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Planning a short visit to Amsterdam? Check out 48 Hours In Amsterdam, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways.

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Communitriper - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Awesome Amsterdam, the capital of Netherlands, is Europe's most well-planned city. Think Amsterdam and you're bound to conjure up images of swaying tulips and windmills. This greenest European city is straight out of fairytales. Often called Holland, you can experience Amsterdam on boat in the many cascading canals, or pedal on bikes.

Start exploring from Begijnhof-an enchanting garden, entered through a vaulted passageway. The beauty of the garden is accentuated by old houses, No.34 (Het Houten Huis), being the oldest, dating back to 1420! Begijnhof was originally built for Catholic nuns. Within, is The Begijnhof Chapel.

Sail along River Amstel and you'll spot Magere Brug a double-leaf Dutch bridge, connecting both sides of the river. Every 20 minutes, the bridge opens allowing boats to cross. Skinny Bridge is another beautiful bridge along Amstel, the beauty of which comes alive at night, when it's illuminated. Lovers frequent the bridge, making it a very romantic place.

Art lovers will revel at the Rijksmuseum, the largest museum in Netherlands. Among the many exhibits The Masterpieces are pieces of 17th century Dutch art. The Golden Age, had Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer present Dutch art in their works. Other interesting exhibits include the beautiful, old Doll houses and traditional Delftware pottery in distinct blue.

The Van Gogh Museum is a must-see, with 200 paintings, 550 sketches and letters by Van Gogh. Museum Amstelkring has a quaint ambience. Within the attics of the museum, is a secret Catholic Church Ons Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Dear Lord in the Attic). The museum also houses heavy Dutch furniture, ancient table-clocks and two kitchens with Delft tiles.

Curious to know how aristocratic Dutch, belonging to the Civic Guards looked? Visit the Civic Guards, containing old portraits of wealthy citizens. Rembrandt's famous Night Watch featuring city musketeers is now in Rijksmuseum.

Anne Frank House, was the hiding place from where Anne wrote her famous diary during World War II. The diary, photographs, and original objects belonging to the occupants are exhibited too. You can buy some of her books.

Amsterdam photography

amsterdam cafe... ko phangan by been around

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