What to see in Amsterdam? – Part IV

In the first article of this series discussed how to get to Amsterdam and its nerve center, the Dam Square The second half was more cultural and talk of museums and churches not to mention one of its greatest historical sites, the Anne Frank House. In the third part we saw some of the consequences of the Protestant Reformation and visited some of the street markets in Amsterdam. Now is the turn of Chinatown and the popular neighborhood of the capital, can you guess what?.

Photography by james.

Tours in Amsterdam:

Begin the journey in one of the places we visited in the previous article Nieuwmarkt Square. Behind the Casa del Peso, The Waag, a street that goes directly introduces us to Chinatown in Amsterdam. By size is far less comparable to Canal Street in New York but has its charm. On the street Zeedijk a building stands above the rest, this is the For Guang Shan Buddhist temple He Hua. Entrance is free but the truth is not much to see inside, yes, perhaps you will join me in asking that their cause as an excuse to bring out the rooms.

Temple For Guang Shan He Hua:

The rest of Chinatown is just another pair of saturated streets of restaurants and strange smells that, personally, not at all like something that is edible.

And finally we arrived at the time the guys were waiting more viciosillos. Chinatown crossed in just three minutes to reach the Red Light District (Red Light District), by far the most visited area of Amsterdam. For the few who still do not know prostitution is regulated in the Netherlands still legal under certain circumstances. Prostitutes as workers are forced to hire health insurance and pay taxes to the state. In the seventeenth century to sell showcases best start to appear in this area so they offered their services from the window of his home.

Red Light District:

The «show» to see them displayed in windows is something that strikes at first sight. Server is quite liberal and even though I knew that was the subject did not stop surprising me, I even felt some discomfort. The Red Light District is located in the heart of Amsterdam within walking distance from Dam Square and drugs and prostitution have never been more apparent. It is true that this is not unique to Amsterdam as there are coffee shops across the country and booths in eight other cities, although the number remains controlled by law.

Photography by AMagill

Red Light District:

The Red Light District also has numerous pubs, sex shops and erotic entertainment venues make it an enormous temptation sinful open 24 hours a day. Yes, in his morning walk with women are offering their services are not surprised. The street that focuses more premises is Warmoestraat although abundant and all is normal here.

The condom store:

I feel this party is not rich in photographs but you know that taking the camera is frowned upon and kept in its case is an unwritten law which should be respected. Depending on which site you can find you a man that very large and very unfriendly to you the start of the hand. So no pictures of the «windows.»

Finally we will try the other major «industry» of the city, the legal sale and consumption of cannabis (marijuana, grass, or as you please call). Although not exclusive to Amsterdam, as permitted by law throughout the country, the concentration of coffee shops is especially high here because of the influx of visitors. These places can serve drinks and food like any normal bar but with the peculiarity that the sale of alcohol or other drugs is prohibited.

Photography by vitalyzator

Bon Voyage!