Amsterdam Sights

  1. Amstelpark

    South of the ringway, in the suburb of Buitenveldert, lies the vast Amstelpark, grounds of an international flower show in 1972. The park is a paradise for kids, with a petting zoo, mini-golf, pony rides and a playground. In summer a miniature train chugs its way around the park. Other attractions include rose and rhododendron gardens, and art exhibitions are held in the Glazen Huis (Glass House), Orangerie and Papillon Gallery.

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  2. Amsterdam RAI

    This exhibition and conference centre (featured, by the way, in Jacques Tati's 1971 film Trafic ) is the largest such complex in the country. The building opened in 1961 and just keeps expanding, for the car, fashion, horse-jumping and 50-odd other shows held here every year. RAI stands for Rijwiel en Automobiel Industrie, the bicycle and auto association. To get there, take the metro to the Amsterdam RAI stop or tram 4

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  3. Homomonument

    Behind the Westerkerk, this 1987 cluster of three 10m x 10m x 10m granite triangles recall persecution by the Nazis, who forced gay men to wear a pink triangle patch. One of the triangles actually steps down into the Keizersgracht, and is said to represent a jetty from which gays were sent to the concentration camps. Others interpret the step-up from the canal as a rising symbol of hope.

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