Amsterdam A-Z. Part I -

Amstel: If we think of Amsterdam we think about the canals, which reminisce of Venice but slightly larger, since they are almost 50 miles in length and some one thousand bridges cross then. The main water source is the river Amstel and an anecdote is that the bank vaults from the National Bank are located under it for security reasons.

Bicycles: The most popular form of transport, most Amsterdammers use the bicycle as their preferred way of getting around, with the city filled with bicycle lanes everywhere you go. Be careful when you cross the road because the bicycles will be coming from left and right. However, it´s a great way to stay fit and a quick way to get to places, so if you want the real experience rent a bicycle and visit the city on two wheels.

Photo via Matt Spurr

Coffee Shops: It´s normal to find the curious coffee shops all over the city. These are places where people go to smoke marihuana and have a coffee. Alcohol is not usually sold and you can´t smoke tobacco on its own there. There are dozens of types of marihuana and hashish that you can buy by the gram or the joints already rolled. If you don´t smoke, you can also buy the famous space cakes. One of the oldest and most famous coffee shops is the Bulldog, although it has many others of the same chain.

Dam: Dam Square is the starting point for guided tours, more specifically the 77-feet tall obelisk. There you can find the first dam of the Amstel river and the obelisk was built as tribute to the fallen soldiers in the Second World War.

Edam: The Netherlands is one of the world´s best cheese producers and Edam is one of the most famous types. This rich cheese made from cow milk usually comes in a ball and is coated with red paraffin. One of its main characteristics is that edam cheese does not go bad, it just gets harder and, no prizes for guessing, originates from the town of Edam, north of Amsterdam and near the famous town of Volendam.

Frank: This surname is linked forever to the city of Amsterdam. The Frank family, of German origin, spent two years hiding from the Nazis in their home in Amsterdam. They could not leave nor turn the lights on in order not to raise suspicions. In the end, the whole family was divided in different concentration camps. Anne Frank, the most famous member of the Frank family, wrote a diary during those years that has become one of the most famous books in history, The Diary of a Young Girl.

Grachtengordel: Is the name of the ring that the three most important canals in the city make up. Attempting to pronounce its name is quite hard so you´ve been warned: Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht, one of the areas with the most stunning mansions.

Heineken Experience: This exhibition, which you´ll find in the first ever distillery of the beer brand, is a must for all beer lovers, more specifically those who love Heineken. You can try it for free and see its evolution since its foundation in 1867. You´ll learn about how the beer is made and how the Heineken brand became one of the most famous ones in the world.

Internet: It´s easy to find open Wi-Fi networks in bars and restaurants in Amsterdam. The Dutch are permanently online so you don´t have to worry about being connection. You can also enjoy free Wi-Fi in Schiphol Airport.

Jews: The Jewish district is very different to the rest of Amsterdam. The balconies are full of colour and the traditional Dutch architecture completely disappears. There are no more narrow, tall and twisted houses but rather houses made of brick of a larger size and with a terrace. During the Holocaust, it was where many exiled Jews hid.