The Lure of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most popular Western European cities to visit and each year, millions of tourists will pass through this wonderful little city either to being or start a journey, or to simply enjoy Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. But what is the attraction of this great city?

Mention to your co-workers that you're going to Amsterdam and you will likely be met with sniggers and jokes. Probably that tells you more about them than it does you, but it is often assumed that visitors to Amsterdam are going for either of the infamous coffeeshops and/or red light district. To some degree, this is true, but even if you are not a participant (although many will quote the maxim: "When in Rome...") in such liberal and tolerated activities, just witnessing it in this true land of the free is a sight to behold. Indeed, the red light district is teaming with women and families more than it is with single men.

For others, the museums hold a very large attraction. The Netherlands produced great artists such as Vincent can Gogh, Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer to name just a few. Their works can be found in museums all over the city. Perhaps there is no other city in the world that can boast the number and variety of museums that Amsterdam can.

Repeat visitors will tell you that there is something almost inexplicable about Amsterdam that draws them back year after year. Whether it's the freedom, the hospitality of the Dutch people, the many attractions or something else, there does exist a hard core of repeat visitors to Amsterdam and its surrounding areas.

Gezelligheid is a Dutch word that is incredibly difficult to translate into English as there is no equivalent word. The closest that it can be described as is cozy, or good atmosphere. When you are with good friends in pleasant surroundings, not rushed and just enjoying yourself, this is gezelligheid. Perhaps this is the true lure of Amsterdam and brings many people back.