Why visiting Amsterdam can be an Unique Experience
Amsterdam is a place that has a lot to offer, more than the much publicised De Wallen and cannabis. It is one of the best cities that one can see in Europe. The canals, parks and the Dutch architecture makes one want to see the city again. There are plenty of Amsterdam travel guides that tell you what to see and what not. But have you thought about going off the beaten track? If yes, then read on to know about unique places and experiences that you will love in Amsterdam.
Hiking – Try the Dutch dunes – a nature reserve which is accessible by walking. This special location is home to a deer population and its only 20 minutes from Amsterdam. The walking tour begins at the Aerdenhout Train Station and goes on to a hike in the dunes. You also get to know about the water purification process in the Netherlands. You see deer in their natural habitat and explore the natural setting on your own.
Museums – Netherlands has a lot of museums and national monuments. Some of them are quirky and will attract your attention. There is a torture museum that records a time when justice was meted out via spikes and sticks. You can still the old instruments and devices used in the bygone ages. The Museum Vrolik is dedicated to anatomical mutations in animals and humans, so if that appeals to you, do see it. Electric Ladyland, the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, Red Light Secrets and the Tulip Museum are some of the interesting and unusual museums you can check out. Then there is the public urinal that was so pretty that it became a national monument. If you read Amsterdam tourist blogs then you can get a glimpse into the curious city of Amsterdam.
Interesting homes – Amsterdam has a lot of old houses that have curious things. The number 40 canal house, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, is a residential home that has a chapel hidden in the attic. Its more like a miniature church. The Six family home has a collection or Rembrandt’s artwork which is open for public viewing. The Kleine Trippenhuis is one of the narrowest houses in Amsterdam and a curio in itself.
Brewery – Amsterdam has some very interesting breweries that you must see. The Brouwerij IJ is a brewer near a 300 year old windmill and has speciality brews that you can taste. There is of course the Heineken experience, Beer temple and Jopenkerk that you can try.
Canals – Amsterdam has many canals which you can walk along or chill in one of the cafes near it. You can stay aboard a houseboat and enjoy the water. However, you can also go plastic fishing here. All you need to do is go to picturesque location and catch plastic fish for fun!
Other fun things – This section is dedicated to seeing and experiencing other things that don’t fall into the above-mentioned categories and Amsterdam has plenty of it. The De Poezenboot of the Cat Boat is a sanctuary for cats on the canal. This place has as many as 50 cats at a time and humans are welcome on board as well for visiting. Micropia is a zoo for microbes, while the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is trove for rare flora. See the deck on A’DAM Lookout or choose the swing at Skydeck, you will love the Adrenalin rush at this height. In the red light district is the Penis Fountain, which is as you guessed – shaped like an actual penis.
There are quite a lot of hidden gems like these in Amsterdam, so pack your bags for an unusual holiday here.
