Rad Bad Nomad

From its canals to historical sights and world-famous museums, Amsterdam, one of the greatest small cities in the world is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe.  With its population of around 750,000 people Amsterdam is a very diverse city.  It has all the things that a big city would have including diverse cultures, great nightlife, and good transportation.  Due to the many canals in Amsterdam, “Venice of the North”,  it is very easy to get around the city and is also quiet with less traffic. 

      The more research that I do on Amsterdam the more I see the beautiful city has to offer.  It is pretty obvious that the main tourist attraction is the multitude of museums around the city.  Whether it is the famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museums, or the more unique Hash or Sex museums, it seems like there is a Museum for everyone.

      I could go on forever about what there is to do in Amsterdam, but instead I have made a list of ten places that I would like to see while there.  

1.  Heineken Experience.   

      Though this is a former Heineken brewery, it is a national monument in Amsterdam.  I have always loved going to different breweries and experiencing their history, traditions and brewing craft.  Some of the things they have to offer here is a mini brewery, tasting bar, and a “stable walk” where you can see the Heineken Shire horses nearby.

2.  Amsterdam Canals.

      A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without taking a boat tour on the canals.  This city is known as “the Venice of the North”.  I would love to tour the canal in the evening while everything is lit up and spectacular. 

3.  Red Light District.

      Although this isn’t my cup of tea, a stroll down the streets of the Red Light District in Amsterdam is a must.  I could not possibly skip this as one of my reasons for this trip is to experience the cultures of the world.  

4.  Artis Zoo.

      Yes, I am a Zoo lover.  I have been to Zoos all over the world.  This Artis Zoo is right in the center of the city with four main areas: Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Planetarium, and Geological and Zoological Museums.

5.  Coffee Shops.

      Yes, we all know what the coffee shops in Amsterdam are known for. However, again this isn’t my cup of tea, or should i say coffee.  It is however a large part of what Amsterdam is about.

6.  Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

      I have been to Madame Tussauds in London and Las Vegas and loved it.  Cant wait to see new faces and what the Amsterdam Museum has to offer.

7.  Albert Cuyp Market.

      Arguably the most well-known and busiest market in Europe.  Having over 300 stalls which range from fresh fruits and veggies to clothes and other goods.  This will be a nice place to hang out for the day having cafes and small stores nearby aswell.

8.  Amsterdam Parks.

      The parks in Amsterdam are so beautiful.  Just a nice place to relax and kick back for the afternoon.

9.  Windmills.

      What trip to Holland would be complete without a trip to a few windmills.  Apparently in Amsterdam there are eight windmills in the heart of the city just waiting for a kodak moment.

10.  Other Various Museums.

      Though my budget will be tight, I would love to see as many of the Museums as possible.  As I said before Amsterdam has a lot of different types of Museums.  They are such a great way to find out more about the culture of a place.

      This is just a quick list of places I would like to go and see.  If you have been to Amsterdam or know of any great places to go feel free to let me know and I will check them out.  Hopefully I captured a little bit of what Amsterdam is like and what I will be doing while there. Look forward to my post while actually in the city to see how it compares to this list.