can take your best photos.
Amsterdam-Zuid: Culture, Culture… and Beer
-Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum was founded in 1798 to exhibit, preserve, and research Dutch art. Originally opened in the seaside city of The Hague, the museum moved to Amsterdam in 1808 and was later relocated to the current iconic building in 1885. Since its architectural beauty is a national symbol to many Dutch people, the museum was appropriately designated as a National Heritage Site in 1970. The Sungkyun Times (SKT) recommends that you take a photo of the Rijksmuseum from the south side of the building, as the spot offers a fuller view of its architecture. Meanwhile, the Rijksmuseum displays not only the works of renowned Dutch painters Rembrandt and Vermeer but also a massive collection of artworks that have been accumulated for 200 years. As the museum showcases masterpieces such as The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer, the SKT suggests you take your time and have a look at them on your visit. Entrance to the Rijksmuseum costs 22.5 Euros, while those under 18 and Museum Pass Holders can enter for free.
-Heineken Experience
Heineken is a brand of beer from the Netherlands with a deep and rich history of over 150 years. The Heineken Experience is a museum converted from the very first Heineken brewery and now displays equipment used since the foundation period of the brand. The museum offers a tour of the history of Heineken and the brewing process of its delicious beer. After the tour, visitors are granted two Heineken beers brewed in the Netherlands. Since the museum is maintained by the Heineken Headquarters just next door, imagine how great its complimentary beer would taste. The Heineken you drink here will be the very best Heineken or even the best beer you will ever taste. Meanwhile, the entrance fee for the museum costs 21 Euros. While the Heineken Experience offers both offline and online reservations, it is best to book in advance since the museum is a popular attraction. Additionally, minors are banned from entering the museum as it offers alcoholic beverages, and visitors may have their identification cards checked. After you visit the Heineken Experience, the SKT recommends that you try The Seafood Bar just nearby to enjoy a delicious seafood dish with another glass of Heineken. After all, seafood and beer are the perfect ends to a perfect stay in Amsterdam!