AMSTERDAM, city of canals and tulips



We are now approaching Europe’s “biggest” small city, known as “the Venice of the North.” Amsterdam, which has had many adjectives attributed to it, among them: “City of Canals,” “City of Tulips,” “City of Windmills,” “City of Freedom” and “City of Tolerance.” It is a city that offers a real feast for the eyes when seen from above. After a 4 hour plane journey from Izmir, we approach in Amsterdam on an early summer night when the sun is still bright and gaze down on the wonderful view of the city. The first to greet us are the tulips brought in during the 16th century from the Ottoman Empire.


Windmills and tulips in the Netherlands   -   The Fonda Rijks Museum and Amsterdam by night

With its buildings dating back to the 17th century, Amsterdam features one of the most historical urban fabrics of Europe. The old part of the city consists of concentric semi-circular canals.



Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, was built as a fishing village on the shores of the Amstel River in the 12th century. Amsterdam’s fame has nowadays begun to overtake the fame of the Netherlands. With its historical fabric, its museums, canals, bicycles and its concept of “freedom,” which is quite different from that of the world in general, the city, which has a population of 750,000, attracts close to 10 million tourists. Amsterdam can be referred to as a city of real “tolerance.” Practically no violent crimes are committed in the city, to which people with different concepts of freedom come from all over the world and where they live together in harmony. As the city is geographically flat, bikes are very convenient vehicles. Tulips, brought in the 16th century from the Ottoman Empire, have become a symbol of the city. In the city there is virtually one tulip bulb and one bike per person. Tulip bulbs, grown in various colors and breeds, are now at the top of the list of souvenirs.

City of canals

Most of the buildings in the city have been constructed in the last three centuries. Since the lower layers of the land are soft, the foundations of the houses are strengthened with wood and metal. Because of the lack of space, floating houses were built on canals as alternative settlements. Close to 10,000 people live in these houses. Floating houses are provided with mail addresses, and their needs such as electricity and gas are met. The water level of the canals is kept under control via a system called the Normal Amsterdam Water Level, built in the 17th century. If the water level exceeds that of NAP, it brings about disaster. The last such case was experienced in 1953. Do not forget to take a tour of the canals before you leave.

The venue of "Yellow Tulips"

The Dam Square is for Amsterdam what Taksim Square is for Istanbul. A monument erected in memory of the Fallen of World War II, a palace, cultural centers and the major hotels of the city are all situated in and around this square. The square is a haunt not only for tourists but also for business people and street artists. The district of Leidseplein is situated at the very west of the city and needs to be seen. The district is surrounded by cafes, theatres, night clubs, bars and restaurants. If you then move on to Muntplein, you can visit the “Flower Market,” mentioned in the famous “Yellow Tulips” song by MFÖ. Westerkerk is Amsterdam’s highest tower. During winter months one can only climb this hill, where there is also the tomb of the famous painter Rembrandt, on Sundays.

Restaurants

In Amsterdam it is difficult to experience food problems, because examples of nearly every world-wide cuisine abound in the city’s many restaurants. French, Indonesian, Argentinean, Chinese and Near East cuisines are favorites. Dutch people generally eat only bread, cheese, butter and marmalade at breakfast. Lunches are generally light meals and the Dutch mostly content themselves with a sandwich. Restaurants are open until 22.00. French fries served with mayonnaise and butter are among the particularly recommended specialties, together with fish, sausages served with hotspot potatoes, cabbage, onions and carrots, pea soup, pannenkoeken (fried apples and cheese) and uitsmijte (omelet with cheese and ham).

Timing of the trip

Although we visited in June, spring is the best season to visit Amsterdam. It would be good not to miss the “Tulip Season,” between 1 April and 15 May. We caught the last of the tulips, but between the aforementioned dates the city is said to be of an incredible beauty thanks to the abundance of tulips.

A BIRD’S EYE-VIEW OF AMSTERDAM Population: 742,209, Time zone: CET (UTC +1 saat) Telephone area code: +20

>> Amsterdam is the fifth most visited city and attracts 4.2 million tourists a year. The city serves these tourists with 350 hotels, 17 of which have been awarded 5 stars, and a total of 45,000 beds. >> Do not even dream of renting a car in this bike-friendly city. Parking fees are quite high, many avenues and streets are closed to vehicle traffic and bikes are the most suitable method to go everywhere. Mass transit consists of busses, trams, sea taxis and sea busses. There are also four metro lines in the city. >> The Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is at a distance of 15-20 minutes by train from the Amsterdam Main Train Station. Must see places >> The Van Gogh Museum: The museum contains over 200 paintings and 500 sketches and drafts, as well as a variety of Japanese works of art. www.vangoghmuseum.nl >> Anne Frank’s House: The house of the most famous victim of World War II is visited every year by 1 million people. www.annefrank.org >> The Rijks Museum : This is one of Amsterdam’s largest and most important museums and it is known as the best museum containing Rembrandt’s works. It contains 5,000 paintings from the period 1400-1900. www.rijksmuseum.nl >> Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt’s House):The painter lived close to 20 years in this house, which possesses characteristics of the 17th century. It is a must-see place! www.rembrandthuis.nl >> Jordan: The other face of Amsterdam. The canal is lined with houses whose balconies are full of flowers and one can sit all night long in the pleasant cafes along the canal. This area is practically a museum of houses along the canal. >> The Red Light District:Its fame is well known by most, so there is no need to say anything more. www.pic-amsterdam.com >> Madame Tussauds Museum: You must absolutely book your ticket before you visit the famous museum of wax statues because the queues can be terribly long..