From the neon glow of the red light district to the story of Anne Frank. DAVID MILLS takes the Eurostar to the unique city of Amsterdam.
FORGET the rigours of airport check-in, the degrading experience of being herded around like cattle and then the endless waiting around for take off.
With Eurostar, you can get from central London to Amsterdam city centre in little over four hours.
When we reached the Dutch capital following a quick change at Brussels Midi, it didn’t feel like we’d passed through four countries en route.
Yet from a sprawling world of red double decker buses and black cabs, we had been thrust into the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, the city of canals, clanging tram bells and more cyclists than any Boris Johnson bike scheme could muster.
Relieved at not having to negotiate getting from the airport to the city centre, we were at our hotel within 10 minutes.
The tolerant culture of Amsterdam is clear for all to see from the colourful characters on the street to the neon glow of the red light district via the exotic smells emanating from the city’s controversial array of coffee shops.
While Amsterdam is small enough to be covered on foot, the uber-efficient tram network will swiftly get you around or take you further afield.
Visitors can quickly get a feel for the place with a stroll down one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets, Zeedijk, which dates back to the 13th century.
This leads round to Oude Kerk – the city’s oldest church – which stands at the heart of the red light district.
If you’re looking for a symbol of Amsterdam, then this is it: scantily clad women standing in the shop window amidst the toll of church bells.
But what’s more amazing for the eye to behold is the number of families and tourist groups filing past, eager to get a glimpse of one of Amsterdam’s more liberal sides.
On the other side of town is a different story altogether, but one that every visitor to Amsterdam should hear – the story of Anne Frank.
Her place of hiding from the Nazis during the Second World War is now a museum, Anne Frank Huis, with a powerful exhibition based on Anne’s world-famous diary.
Art-lovers should make a stop at the city’s Rijksmuseum, a vast collection of Dutch paintings, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch.
And if that’s not enough, the unmissable Van Gogh Museum is next door.
Finally for those wishing to take a rest, just a short walk from the museums is Vondelpark, which at 120 acres is Amsterdam’s most popular green space.
GETTING THERE
One of the most enjoyable and easiest ways to travel to the beautifully compact city of Amsterdam is with Eurostar.
With one easy connection in Brussels passengers can arrive in the heart of Amsterdam in just over four hours.
It’s faster and greener than flying.
Return fares on high-speed services to Amsterdam (Eurostar & Thalys combined) are available from £116.
For more information, visit eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.
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