So much more to Amsterdam

People planning to go Dutch by catching ferries from Newcastle to Amsterdam may be aware of a new development that would stop foreign tourists entering its cannabis cafes.

For some people, of course, the liberal attitudes of the Dutch to issues of sex, drugs and other things may provide a reason to go. Many a stag party will visit the city because of its bohemian aspects.

The BBC has revealed a special pass could be needed to enter cannabis cafes that would only be issued to Dutch nationals, following a judge's ruling that overseas visitors should not be allowed in.

However, owners of some of these establishments have appealed and if the law change is upheld, it will not be until next year that it covers the whole country.

But all this can easily distract from the fact that, for all its reputation as a city of fun/sleaze (depending on one's point of view), the truth is that Amsterdam has far more to it than that. After all, would one talk of London purely in terms of what goes on in Soho?

Culture in Amsterdam is a rich and varied thing. Art lovers can see the very best of it at the Van Gogh Museum. Those looking to explore the history of the wartime occupation can find out most at Ann Frank House, where the Jewish girl and her family hid until found in 1944, while people interested in the city's history as a port can enjoy the National Maritime Museum.

People who like boating can enjoy a barge ride on one of the numerous canals that run through the city, as well as enjoying the architecture of a metropolitan area that includes buildings dating back centuries.

Sports fans keen on something very modern may want to visit the Amsterdam Arena, the home of Ajax Football Club, which was built in the 1990s and was one of the early pioneers of the retractable roof. People may watch a match or take a guided tour on other days.

So for discerning visitors, weeding out the weed might just help make Amsterdam a city people will focus on visiting for a wide range of other reasons.

Posted by Andrew Smith
 

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