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When it comes to the best places to live in the world, there are only five that appeal more than the Netherlands, particularly its capital Amsterdam. As that particular accolade bears the imprimatur of the United Nations (as detailed in the body’s 2018 World Happiness Report), that’s pretty much as official as you are going to get.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39528 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.-Amsterdam-Guide.jpg" alt="1. Amsterdam Guide" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.-Amsterdam-Guide.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.-Amsterdam-Guide-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.-Amsterdam-Guide-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.-Amsterdam-Guide-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.-Amsterdam-Guide-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.-Amsterdam-Guide-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1.-Amsterdam-Guide-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Anyone minded to uncover why the Netherlands has developed such never-leave-ability should start their investigation in Amsterdam, the national capital. Here, among the ‘Exhibit A’s’, are historic monuments, trendy hipster cafes, quaint canals, a world-class red light district and more museums than you explore in any one trip.
The city, itself, dates back to the late 13th century, when a dam-cum-bridge was built across the River Amstel to protect local inhabitants from the ever-present danger of flooding. The nearby settlement eventually became known as Amsterdam.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39529 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2.-Relaxed-neighbourhoods-in-Amsterdam.jpg" alt="2. Relaxed neighbourhoods in Amsterdam" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2.-Relaxed-neighbourhoods-in-Amsterdam.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2.-Relaxed-neighbourhoods-in-Amsterdam-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2.-Relaxed-neighbourhoods-in-Amsterdam-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2.-Relaxed-neighbourhoods-in-Amsterdam-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2.-Relaxed-neighbourhoods-in-Amsterdam-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2.-Relaxed-neighbourhoods-in-Amsterdam-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2.-Relaxed-neighbourhoods-in-Amsterdam-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Although a relative youngster compared to such venerable Dutch cities as Rotterdam and Utrecht, Amsterdam soon flourished, quickly emerging as one of the region’s key commercial ports. Later, during the 17th century Dutch Golden Age, the city became an economic powerhouse, boosted by such innovations as the establishment of the world’s first stock market.&nbsp;
Before long, it was seen as the world’s wealthiest city. Its affluence and influence only grew as its trading network extended across North America, Africa and Asia. Buoyed by the success of the semi-state-owned Dutch East India Company – now considered the world’s first transnational conglomerate – it then went on to annex both Sri Lanka and Indonesia.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39531 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/4.-The-canals-in-Amsterdam-are-a-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site.jpg" alt="4. The canals in Amsterdam are a UNESCO World Heritage Site" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/4.-The-canals-in-Amsterdam-are-a-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/4.-The-canals-in-Amsterdam-are-a-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/4.-The-canals-in-Amsterdam-are-a-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/4.-The-canals-in-Amsterdam-are-a-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/4.-The-canals-in-Amsterdam-are-a-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/4.-The-canals-in-Amsterdam-are-a-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/4.-The-canals-in-Amsterdam-are-a-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Today, although such glories are long gone, the city remains as one with its waterways, once the commercial arteries that ferried the finest goods from across the world into its very heart. Its 165 canals and 1,281 bridges, in fact, all constitute parts of one of UNESCO’s most singular World Heritage Sites.&nbsp;
Without a doubt, though, many of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions can be found very much on dry land and, more particularly, within the Museumplein (Museum Quarter), home to innumerable historical repositories of the very finest examples of Dutch historical and cultural artefacts.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39532 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5.-Rijksmuseum.jpg" alt="5. Rijksmuseum" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5.-Rijksmuseum.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5.-Rijksmuseum-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5.-Rijksmuseum-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5.-Rijksmuseum-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5.-Rijksmuseum-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5.-Rijksmuseum-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5.-Rijksmuseum-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
A good place to start would be the Big Three – the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk. Perhaps the biggest of these is the Rijksmuseum. Originally constructed 100km away in 1800 in The Hague, it settled into its current location in 1885.&nbsp;Within the imposing exterior architecture is a veritable treasure trove of works from many of the Dutch Old Masters, the majority of them created during the region’s Golden Age.
A total of 8,000 pieces are on display, including such celebrated pieces as The Night Watch (Rembrandt), The Milkmaid (Vermeer) and The Meagre Company (Hals). Discerning visitors tend to arrive early and head straight to the second-floor Gallery of Honour where most of these masterworks are to be found.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39533 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6.-Van-Gogh-Museum.jpg" alt="6. Van Gogh Museum" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6.-Van-Gogh-Museum.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6.-Van-Gogh-Museum-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6.-Van-Gogh-Museum-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6.-Van-Gogh-Museum-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6.-Van-Gogh-Museum-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6.-Van-Gogh-Museum-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/6.-Van-Gogh-Museum-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Almost directly adjacent to the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum, an institution solely dedicated to the life and works of this magnificent Dutch Post-Impressionist painter. Opened in 1973, it boasts the world’s largest collection of the uni-lobed artist’s paintings and correspondence. For the most fulfilling experience, opt for the informative audio guide facility as you peruse your way across Van the Man’s finest works.&nbsp;
For those intent on uncovering more contemporary cultural icons, look no further than the nearby Stedelijk. Boasting more than 90,000 of the 20th and 21st centuries’ artiest artefacts, virtually every significant cultural movement from modern times is represented here, including Pop Art, De Stijl and Neo-Impressionism, often by their very finest manifestations.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39530 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3.-Amsterdam-is-a-bicycle-friendly-city.jpg" alt="3. Amsterdam is a bicycle-friendly city" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3.-Amsterdam-is-a-bicycle-friendly-city.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3.-Amsterdam-is-a-bicycle-friendly-city-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3.-Amsterdam-is-a-bicycle-friendly-city-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3.-Amsterdam-is-a-bicycle-friendly-city-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3.-Amsterdam-is-a-bicycle-friendly-city-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3.-Amsterdam-is-a-bicycle-friendly-city-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3.-Amsterdam-is-a-bicycle-friendly-city-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Further away, tucked in an unassuming canal-side construction is Anne Frank House, one of the city’s most chilling repositories of remembrance, It was here that Anne Frank, a 13-year-old Jewish girl, hid from the Nazi pogroms that blighted the city at the height of WWII before being caught and transported to the German concentration camps claimed her life. Her now-famous diary, which recorded her time in hiding, did survive and remains a powerful condemnation of the horrors of the time.
The original hidden annex where Anne and six others took sanctuary for two long years is now open to visitors. For many, it remains a place of pilgrimage and sombre reflection. Afterwards, should you have the appetite, drop by Pancakes Amsterdam next door and sample the Netherlands’ unique take on this classic breakfast offering. Or, for a spot of probably desperately-needed cheer, meander down the canal-hugging Prinsengracht for a spot of retail therapy.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39534 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/7.-Concertgebouw-in-Museumplein.jpg" alt="7. Concertgebouw in Museumplein" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/7.-Concertgebouw-in-Museumplein.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/7.-Concertgebouw-in-Museumplein-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/7.-Concertgebouw-in-Museumplein-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/7.-Concertgebouw-in-Museumplein-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/7.-Concertgebouw-in-Museumplein-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/7.-Concertgebouw-in-Museumplein-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/7.-Concertgebouw-in-Museumplein-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
If your quota of museum meanderings is yet to be wholly filled, there are still plenty more to choose from. Amsterdam, after all, boasts more than 75 different museums, dedicated to everything from houseboats to household pets. After that, you probably deserve a bit of a sit down and the opportunity to explore those intriguing aromas wafting from many of the city’s curiously full cafes. Enjoy.
Text: Tenzing Thondup 
Images: AFP

Amazing Amsterdam: The insiders’ guide to the never-dull Dutch capital

When thinking of Amsterdam, one may be forgiven for conjuring up images of milkmaids in clogs, Edam cheese and windmills. But in fact, the Dutch city is something of a hotspot when it comes to art and historical sights. Here are some must-see museums to visit while you’re in The Dam.
<figure id="attachment_38191" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38191" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38191 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rijksmuseum-tops-our-list-of-must-see-museums-in-Amsterdam.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rijksmuseum-tops-our-list-of-must-see-museums-in-Amsterdam.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rijksmuseum-tops-our-list-of-must-see-museums-in-Amsterdam-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rijksmuseum-tops-our-list-of-must-see-museums-in-Amsterdam-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rijksmuseum-tops-our-list-of-must-see-museums-in-Amsterdam-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rijksmuseum-tops-our-list-of-must-see-museums-in-Amsterdam-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rijksmuseum-tops-our-list-of-must-see-museums-in-Amsterdam-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rijksmuseum-tops-our-list-of-must-see-museums-in-Amsterdam-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38191" class="wp-caption-text">The sprawling Rijksmuseum tops our list of must-see museums in Amsterdam</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en">Rijksmuseum</a> – For artworks by Dutch masters
Perhaps the best-known among Amsterdam’s must-see museums, the Rijksmuseum boasts a veritable treasure trove of collective works from Dutch masters painted at the height of its artistic Dutch Golden Age. A total of 8,000 pieces are on display here, with highlights including The Night Watch by Rembrandt, The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer and The Meagre Company by Frans Hals. If you attempt a visit here, come early and head straight to the Gallery of Honour on the second floor to see these exemplary pieces.
<figure id="attachment_38192" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38192" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38192 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Night-Watch-by-Rembrand-is-the-highlight-of-the-Rikjsmuseum-collection.jpg" alt="The Night Watch by Rembrand is the highlight of the Rikjsmuseum collection" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Night-Watch-by-Rembrand-is-the-highlight-of-the-Rikjsmuseum-collection.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Night-Watch-by-Rembrand-is-the-highlight-of-the-Rikjsmuseum-collection-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Night-Watch-by-Rembrand-is-the-highlight-of-the-Rikjsmuseum-collection-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Night-Watch-by-Rembrand-is-the-highlight-of-the-Rikjsmuseum-collection-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Night-Watch-by-Rembrand-is-the-highlight-of-the-Rikjsmuseum-collection-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Night-Watch-by-Rembrand-is-the-highlight-of-the-Rikjsmuseum-collection-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Night-Watch-by-Rembrand-is-the-highlight-of-the-Rikjsmuseum-collection-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38192" class="wp-caption-text">The Night Watch by Rembrandt is the highlight of the Rikjsmuseum collection</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en">Van Gogh Museum</a> – For an intimate look at the artist’s works and life
Almost directly adjacent to Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh. Opened in 1973, it boasts the largest collection of the artist’s paintings and correspondences in the world. Just last year, it had over 2.3 million visitors, making it Amsterdam’s most popular museum by far. Highlights here include The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers and a series of his most well-regarded self portraits.
<figure id="attachment_38189" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38189" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38189 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Van-Gogh-Museum-boasts-the-biggest-collection-of-Van-Gogh-artworks-in-the-world.jpg" alt="Van Gogh Museum boasts the biggest collection of Van Gogh artworks in the world" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Van-Gogh-Museum-boasts-the-biggest-collection-of-Van-Gogh-artworks-in-the-world.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Van-Gogh-Museum-boasts-the-biggest-collection-of-Van-Gogh-artworks-in-the-world-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Van-Gogh-Museum-boasts-the-biggest-collection-of-Van-Gogh-artworks-in-the-world-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Van-Gogh-Museum-boasts-the-biggest-collection-of-Van-Gogh-artworks-in-the-world-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Van-Gogh-Museum-boasts-the-biggest-collection-of-Van-Gogh-artworks-in-the-world-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Van-Gogh-Museum-boasts-the-biggest-collection-of-Van-Gogh-artworks-in-the-world-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Van-Gogh-Museum-boasts-the-biggest-collection-of-Van-Gogh-artworks-in-the-world-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38189" class="wp-caption-text">Van Gogh Museum boasts the biggest collection of Van Gogh artworks in the world</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.annefrank.org/en/">Anne Frank House</a> – For the WWII history buff
The unassuming office building where Anne Frank, the famous young Jewish diarist, lived in hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam, is now the home of Anne Frank House. The original annex where Frank and six other occupants resided in cramped quarters for over two years is still&nbsp; Here, visitors can expect a sombre exhibition on the persecution of Jews during the war, as well as the annex where Frank and six other occupants managed to live under the Nazi radar for two years.
<figure id="attachment_38190" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38190" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38190 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Anne-Frank-House-houses-the-annex-where-Anne-Frank-hid-from-Nazi-invaders.jpg" alt="Anne Frank House houses the annex where Anne Frank hid from Nazi invaders" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Anne-Frank-House-houses-the-annex-where-Anne-Frank-hid-from-Nazi-invaders.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Anne-Frank-House-houses-the-annex-where-Anne-Frank-hid-from-Nazi-invaders-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Anne-Frank-House-houses-the-annex-where-Anne-Frank-hid-from-Nazi-invaders-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Anne-Frank-House-houses-the-annex-where-Anne-Frank-hid-from-Nazi-invaders-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Anne-Frank-House-houses-the-annex-where-Anne-Frank-hid-from-Nazi-invaders-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Anne-Frank-House-houses-the-annex-where-Anne-Frank-hid-from-Nazi-invaders-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Anne-Frank-House-houses-the-annex-where-Anne-Frank-hid-from-Nazi-invaders-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38190" class="wp-caption-text">Anne Frank House houses the annex where Anne Frank hid from Nazi invaders</figcaption></figure>
Pro Tip: Make sure you reserve your tickets online well in advance of your trip if you want to skip the long queues at the door

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Amazing Amsterdam: The insiders’ guide to the never-dull Dutch capital

Must-see Museums: Three of the hottest Amsterdam museum hotspots