A vast and vibrant city such as Amsterdam is never far from the news. Also, let's be honest, Amsterdam is one of the more liberal cities in the world which means that it tends to attract a rather eclectic mix of people. There is no shortage of weird and wonderful events taking place in Amsterdam on an almost daily basis, this constant churn of activity is part of what gives the city its unique character - lets hope that it doesnt lose this anytime soon.

Here are a few of our favourite Amsterdam stories of recent times:

• This picture was seen on a drawbridge in Amsterdam, witty, subtle and disturbing all at the same time!:

• Detailed and informative Time Magazine report on the efforts of the Amsterdam authorities to 'clean up' the city.
• Some great photos of cyclists around Amsterdam! - three on a bike at once is not uncommon.

• A greetings card from Anne Frank discovered outside Amsterdam - incredible find.
• Amsterdam is so busy that these architects have proposed an underwater city!
• This Google Map of Amsterdam shows a glowing star, where is this divine venue?

View Larger Map

• Amsterdam Airport has flies etched into the urinals - studies reveal that most men aim for them!

These are but a few of our favourite Amsterdam stories, do you have any to share?, please let us know!

As a native Scotsman there are few things that stir the passions as much as football - and it just so happens that my team is taking on the Dutch masters at the Amsterdam ArenA on the 28th of March. This puts me in a rather awkward position as the match features my two favourite countries, but of course - i am fully behind Scotland.

Historically, the Scot's have has their moments against Holland - in 1978 Archie Gemmill scored one of the greatest goals in World Cup history, although Scotland won the match 3-2, they still went out the tournament - yet another glorious failure.



In 2003, Scotland played Holland in the playoffs for the 2004 World Cup - Scotland won the first match 1-0 at Hampden, only to fall to a 6-0 thrashing in the return leg. The Tartan Army being a resolute buch however, ensures that we enter the next couple of fixtures with a degree of confidence, with Holland not perhaps the force they once were. One thing is guaranteed - the Tartan Army will be there in force - they have already booked almost an entire DFDS ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam.

Good luck Scotland!

As we have mentioned several times, Amsterdam is a wonderful city to visit at any time of year. However, we thought that it would be useful to post some videos to try and convey the character of Amsterdam and some of its tourist attractions. This is a selection of some of the best that we have come across, including general tourist guides, the Rijksmuseum, Cycling around Amsterdam and the Anne Frank Museum and the ferry to Amsterdam.

Lonely Planet Travel Guide to Amsterdam



Cycling around Amsterdam



Rijksmuseum State Museum Tour



Anne Frank Museum



Amsterdam in Spring Part 1



Amsterdam in Spring Part 2



There we go! - Hopefully these videos have given you a feel for the atmosphere around Amsterdam, as you can see it is a vibrant and exciting city - try and get there ASAP.

Amsterdam Ferry Port Information

Amsterdam Ferries Port by car

If you traveling to the ferry port by car from Amsterdam - the ferry port is only 18 miles from the city centre, if you head for Dan Haag along the A9 and exit at Ijmuiden/Beverwijk and join the A22, once you come to the town of Ijmuiden drive along the Noordzeecanal then just follow the signs to the terminal. If you are looking for the best deals on cheap ferries there are plenty of internet sites out there that offer some worthy discounts.

Amsterdam Ferry Port by Rail

DFDS seaways provide a connecting bus service from Central Station in Amsterdam to the terminal in Ijmuiden in connection with a local bus company. The coach leaves Central Station 1½ hours before the ferry departs at 18:00 hours.

Ferry Port Parking

While Parking is available at the terminal in Ijmuiden is at the owners own risk as there is no security.

Amsterdam City Bike Tour

If you are looking for a different way to explore Amsterdam then why not try out one of the bike tours on offer.
City Tour

This is off course the best tour and one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam. To start with there will be an historic introduction that will go through some of the fine sights that you will see while biking through the city, After that the tour heads of towards the town centre while cycling over wooden bridges, houseboats towards the royal palace at Dam square, once we have reached there we head off to the war monument before going to the Old church in the red light district where off course you will see the working girls in their windows, after that exhausting trip we head down to the fashion district where you can get a glimpse of all the latest fashion designs and names in Holland, The trip lasts about 3 hours and is one of the best ways to travel the city, there is no other way to see so much so fast in Amsterdam.

Countryside Bike Tour

If you would prefer to have a more relaxing cycling tour then why not try the countryside bike tour where you will visit the likes windmills, clog factories and cheese farms in the fantastic scenery of the Dutch countryside, this tour will last for about 4 hours if you decide to do this tour.