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Top places to go in this great city
My top things to do on a short city break to Amsterdam. Most of them get to be outdoors as Amsterdam is such a great city to look at from the outside, the wonderful canals, the historic houses and so much of it is free of traffic. I usually visit in the winter or out of season in spring and autumn when you don't get the crowds but whichever time I visit it is always a vibrant interesting place full of life. These are my very best moments in Amsterdam - not in any particular order-
Strolling in Vondelpark. This great park was given to the city and you cannot believe you are in a major metropolis. You may as well be in open country. There are also very beautiful gardens that are full of roses. It really is a special place.
Walking around the Jordaan. Marvelous houses, pretty bridges, charming canals and interesting shops - what more could a city offer? The houseboats are so pretty on the water and there is always a caf nearby for a bite to eat and a coffee, a shop to browse around full of artistic items - it is a great place to go winter or summer.
Van Gogh Museum. Best visited late in the day just before it closes and the galleries that have been packed all day are virtually empty. The genius of this artist is amazing and picture postcards cannot do justice to the real paintings of this superb painter who was so little regarded during his lifetime.
A Brown Cafe. Anyone will do really. They are all so different yet all the same in a strange kind of way. It is mainly the friendliness and the relaxed atmosphere as you drink a long beer. My favourite ending to the day unless I am going out at night.
The Concertgebouw. Anyone who loves classical music cannot fail to miss an evening here. The concert hall is an acoustic paradise and you can see and hear the best orchestras and conductors in the world. If you are lucky you will catch a free lunchtime rehearsal when you can see these orchestras 'behind the scenes.
The Albert Cuyp outdoor market. It is best to get there early when the stalls are being set up and before the big crowds arrive. You also get the fruit and fish at its freshest. What a great way to start the day.
If ever you visit Amsterdam please try to do at least some of the above. I always try to fit them all in whenever I visit, even for a couple of sdays. They say everything I want to say about the lovely city of Amsterdam.
This article was written for TravelSavvy Europe by Andy Matthews. If you know of an interesting European travel related news story, please get in contact.
