Amsterdam Tour For Nigerians Travelling To the Netherlands
27 November 2019
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular and most gorgeous tourist destinations in Europe with attention-grabbing research institutes, universities, museums, theatres, entertainment venues and leading cultural centres.
It was originally founded in the 12th century as a fishing village. The city received its name from the Amstel River and the dam that was built to avoid flood from the south sea. The country is also famous for its historic homes, laid out in concentric segments in the shape of a fan and built on piles driven through an upper layer of mud into the firm, sandy bottom up to 18 metres below.
Amsterdam?s tourism contributes largely to its wealth today. People come to this city to see exquisite streets decorated with flowers in the most alluring manner. Renowned for its tolerance and welcoming attitude, Amsterdam is one of those few cities that has a coalition government, where everyone?s views are represented and respected.
Discover some of the best places to visit in Amsterdam:
The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the most important art repository founded in 1809 to house the country?s huge collection of art band antiquities which includes over 7 million works of art, among them are important paintings spread across 250 rooms of this incredible building. In addition to these paintings, the museum boasts a well stocked library of more than 35,000 books and manuscripts as well as several displays dealing with the development of art and culture in the Netherlands. Many of these collections of traditional handcrafts and sculptures are now in modern art styles; a variety of themed English-guided tours are also available. For a special experience, try the fun art history canal cruise taking in many of the sites represented in the Rijksmuseum?s collections.
The Anne Frank Museum
The Anne Frank Museum building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk in central Amsterdam. It is dedicated to the short life of one of the world?s best known Holocaust victims, Anne Frank. The museum is the actual home of Anne?s family for much of WWII. It was in this house, at the time of a great calamity, that Anne wrote a diary. This piece of writing became a best-seller after the war, a few years after Anne's death at age 15. Much of the home has been kept as it were, now serving as a poignant monument to a tragic period of history. The Museum opened on May 30, 1960, and is now the most visited museum in the Netherlands, after the Rijksmuseum.
The Van Gogh Museum
This is a must-visit for fans of arts and history. The amazing Van Gogh Museum has been one of Amsterdam?s top attractions since it opened in 1972. Dedicated to the troubled life and extraordinary artistry of one of the country?s revered painters, the museum is home to the world?s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, much of which has been donated to his brother Theo and other family members. The collection is split between the artist's life and his works.
The Jordaan (Neighborhood)
The Jordaan is known for its mix of residential areas with garden courtyards, boutiques, eateries, and lively markets. Tourists could easily spend a day wandering the picturesque streets. The area is home to many attractions. It was formerly a working-class neighborhood, but in recent years has become quite upscale and home to many museums and art galleries, particularly those focused on modern art. The district is a perfect opportunity for tourists to witness Amsterdam's main attractions.
Vondelpark
This is the largest and the most visited park in Amsterdam. It occupies 116 acres which contains many things to do and see. The park is home to a rose garden featuring more than 70 types of flowers including purple hibiscuses for Nigerians who have read Chimamanda Adichie?s famous novel "Purple Hibiscus" but don?t know what it looks like.
It has a variety of sculptures and statues, playgrounds and other recreational facilities including the Vondelpark open-air theatre which serves as a venue for musical and stage productions. The park is also a perfect place for picnics with friends and families. It is full of cafes where you can get drinks and snacks while you enjoy yourself.
Dam Square
Dam Square is one of the tourists-packed areas of Amsterdam, and for a good reason. Its most prominent feature is the 17th century Royal Palace( Koninklijk Palace), the former home of the Dutch royal family and present-day venue for royal functions. Dam square is also home to top tourist attractions dedicated to Dutch soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. This huge public square is naturally lined with cafes and shops and full of vendors selling food and souvenirs.
Begijnhof
The Beguines Courtyard otherwise known as the District of Begijnhof occupies the center circle of land in Amsterdam?s circular canal system. In the 14th century, the area was an enclosed courtyard that served as a residence for the sisterhood of Catholic Beguines. The Begijnhof wasn?t a convent in the traditional sense because women were free to leave the order if they choose to marry. When the sisterhood chapel was confiscated during the reformation, they began to worship secretly at the Begijnhof Chapel, a charming structure filled with marble columns and stained-glass windows. Begijnhof is also home to the English Reformed Church, built in 1392, the city?s oldest preserved wooden house.
Red Light District
This is the world?s most famous red-light district, a product of the Dutch tradition of tolerance. Although a little difficult to describe because of its many brothels, peep shows, sex shops and theatres that carter for most urges, everything is still regulated here.
There is a rigid code about taking photos or making videos. There is also the Red Light Secret Museum, where the area?s prostitutes tell their own stories.
The Amsterdam?s West Church
Amsterdam?s West Church became one of the most famous Amsterdam tourist attractions after the wedding of Queen Beatrix in 1966. The church serves as a reflection of Renaissance architecture as well as certain elements of Gothic design. The tower is the highest in the city with a height of 85 metres. The tip of the tower has a copy of Austria?s emperor Maximillian's crown.
The Museum of the Tropics
This museum is one of Amsterdam's hidden treasures. Located off the city center in a beautiful old building in East Amsterdam (Amsterdam Oost), The Museum of the Tropics (Tropenmuseum) often remains forgotten, like an old collection of post stamps.
However, if you are interested in other cultures, other countries and distant lands, you shouldn't miss coming here. Amsterdam Tropenmuseum exhibits are modern and fascinating on many levels. Moreover, it is a great museum to visit with kids, as it is less dark than the others.
Acquiring Your Visa to Netherlands
Visit this link for a step-by-step guide on how to acquire a short-stay Schengen visa (90 days or less) to the Netherlands.
Interested in touring Amsterdam on an affordable budget? Kindly fill this form ? we?ve got you covered!
You might also enjoy reading:
Leave a comment
Leave a comment
Share