Holiday Systems International User Group
Amsterdam:
Is a cornucopia of cafés, coffee shops, cozy bars, and outdoor markets. Set on 160 man-made canals, Amsterdam also has the largest historical inner city in Europe. The French writer J. K. Huysmans once called Amsterdam "a dream, an orgy of houses and water." It's true: when compared with other major European cities, this one is uniquely defined by its impressive gabled houses, rather than palaces, estates, and other aristocratic folderol. Most of the 7,000 registered monuments here began as residences and warehouses of humble merchants.
Amsterdam is bustling in the summer, as travelers and locals flock to city parks for sunbathing, before and after cooling off with a few cold drinks at one of the hundreds of neighborhood outdoor cafés. In the summer, Amsterdam can be the most fascinating city in the world; a sun-bleached blend of old and new, crazy and subdued. From October to May, lines for most museums and attractions are smaller, and off-season accommodations are cheaper, but it's colder, rainier, and windier. Queens Day (April 30) and Museum night (November 4th), are worth visits in their own right.
Amsterdam is bustling in the summer, as travelers and locals flock to city parks for sunbathing, before and after cooling off with a few cold drinks at one of the hundreds of neighborhood outdoor cafés. In the summer, Amsterdam can be the most fascinating city in the world; a sun-bleached blend of old and new, crazy and subdued. From October to May, lines for most museums and attractions are smaller, and off-season accommodations are cheaper, but it's colder, rainier, and windier. Queens Day (April 30) and Museum night (November 4th), are worth visits in their own right.
How's the Weather?
Amsterdam was built on a swamp and is only 7 feet above sea level, so the city is always a little damp. There is high humidity in the summer and a fair amount of rain, especially in the winter. But moisture aside, Amsterdam's weather is ultimately comfortable. The temperatures are rarely extreme and there are lots of balmy days, especially in June, July, and August. November to April is consistently overcast and windy, but not too cold. Rule of thumb—always wear layers to put on or take off, have sturdy shoes for walking on the cobblestones, and bring a good umbrella.
Variety really is the spice of life when you're visiting Amsterdam. This city has enjoyed a rich and turbulent history, and so much of it can be seen in the city center: the Red Light District, the oldest part of Amsterdam, is home to the city's oldest church, the most historic architecture, and of course, legal prostitution; the Old Jewish Quarter still has one of the best outdoor flea markets in Europe; and the medieval Nieuwmarkt is breathtaking. The Dam, an open square overlooked by the Royal Dam Palace, is a godsend to visitors as a landmark; when lost, even the worst student of foreign languages can easily get help by asking for "The Dam."
Amsterdam was built on a swamp and is only 7 feet above sea level, so the city is always a little damp. There is high humidity in the summer and a fair amount of rain, especially in the winter. But moisture aside, Amsterdam's weather is ultimately comfortable. The temperatures are rarely extreme and there are lots of balmy days, especially in June, July, and August. November to April is consistently overcast and windy, but not too cold. Rule of thumb—always wear layers to put on or take off, have sturdy shoes for walking on the cobblestones, and bring a good umbrella.
Variety really is the spice of life when you're visiting Amsterdam. This city has enjoyed a rich and turbulent history, and so much of it can be seen in the city center: the Red Light District, the oldest part of Amsterdam, is home to the city's oldest church, the most historic architecture, and of course, legal prostitution; the Old Jewish Quarter still has one of the best outdoor flea markets in Europe; and the medieval Nieuwmarkt is breathtaking. The Dam, an open square overlooked by the Royal Dam Palace, is a godsend to visitors as a landmark; when lost, even the worst student of foreign languages can easily get help by asking for "The Dam."
