By Patricia Baruffi
Built on water as a fishing village around the thirteenth century, Amsterdam is known for its fascinating canal network, rich history and architecture, exotic nightlife, staggering cultural scene and also being one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. With approximately 35 per cent of its population made up of immigrants and 22 million tourists per year, cosmopolitan Amsterdam can be considered Europe’s most vibrant city.
Top three places to visit in Amsterdam
Museums
Amsterdam can claim to have more culture per capita than any other city on the planet. Home to iconic artworks by Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer, to name just a few, and also to an exciting contemporary art scene, over 60 museums in the city are capable of entertaining the most world-weary traveller.
For the best Dutch masterpieces, the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, is a must-see, and the architecture of the building is already a piece of art by itself. The Anne Frank House and the Jewish Museum provide a moving history of World War II in the country. If you are on the lookout for modern and contemporary art, the Stedelijk and the Moco museums are essential stops.
Parks
Whenever the sun is out, going to a park becomes an essential part of life in Amsterdam, whether for exercising, sunbathing or picnicking. Some parks are like an oasis in the middle of the city, such as the Museumplein, Beatrixpark, Rembrandtpark and the Vondelpark, a lively park with an open-air theatre featuring regular music and dance performances from June until August as well as several cafes and restaurants that provide a real party atmosphere.
When in the mood for a more relaxing spot to unwind, the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is a great alternative. Three times the size of New York’s Central Park, this hidden gem on the outskirts of Amsterdam is among the largest city parks in Europe where you can go kayaking, view cherry blossom trees and even explore a goat farm.
Bike rides
Whether you want to explore its surroundings and the countryside or are just looking for an easy ride to enjoy the scenery, this is one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities.
If this is your first time in the city, the bicycle ride beside the Amstel River is highly recommended. It is a 30-minute ride that starts in the city centre, from one of the three bridges that cross the river, takes you all the way to the Old South, where classic windmills are still visible, and ends in the Jordaan area, one of the oldest and most charming neighbourhoods of the city.
Travel risk tips
Amsterdam was ranked sixth in the list of safest cities in the world in the last Safe City Index (2021). The risk of violent assault is low; most crimes, such as robbery and pickpocketing, target tourists.
Amsterdam also has an impressive and extremely safe public transport network, including trams, buses, metros, ferries and trains, and since many people travel by bike, the city does well in regards to traffic and the air is not very polluted. But be careful to never walk on cycle paths.
Large, public demonstrations occur regularly for a range of political and economic issues and can turn confrontational, such as protests against COVID-19 lockdown measures and vaccinations in January 2022, but all demonstrations must obtain prior approval to take place and police oversight is mostly efficient.
Patricia Baruffi is a Netherlands-based analyst covering the EMEA region.
