Step Into The Stereotypes Of Amsterdam

The Netherlands capital city of Amsterdam is a thriving metropolis and one of the world?s most visited cities. If you are planning a trip to the city, but are unsure of what you should do there, why not have a little fun and spend some time learning about what it is stereotypically known for? Why do they wear clogs? When was the windmill first used there? Also, be sure to incorporate all your senses on your adventure and taste the phenomenal cheeses and smell the beautiful tulips. It is definitely recommended that you stay in a city hotel, Amsterdam is quite spread out and staying in hotels close to the city-centre allows for the easiest access to public transportation.

Beyond the clich?s

In order to know why a stereotype exists it is always important to learn about its origin.

Clogs: The Dutch have been wearing wooden shoes, or ?Klompen? as they are referred to, for approximately 700 years. They were originally made with a wooden sole and a leather top or strap tacked to the wood. However, the shoes were eventually made completely out of wood to protect the whole foot. Wooden shoe wearers claim the shoes are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The first guild of clog makers dates back to around 1570 in Holland.

When making clogs, both shoes of a pair must be made from the same kind of wood, even the same side of a tree, so that the wood will shrink at the same rate. While most clogs today are made by machine, a few shoemakers are left and they typically set up shop in tourist areas near any city hotel. Amsterdam also has a clog-making museum, Klompenmakerij De Zaanse Schans, which highlights the shoe?s history and symbolism.

Windmills: The first windmills are said to have existed in Holland from about the year 1200. Today, there are currently eight remaining windmills in the capital. One of the best to visit is De Gooyer, which was built in 1725 over the Nieuwevaart Canal. Its location in the east of city?s downtown area means it is easily accessible from any city hotel. Amsterdam loves its beer and it even has a brewery right next door to the windmill. So while you are enjoying a historical site you can also enjoy a delicious ice-cold beer ? what more could you ask for?

Cheese: It?s impossible to take a trip to Amsterdam without sampling some of its magnificent cheeses. According to the locals, the most flavourful cheeses are available at the Wegewijs Emporium. With over 50 international cheeses and 100 domestic cheeses, you will certainly have a wide-variety to select from.

Tulips: The tulip craze in Holland began around 1635 and was actually referred to as Tulpenmanie, which translates to ?tulip mania.? Tulip bulbs became the fourth leading export product of the Netherlands following gin, herring and cheese.

While in the city the best place to see and buy the most remarkable tulips is the Bloemenmarkt (flower market) along the Singel canal. The country is very proud of its gorgeous flowers and beautiful displays can be found inside any great city hotel. Amsterdam is truly a wonderful city to visit and it certainly deserves to be known for so much more than its stereotypes, however, exploring them can make for a wonderful experience!

About the Author:
Looking for a city hotel, Amsterdam? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering the best rooms in a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Step-Into-The-Stereotypes-Of-Amsterdam/4394398

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