| Amsterdam is one of the world's best hangouts,
a canny blend of old and new: radical squatter art installations
hang off 17th-century eaves; BMWs give way to bicycles;
and triple-strength monk-made beer is drunk in gleaming,
minimalist cafes.
The city seems to thrive on its mix and, despite hordes
of tourists, still manages to feel quintessentially
Dutch. The old crooked houses, the cobbled streets,
the tree-lined canals and the generous parks all contribute
to the atmosphere.
Amsterdam peaks with people around Easter and July-August
but both of these times have their pros. April to May
sees daffodils and tulips come to life through the cracks
in the crowds. The beautiful summers are a great time
to grab a bite and a drink alongside a canal. While
winter can be a bit bleak it's rarely extremely cold,
and sheltering in the cosy-hearthed pubs will give you
a chance to meet 'real' Dutch. Also around this time
hotels in Amsterdam
are cheaper (except around New Year) and the best sights
are all but deserted. |
 |
