Canals / Houseboats, Amsterdam

Favorite thing: In the 17th century a beautiful panorama of towers made Amsterdam recognizable from a far.
All towers, including the churchtowers, were property of the local municipal government.
Not only did they serve as points of orientation and clockworks of the city, they also were a look out post (fire brigade).
They were not only useful, they also were a 'cieraet deser stede' (jewel of the city), which explains the many view throughs.
The many towers of the city showed how wealthy Amsterdam was.
The Montelbaanstower and Munttower are fine examples of the former wealth. These two towers are remains of defense towers from the Middle Ages, which got a new top in the 17th century (in 1606 and 1620).
These decorative renaissance towers were designed by the city building master Hendrick de Keyser.
The Montelbaanstoren is 48 m, the Munttoren 41 m high.

Favorite thing: One of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam was just to walk along the canals and bridges and look at the scenery. It is a beautiful city that you must walk around in to enjoy. Take plenty of time. Every corner and every street offers a new experience.

Favorite thing: even though most of the canals and streets look the same if you look close you'll see major differences throughout the city..

Fondest memory: again i fell in love with amsterdam, i believe i could live here if i get my dutch down....

Favorite thing: the city it's self is very small, we walked the entire trip everywhere we went. the only time we took a cab was the first day from dam square to the b&b then 2 more times late at night when we were to tired to walk. if you really want to experiance all this city has to offer you have to trek it on foot, otherwise your proned to get caught up in the hustle.

Fondest memory: the streets and buildings are each truly unique, they might all look the same from a distance but at a closer glance you'll notice differences in most of the builings and streets. the architecture of amsterdam was everything and more than i expected.

Favorite thing: On a canal boat tour during the day, early sites include the New Metropolis Museum at Oosterdok. Numerous barges are also seen along the harbors. The lower picture shows reproduction sailing vessel near the harbor entrance. (Interesting 'coin' story goes along with the canal tour)

Favorite thing: Walk around the lovely watercanals, or take a boattrip around! It´s nice!

Fondest memory: New Year´s Eve 1996....The streets were burning in the night, cause the Dutch seem to love fireworks and burned whole boxes of it! It was like war!
Maybe it was because it was so damn cold that night:) Minus 20° degrees celsius!

Favorite thing:
Just placing pics now. Info follows later. Thanks to be patient...

Favorite thing: Visit the canals. The architecture surrounding the banks of the canals is so beautiful that everywhere you look there seems to be a photograph!

Fondest memory: We did not book any accomodation before leaving England as we thought it would be a great adventure for four travellers on a budget to arrive at the airport and then find somewhere to stay! We arrived the weekend of a large conference and were told that the only place still available was the 4* Airport Hilton (a little more expensive, and a little less of a cultural experience than we would have liked) However, it worked out cheaper than a 2* hostel in Amsterdam town centre due to the fact they had so many rooms left, it was near to the airport (and it's train link to central Amsterdam) and we were treated like royalty! Probably the best thing that could have happened to us!

Fondest memory: The canals really are beautiful. It's like having a hundred miles of shoreline in one city. There are some great cafes and restaurants though many are pricey so I didn't get much of a chance to sample the cuisine.

Fondest memory: The biggest surprise was all of the houseboats moored in the canals. What an interesting way to live in the middle of the city. I wonder what the rental on canal space is? If you want, you can take a canal trip -- there are tours. It is a romantic way to see that part of the city. However, it is a shame to look down only to see so much garbage floating in the water.