Amsterdam might have a reputation as a town of loose morals where tolerance is the name of the game, but that’s not all there is to this unique city. You might have been introduced to this city’s other great attraction on your flights in to Amsterdam: Amsterdam’s architecture is a sight to behold. Home to Europe’s largest historic city centre as well as a number of modern architectural wonders, if you get excited by delicate cornicing and historic building facades then Amsterdam is the holiday destination for you.
For fans of historic architecture there can be no better time to while away a vacation than in Amsterdam’s historic city centre. Here you can find around 7,000 registered historic buildings with some dating as far back as the 15th century. The Old Centre is where you’ll find the most ancient of the city’s buildings and the streets of Warmoesstraat and the Zeedijk should be of particular interest. Here you’ll find the oldest surviving buildings in the city: the Begijnhof is a resplendent late-medieval enclosed courtyard ringed by medieval houses, one of which is open for public viewing.
Amsterdam Canals (photo credit: wallpaper.com)
Of course no visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a bike ride around the canals. Although the canals themselves are a sight for sore eyes, another must see is the homes around the canal. The main canals are dotted with prestigious looking homes, some with their own draw bridges, that were built by the rich merchants of the city.
Amsterdam: Houses along the Amstel River (photo credit: permesola.com)
For more modern architecture, travellers should move away from Amsterdam’s historic centre and look outwards. The Amsterdam School produced some truly brilliant architects and their work is best represented by the Museum of the Amsterdam School. Another intriguing example of Amsterdam’s more modern architecture can be seen in Amsterdam’s west district. The De Baarsjes neighbourhood was built in a mix of Amsterdam School and New Objectivity styles which created unique apartment buildings that look out of place mixed in with Amsterdam’s older buildings.
Amsterdam Bikes
For fans of architecture, or history buffs, who also love home comforts Amsterdam is the ideal city to escape to!
A city I have always wanted to see. So beautiful!
I went once but didn’t have a lot of time to appreciate the architecture, museums and restaurants.
Ruth recently posted..The Stunning Architecture of Amsterdam
We were in Amsterdam for a day last year in November and it was snowing. Despite the bitter cold, the canal ride along the row homes was beautiful. The bike picture is awesome! I would love to go back and visit during Spring.
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Burano: Isle of Lace and Pastels
I have visited during summer and did the canal ride too. It was cool. Good to know you had a good experience even in winter.
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The only time I was ever in Amsterdam was during a huge festival, so the place was kind of a mess. I like the bike photo, it’s a very interesting composition.
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Well, you will have to go back when is quiet so you can enjoy more of the city.
Ruth recently posted..Most Insane Moments I Have Experienced in my Travels (Part 3)