| Amsterdam Centrum refers to the main city | | | | Square, you can see the imposing Koninklijk |
| center of the city of Amsterdam. Many of the | | | | Palace, or Royal Palace. Don't hang around for |
| main attractions (restaurants, coffeeshops, bars | | | | hours on end waiting for a glimpse of the Queen |
| and clubs) are concentrated in a small area of | | | | though as the Dutch Royal family no longer live |
| canal belts spreading out from Central Station, the | | | | here!East of Damrak and Dam Square is the |
| main train station. Here we embark on a walking | | | | famous Red Light District of Amsterdam. Tourists |
| tour around Amsterdam Centrum, taking us | | | | and locals alike cut through this area or wander |
| through the most popular sights.Arriving at Central | | | | around looking at the obvious sights -- ladies ply |
| station after the 35 minute journey from Schipol | | | | their trade in the windows offering a whole range |
| airport, you are greeted by the large covered | | | | of services at different prices. You don't have to |
| glass roof overhanging several platforms serving | | | | buy if you just want to look, indeed most tourists |
| journeys to and from other regions of the | | | | are simply here for the sights. Although often |
| Netherlands as well as further afield in continental | | | | missed, the Red Light District contains some |
| Europe. We depart Central Station and emerge on | | | | beautiful sights, such as picturesque canals at night |
| Damrak.Damrak is the main strip leading from | | | | and old architecture. The Oude Kerk or Old |
| Central station to Dam Square. It is heavily | | | | Church, was built in the 13th century but various |
| populated by pedestrians, trams and bikes -- cars | | | | parts of it have been rebuilt due to damage or |
| are restricted to only a single lane. You can find a | | | | fire over the years.Leidseplein, south-west of |
| multitude of cheap restaurants and snack bars, | | | | Dam Square, is a popular tourist spot. Away from |
| hotels, souvenir shops and bureaux de change. | | | | the hustle and bustle of Dam Square and Damrak, |
| Nearly all the stores on Damrak exist to serve | | | | Leidseplein is a little more relaxed and offers |
| the tourist trade and you can find pretty much | | | | many things to do. To get there, you cross four |
| anything you need here.Parallel to Damrak is the | | | | of the most famous and picturesque canals in |
| main high street, Kalverstraat. This has your | | | | Amsterdam -- Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, |
| typical fare - local versions of global brands. | | | | Herengracht and Singel. Here, you can find nearly |
| Whether you are looking for fast food, women's | | | | fifty restaurants -- whether you like Indonesian, |
| clothes, sports gear, cell/mobile phones or travel | | | | Italian, Japanese or any other cuisine -- you can |
| agencies -- the names will look new to you but | | | | find it here. You can also find some coffeeshops, |
| somehow the street will have a familiar feel to | | | | bars, clubs, comedy venues and tourist shops. |
| it!At the end of Damrak, maybe 300 or 400 | | | | Many hotels are situated near here and, unlike the |
| meters walk, you will find Dam Square. Dam | | | | Red Light District and surrounding areas, there are |
| Square is considered to be the center of | | | | very few, if any, beggars in this area.Amsterdam |
| Amsterdam. It is so called because a Dam was | | | | Centrum is only a small part of what Amsterdam |
| constructed here over five hundred years ago. | | | | has to offer. Further afield is the museum |
| Over the years, it has played host to regular new | | | | quarter, Ajax ArenA football stadium and the |
| years celebrations and also political demonstrations | | | | outlying towns. |
| and carnivals. Opposite the monument in Dam | | | | |