The Lure of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not a city that falls short when it comes to its adherence to the seemingly obligatory display of high art and culture. It is comparable to Berlin and its museums, to Paris and its light sand cafes, to Madrid and its nightlife. Yet, the one thing that separates Amsterdam from the rest of Europe is the early onset of the performing arts.

Among the earliest theaters in the entire Europe can be found in Amsterdam. It was in the 17th century when the city saw the rise of its first ever theater. The stage was set for both Opera and Ballet. For a moment, these theaters actually presented materials exported from Italy and France. It wasn’t until the 18th century when the German speaking world finally heard their language sang and spoken on the Amsterdam stages. At the present, Amsterdam is home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra that performs at the Concertgebouw just across the Museum Square. The Orchestra actually has three halls for varied performances. These halls are the Spiegelzaal, the Kleine Zaal and Grote Zaal. Yet, more famous than the Concertgebouw is the theater at Leidseplein, the Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam. The resident opera is the Toneelgroep Amsterdam. There’s also the Stopera which is the hoe of the De Nederlandse Opera, the Holland Symfonia and the Het Nationale Ballet.

Another interesting thing about Amsterdam is its nightlife. Their most prominent clubs are the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Another asset in the city is the bruine kroegens which are local and traditional Austrian cafes. Cultural centers are also existent in the city. These places are actually culture exchange centers that offer a wide array of drinks and pastries.

Perhaps, Amsterdam is best known for its red light district. As the famous saying says, “Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam.” This is especially true since more than the museums, cafes, orchestras and operas of the city, the red light district remains to be the primary reason for tourists to go over Amsterdam. The best known of these alleys is the De Wallen. As in other districts, along a navigable road are rows and rows of tiny apartments with small windows from whence the prostitutes call for prospective costumers. Everything about sex like shops, museums, etc. are all available at the De Wallen.

When Venice has its canals, Berlin its museums and Paris its lights, the red light district brands Amsterdam as different. Yet, as in any other European city, its high art and sophisticated culture is more than worthy of a visit of sorts.

Hotels in Amsterdam