amsterdam for visitors

A leisurely stroll along Brouwersgracht canal

Nigel — Thu, 25 May 2023 09:32:45 +0000

Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals and charming architecture, and one of the most picturesque canals is the Brouwersgracht. This historic waterway is in the Jordaan neighbourhood, famous for its trendy cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife. In this blog post, we will explore the history and attractions of Amsterdam’s Brouwersgracht.

The Brouwersgracht is a 17th-century canal built during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of great economic and cultural prosperity in the Netherlands. The canal was named after the many breweries along its banks, and it served as an important transportation route for beer barrels and other goods. Today, the Brouwersgracht is a designated national monument.

One of the main attractions of the Brouwersgracht is its beautiful canal houses, which feature various styles of ornate gables, large windows with colourful shutters, and beautiful facades. These houses were built by wealthy merchants and traders who wanted to show off their wealth and status.

Former historic warehouses and canal houses have been converted into stylish apartments, offices, shops, art galleries, restaurants, and other businesses.

Another notable feature of Brouwersgracht is the many houseboats moored along the canal. These boats are a unique feature of Amsterdam’s canals, adding to the city’s character and charm. Many of the houseboats on Brouwersgracht are decorated with plants, flowers, and other decorations, making them even more charming.

One of the highlights of Brouwersgracht is the view of the Westerkerk, a beautiful church that dominates the skyline of the Jordaan district. The church’s tower is visible from many points along the canal and provides a stunning photo backdrop.

Another highlight of the Brouwersgracht is the many bridges crossing the canal. The most famous bridge is the Brouwersgracht Bridge, built in the 19th century and decorated with wrought-iron railings and lanterns. The bridge is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the view of the canal and its surroundings. Other notable bridges include the Reestraat Bridge, a wooden deck and a brick arch, and the Palmgracht Bridge, adorned with sculptures of dolphins and sea horses.

Visitors to the Brouwersgracht can also enjoy a stroll along the streets on either side of the canal. The towpath, lined with trees and benches, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and provides a great vantage point for admiring canal houses and boats. In the summer, many residents and visitors enjoy picnics and barbecues alongside the canal.

In conclusion, the Brouwersgracht is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Amsterdam. Its historic canal houses, picturesque bridges, and scenic towpath make it one of the city’s most charming and photogenic spots. Whether interested in history, architecture, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, the Brouwersgracht has something to offer everyone.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Nigel — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 11:55:31 +0000

Cycling Tips

If renting a bike, make sure that it has hand brakes rather than old-fashioned backpedal breaks. These can take some getting used to!
Make sure the bike is in good working order before cycling away. Check the tires breaks and lights for problems. Also, make sure the seat has been adjusted to a comfortable height.
Local cyclists will break the rules and go through red lights. As a visitor, it’s probably better to stick to the rules to avoid fines the police.
Watch out for the tram tracks when cycling in Amsterdam. If you need to cross tram tracks, do so at an angle so that your wheels don’t get stuck in the grooves.
Always give way to traffic coming from the right – unless you see small white triangles painted on the road indicating you have right away.
Make sure you have your lights switched on at night time to avoid getting fined. White on the front and red at the back.
Don’t cycle on pavements and in pedestrian areas. Get off and push your bike.
Make sure your bike is well locked. If possible use two locks.
Dutch motorists show respect to cyclists and are very aware. However, don’t assume that all motorists are Dutch, particularly in Amsterdam!

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The Best Amsterdam Themed Songs

Nigel — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 13:45:24 +0000

Ed Sheeran – All of the Stars

“So can you see the stars over Amsterdam? You’re the song my heart is beating to.”

Popular for Teens & Young Adults, The Fault in Our Stars fans, and anyone who like Ed Sheeran. This track features big on the soundtrack of the romantic movie The Fault in Our Stars based on the novel with the same name by John Green. Although the song failed to make the top 40, it works well as Ed Sheeran wrote this song, especially for the movie.

Amsterdam Vibe: The main character who was battling cancer was determined to fulfil her ambition of visiting Amsterdam to meet Author, Peter van Houten. The middle section of the movie shows their trip to Amsterdam and many of the scenes were filmed on location.

Vondelstraat 162, Amsterdam, Netherlands – Character Peter van Houten’s house
Rijksmuseum, Museumstraat 1
Bench scene, Leidsegracht 4
Restaurant Oranjee (Filmed on set in the USA) & Keizersgracht 498
Anne Frank House, Prinsengracht 263-265 (Filmed on set in the USA)
American Hotel, Leidsekade 97
Hotel De Filosoof, Anna van den Vondelstraat 6

“Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

Coldplay – Amsterdam

“Stood on the edge, tied to the noose, You came along and you cut me loose”

The final track on Coldplay’s second chart-topping studio album 2002 album “A Rush Of Blood To The Head”.

The title of this song is unrelated to the lyrics, which describe someone being rescued from a situation where they are contemplating suicide. Chris Martin simply wrote this song while staying in Amsterdam.

Counting Crows – On a Tuesday in Amsterdam

Not so much a song about Amsterdam, but opens with a description of a picture of old Amsterdam. The song is actually about a circus girl who the singer met in Dublin.

Imagine Dragons – Amsterdam

“I’ll take the west train, just by the side of Amsterdam”

Nothing really to do with Amsterdam, Although according to the writer, it’s about a romanticised view of Amsterdam without having ever visited the city. The song lyrics speak about a struggle with self-doubt and the feeling of letting other people down. You can of course “take the West train, just by the side of Amsterdam” and travel in the direction of Haarlem and the coast!

Kodaline – All I Want

“Cause you brought out the best of me, A part of me I’d never seen. You took my soul and wiped it clean, Our love was made for movie screens”

“All I Want” by Dublin-based alternative rock quartet Kodaline featured in “The Fault In Our Stars” movie soundtrack. It’s also been used on the TV series Grey’s Anatomy and 13 Reasons Why.

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Vogelenzang, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Nigel — Wed, 02 May 2018 05:16:23 +0000

Experimenting with some tulip close-up photos in the bulb fields near Amsterdam.Photo taken at: Vogelenzang, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

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Keukenhof – the Tulips garden, Holland

Nigel — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 06:45:40 +0000

I picked up a rental bike last night and cycled for s couple of hours through the bulb fields around Keukenhof. Great way to relax at the end of a busy day!

Photo taken at: Keukenhof – the Tulips garden, Holland

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