Amsterdam

Description

Boasting of beautiful architecture and waterways, Amsterdam is a city worth visiting. From interesting museums to laid-back green spaces, Amsterdam offers visitors with a wide range of attractions and fun things to do. The city is often called as the Venice of the North owing to the dense network of canals. A cruise down the canals is worth experiencing. The historic city center of Amsterdam is one of the best in Europe; it is also one of the most visited areas in the city. The architecture, coffee shops and canals in the Old City area are good to see.

The Canal Ring in Amsterdam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was laid out in the 17th century. The area serves as residential area for the rich and famous. The city also has a number of museums that details the art and culture of the area. Some good museums to visit in Amsterdam are Museum of the Amsterdam School, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Maritime Museum, etc. The gardens and parks in the city offer spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty.

Amsterdam is a major shopping destination. The main shopping areas in the city are Nieuwendijk, Heiligeweg, Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat. The street markets in the city offer a traditional and enjoyable shopping experience. Some good street markets are Lapjesmarkt, Albert Cuyp, Lindengracht, Ten Cate Market, Noordermarkt, etc.

Getting around Amsterdam is fairly easy, public transport is dependable and of course as always, getting around on foot or by bike is probably the best way for tourists to see the city. 

Nearby Airports

Amsterdam is served by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The airport is located about 15Km from the city center and can be reached easily. Visitors can take buses, trains and taxis to reach the airport. There is a direct train available from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station, the journey takes about 20 minutes and a one-way ticket costs 3.90 Euros. Buses can also be taken from the airport; the local bus leaves the airport every 15 minutes and costs around 2.38 Euros. Taxis are also available from the airport but are quite expensive; a ride from the airport to the city center ideally costs 40-50 Euros.

Halal Restaurants

With Islam being the second largest religion in the city, finding Halal food in Amsterdam is pretty easy. There are several restaurants that specialize in Arabic, Ethiopian, Indian and Middle Eastern food. However, Muslim visitors must be warned than some of them do not have a Halal certification and do serve alcohol. There are other restaurants that are Muslim owned and are therefore completely Halal. Arabic Lounge, Queen of Sheba, Addis Ababa, Bellariva and Bazar are just a few of the several restaurants in Amsterdam that serve Muslim-friendly food. If Muslim diners are unsure about the food being Halal in any particular restaurant, it is best to stick to vegetarian and seafood options. 

Mosques

Amsterdam has a huge number of mosques that can be used by Muslim tourists if required. Al Karam Mosque, El Tawheed Mosque, Al Hijra Mosque, Al Ummah Mosque, Al Islam Mosque and the Islamic Foundation of Amsterdam are some of the more prominent and better known ones in the city. These mosques are scattered all around the city and locals almost always know where they are located, so if ever in need of prayer facilities, Muslim visitors are advised to ask around or even to make inquiries at the hotel help desk. 

Things to Do and See in Amsterdam

• Old City Center  
• Begijnhof  
• Canal Ring  
• Maritime Museum  
• Anne Frank House  
• Van Gogh Museum  
• Hortus Botanicus  
• Artis Zoo  
• Vondelpark  
• Museum of the Amsterdam School  
• Canal cruise