Πρώτη φορά στο Άμστερνταμ?
09 May 2024

First time in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a multidimensional destination that combines the beauty of nature with culture and nightlife. On one side, there are endless meadows with tulips and windmills, while on the other, the city bursts into an endless party. Museums and galleries invite visitors to discover art and history, while cafes and cannabis shops offer a unique experience. However, nothing can replace the real experience of the city. With dozens of options and activities, Amsterdam allows visitors to discover something that suits their preferences exactly. For young visitors, a balanced combination of art, history, and modern culture may be the ideal choice. And ultimately, if someone feels overwhelmed by the complexity of the city, they should simply let their curiosity guide them because in Amsterdam, there is always something new to be discovered.

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Five unique experiences in Amsterdam
 
 
 
1. The Van Gogh Museum
 
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The Van Gogh Museum, undoubtedly the most famous in the Netherlands, attracts millions of tourists annually. In 2018, it achieved an impressive record, with over 2 million 165 thousand visitors in just that year.

You might wonder what exploring the bright halls of this museum offers to the visitor. It offers much more than an impressive collection of 200 works by Van Gogh. It presents the unparalleled power of his painting, one of the most influential artists to emerge from the Netherlands.

However, the reasons that captivate the visitor to the Van Gogh Museum are not limited to the artist's top works. Alongside his famous self-portrait and the iconic sunflowers, you'll discover countless sketches and excerpts from his correspondence with his brother. These letters reveal aspects of the artist's self-destructive journey and his struggle with depression.

Shape your itinerary so that you have plenty of time to enjoy your visit to the museum. Wander calmly, not only among the works of the great expressionist but also among the labyrinthine paths of his thoughts. Discover who he truly was, something that will help you understand even more the universe of his painting.

 

2.The House of Anne Frank

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The life of the Frank family in Amsterdam during the Second World War is one of the most gripping and moving tales of survival. Hidden in an attic, the Franks lived for two whole years despite the danger of discovery, until their capture by the German army in 1944 brought them face to face with the harsh reality of occupation and Nazi concentration camps.

Anne Frank's voice, recorded in her diary, gives us a poignant glimpse into her life under fear and uncertainty, but also into the love and hope she kept alive within her.

While Anne's story is widely known, the small museum in Amsterdam reveals secrets and aspects that add to the understanding of the human experience during that dark period.

It's worth taking the time to visit this museum and delve into the life of this brave family that faced the war with dignity and human decency.

 
3.Vondelpark 
 
 
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Many refer to Vondelpark as the Central Park of the Netherlands, due to its impressive expanse of 120 acres surrounding Amsterdam's famous canals.

At the heart of this natural oasis, you'll discover Pablo Picasso's statue "The Fish," a symbol of local gathering and a delightful destination for picnics on the lawn during sunny spring and summer days.

During favorable weather, the park hosts dozens of music and dance festivals, as well as outdoor theatrical performances, attracting crowds. Thus, this cool oasis in the city center transforms into a vibrant artistic space, establishing itself as an integral part of the Amsterdam entertainment scene.

Tip: Enjoy your stroll along the beautiful pathways with a rented bicycle as the sun sets, or relax on one of the many benches amidst the tall trees.

 

 

4.Rijksmuseum 

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The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is one of the most impressive museum institutions in the world, worth visiting if you're an art enthusiast. The museum houses some of the most iconic works of the Dutch Golden Age, with Rembrandt's "Night Watch" standing out as one of the paramount pieces of world art. A visit to the Rijksmuseum is a unique opportunity to also explore its 8,000 exhibits, including significant works from the European medieval period to the abstract paintings of Mondrian.

The museum also offers many alternative routes you can follow through its official app, with 14 different themed tours revealing various aspects of the museum center. Thus, the visitor has the opportunity to explore the museum in a way that interests them more and to discover the rich heritage of Dutch art and culture.

 

 

5.The Oude Kerk, the oldest building in the city.

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Next to the "red lights" of the city, surrounded by the windows of Amsterdam's brothels, stands the strangest and most peculiar church in the Dutch capital. Built in 1306, the Gothic church Oude Kerk is the oldest building in Amsterdam that has survived intact to this day. Of particular interest is the fact that the eminent Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, one of the most famous and influential figures in Dutch art, was a regular visitor, having baptized all of his children there.

Locals describe the church as the true, perfect setting for a dramatic film, with its solemn atmosphere and being entirely different from any other church you'll ever see in your life. If you've already taken your stroll through the other well-known sights of the city, a visit here is truly worthwhile just for the captivatingly simple interior of the church, with its low oil lamps hovering just above the ancient gray floor.

 

 

 

The information was sourced from: travel.gr

https://www.travel.gr/experiences/first-timers-sto-amsterntam/