Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not only the capital of the Netherlands, but also the largest city in the country. It is known for its port, the Rijksmuseum, the district with red lights – de Wallen, and its open-minded coffee shops. There are so many canals in the city that the city was called the “Venice of the North”. The port in the town was one of the most important in the world during the Dutch Golden Age because a lot of innovative ideas in the trade were introduced there. Amsterdam became the leading centre for the trade with diamonds and in the area of the finances. Rembrandt, one of the best world famous artists, worked in Amsterdam. His paintings as well as those of his pupils are displayed in the Rijksmuseum. Another famous artist, Van Gogh, also lived in Amsterdam for several years, and there is a museum, dedicated to his early work. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is Amsterdam’s symphony orchestra, based in Concertgebouw. All these buildings are situated in Het Museum Plein (the Museum Square), just about 15 minutes from the city centre. Amsterdam has the reputation of a liberal city, which, with the calm charm of its elegant old narrow-fronted merchants’ houses, its world famous museums and the numerous canals, crossing the city, attracts many tourists. The museums which are a must to be seen are the Stedelijk Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt House Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. The latter has the largest in the world collection of paintings and drawings of Van Gogh. Another museum tourists should not miss is the Anne Frank House, dedicated to her story. The liberal spirit of the city is well felt in the de Wallen district, the red-light area, and in the many coffee shops, selling cannabis. It is felt in the behaviour of its citizens, in the government and businesses. The red-light district is in the centre of the town and is marked on the maps. Amsterdam is famous also for the number if its cyclists and its friendly policy toward the bicycle lovers. There are a lot of bike paths and bike racks in the whole city. The primary schools in Amsterdam are known to be excellent. In fact, the good spirit of the town is a result of the efforts of its residents. The tourists can choose between the traditional brown bars, the newer designer cafés or one of the grand cafes to stop for a selected drink. There are also dozens of modern restaurants in Amsterdam and it is famous for the Indonesian cuisine visitors can try there. Amsterdam is an important centre of the contemporary European music, drama, and film and dance industry. There are several top-rank jazz venues every year. The Concertgebouw Concert Hall houses one of the best in the world orchestras. There are a lot of clubs where people meet. The number of the gay bars and clubs is the reason Amsterdam to be called the “Gay capital of Europe”.