The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, is close to France and easily accessible by train in particular. The city is served several times a day by the Thalys from Paris. Many regular flights also exist to reach Amsterdam in a short time.
Amsterdam is a city with a thousand faces. But it is quite possible to discover it and visit it during a long weekend. Let's take a tour of the main places not to be missed during a short stay of 3 or 4 days.
Amsterdam has a historical and tourist center that you absolutely must visit. You will follow the famous canals of the city built on the Amstel river, while crossing one of the most picturesque districts of Amsterdam, Jordaan, with its many small courtyards, gardens, cafes and thrift stores. Also visit the typical Dam Square, the historic medieval heart of the capital, from where you can admire the Royal Palace built on 12,000 wooden pillars.
Amsterdam is world renowned for its culture and museums. One of its districts, the Museumkwartier, is home to the best known, to visit absolutely:
The Red Light District of Amsterdam (the Red Light District) is one of the oldest in the city and certainly the one that made the Dutch capital world famous. This is where we find the famous windows lit with red neon where prostitutes wait for their customers, prostitution being legal in the Netherlands. This area is also full of many bars and coffee shops, these typical places of Amsterdam where you can buy and consume cannabis.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is impossible to miss the canals of Amsterdam when visiting the city for a long weekend. These 165 canals, dug in the 18th century, form a belt around the old town. They are fed by the waters of the Amstel River. 1,500 bridges make it easy to travel on foot or by bicycle through these canals. It is also possible to travel through them by river boat.
The car is to be avoided in Amsterdam. Secure and paid car parks, such as the Arena stadium or Sloterdijk, located outside the city, are provided for leaving your vehicle there. The Dutch capital has an impressive public transport network that allows you to visit the city in just a few days, by metro, bus or tram. Cycling, for which Amsterdam is known the world over, is the best way to get around the city, which has many cycle paths and multiple bike rental companies.
