Amsterdam Bicycles and Beyond

Discover the allure of Amsterdam, a city that seamlessly weaves its rich cultural heritage with modern urban delights. Renowned for its cycle-friendly streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighbourhoods, Amsterdam beckons travellers with myriad experiences, from exploring world-class museums to navigating the charming streets on bicycles, creating an unforgettable adventure.

Amsterdam is among the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city is known for its culture, heritage, entertainment, scenic views, and good food. However, all these come at a cost, as Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. The city that came into being in the 13th century derives its name from a dam built on the Amstel River. The city prospered during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. During this period, the world-famous canal ring was constructed in the city.

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is known for two things: bicycles and canals. And for good reason, I must say. The city is spread over an area of 213 sq km, which is a lot smaller than what we’re used to in Delhi, as the Indian capital is spread over 1480 sq km. But the size of Amsterdam makes it walkable and, of course, cyclable. If you want to cover longer distances, you can use the network of metros, trams, buses, ferries, and intercity trains. Buy a day pass for 17 euros and travel anywhere in the city. But let me tell you, the bicycle is the favourite mode of transport here. You’ll find all kinds and colours of bicycles on the streets. It’s a delightful sight.

What’s not so delightful, however, is the number of bicycles pulled out of canals every year. Yes, you read that right. Over 12,000 bicycles are fished out of the canals annually. How do so many bicycles end up there, you may ask? Well, a lot of people, especially in the old city area, a touristy place with hundreds of open bars and restaurants, perhaps lose control after drinking.

Speaking of the old city, it has a unique distinction. It has free urinals for men. I didn’t see any for women, though. In other places in the city, if you have to use the washroom, you have to pay one euro, or approximately 90 Indian rupees. Locals say that many drunk men used to urinate in the canal after partying at the local pubs and bars, so the local authorities installed urinals at many places in the area. Perhaps that is why you cannot drink on the streets or alongside canals in Amsterdam. You have to be inside the pubs or at the sitting area of open cafes, as the penalty for drinking in the open starts at 100 euros.

But there’s more to Amsterdam than just canals, bicycles, and free urinals for men. The city has a functional, visibly safe, well-managed, and legally approved Red Light District. Prostitution has been legal here since 2000. Women working as sex workers pay taxes like any other entrepreneur. Girls have to work behind glass windows, so there is no solicitation on the roadside. You’ll find girls in glass boxes with a red light strip. They can’t work more than an 8-hour shift, which generally starts at 8 p.m. at night and ends at 4 a.m. in the morning. These glass windows are rented to girls directly, and the owners of the property cannot deal with middlemen. The girl has to get it on rent herself. She has to meet the owner in person with all relevant documents. This rule ensures that no one is forcing her into the trade and exploiting her. Generally, the rent for one shift ranges around 150 euros.

The oldest church in the city is also located nearby, making it a great place to visit for those who are interested in history and culture. Amsterdam faced significant hardships during World War II, and the Anne Frank house in the city stands witness to the tragedies of those days. It’s surprising to see that Amsterdam’s airport management is quite poor, and the airport itself is not as clean as one would expect. Queues can start outside the departure gates, and it can take several hours to reach the security check. Therefore, it’s advisable to be mentally prepared and avoid travelling during the peak season. Hotels in Amsterdam can be quite expensive, and it’s hard to find a good one even if you’re willing to pay 200 euros. However, you can find good hostels, and if you’re low on budget, try staying in Rotterdam or The Hague.

Amsterdam is a city with a lot to offer, from culture and heritage to good food and entertainment. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s an expensive city, and some areas may not be as clean or well-managed as you might expect. Nonetheless, the city’s unique charm and attractions make it a worthwhile destination to explore.