The Netherlands

 

 

 Amsterdam,the largest city in the Netherlands,is known for its liberalism,stunning architecture,friendly locals,culture and history.It has winding canals,cobbled streets,some of the world`s greatest art collections,fascinating old buildings and sex museum.

 Amsterdam was founded as a fishing village near a dam in the Amstel River in the thirteenth century and developed rapidly.Few of its medieval buildings survive,except the Oude Kerk(the charming Old Church with small houses clinging to its sides and its octagonal bell tower),Neuwe Kerk (New Church) and the Houten Huis (Wooden House).

 The Golden Age (1585-1672) was the high point of Amsterdam`s commercial success and some of the most important buildings from this period are the classical Royal Palace on Damplein,the Westerkerk,Zuiderkerk,and many canal houses including De Dolfijn (Dolphin),De Gecroonde Raep (the Crowned Turnip),the Huis met de Hoofden (the House with the Heads) and the Poppenhuis.Most of the houses in the city centre date from the eighteenth century.

 The most famous museums in Amsterdam,including the Van Gogh Museum,the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum,are located around Museumplein.

 The nightlife in Amsterdam is notorious,its throbbing centres include:the Leidseplein,home to many vibrant restaurants,clubs,tradidional "brown"bars,coffee shops,cinemas and theatres:the Jordaan which oozes atmosphere with its narrow streets,picturesque canals,galleries and boutiques:Rembrandtplein,lined with pubs,restaurants,cafes and hotels as well as traditional Dutch pubs playng real Dutch music,and the infamous Red Light District,with its legalized prostitution and raunchy clubs,strip joints and sex shops.

 Nearly 1,300 bridges criss-cross the canals of this beautiful city,known as "the Venice of the North".The four main city centre canals are Prinsengracht,Herengracht,Keizersgracht and Singel,which are best enjoyed by taking a boat tour or exploring the surrounding streets by bicycle.There are also numerous smaller canals,of which the Brouwersgracht,the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant.There are also number of beautiful parks,a highlight is the Vondelpark.