One AMONG MANY

Charming Dam Square exhibits comeliness

City of Cycles

A quixotic state-of-art destination, Amsterdam will
never fail your wish to go beyond ‘all the’
Rembrandts and Van Goghs.
Apart from producing some of the world’s most
famous artists and the museums showcasing the
celebrated Dutch painters’ work, Amsterdam is naturally and artistically gorgeous. An open square, Museumplein is where Dutch paintings find their place of honour in some of the
most renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum,
Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum.

But museums alone are not the only top thing
Amsterdam has to offer.
2-metres below sea level, this city of tulips and
cycles validate the Dutch saying –“God created the
world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands.”
Paying close attention to the buildings and their
architecture, while walking or cycling, the skewed
houses that lean on one another or the front will
never go unnoticed.

This gem of the European continent is the ‘city of cycles’ and is best ventured riding one. Bicycles here aren’t just means of transport but carriers groceries and children as well. They are four times the number of cars running on the city roads. Bike lanes and bike-specific traffic lights make the ride safe and fun. And if you are riding one, make sure not to stop unless desired and ring the bell to keep off the foot-travellers.

Well connected by buses and trams, exploring the city and the outskirts is pocket-friendly and convenient. The Line 14 tram from Amsterdam Central Station will take you to the city’s hotspot – Dam Square in not more than 3 minutes. From malls, souvenir shops to numerous food joints, this public square witness major celebrations and carnivals around the year. A 15 minutes stroll to
the west of the square is the old-world and ethnic Jordaan. A walking tour will unveil this no-less captivating fragment of Amsterdam.

Retaining its medieval flavour the fairytale town of
Haarlem is 17 minutes by train from Amsterdam
Central. A photogenic destination with its vast
square by the Grote Kerk, a day trip to this quaint
town highlights the medieval style Hofjes (enclosed courtyards) and a windmill. A canal cruise meandering through the waterways is a relaxing way to explore the area. Be it the 17th century Rembrandt’s pieces of art or 20th century Fox’s The Fault in our Star; experiencing artistic marvels or those unique locations easily recognisable for its cinematic appearance ignites a sense of excitement.

Don’t miss out on: The traditional working
windmill at Zaanse Schans is a sight that’s
quintessentially Dutch. A 35-minute train ride from
Amsterdam Central via Sloterdijk, the place firmly
holds the impression of 17th century Holland. This
very first industrial zone has a number of the old
wind-powered mustard mill, sawmill, oil mill and
even dye mill and is named De Huisman (the
Houseman), Het Jonge Schaap (the young sheep),
De Os (the Ox) or De Kat (the cat), respectively.
Exploring inside out of these iconic machines as
they work even today is an experience on its own.

Located on the river Zaan, there are museums and a
chocolate factory that produces best cookies and
chocolates. From smelling fresh cookies, a visit to
the clog (Dutch style wooden shoes) making
warehouse, wooden Dutch houses to a palatable
treat at the pancake restaurant, this tranquil
northern territory of Netherlands makes for the
fantastic day trip.

Best Takes: Tulips are what makes this part of the world adorable. Best known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof Garden has more than 100 varieties of tulips and an assortment of exotic flowers with an explosion of vibrant colours. Spinning a patchwork of yellow, red, pink, purple and white the spring blooms continues till May. Take a canal cruise around the flower fields to
invigorate your soul.

Food is a journey and Amsterdam’s street food is a glaring example. I travel on my stomach and savouring authentic Dutch food didn’t disappoint me at Albert Cuyp market near Museumplein. The Dutch stroopwaffle with crunchy waffle and gooey stroop syrup within, is a sweet wonder. Be it the raw herring (Dutch style marinated raw fish) served with raw onions and pickles or the delicious kibbeling (fried cod fish) teamed up with tartar sauce are not to ignore. The not-so-Dutch vlaamse friets (French fries) served with 24 different sauces at MannekenPis near Amsterdam Central is voted No.1.

Souvenirs: Wooden clogs, Delft pottery, Zaanse Molen Dutch Mustard. Never forget to bring home the flavoured Dutch cheese from the cheese city – Alkamar.

The Must To- Dos:
 Ride a bicycle to feel the city streets
 Cruise down the canals, see the city floating by
 Taste Dutch delicacies at Albert Cuyp street market
 Experience blooming Dutch tulips at Keukenhof Garden
 Visit the art museums and famous Anne Frank House

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