Amsterdam Site : Amsterdam QA

Amsterdam is a city unlike any other. It is a popular destination spot for backpackers, tourists and anyone that wants to see this unique city. Sure, it does have some notoriety such as the cannabis shops and Red Light District but there is more to the city than just partying like a rock star. Amsterdam is rife with history and art.

It is a city unlike any other found in Europe. With its canals and its historic architecture, Amsterdam is one city that you need to visit at least once in your lifetime. In this article we will cover some of the basics of what to expect when you visit Amsterdam and the things that you will need to know in order to gain admittance to this great city in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam is located in the Netherlands. It can be found in the western portion of the country in the province of North Holland. It has an estimated population of over seven hundred and forty seven thousand people plus an estimated four million tourists each year. It is the sixth largest metropolitan area in Europe and continues to draw in more people each year due to its rich history, culture and nightlife. The name Amsterdam actually comes from the word Amstel and dam. Amstel is actually the river where the city crosses and of course dam is the bridge that crosses the river Amstel.

Amsterdam all started in the late 12th century as a fishing village that built a bridge with a dam across the Amstel river. That small fishing village began to flourish and soon became a major trade port. In 1300 or 1306 was granted city rights. Amsterdam also became an important city for those fleeing from religious persecution. It was known far and wide as a city with great religious tolerances and eagerly opened its arms to foreign people. It enjoyed great prosperity until the 17th and 18th century when the wars of the Dutch Republic against England and France halted many of the major trade routes. Times quickly changed and later during the 19th century the city began a golden age where new museums, train stations and the construction of the Amsterdam-Rhine canal were completed. The canal gave citizens a shorter and more direct connection to the Rhine.

There are many historic sites to visit while you are touring the city. The city is famous for its gothic inspired architecture of the 1400's. While you are visiting you should make it a point to visit the het Houten Huys which is the oldest building in the city. It is made of wood and is only one of two that is still standing. Another point of interest is the Erotic Museum. It is not for the faint of heart or for those that are easily embarrassed. It is a museum dedicated to the history of the Red Light Districts. If you are a fan of Van Gogh you will definitely want to check out the Van Gogh Museum. There you can view many of Van Gogh's most famous pieces. If you are a fan of history you cannot miss out on a visit to Anne Frank's home. There are many places that feature artwork and talk about the history of this great city.

Amsterdam, like most foreign countries, does require that you have a passport. If you are planning a trip to this wonderful city it is advised that you do not wait until the last minute to obtain a passport. You should apply for a passport months in advance of your trip if you do not want to pay special fees that hurry the process along. If you have a passport already you want to make sure it is updated.

In order to get a passport that allows you to visit foreign countries you are going to need some documentation that proves who you are. One of the documents is a certified birth certificate. You cannot use the souvenir birth certificate that is often given out by the hospital. This one needs to come from your state's government. You will also need a valid ID, social security card and another form of identification that proves your identity. You will also need a photo taken within the last six months that shows a full face front view that measures 2x2 inches in size. You will then need to pay a fee to the U.S. Department of State.

There are many great tourist attractions in Amsterdam ranging from historic buildings to cannabis cafes. The city is home to many plazas and squares that beckon eager shoppers into trying out their wares. When you are touring the city you may want to consider a tour that features some of the more historic homes found in Amsterdam. You definitely do not want to pass on some of the museums such as the Stedelijk Museum which specializes in modern art. There are also science museums, a museum about cats and even a museum that specializes in National Trade. This is a city that will take you weeks to explore all of the special places that make Amsterdam such a great city.

Over 4.2 million visitors come to the city each year and it is the fifth busiest tourist destination in Europe. Many young visitors will backpack through Europe making sure to take a rest in one of Amsterdam's many hostels. With so much going on in terms of museums, landmarks and points of interest it is hard not to see how people do not visit this city at least once in their lives. It is a city rich in history and culture and has played an integral part in Europe's history.

Amsterdam's population is made up of its municipalities. The overall population of all the municipalities is over 1.2 million people as of 2006. If you include the municipality of Zaanstad, Wormerveer and other outlying areas the population quickly jumps up to over 6.6 million inhabitants. It is hard to reconcile how the municipalities work when compared to America's suburbs and metropolitan areas. Areas in and around Amsterdam proper are each their own city but considered to be part of Amsterdam.

One of the main methods for getting around this crowded city is by bicycle. It is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in world. The city makes sure to take care of its pathways and access so that bicyclists have an easier time with traveling. The downside of all of this is the fact that bicycle thefts are extraordinarily high. Most citizens use heavy padlocks to keep their bicycles secured. Another means of transportation that eliminates the need of cars is the tram system and the rail system. You can reach virtually any destination within the city and Europe by using the railway. If you must travel by car the city encourages carpooling. But be forewarned that in the center of Amsterdam you will find high parking fees and many roads closed off or roads that are one-way.

Yes, there really is a red light district in Amsterdam. This is not a city that is shy with its exhibitions nor does it have the religious norms that many cities in America face. You can even tour museums that are specifically devoted to the history of the red light district and sex. There are three main areas in which prostitution is legal. The largest red light district is De Wallen. It is home to many sex shops, cannabis cafes and even peep shows. The red light district is very obvious once you walk down the street and see women posed seductively from behind windows or glass doors.

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Today's Tip On Amsterdam

One of the most popular areas within the Amsterdam airport is the "the Palace," located in the Departure Lounge One. It features the refined and elegant "Grande Cafe" and the very popular, friendly, and cheerful Mediterranean Sandwich Bar. Both are decked out in a style that pays homage to historical styles that were influenced by Dutch and British cultures of several decades ago. These two eateries are bright and spacious, yet are set up in a way that helps to make the time passed there, while waiting for a flight, very pleasurable and comfortable.