| Autumn is one of the best times of the year to | | | | Renaissance architecture and Art Deco. However, |
| get away for a weekend, and Amsterdam is | | | | the city does now consist of a significant business |
| great for city breaks. Yet, although the city is not | | | | district, Zuidas, which has undergone fast |
| known for being especially cheap - particularly | | | | development over the last few years. |
| during recessionary times - it certainly benefits | | | | The Vondelpark is a famous green area in the |
| from its close location and from offering such a | | | | stadsteel. It is an excellent area to get away |
| number of things to do and see that it really is | | | | from the bustle of the streets for a moment, or |
| quite easy to tailor your trip to your budget with | | | | longer to perhaps take in its 120 acres of grounds. |
| a little planning. | | | | The park also contains a film museum and an |
| Despite much of the city falling into disrepair | | | | open air theatre, whilst the area around it - Pieter |
| during and after the war, Amsterdam boasts a | | | | Cornelisz Hooftstraat and Cornelis Schuytstraat - |
| diverse and impressive architectural history, which | | | | is home to an excellent number of shops and |
| is complimented by the by the unique canals that | | | | stores. |
| date from the 17th Century. There are many | | | | The cheapest method of transportation around |
| impressive buildings which date from even earlier | | | | the city is cycling, and it may well be worth |
| however, the Oude Kerk church is the oldest | | | | renting a bike. Driving around the city is generally |
| building in the city and dates from the 1300s, while | | | | discouraged through high parking fees and heavy |
| the Begijnhof is a court of houses famed for the | | | | investment in public transport and cycle lanes - |
| tall character-full design and use of wood in their | | | | and subsequently, walking and cycling is generally |
| construction. | | | | very safe. The city is also well known for its |
| The centre of Amsterdam is quite impressive in | | | | nightlife and benefits from a diverse multicultural |
| terms of its adhering to its historical design and | | | | sense of food and drink, as well as a liberal and |
| lack of tall modern structures. Yet throughout | | | | laid back attitude. It's really no wonder why the |
| there are also examples of Gothic architecture, | | | | city remains so popular all year round. |