TRAVEL TRIP (AUGUST 2011)
I AMSTERDAM :)
To be honest, Amsterdam does not have many interesting historical places to visit (unless if you count in the museums). I never like museums. I like great architectural elements.
Amsterdam is the capital city and most populous city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin as a dam of the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading center for finance and diamonds.
Nowdays I guess Amsterdam is more popular with its beer and ‘The Red Light District’ area. I flied to Amsterdam from London. I stayed here for almost a week.
TRANSPORTATION
1. From Malaysia
If you are travelling from Malaysia, usually you will departure from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport). KL or Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital with lots of city attractions.
To book the airlines ticket, you have two choices. You may check MAS (www.malaysiaairlines.com). This is the national carrier of Malaysia or KLM (www.klm.com). Both airlines take off from KLIA. Journey will takes about 12 to 13 hours by direct flight.
You will land in Schiphol Airport Amsterdam.
2. From London
London has six major airports: London Heathrow, London Stansted, London Gatwick, London Luton, London City and London Southend. Various airlines company provide direct flight from London to Amsterdam.
From London Heathrow Airport:
www.klm.com
From London Stansted Airport:
www.easyjet.com
From London Gatwick Airport:
www.easyjet.com
www.britishairways.com
From London Luton Airport:
www.easyjet.com
From London City Airport:
www.cityjet.com
www.klm.com
From London Southend Airport:
www.easyjet.comACCOMMODATION
Before deciding on places to stay in Amsterdam, you need to choose which area is your preference. There are 9 favorite neighbourhoods with its own characteristic that may help you to decide:
1. Central Station
This is the main transport hub in the city. From here trains run all over the country and beyond. It also serves as the city's main tram and bus hub. There are many hotels, from high to low end, in the immediate area and plenty of bars and restaurants. It is perhaps the only part of Central Amsterdam with significant amounts of cars in evidence but in comparison to most other European cities even this traffic is not particularly heavy.
2. Dam Square
This is about a 10 minute walk along the city's main street Damrak from Central Station. Both Damrak and Dam Square are very touristy with generally over priced bars and restaurants. There are a number of hotels on Damrak most of which are best avoided. Dam Square is the spot where Amsterdam was founded. The city derives its name from a 'Dam' on the river 'Amstel' which was located here. The Royal Palace and National War Memorial are here, as are Amsterdam's most expensive bars. There are a couple of upmarket hotels on the square itself and some mid range ones in and around it.
3. Red Light District
The epicentre of 'naughty' Amsterdam the Red Light District is actually quite a small area. It is in the area bordered by the canals Oudezijds Voorburgwaal and Oudezijds Achterburgwaal. In addition to many outlets from the erotic and drugs industries, it hosts a number of great bars. This place is buzzing at night, particularly at weekends and is generally regarded as safe. There are not many hotels in this area, what there are tend to be low end establishments.
4. Rembrandtplein
One of the main nightlife areas of Amsterdam this square and its immediate area is surrounded by hotels, eateries, bars and clubs. There are a wide range of hotels, mostly middle to upper market, here.
5. Leidseplein
Along with the Red Light District and Rembrandtplein, this is the other main nightlife area in Amsterdam. Like Rembrandtsplein it and the area immediately around it is surrounded by hotels, eateries, bars and clubs. Like the other entertainment areas it gets very busy at night, particularly at weekends. There is a wide range of hotels in every category in this area.
6. Museumplein
Whilst only a few minutes walk from lively Leidseplein, the museum area of the city has a totally different atmosphere. It is much quieter, particularly at night and is, museums and small offices aside, a more residential area of the city. There is a wide range of hotels, from high to low end, in this area.
7. Jordaan
A delightful, mostly residential area the Jordaan is quite arty. It could perhaps best be likened to Covent Garden in London or Greenwich Village in New York although, this being Amsterdam, it is both smaller than and very different to either of those areas. There are not many hotels actually in this area. Those that are, come mostly in the B&B or guesthouse category. The canals between Jordaan and Dam Square host some of the city's nicest boutique hotels.
8. Vondelpark
Quieter and more residential, the Vondelpark area has a few upmarket hotels and a good number of B&B/Guest House type establishments.
9. Stadsdeel Zuid
This area used to be refered to as two distinct ones. De Pijp which is centered around the famous Albert Cuyp Market and the area to its West, formerly known as Oude Zuid. It is a largely residential area teaming with all sorts of shops, restaurants and bars. It stretches from the West at Apollolaan to the Eastern side of Albert Cuypstraat and the Amstel River. On the Western side of this area there area number of hotels, including a few upmarket ones. There are also a few large hotels and a number smaller establishments in De Pijp. Those considering self catering should certainly consider this area.
Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g188590-c156882/Amsterdam:The-Netherlands:Where.To.Stay.In.Amsterdam.html
PLACES OF INTEREST
There are few interesting places in Amsterdam, but my favorite was the Dam Square and Leidseplein.
The Dam is the heart of the city and is the center of Amsterdam attractions. Although there are arguably prettier sights in Amsterdam. As an historical site however, it is fascinating and worth taking the time to appreciate. The Dam has seen many historical dramas unfold over the years, and was for example, the reception area for Napoleon and his troops during the 1808 take-over of the city. The impressive history of the square is well documented in the Historical Museum. The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) which dominates the square, was originally used as the town hall and its classical facade and fine sculptures were intended to glorify the city and its government. In contrast to its turbulent history, the square is now a peaceful place and is home to hundreds of pigeons and tourists resting their tired feet from walking among nearby Amsterdam attractions
And of course if you are in Amsterdam, you must spend time to walk along the canals just to get the feel of it. It is Amsterdam after all. I would definitely vote Amsterdam Canals as another attraction that you must visit. The number of canals have led this city to become known as “The Venice of the North”. Some people said Amsterdam trip is not complete without a boat cruise on these canals. I disagree on this as I still feel the experience in Venice gondola ride was nowhere compare to Amsterdam's canals. There was something magical about Venice gondola ride that is unforgettable.
Next is the Leidseplein or Leidse-square. This is one of the most popular centers for nightlife attractions in Amsterdam. With many restaurants, clubs, coffee shops, cinemas and theatres in the area, the Leidseplein is vibrant and colorful. On warm summer evenings, tourists and locals alike take advantage of the pubs outdoor seating for a long, lazy drinks with friends. Street musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters and other performers liven up the square, often till the early hours.
Another attraction I didn't have the chance to visit due to the weather's condition but I strongly suggest all of you travelers out the is the windmills. Don't miss the chance! A trip to Holland just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a windmill. There are eight stunning windmills close to the city just waiting to admired.
I felt grateful cause I met someone wonderful, another Malaysian who is currently staying in Amsterdam for his PhD, let me stayed at his place. My initial plan was to stay at one of the backpackers hostel but I definitely felt safer to stay at a proper house. Then I was also introduced to other few Malays who have been living in Holland for a very long time. Most of them are basically in Rotterdam.
But I definitely would love to come back here. What I adore most about Amsterdam is the people in the city are very open-minded.
-Alvy-
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