SEKAI Explorer Guide Amsterdam (2011)

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Table of Content:

• Districts

Old Center

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Jordaan

Plantage

South

West

Waterland and Zaan Region

East

Duivendrecht

City center

Outer districts

• Understand

Orientation

Attitudes

Climate

• Get in

By plane

Schiphol by train

Schiphol by local transport

Schiphol by taxi

Schiphol, other modes of transport

Other airports

By train

By bus

By car

By sea

• Get around

On foot and bike

Public transport

Trains

Car

Taxis

Tuk-Tuks

• See

Architecture

Churches & Synagogues

Modern architecture

Windmills

Museums

Zoo and botanical garden

Attractions and tours

City beaches

Red Light District

• Do

Amsterdam for free

Festivals

• Learn

Work

• Buy

Street markets

• Eat

Places to eat

Local specialties

Places to avoid

Budget

• Drink

Bars and pubs

Clubs

Coffeeshops

• Sleep

• Contact

Internet

Telephone

• Stay safe

General

Neighborhoods

Cannabis and other drugs

• Cope

Publications

Religious services

• Get out

About 30 minutes

About one hour

Districts

City center

Old Center
The oldest and most visited area of Amsterdam, known for its traditional architecture, canal tours, shopping and many coffeeshops. Most evolves around Dam Square, but the area around Nieuwmarkt is also interesting, as it is the home of Chinatown and the Red Light District.

Canal Ring
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historical district is among the wealthiest of the country with plenty of Dutch celebrities owning property here. Rembrandt Square and Leidse Square are the city's prime nightlife spots.

Jordaan
A traditional working class area gone upmarket with plenty of art galleries, hip boutiques and happening restaurants. Also includes the Haarlemmerbuurt and the Western Islands.

Plantage
Intended to be an extension of the Canal Ring, lack of demand made this into a leafy area with lots of greenery, botanical gardens and Artis Zoo.

Outer districts

South
A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to the Museum Quarter. It's also recommended to chill with a bottle of wine in the Vondelpark on a warm day, or to go hunting for bargains at the Albert Cuyp Market. It is the most popular area for accommodation as rates are considerably cheaper than in the city center, but you can get there within 15 min.

West
A vast suburban area that can be divided in the Old West and the New West. The Old West is a charming area built in the 19th century. The New West dates from after World War II and often catches newspaper headlines for crime; urban renewal is underway to improve living conditions in the area.

North
North is a newly-built suburb, at the northern side of the IJ estuary. East of motorway A10 lies Waterland, a protected polder area similar to the Waterland and Zaan Region. It's a great way to explore the traditional Dutch countryside (by bicycle of course!).

East
The East is a large residential area that mostly evolves around the Oosterpark. IJburg is also interesting for its modern architecture and artificial beach.

Bijlmer
An exclave of Amsterdam, separated from the rest of the city by Diemen and Duivendrecht, the Bijlmer was foreseen as a town of the future for middle-class families. It turned into a lower-class residential district home to people of over 150 nationalities, often associated with crime and robberies. It has improved remarkably the last years but it still is an area only for adventurous travelers (and football fans).

Understand

Orientation

The "Amsterdam" that most visitors experience is the city centre, the semi-circle with Central Station at its apex. It corresponds to the city as it was around 1850. Five major concentric canals ring the Old Center; the Singel, the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht, the Prinsengracht, and the Singelgracht, together forming the Canal Ring. Other districts inside the city center are the Jordaan, a working-class area gone upmarket, and Plantage, a leafy and spacious area known for its zoo and botanical gardens. The roads Nassaukade, Stadhouderskade, and Mauritskade surround the center and mark the location of the former city moat and fortifications. Almost everything outside this line was built after 1870.

The semi-circle is on the south side of the IJ, often called a river but more exactly is an estuary. Going east from Central Station, the railway passes the artificial islands of the redeveloped Eastern Docklands. North of the IJ is mainly housing, although a major dockland redevelopment has started there too.

The river Amstel flows into the city from the south. Originally, it flowed along the line Rokin-Damrak. The dam in the Amstel, which gives the city its name, was located under the present Bijenkorf department store. The original settlement was on the right bank of the Amstel, on the present Warmoesstraat: it is therefore the oldest street in the city. The city has expanded in all directions, except to the north of the ring motorway. The region there, the Rural North, is a protected rural landscape of open fields and small villages that could be considered as part of the Waterland region.

The radius of the semicircle is about 2 km. All major tourist destinations, and most hotels, are located inside it or just outside it. As a result, much of Amsterdam is never visited by tourists: at least 90% of the population lives outside this area. Most economic activity in Amsterdam — the offices of the service sector, and the port — is on or outside the ring motorway, which is 4-5 km from the centre.

The expansion of Amsterdam outside this beltway, and the expansion of activity outside the old centre, is redefining what locals consider the 'central area' of Amsterdam. Without a doubt the most popular district outside of the city centre is South for its quality museums and gentrified neighbourhood 'De Pijp'.

Attitudes

Many people choose to visit Amsterdam because of its reputation for tolerance, although part of this reputation is attributable to cultural misunderstandings. Prostitution is legalized and licensed in the Netherlands, and in Amsterdam it is very visible (window prostitution), and there are large numbers of prostitutes. The sale, possession, and consumption of small quantities of cannabis, while technically illegal, is tolerated by authorities (the policy of gedogen). This does not mean that you can get away with anything in Amsterdam. In any case, public attitudes and official policy have hardened in recent years. For more on coffee shops and drugs, see below in Stay safe.

Depending on your viewpoint some people will consider Amsterdam an unwholesome city whereas other people will find their relaxed attitudes refreshing. If you avoid the red light district, Amsterdam is an excellent family destination.

Most people in Amsterdam, young or old, seem to speak at least some conversational English.

Climate

Amsterdam is a large city and a major tourist destination, so you can visit it all year round. However, in winter the days are short (8 hours daylight around Christmas), and the weather may be too cold to walk around the city comfortably, let alone cycle. January and February are the coldest months, with lows around -1°C and highs around 5°C. July and August are the warmest months, with an average temperature of 72°F (22°C). Some things are seasonal: the tulip fields flower only in the spring, and Queen's Day (Koninginnedag) is always on 30 April, unless it falls on a Sunday. Queen Beatrix was actually born on 31 January, but since January is very cold, the celebrations are held on the day she became the queen of the Netherlands, which is also the birthday of her mother, Juliana.

Get in

By plane

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (IATA: AMS) (ICAO: EHAM) [2] is one of the busiest airports in the world, situated 15 km south-west of the city. Jet2.com [3], Easyjet [4], and other low-cost carriers serve Schiphol, providing a fairly economical way to city-hop to Amsterdam from other spots in Europe. As Amsterdam is a very popular destination, the cheapest tickets may be gone, and in that case a traditional carrier might be cheaper. So it pays to check a number of airlines before booking, to get the best deal. The national carrier for the Netherlands is KLM [5], now merged with Air France. With partner Delta Air Lines [6] they offer worldwide connections. The US, Asia and Europe are particularly well served at Schiphol. British Airways offer up to 15 flights per day to 3 London Airports; Heathrow, Gatwick and London City

For very frequent visitors to Amsterdam (6 or more times a year) it may be useful to invest in a Privium [7] card. This is available to EU passport holders only, but allows you to cut the queues at passport control. Instead of showing your passport you go to a special lane with an iris scanner, this will save a significant amount of time if the passport lines are long. Cost is currently €119 + €69 for a partner. However, American passport holders can qualify for Privium use if they request it after they join the American equivalent "Global Entry" which is operated by United States Customs and Border Protection.

When leaving Amsterdam, give yourself enough time to get to your plane and through security (especially when flying to the United States)! Schiphol is a large airport - be there at least 1 hr in advance. If you have time to kill, drop into the Rijksmuseum's Schiphol branch, between E and F Pier (non-Schengen area airside), which is free and open 7AM-8PM daily.

Coin-operated storage lockers are located along the main hallway through the transit/departure area, across from the start of the E wing. From €5 per 24 hr, maximum one week. [8]

Schiphol by train

From Schiphol there is a direct train[9] to Amsterdam Central Station, for €3.70 (or €7.40 for same-day return), in 20 min. Buy the ticket from the machine (yellow with blue writing); if you purchase your ticket at the counter you will pay €0.50 extra. Not all machines accept credit or debit cards. The train station at Schiphol is located underground, under the main airport hall; trains to Amsterdam Central Station usually run from platform 3.

There are 4 to 5 trains per hour between Schiphol and Amsterdam in peak times. Trains run all night, although between 1AM and 5AM only once an hour. The price and duration of the journey are the same as during the day.

Watch out for pick-pockets and baggage thieves: a common trick is a knock on your window to distract you, so that an accomplice can steal your luggage or laptop. Another one is to have an accomplice jam the doors and then steal your luggage. The thief jumps out and the door immediately closes, making it impossible to catch them. However, in recent years, railway police have made a great effort to reduce this sort of crime; nowadays it is at 'normal', big-city like levels.

Schiphol by local transport

If you are desperately trying to save money or are staying near Leidseplein, you could use local transport from Schiphol to central Amsterdam. A trip takes about 30 min and leads directly to the south-west of the centre of Amsterdam (namely Museumplein and Leidseplein). Take local bus 197 which costs you €2.38 to Leidseplein using the OV-chipkaart, or €4.00 on board.

Bus 197 currently runs every 15 min for most of the day, daily from 5:01AM till midnight. From midnight till 5AM, night buses run to and from the airport. If you don't want to change buses, take night bus N97 for €4. This bus runs once an hour.

Schiphol by taxi

Do not use a taxi unless there is no alternative; travel to Schiphol by train or by bus, if possible. Taxis from Schiphol are expensive and priced unexpectedly. You pay around €7.50 (as of Oct 08) as a minimum charge and that includes the first 2 km. Then the meter starts racing. The ride costs about €40-50 to go to, say, the Leidseplein. Depending on the time of day and traffic levels, it could take only 25 min. If you're unlucky, it could take twice as long. Choose the nicest cab as that driver is more likely to be reputable. You don't have to pick the first taxi in line.

Schiphol, other modes of transport

The Connexxion Hotel Shuttle [10] serves over 100 city center hotels, with 8-seater shared van departures about every 30 minutes between 6 AM and 9 PM, cost to most city center destinations €15.50/25.00 one-way/return -- more convenient than the train if you have heavy luggage and still cheaper than a taxi. Buses depart from platform A7 and can be reserved for the trip back ☎ +31 38 3394741.

If you plan to rent a car for the duration of your stay, Schiphol has several car rental companies on site [11]. Typical opening hours are 6AM-11PM daily. The car rental desk can be found in Schiphol Plaza, on the same level as the arrival halls. The A4 motorway leads straight from Schiphol to the Amsterdam ring road A10, in about 10 min.

If you decided to bring your bicycle on the plane with you, there is a 15-kilometer sign-posted bike route from the airport to Amsterdam. Turn right as you leave the airport terminal: the cycle path starts about 200 metres down the road. There is a map of the cycle paths around Schiphol available on this PDF (green lines are cycle paths).

Other airports

Using airports other than Schiphol could prove cheaper in some cases, as some budget airlines fly to Eindhoven and Rotterdam Airports. Then buses and trains can be used to get to Amsterdam. Renting a car is also an option. A taxi is not advisable, from Rotterdam to Amsterdam a taxi would cost €130, and from Eindhoven even more.

From Eindhoven Airport (IATA: EIN, ICAO: EHEH) [12] take a local bus (Hermes bus 401, duration about 25 minutes, frequency about four times per hour, €3.20 on board or €2.05 using a 15 strippenkaart or €1.71 using an OV-chipkaart) to the train station, from there take a train to Amsterdam (duration 1hr 20 min, frequency four times per hour, single €17.20). Alternatively, take the express bus directly from the airport to Amsterdam central station, which takes 2 hr 15 min. This service goes only 3 to 4 times per day; see their website for a schedule. The ticket price is €25.50 for a single or €42.50 for a return [13].

From Rotterdam The Hague Airport (IATA: RTM, ICAO: EHRD) [14] ("Zestienhoven") take a city bus (RET "airport shuttle" bus 33, duration 25-30 minutes, frequency every 10-20 minutes, €2.50 on board or €1.39 using the OV-chipkaart) to Rotterdam Centraal train station, from there take a train to Amsterdam (duration about an hour, frequency every 10-20 minutes, single €13.40).

Schiphol airport is 11 km from the centre of Amsterdam in a straight line, Rotterdam is 57 km and Eindhoven is 107 km. Other airports that could possibly be used are:

- Groningen Airport Eelde (142 km) (IATA: GRQ) [15]

- Maastricht Aachen Airport (173 km) (IATA: MST) [16]

- Weeze Airport in Germany (121 km) (IATA: NRN) [17]

- Antwerp International Airport in Belgium (135 km) (IATA: ANR) [18]

- Brussels Airport in Belgium (167 km) (IATA: BRU) [19]

By train

Most trains arrive and depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station (with one extra 'a' in Dutch), located between the old centre and the IJ waterfront. Other train stations are Duivendrecht, Bijlmer-ArenA (both southeast), Amstel, Muiderpoort (both east), RAI, Zuid-WTC (both south), Lelylaan and Sloterdijk (both west). Schiphol airport also has its own train station, which functions as a major hub within the Netherlands. It has at least seven trains an hour to Amsterdam Central, with additional trains going to other Amsterdam stations.

Direct international trains run to Brussels (which is 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr away and connects with Eurostar trains to London St Pancras and Ebbsfleet (Kent) in England), Paris, Cologne, Frankfurt, Berlin, Copenhagen, Milan, Zurich, Vienna, Prague and Moscow. See NS Hispeed [20] for an international journey planner for trains into/out of the Netherlands.

By bus

Most international bus services are affiliated to Eurolines, which has a terminal at Amstel Station (train station, metro station 51, 53, 54, tram 12). One bus per day is usually the maximum frequency on these routes. There are other international bus services, but they are often aimed at very specific markets, e.g. Polish migrant workers. There are almost no long-distance internal bus services in the Netherlands, and none to Amsterdam.

By car

The western part of the Netherlands has a dense (and congested) road network. Coming from the east (Germany), the A1 motorway leads directly to Amsterdam. On the A12 from Arnhem, change at Utrecht to the A2 northbound. From the south (Belgium), the A2 goes directly to Amsterdam: the A16 /A27 from Antwerp via Breda connects to the A2 south of Utrecht. From The Hague, the A4 leads to Amsterdam. All motorways to Amsterdam connect to the ring motorway, the A10. From this motorway, main roads lead radially into Amsterdam (the roads S101 through S118).

In most cases, you should want to avoid going to the city centre by car: traffic is dense and parking spaces are expensive and nearly impossible to find. Instead, when on the A10, follow the signs to one of the P+R-spots (P+R Zeeburg to the east, P+R ArenA and P+R Olympisch Stadion to the south, P+R Sloterdijk to the west). Here, you can park your car, and take public transport to the city centre, for a single fare. There are also a few places a short walk from outer tram stops to park for free.

The speed limit on Dutch motorways is 120 km/h, except where indicated. On the A10 ring motorway around Amsterdam, the maximum speed is 100 km/h, and 80 km/h on the Western section. These limits are strictly enforced and there are many speed cameras.

By sea

The maritime Passenger Terminal Amsterdam is close to the city centre but is only for cruise ships. The nearest ferry port is IJmuiden (ferry from Newcastle upon Tyne) with DFDS Seaways, who offer a daily overnight ferry services from Newcastle-upon-Tyne (North Shields) in the United Kingdom see [21] (official site). 125 km away by car there is a ferry terminal at Rotterdam Europoort (ferry from Kingston Upon Hull), and Hook of Holland (ferry from Harwich). it's about 80 km by the road to Amsterdam by the most direct route. Hook of Holland has an train station. Take the train to Schiedam Centrum or Rotterdam Centraal and from there a train to Amsterdam.

Get around

On foot and bike

Amsterdam's centre is fairly small, and almost abnormally flat, so you can easily get to most tourist destinations on foot - from the train station, within half an hour.

A pleasant way to cover a lot of ground is to rent a bicycle. There are approximately 750,000 people living in Amsterdam and they own about 600,000 bicycles. The city is very, very bike-friendly, and there are separate bike lanes on most major streets. In the city centre, however, there is often not enough space for a bike lane, so cars and cyclists share narrow streets. Cyclists do not have the right of way even though it might appear so when observing the typical Amsterdammer's cycling behaviour. Be very careful and cycle defensively, also watch out for other cyclists. If not indicated otherwise by signs, the right-before-left rule applies. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails; it's a nasty fall. Always cross tram rails at an angle. When crossing tram lanes, watch out for fast approaching taxis. They have a rather ruthless driving style. Let none of the above deter you from doing it the Amsterdam way. Rent a bike! There are bike rental shops at stations, and several others in and around the city centre. Bikes cost about €9 to €20 per day. (Bring wet gear.)

A good map for cycling (routes, repairs, rentals + also public transport) is Amsterdam op de fiets (a Cito-plan). When preparing a route, there's a digital bicycle route-planner for Amsterdam, see Routecraft.com [22]

Bicycles can be taken for free on all ferries across the IJ, and on all metros and some carriages of tram 26 using the bike supplement fee (€1.50 in 2010) on the OV chipcard. Use the special bike racks, locations indicated by a bicycle sign on the outside of the carriage.

Make sure to get a good lock (or two), and to use it. Amsterdam has one of the highest bicycle theft rates in the world, see the Netherlands page. Note also that if buying a bike, prices that seem too good to be true are stolen bikes. Any bike offered for sale to passers-by, on the street, is certainly stolen. There's an old Amsterdam joke; When calling out to a large group cyclists passing by; "Hey, that's my bike!" about five people will jump off "their" bikes and start running.

- Star Bikes Rental [23]. Classic and solid dutch bikes for those who want to fit in with the locals. They have the traditional black granny, pick-ups, tandems, bikes for kids and for disabled needs. Prices: 5€ (4 hr) - 7€ (full day) - 9€ (24 hr), 2 lockers included. This business is located behind Central Station. You can also arrange exclusive picnic and barbacue sets within your rental.

- MacBike Bicycle Rental [24]. Perhaps the most ubiquitous bicycle rental agency in Amsterdam, their bicycles are painted red with a MacBike sign on the front, everyone will know you're visiting. The bicycles are reliable, and in very good condition. Several locations around the city centre for assistance or repairs. Online bicycle reservations at their website.

- Orangebike, Rentals & Tours [25]. Their bikes are not so obvious coloured, more discrete, reliable and sturdy. The typical Dutch Grandmother bikes are available at Orangebike. 3 hr historical city tour by bike for €19.50. Online reservations available.

- Frederic site map Bike, insurance, bags, locks, and children seats all included for €10 a day. Extremely close to central station. Bikes are offered "incognito", for the discerning guest who does not want to appear "touristy".

- Damstraat Offer daily to weekly rentals. Have promotions in place with several hotels for "discount tickets", ask at the front desk. €12.50 for the first 24 hr, insurance included. Offers repairs for your bike and new and used bike sales.

- Het Zwarte Fietsenplan [26]. Rent traditional Dutch bikes. Explore Amsterdam on a traditional black bike. There are no bright red, yellow, blue or orange bikes in their shops. There are 3 locations throughout the city centre and the shops have long opening hours, 7 days a week. Also rents out cagobikes for kids.

The bicycle is ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside. Within half an hour you're out of town. Go North, take the ferry across the IJ to Waterland. Or go South, into the Amsterdamse Bos (a giant park), or follow the river Amstel where Rembrandt worked. You can also take your bike on the metro (with a reduced fare ticket, see public transport gvb.nl [27]) to end of line Gaasperplas, and cycle along rivers and windmills to old fortified towns like Weesp , Muiden and Naarden.

Public transport

Public transport within the city is operated by the GVB (Gemeentevervoerbedrijf [28]). The tram (18 lines) is the main form of public transport system in the central area, and there are also dozens of (night-)bus routes. Regional buses, and some suburban buses, are operated by Connexxion [29] and Arriva [30]. All tram stops have a detailed map of the system and the surrounding area. You can also get a free public transport map at the GVB Tickets & Info offices (just outside Centraal Station).

There is a four line metro, including a short underground section in the city centre, that serves the neighborhoods of the South East. It takes 15-20 min from Centraal Station or Waterlooplein to the Bijlmer (Amsterdam Arena stadium, Heineken Music Hall and Pathe Arena cinema and IMAX). A fifth metro line, the north/south line, is currently under construction.

This big project started in 2003 to build a new underground metro line to connect the north of Amsterdam with the south (the Noord/Zuidlijn or North/Southline). The project has proved somewhat of a disaster for the city government with big budget overruns and delays. Building in the wet underground of Amsterdam is difficult and some buildings along the line have sustained damage due to subsidence. For the visitor to Amsterdam, the only thing to note are the ongoing roadworks along the route of the metro line. Underground metro stations are still being built or finished often causing parts of roads to be blocked off to cars, buses and trams for an extended time. Usually you can pass on foot or bicycle. In 2011 building work is being undertaken in the city centre at Central Station, Damrak, Rokin and Vijzelgracht/Weteringcircuit.

A new national ticketing system has recently been introduced, based on a contactless card, called OV-chipkaart ("Public Transport chip card"). Since 3 June 2010, the old 'strippenkaart' system has been abandoned on all forms of public transport in Amsterdam, making the chipkaart the only valid way of travelling in Amsterdam. To travel with a card, one has to check in at the start of the journey and check out at the end by holding the card in front of the card reader.

Three types of OV-chipkaart are available:

- a personal card on which you can load weekly/monthly/yearly subscriptions

- an anonymous card on which you can load money which can be spend on public transport

- a disposable card which can be used for a limited number of hours/trips only

The first two types carry a fee of €7.50 for the card itself, and you have to have at least €4 on it to be able to travel. The OV-chipkaart can be obtained from GVB vending machines in all metro stations, from the desks at some bigger stations (including Centraal Station) and some shops (see this map).

For visitors, the most useful type of travel pass is probably the 24/48/72/96/120/144/168 hour ticket. This allows the holder to travel on an unlimited number of journeys on the tram, metro and (night)bus throughout the validity period of the pass. On a tram, only the 24 hr ticket is available. These passes are also available at tourist offices (located at Schiphol airport and just outside Centraal Station), AKO bookstores in Schiphol Airport and Centraal Station, many hotels and GVB Tickets & Info. Day passes are not valid on busses operated by Connexxion and Arriva.

Prices as of Jan 2010: €7/24 hours, €11.50/48 hours, €15.50/72 hours, €19.50/96 hours, €23/120 hours, €26/144 hours and €29/168 hours. If you stay longer in Amsterdam, you can buy discounted weekly or monthly tickets from most post offices or other ticket sale points which are cheaper. GVB tickets are not valid on trains to Schiphol airport. You can use them on buses to Schiphol but it's usually quicker to get there by train. For current information on the Dutch Public Transportation-system ('Openbaar Vervoer' or O.V. in Dutch/NL) check online Openbaar Vervoer (O.V.).

Most trams these days have conductors, near the rear of the tram. Board by the driver or the conductor. If you have questions, the conductor will be sure to respond to your query. You can also buy 1 hr and 24 hr tickets at the conductors. Enter buses only via the front door.

There are several free ferry services across the IJ river, to Amsterdam North, the most frequent runs every 7 min. They all leave from a new jetty on the northern (rear) side of Centraal Station. The nicest one is the 15 min service to NDSM Werf, a funky, up and coming, industrial neighborhood with a nice cafe-bar (IJkantine) restaurant (Noorderlicht), indoor skateboard park, and the Pancake Boat (Pannekoekenboot) which sails many times each week. Ferries leave every 30 min from Centraal Station and from NDSM Werf. Double frequencies during rush hours.

Trains

For journeys outside the city, the train is usually the best option. Besides some exceptions, all trains in the Netherlands are operated by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen [31] (NS, "Dutch Railways"). Their website has English-language information.

Ticket machines are the standard way to buy a ticket, it costs 50 cents extra to buy a ticket at ticket counters, and at Central Station, there are often long lines at these counters. Older machines are not in English and as such can be difficult to interpret. New machines come with a language selection, and support English, Dutch, French and German but usually accept only credit and debit cards (note that many foreign credit and debit cards do not work in most NS ticket machines). In Central Station, there is a machine that accepts cash and is in the hallway in front of the ticket office.

You face a fine of €35, due immediately, if you are caught on the train without a ticket. The chance of getting caught without a ticket is almost certain on main routes during the day, but there is always a random element.

For discount tickets and rail passes see the Netherlands page.

Car

It is practical to use a car only outside of the historic centre; within the historic center, the traveller is advised to stay with public transport. In Amsterdam, a car is generally a liability and not an asset. Use a car only if you are going to an obscure location many miles out that is not served by public transport.

Driving around Amsterdam is a pain: many of the streets are narrow, the traffic (and parking) signs are baroque and obscure, and cyclists and pedestrians may get in your way. Plus, petrol is about €1.54 to €1.7 per litre. You can try parking at one of the secured parking garages, for example under Museumplein, or near the Central Station, and then walk around the city centre, or use a tram. Car parking is very expensive in Amsterdam and it's often hard to find a place to park. You can choose to pay by the hour or for the whole day. Parking is free outside the centre on Sunday. There is always a spot available on the Albert Cuypstraat (which is a market during the rest of the week). From there, it is a 5 minute tram ride or 15 min walk downtown.

Another option is to park your car further outside the city-centre. For € 6,- you get a full day (24 hr) of parking and a return ticket downtown. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Look for the P+R (Park and Ride) signs. [32]

You can also park for free in some parts of Amsterdam outside the city centre though this may be slowly changing. Parking is still free everywhere in Amsterdam-Noord, and you can just take the bus from the Mosplein stop to the city centre easily. Plenty of buses run through here.

Popular car rental chains operate in a smaller capacity in Amsterdam, including Avis and Budget Rent a Car.

Taxis

Taxis in Amsterdam are plentiful but expensive. Hailing taxis on the street is generally not to be recommended unless you are going to a big landmark (e.g., Central Station or Schiphol). The recent liberalisation of the taxi service in Amsterdam has meant an influx of taxi drivers who have little or no clue of where they are going and who drive erratically and dangerously (e.g., driving on bicycle lanes instead of the main road or ignoring red lights). Tourists are advised to stick to public transport if at all possible. Get into a taxi only if you know the route yourself and are able to give directions to the taxi driver and if you know roughly how much the journey ought to cost so you don't get cheated.

Some drivers, traditionally at Centraal Station or Leidseplein, will refuse short trips or will quote outrageously high fares, even though all taxis are metered. Even if you convince the driver to use the meter, he will often take a circuitous route that racks up €15 or more on the meter. For reference, no trip within the historic centre should cost more than €10 or so.

The Netherlands (and Amsterdam) is in the middle of a huge taxi liberalization scheme which has been jarring to all involved. After many missteps, the government has introduced an unusual pricing scheme. First you feel sticker shock as the initial fare is now €7.50. Luckily, that includes the first two kilometres of travel and there is no charge for waiting in traffic. If you need to run in somewhere, you need to negotiate a waiting fee with the driver. 50 cents per minute is customary.

Unlicensed, illegal, cabbies operate mainly in Amsterdam Zuidoost. These aren't easily recognized as such, and most certainly don't drive Mercedes cars. They are known as snorders and most easily reached by mobile phone. Rides within Amsterdam Zuidoost (the Bijlmer) range from €2.50 to €5, whereas Zuidoost-Center can run up to €12.50. Snorders have a shady reputation, so consider their services only if you are adventurous.

Tuk-Tuks

A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles was introduced in August 2007 and may be a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). They take reservations 24 hr /day 0900 99 333 99 and there is a fee of €0.55 per call.

See

Architecture

Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centers in Europe, with about 7,000 registered historic buildings. The street pattern has been largely unchanged since the 19th century — there was no major bombing during World War II. The center consists of 90 islands linked by 400 bridges, some of them beautifully lit at night.

The inner part of the city center, the Old Center, dates from medieval times. The oldest streets are the Warmoesstraat and the Zeedijk located in the Nieuwmarkt area of the Old Center. As buildings were made of wood in the Middle Ages, not much of this period's buildings have survived. Two medieval wooden houses did survive though, at Begijnhof 34 and Zeedijk 1. Other old houses are Warmoesstraat 83 (built around 1400), Warmoesstraat 5 (around 1500) and Begijnhof 2-3 (around 1425). The Begijnhof is a late-medieval enclosed courtyard with the houses of beguines, Roman Catholic women living in a semi-religious community. Beguines are found in Northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and north-western Germany. House number 34 at the Begijnhof is the oldest home in Amsterdam. Entry to the courtyard and surrounding gardens is free, but be careful not to disturb the local community still living here.

One of the most prominent features is the Canal Ring, a concentric ring of canals built in the 17th century. The merchant-based oligarchy that ruled the trading city of Amsterdam built canal houses and mansions in the most prestigious locations here, especially along the main canals. Typical for the country are its traditional white draw bridges. The best example has to be the Magere Brug in the Canal Ring, which is over 300 years old and nearly in its original capacity. It is a beautiful place to overlook the river and take in some traditional Dutch architecture.

The Jordaan was built around 1650 along with the Canal Ring, but not for the wealthy merchants. For a long time it was considered the typical working-class area of Amsterdam, and included some notorious slums. The name probably derives from the nickname 'Jordan' for the Prinsengracht. Apart from a few wider canals, the streets are narrow, in an incomplete grid pattern (as the grid followed the lines of the former polders located here in medieval times). This district is the best example of "gentrification" in the Netherlands, as recently it turned into a hip boutique district.

There are several large warehouses for more specific uses. The biggest is the Admirality Arsenal (1656-1657), now the Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum) at Kattenburgerplein. Others include the former turf warehouses (1550) along the Nes, now the municipal pawn office; a similar warehouse at Waterlooplein 69-75 (Arsenaal, 1610), now an architectural academy, and the warehouse of the West India Company (1642) at the corner of Prins Hendrikkade and 's-Gravenhekje. The city office for architectural heritage BMA [33] has an excellent online introduction to the architectural history and the types of historical buildings available. The website includes a cycle route along important examples.

Modern architecture is under-represented in Amsterdam (as opposed to Rotterdam), but as the outer districts were built in the 19th and 20th centuries, there is definitely some to be found. Immediately outside the Singelgracht (the former city moat) is a ring of 19th-century housing. The most prominent buildings from this period are the Central Station (1889) and the Rijksmuseum (1885), both by P. J. H. Cuypers. Amsterdam West, especially the neighborhood De Baarsjes, was built in the Amsterdam School and New Objectivity architectural styles from the 19th century. A completely different approach to architecture has been the Bijlmer, built in the 1970s and forseen as a town of the future for upper-middle class families. Large apartment buildings and relatively large rooms were combined with common grass fields and a separation of pedestrian and car traffic. It has been a revolutionary way of thinking in the architectural world, but eventually the neighborhood turned into a lower-class residential district home to people of over 150 nationalities, and it is often associated with crime and robberies. It has improved remarkably the last years though, and adventurous travelers might be interested to know more about the history of this bizarre district.

Churches & Synagogues

Since the Middle Ages and throughout the 17th century, the Netherlands was a country with a relatively high degree of freedom and tolerance towards other religions and cultures, especially compared to other countries in Europe. Between 1590 and 1800, the estimated foreign-born population was never less than 5 percent, many of them settling in Amsterdam. This led to a large diaspora of Jews, Huguenots (French protestants), Flemish, Poles and other peoples in the city. Especially the Jewish have always had a large presence in Amsterdam, notably in the Old Jewish Quarter (though this quarter has been in a status of decay since World War II). The most prominent synagogue is The Esnoga (or The Portuguese Synagogue) , built in 1675 in an austere Classicist style.

As the Dutch were a protestant nation, most of the churches are from this branch of Christianity. Some of the most notable churches:

- Oude Kerk (1306) [34] Located on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, in the red-light district. The oldest of the five main churches in the historic centre. You can climb the tower from April to September on Saturday & Sunday, every half-hour. Also open in the winter by group appointment (maximum 10 people) cost €70 per hour. (mailto:anna@buscher-malocca.nl) for more information.

- Nieuwe Kerk (15th century) [35] Located on Dam Square. Used for royal coronations, most recently the crowning of Queen Beatrix in 1980, and royal weddings, most recently the wedding of crown prince Willem-Alexander to princess Máxima in 2002. Today, the church is no longer used for services but is now a popular exhibition space.

- Zuiderkerk (built 1603-1611) [36] Located on Zuiderkerkhof ("Southern Graveyard") square. Now an information centre on housing and planning. You can visit the tower from April to September Monday to Saturday (with guide only) every half-hour, cost €6. Also open in the winter by group appointment (maximum 15 people) cost €70 per hr. (mailto:anna@buscher-malocca.nl) for more information.

- Noorderkerk (built 1620-1623) [37] Located on Noordermarkt on the Prinsengracht.

- Westerkerk (built 1620-1631) [38] Located on Westermarkt near the Anne Frank House. The church is open (free) for visitors from Monday to Friday, 11AM-3PM, from April to September. You can also climb the tower (with guide only) every half-hour, Mon to Saturday €6. The tower is also open in the winter by group appointment (maximum 10 people) cost €70 per hr. (mailto:anna@buscher-malocca.nl) for more information. In good weather you can see all of Amsterdam, and as far as the coast.

The late-medieval city also had smaller chapels such as the Sint Olofskapel (circa 1440) on Zeedijk, and convent chapels such as the Agnietenkapel on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal 231 (originally 1470), now the University of Amsterdam museum. Later churches included the Oosterkerk (1669) in the eastern islands, and the heavily restored Lutheran Church on the Singel (1671), now used by a hotel as a conference centre. Catholic churches were long forbidden, and built again only in the 19th-century: the most prominent is the Neo-Baroque Church of St. Nicholas (1887) opposite Central Station.

Also, investigate some of the "hidden churches" found in Amsterdam, mainly Catholic churches that remained in activity following the Reformation. A prominent hidden church is Amstelkring Museum (Our Lord in the Attic Chapel)[39] Well worth the visit.

Modern architecture

Since there was little large-scale demolition in the historic centre, most 20th-century and recent architecture is outside it. The most prominent in architectural history are the residential complexes by architects of the Amsterdam School, for instance at Zaanstraat / Oostzaanstraat.

- Museum of the Amsterdam School [40]. The best-known example of their architecture. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11AM to 5PM, entrance €7.50, includes 20 min. guided tour.

- Eastern Docklands. The largest concentration of new residential buildings. The zone includes three artificial islands: Borneo, Sporenburg, and KNSM/Java-island. The latter has been built as a postmodern interpretation of the old canal belt. Across from it, is the brand new Piet Heinkade, and some adjoining projects. Accessible by tram 10, tram 26 to Rietlandpark, or best of all by bicycle.

- The largest concentration of box-like office buildings is in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost (South-East) around Bijlmer station (train and metro), but the area does have some spectacular buildings, such as the Amsterdam ArenA stadium and the new Bijlmer ArenA station.

- Amsterdam is replacing older sewage plants by a single modern plant, in the port zone. Connecting existing sewers to the new plant requires long main sewers, and the use of sewage booster pumps - a new technique at this scale. The new booster pump stations are a unique type of building, designed by separate architects. The three complete pumps are located at Klaprozenweg in the north, on Spaklerweg (just east of the A10 motorway), and beside and under Postjesweg, in the Rembrandtpark.

Windmills

Windmills were not built in urban areas, since the buildings obstructed the wind. The Amsterdam windmills were all originally outside its city walls. There are a total of eight windmills in Amsterdam, and most of them are in Amsterdam West. However, the best one to visit might De Gooyer, which is not far from the city centre, and is being used as a brewery for you to enjoy. The only windmill fully open to the public is the Molen van Sloten in Sloten, a former village now part of West.

Museums

Amsterdam has an amazing collection of museums, ranging from masterpieces of art to porn, vodka and cannabis. The most popular ones can get very crowded in the summer peak season, so it's worth exploring advance tickets or getting there off-peak (eg. very early in the morning). Some of the quality museums that you can't miss:

- Anne Frank House - Dedicated to Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who kept a diary while hiding from Nazi persecution in hidden rooms at the rear of the building (known as the Achterhuis). It's an exhibition on the life of Anne Frank, but also highlights other forms of persecution and discrimination.

- Rijksmuseum - Absolutely top-class museum that has a large collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age. Some artists you can't overlook are Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The must-sees are Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid. The museum also boasts a substantial collection of Asian art. The Rijksmuseum is under heavy construction until at least late 2012. Until then, there is a limited collection on display called 'the Masterpieces', showing all the highlights that are absolutely worth a visit.

- Van Gogh Museum - Even someone with little knowledge of art must have heard about Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch Post-Impressionist painter whose work had a far-reaching influence on 20th century art for its vivid colors and emotional impact. This museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world.

The other museums are described in the district articles.

The Museum Card (Museum Jaarkaart) [41] costs €39.95 (or €22.45 for those under 25 years old). It covers the cost of admission to over 400 museums across the Netherlands and you can buy it at most major museums. It is valid for an entire year, and you will need to write your name, birthday, and gender on it. If you are going to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, those are at least €10 each, so this card can quickly pay for itself. The tickets to the major museums, including the audio guide, can be bought early from the tourist information desk at no extra cost. Alternatively, for short stays, you can consider buying the I amsterdam card [42], starting at €38 per day, which includes "free" access to Amsterdam museums, public transport and discount on many tourist attractions.

Zoo and botanical garden

For Artis Zoo and botanical gardens, head for Plantage.

Attractions and tours

- The Heineken Experience. Former Heineken Brewery , Stadhouderskade 78 [43]. Do not expect a beer museum but rather to be flooded with Heineken advertisements. M-Su 11AM-7PM, last entry 5:30PM

- Vodka Museum Amsterdam[44]. The Vodka Museum Amsterdam is located in an old townhouse on Damrak 33, the main entrance of the city. The small, and modern museum is also a party and events venue. During a visit to the Vodka Museum you will receive a personal guide who will walk you through the 3-story museum. The museum tells the story of the history of vodka, the production process and the different types of vodka. At the end you get to drink some.

- The Amsterdam Dungeon [45] is a horror tour through several dark chambers with live actors. It ends with a roller coaster raging through a real 13th century church.

- Organised city tours. Several operators offer tours, visits to diamond factories, other guided visits, and canal cruises. Unless you really need a guide - for instance if you speak only Chinese - it is cheaper to visit everything yourself.

- New Amsterdam Tours [46] offers a free three-hour guided tour (tips accepted at the end of the tour) of the major Amsterdam sites and history twice a day at 11AM and 1PM and once a day in Spanish at 11AM. Meet in front of the tourist information office across from Amsterdam Centraal Station, near the tour guide in a red "Free Tour" shirt. The company also offers a 2 hr guided tour through the Red Light District at 6:45PM that meets at the same location for €10 per person (€8 for students).

- Amsterdam City Tours [47] is a tour company offering bus, bike, boat, and walking tours through some of the most fascinating places in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. ☎ +31 299-770799 or see their website for more information.

- Amsterdam City Guide [48] Is Amsterdam City Guide with touristic articles, attractions, tips, tours services, concert tickets & accommodation. Customized Amsterdam maps are available as well and answers to most touristic questions.

- Homomonument [49] Is a memorial to gays and lesbians murdered in the Second World War, a call for vigilance against homophobia, and an inspiration for gays and lesbians the world over. Three equilateral triangles made of pink granite that are connected by an inlaid band of pink bricks. These three triangles represent the past, present and future. It is located between the Westerkerk [50]and the Keizersgracht canal

- World of AJAX [51] AJAX offers multiple daily tours through the ArenA stadium and the 'world of AJAX'. See their website for more information, no reservation applicable.

City beaches

Amsterdam has three trendy city beaches:

- Blijburg (take tram 26 to 'IJburg')

- Strand West (take bus 22 or 48 to 'Spaaarndammerstraat')

- Strand Zuid (take tram 4 to 'Europaplein' or metro 51 to station RAI)

Red Light District

The Red Light District consists of several canals, and the side streets between them, south of Central Station and east of Damrak. Known as 'De Wallen' (the quays) in Dutch, because the canals were once part of the city defences (walls and moats). Prostitution itself is limited to certain streets, mainly side streets and alleys, but the district is considered to include the canals, and some adjoining streets (such as Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk). The whole area has a heavy police presence, and many security cameras. Nevertheless it is still a residential district and has many bars and restaurants, and also includes historic buildings and museums - this is the oldest part of the city. The oldest church in Amsterdam, the Netherlands-gothic Oude Kerk on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal at Oudekerksplein, is now surrounded by window prostitution. The area has many sex shops and peep show bars. Note: Don't try to take photos of prostitutes even from the streets, or you might lose your camera without any warning. This section of town is a common attraction for bachelors celebrating a stag night, if you ever get hassled, a firm and loud "Leave me alone" will work most of the time.

Entering and exiting the premises is half of the job that might take some strength for first timers as you might hear some chuckles from people you'll never see again in your whole life. This part of town gets very crowded, especially on a normal weekend night, sometimes up until 3AM. A fifty euro bill will get you either oral sex or a girl laying on her back, the rest is up to you. Although every room is booked by the girl herself, some of the sex workers are still being pimped by outsiders.

You can book a tour of the Red Light District via the I amsterdam information booths. The tour starts at 5PM at the VOC Cafe and is found to be very informative and entertaining.

Do

- Several companies offer canal cruises, usually lasting from one to two hours. Departures from: Prins Hendrikkade opposite Centraal Station; quayside Damrak; Rokin near Spui; Stadhouderskade 25 near Leidseplein.

- The Canal Bus [52]. Runs three fixed routes, stopping near major attractions (Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank's House, etc.). You can get on or off as often as you like, but it is expensive, €20 per person per 24 hr. The first boats start between 9.15AM. and 10.45PM. depending on which stop you get on. The last boats start dropping off at around 7 p.m.

- Lovers Canal Cruise [53] start opposite the Rijksmuseum. It is €12 per person, but you cannot get on and off. The cruise is about 1 hr 30 min.

- Amsterdam Boat Guide [54] Local company offering private boat tours in classic boats. Canal cruises, dinner cruises etc.

- Amsterdam Jewel Cruises [55] offers an evening dinner cruise. It is the only classic boat offering a private table for a romantic dinner cruise. A la carte dining, but not cheap! The cruise starts at 7.30 pm and lasts just under three hours.

- You can cruise the canals yourself, without the commentary with a canal bike (pedal boat) or rented boat.

- Boaty Rental Boats [56]. Boaty offers rental boats (max. 6 persons) for your own private tour: decide where to go yourself or choose one of Boaty's free canal routes. These rental boats are electrically driven which means they are silent and free of exhaust fumes. They are charged with renewable energy every night so you can enjoy your time on the water as long as you like. The boats are very stable, unsinkable and of course the rental is accompanied by free life vests in different sizes.

- Canal Company [57]. Has four rental locations; two-seater canal bikes cost €8 per person per hour.

- Rent a boat Amsterdam [58].

- Venetian Gondola [59]. You can also rent a gondola, hand made by an Amsterdam girl who traveled to Venice to learn the craft and build her own Gondola which she brought back to Amsterdam.

- Watch a movie at one of the over 55 cinemas.

- The Tuschinski [60] theater is worth a visit if only for it's Jugendstil interior. With the exception of some animated movies (and even those are usually available in the original language as well), all movies are subtitled and not dubbed, so you should be able to enjoy all the standard Hollywood fare in the original English.

- Rialto Cinema [61]. For all arthouse cinema freaks. All films are shown in their original language with Dutch subtitles. They have late night and classic showings too. Just a short walk from the Albert Cuyp-Market/Heineken Brouwery, in a nice non-touristy neighbourhood.

- MEETin Amsterdam [62]. A not-for-profit social group to help expats meet new people away from the bar and dating scene. The site's primary focus is to provide a relaxed, 'non-pickup-scene' social environment for people to enjoy without paying membership fees. For people who have either just moved to Amsterdam or lived there for a while, this group can be a great way to meet new people in the area. Events are arranged by MEETin members and include a variety of activities such as pub crawls, potlucks, movies, concerts, day trips and much more. You have to register and create a profile in order to participate. The group consists mostly of expats from around the world and has grown to more than 1,400 members (January 2008). The site is financed through voluntary donations.

- CityNavigators [63]. Offers handheld GPS tourist maps for rent through participating hotels or online. The GPS devices are pre-programmed to take you to popular attractions or to guide you through walking (or bicycle) tours. (mailto:info@citynavigators.com) for more information.

- Play Futsal [64]. Football tour organisers Eurofives stage special tournament weekends in Amsterdam at which you can enjoy some Dutch-style five-a-sides.

- De Poezenboot [65]. You really like cats? The poezenboot (cat boat) is an refuge for cats awaiting adoption. Located in the centre of the city, a must for any cat lover.

- Wynand Fockink [66]. Pijlsteeg 31 - 1012 HH Amsterdam ☎ +31 20 639 26 95 (mailto:contact@wynand-fockink.nl) Wynand Fockink is a distillery started in 1679. Right near Dam Place, they offer distillery tours (must reserve at least a week in advance as they fill up quickly), great liquors, and a great time in the back alleys of Amsterdam. They have numerous liquors, brandies, and jenevers and encourage you to try them all. It is traditional to stoop and sip the first drink and not spill.

Several companies offer private tours by car, van, or mini bus for groups of up to 8 people. Bike tours are also available at a more affordable price, and offer a more authentic dutch experience.

- Flossy Inc., Leidseplein (Leidseplein 12 Meet point), +31(0)614990228, [67]. 3+ hours. Flossy Inc. offers a more swanky alternative to the typical pubcrawl. Instead of typically overcrowded bars, Flossy inc. tour goers have the option to attend 2 lounges and 1 exclusive guest-list only nightclub with 3 top-shelf drinks and Hors d 'oeuvre; attend just the 2 lounges for a lesser price and even opt to attend all 3 venues but buying their own drinks. From 30+Euro. (52.364581,4.882715)

Amsterdam for free

- A day in Amsterdam without spending a penny: stroll along the canals, see the Begijnhof, smell the flowers at the Bloemenmarket, visit the Albert Cuypstraat market, see the Magere Brug and relax in the Vondelpark.

- Brewerij 't Ij [68] offers a free guided tour through the brewery and beer museum at Fridays and Sundays.

- Diamond factories in Amsterdam offer free guided tours, such as at Gassan Diamonds and Coster Diamonds.

- Ferry over the River IJ The GVB ferries that run on the north side of central station are free of charge and provide nice views of the harbor and skyline, as described above.

- Free lunch concerts are held at the:

- Concertgebouw [69] Holds a free classical concert every Wednesday at 1230. This theatre is located near Museumplein and worth a visit if only for it's architecture.

- Het muziektheater [70] Holds a free lunch concert at Tuesdays.

- MuziekGebouw aan't Ij [71] This is a theatre on the Ij waterfront (not far from central station) with striking modern design. It holds a free lunchtime concert once a month (on a Tuesday at 12:30PM) to showcase young classical music talent.

- Westerkerk [72] Church at Prinsengracht 281 (near the Anne Frank House) which holds free organ concerts every Friday at 1PM.

- Friday night skate [73] Put on your skates, and join the popular weekly skate tour (since 1997), a different route every week.

- Guided tours: New Amsterdam Tours offers multiple free guided tours in the city center. Additionally, the Amsterdam Tourist Office offers some paid and some free self-guided walking tours, and GVB (the public transport company) offers some entertaining downloadable podcast tours on their website.

- Hollandsche Schouwburg [74] Striking building on Plantage Middenlaan (number 24) which used to be a theatre between 1892 and 1942. During WW2 it was used as a deportation centre for Jews. It is now a war memorial - the upper floor houses an exhibition on the persecution of the Jews in Netherlands. Entrance is free, open daily 11AM-4PM.

- NEMO Panorama terrace [75] In the summer months the Nemo Science museum has a panorama terrace on its roof with deckchairs. Access is free - you just need to climb up the steps. It's a good spot to lounge around and enjoy the view of the Museum Haven and surrounds.

- OBA Amsterdam’s Public Library [76] - A great place to hang out on a rainy day. Europe’s biggest public library has international newspapers and magazines to read, free internet terminals and a cafe / panorama terrace with fine views overlooking Amsterdam.

- Rijksmuseum garden [77] a curious collection of architecture, free entrance during museum opening times.

- Stadsarchief [78] The city archive at Vijzelstraat 32 is open to the public and often holds free exhibitions in its main hall. The building dates from the 1920s but was recently renovated - have a look at the impressive glass roof. Open Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, weekends 11AM-5PM.

- The Schuttersgallerij (Civic Guards Gallery) is a hidden passageway filled with 15 enormous 17th-century paintings; entrance is free to the public during museum hours. Known as the Schuttersgalerij (Civic Guards' Gallery), the collection features massive and meticulously realistic portraits of wealthy citizens from the Dutch Golden Age, the same class of subjects Rembrandt depicted in the most famous of Civic Guard paintings, "Nightwatch". You can find it just inside the arched gateway to the Amsterdam Museum at Kalverstraat 92.

- Vondelpark open-air theatre [79] Holds free concerts and performances at its open-air theatre podium. The program runs during the summer months (June to August) on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. Additionally, there are several other festivals in Amsterdam, many of them free, as listed below.

Festivals

Amsterdam is a cultural haven with year-round festivals for every pocket.

- February

- Chinese New Year: Festival through Zeedijk and China town.

- April

- Queensday April 30: The national holiday, nominally in celebration of the Queen's birthday (in fact the previous Queen's birthday) is hard to describe to anyone who's never been there. The city turns into one giant mass of orange-dressed people (all Amsterdam locals, and another 1 million or so from throughout the country visit the parties in the city) with flea markets, bands playing, and many on-street parties, ranging from small cafes placing a few kegs of beer outside to huge open-air stages hosting world-famous DJ's. The Vondelpark is the place for children selling and performing. An experience you'll never forget. Normally held on April 30th, but if that is a Sunday, it is celebrated one day earlier (to avoid offence to orthodox Protestants).

- May

- Art Amsterdam: a modern art fair in the RAI exhibition and conference centre. If you want to know what the latest developments are in Dutch galleries, this is where to find them all in one place.

- June

- Holland Festival: famous around the world, this Netherlands performing arts festival brings events from all over the world on the fields of music, opera, theatre and dance.

- Taste of Amsterdam: A culinary festival where you can explore the food of famous Amsterdam restaurants and their chefs.

- The Open Garden Days: Normally you can see only the front of the canal houses, but during the Open Garden Days you get to go past the entrance and see the green world behind them, many times bigger than you would have expected. You can buy one ticket that gives you entry to all participating gardens, and there is a special canal boat to take you from one location to another.

- Amsterdam Roots Festival: an open-air (free) festival with music from non-western countries accompanied by paid film and theatre performances in the surrounding area theaters.

- July

- Julidans (July Dance): International Contemporary Dance Festival, always showing the latest developments in modern dance.

- July/August

- Vondelpark Open Air Theater: This free festival offers many different performances every day. Go to the open air theatre just by the fountain and let the entertainment do the work. From cabaret to drama to concerts to dance, there is something here for everyone and of all ages.

- Amsterdam International Fashion Week: Twice a year, this event presents young and upcoming fashion in Europe and with a focus on Dutch design.

- Robeco Summer Concerts: affordable classical music concerts taking place at the prestigious Amsterdam Concertgebouw.

- August

- De Parade: Martin Luther King Park. Circus turns vintage, on an old-fashioned fairground with many different tents, the performers are each trying to attract their public, featuring spectacles of dance, theatre, magic, art, animation and music.

- Canal Pride: [80]. Amsterdam gay pride on the first weekend in August. One of the biggest festivals in Amsterdam with parties, performances, workshops and a boat parade on the Prinsengracht on Saturday afternoon which is always well worth seeing.

- Prinsengracht concert: third weekend of August each year. A free open-air classical music concert is held every year on a stage in the middle of the Prinsengracht canal. If you have a little boat, join the crowds and make sure to bring your rose wine or prosecco for full enjoyment.

- Sail Amsterdam: tall-ships from all over the world come to visit the Amsterdam harbour every 5 years, the next time in 2015.

- Uitmarkt: The opening of the cultural season in the last weekend of August, it offers a taste of the year to come with 30 min performances at different theaters, an extensive book market and many open-air concerts. All free.

- September

- Jordaan Festival: A big inner city street festival celebrating the diversity of this former working class district. Features can include drum bands, a children's festival, opera and cabaret, a boules competition, a flea market and an auction.

- Robodock arts festival: A unique festival presenting contemporary art shows in the huge, old NDSM shipyard depot, in the Amsterdam North. The atmosphere is rough, industrial, experimental. A lot of loud music, fire, smoke, noise and heavy machinery are usually elements of these performances.

- National Restaurant Week: Two times a year, participating restaurants offer a full 3 course dinner for a mere €25 (excl drinks), allowing you to experiment a different restaurant for a change or a chance to eat affordably at one of the famous 5-star restaurants.

- October

- Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE): Usually held during the second last weekend in October, this electronic music annual festival gathers cream of the crop faces from the house and techno scenes. Buy your tickets in advance to avoid paying more at the door and queueing for hours on. Besides partying for four nights in a row, the conference offers workshops, seminars, presentations etc.

- November

- Museum Night – Museumnacht: Long before the film came out, this night at the museum attracts new crowds at the traditional Amsterdam museums with special performances at unusual locations. Do as the locals do and hire a bike to go from one place to the other.

- pAn Amsterdam – Art and Antique Fair: Third week of November. The biggest national art and antiques fair in the Netherlands.

- IDFA - International Documentary Filmfestival of Amsterdam: Leidseplein, (various times). International documentary festival screening some 200 documentary films and videos.

Learn

Amsterdam is home to two universities, both offer summer courses and other short courses (with academic credits).

- Vrije Universiteit (VU University) [81]. Founded in 1880, the VU campus is located southwest of the city centre, and approximately 20 minutes away by bicycle. It is the only Protestant general university in the Netherlands.

- Universiteit van Amsterdam [82]. Founded as the Athenaeum Illustre in 1632, in 1877 it became the University of Amsterdam. With about 25,000 students, the UvA is on three separate campuses in the city centre, plus smaller sites scattered over Amsterdam.

The Volksuniversiteit [83]. Despite the name, it is not a university, but a venerable institute for public education. Among the many courses are Dutch language courses for foreigners.

Work

Many people plan to move to Amsterdam for a year to relax before "settling down". This plan often falls apart at the job phase. Many people will find it difficult to get a suitable job, if they do not speak Dutch. However, hostels and hotels in Amsterdam may need bar staff, night porters etc, who speak English and other languages. There are also specialist websites for English and non-Dutch speakers looking to work in Amsterdam and they are a often a good place to start; Blue Lynx - Employment by Language [84], Undutchables [85], Unique [86] and Xpat Jobs[87] are all useful resources.

Immigration matters are dealt with by the Immigration Service IND [88]. Registration is done by both police and municipalities. Immigration policy is restrictive and deliberately bureaucratic. That is especially true for non-EU citizens.

European Union citizens do not require a work permit. Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians are afforded a one year working-holiday visa. In general the employer must apply for work permits. Immigration is easier for "knowledge migrants" earning a gross annual salary of over €45,000 (over €33,000 for those under 30).

There are many flexible office solutions in Amsterdam that enable you to rent office space for a short term. See for example Regus[89] or the Ph120 flexible office solutions at Prins Hendrikkade 120 [90]

Buy

The main central shopping streets run in a line from near Central Station to the Leidseplein: Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat, Heiligeweg, Leidsestraat. The emphasis is on clothes/fashion, but there are plenty of other shops. They are not upmarket shopping streets, and the north end of Nieuwendijk is seedy. Amsterdam’s only upmarket shopping street is the P.C. Hooftstraat (near the Rijksmuseum).

Other concentrations of shops in the centre are Haarlemmerstraat / Haarlemmerdijk, Utrechtsestraat, Spiegelstraat (art/antiques), and around Nieuwmarkt. There is a concentration of Chinese shops at Zeedijk / Nieuwmarkt, but it is not a real Chinatown.

The ‘interesting little shops’ are located in the side streets of the main canals (Prinsengracht / Keizersgracht / Herengracht), and especially in the Jordaan - bounded by Prinsengracht, Elandsgracht, Marnixstraat and Brouwersgracht. The partly gentrified neighbourhood of De Pijp - around Ferdinand Bolstraat and Sarphatipark - is often seen as a 'second Jordaan'.

For general shop info and their openings hours you can visit 'Openingstijden Amsterdam' [91] it shows an overview of the most popular shops and their location on the map.

- The Nine Streets, (De Negen Straatjes), [92]). Nine narrow streets enclosed between the main canals from the Prinsengracht to the Singel, south-west of Dam Square. The northernmost street is Reestraat and to the south is the Runstraat. The streetnames are marked with a sign of the Nine Streets, and some shops have a flyer of this area. You can find a lot of boutiques, specialist shops, galleries and restaurants here.

- Santa Jet, Prinsenstraat 7, ☎ +31 20 427 2070. This little boutique specializes in hand-made imports from Latin America. You can find everything from mini shrines made of tin, to lamps, to kitschy postcards.

- De Beeldenwinkel Sculpture Gallery. This is a gallery for sculpture lovers, with bronze statues, pottery, abstract sculpture, raku-fired statues and marble figures sculpture to suit every budget and taste.

- Jordaan [93]. One of the most picturesque 'village' areas of Amsterdam, the Jordaan has always been a centre for artisans, artists and creatives, today, this area has a wonderful selection of goldsmiths and jewellers, fashion boutiques, galleries, designer florists, and specialist shops.

- Fashion & Museum District [94]. Located in Amsterdam Zuid, this is considered the chic area for shopping in Amsterdam, close to the Museum district, the PC Hooftstraat and the Cornelis Schuytstraat have some of the finest designer shops in the city, including designer shoes, health and well-being specialists, massage, fashion boutiques, designer interiors, designer florists and specialist shops.

In the older areas surrounding the centre, the main shopping streets are the Kinkerstraat, the Ferdinand Bolstraat, the Van Woustraat, and the Javastraat. The most 'ethnic' shopping street in Amsterdam is the Javastraat. There are toy stores and clothing shops for kids in the centre, but most are in the shopping streets further out, because that's where families with children live.

You can find plus size clothing in the center of Amsterdam. C&A, and H&M are both on the main shopping streets from the Central station. A bit further from the city center you can find Mateloos, Promiss, Ulla Popken as well as several stores by chain M&S mode.

A give-away shop can be found at Singel 267, open Tuesdays and Thursdays 5PM-17PM and Saturdays 12 noon-5PM.

For books, your best bet is The Book Exchange at Kloveniersburgwal 58. ☎ +31 20 6266 266), diagonally across from the youth hostel. It is a second-hand bookstore specialising in English books, and has a large selection, with an especially good selection of travel writing, detectives, and SF/fantasy. Open Mon- Sun 10AM- 4PM, Sun 11:30-4:30PM. For English literature and books, you can also try The American Book Center [95] store on Spui square. Waterstone's (Kalverstraat 152) is also a good tip for English literature. Large Dutch bookstores also carry a selection of foreign language books.

- Cracked Kettle [96]. Located at Raamsteeg 3, 1012VZ Amsterdam, this beer, wine, and spirits shop carries independent, unique, and rare bottles. The staff are friendly, but the space is quite confined and obtaining bottles from the very top shelves requires assistance and a dust rag. 12 noon-10PM everyday

Street markets

Street markets originally sold mainly food, and most still sell food and clothing, but they have become more specialised. A complete list of Amsterdam markets (with opening times and the number of stalls) can be found at online at Hollandse Markten [97] and Amsterdam.info [98] in English.

- Ten Cate Market. 3rd Largest in Amsterdam. Monday to Saturday from about 8AM until around 5PM. Food, households, flowers and clothing.

- Albert Cuyp. Largest in Amsterdam, best-known street market in the country. Can get very crowded, so watch out for pickpockets. Monday to Saturday from about 9AM until around 5PM.

- Dappermarkt. In the east, behind the zoo, and was voted best market in the Netherlands. Monday to Saturday from about 8AM until around 5PM.

- Waterlooplein. Well-known but overrated flea market. Monday to Saturday until about 5PM.

- Lindengracht. In the Jordaan, selling a wide range of goods, fruit and vegetables, fish and various household items. Saturday only. 9AM to 4PM. Tram 3 or 10 to Marnixplein, and a short walk along the Lijnbaansgracht.

- Spui. Fridays: Books. Sundays: Art and Antiques.

- Bloemenmarkt. Floating flower market, open daily on the Singel canal, near Muntplein. Very touristy, but you could do worse than buy your tulips here. Make sure you buy pre-approved bulbs if taking them to the US or Canada. They will have the holographic licence and export tag on the bag.

- Lapjesmarkt. Westerstraat, in the Jordaan. A specialist market concentrating on selling cloth and material for making clothes, curtains etc. Mondays only. 9AM to 1PM. Tram 3 or 10 to Marnixplein.

- Noordermarkt. In the historical Jordaan area of the city. On Monday morning (9AM to 1PM) the Noordermarkt is a flea market selling fabrics, records, second-hand clothing etc, and forms part of the Lapjesmarkt mentioned above. On Saturday (9AM to 4PM), the Noordermarkt is a biological food market, selling a wide range of ecological products like organic fruits and vegetables, herbs, cheese, mushrooms etc, there is also a small flea market. Tram 3 or 10 to Marnixplein, and a short walk down the Westerstraat.

Eat

Individual listings can be found in Amsterdam's district articles

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:

Budget

Below €20

Mid-range

€20-50

Splurge

€50+

Smoking Ban

Smoking is banned in all Dutch bars and restaurants, although many bars and cafes have sealed smoking rooms (rookkamer) in which smoking is permitted.

Places to eat

There is a large diversity of restaurants in Amsterdam, especially if you are looking for Asian cuisine, although much of it is tailored to the fairly bland local tastes and might not have the fire you would expect. The influence of the Dutch colonial past is apparent, as can be seen in the wide array of Indonesian restaurants.

Nieuwmarkt Most Asian restaurants are clustered at the Zeedijk in Nieuwmarkt, for this reason often dubbed as Amsterdam's Chinatown. It's also home to many tokos, small Asian grocery stores that sell Eastern food and spices. Indonesian restaurants are usually of excellent quality, but Indian ones can be expensive and of poor quality. Chinatown also offers plenty of Chinese, Thai and Japanese restaurants.

Damstraat Is a fairly busy road filled with small and cheap Chinese and Middle Eastern restaurants - expect sticky tables, but it's definitely a good place for budget travelers. The numerous falafel bars have a good value, often sporting a "all you can pile" salad bar.

Surinamese food is widely available and worth a try. The highest concentration of Surinamese restaurants can be found in the South, especially in the Albert Cuypstraat.

Eetcafe's are pubs serve evening and night time meals.

Many restaurants of all kinds can be found in the Haarlemmer Neighborhood (north of Jordaan), and in the narrow streets crossing the two.

Also worth trying is the Van Woustraat in the Pijp, or continue to the Rijnstraat in the Rivierenbuurt.

Exquisite but expensive restaurants can be found in the Utrechtse Straat.

Local specialties

Local cheese Buy some at the Albert Cuyp market, or at specialist cheese shops found around central Amsterdam. Dutch cheese is traditionally firm, and is made in large wax-covered wheels, and falls into two main categories - Young and Old. Within those categories, there exists a rich variety. Among the more unusual young cheeses is cumin (Komijn) cheese, which is particular to the Netherlands. Sheep (Schapen) and goat (Geiten) cheeses are also common. Old (Oud) cheese can be made of any sort of milk, and is often reminiscent of Italian parmesan in consistency and sharpness of flavour.

Don't forget to taste the main culinary contribution of the Amsterdammers to the world: Heineken it tastes no better here. Try some of the other excellent beers you can get from this part of the world such as "witbeer" (white beer). Also check out bitterballen, a kind of fried meatball, and the kroketten (the same, but shaped like a cylinder). Last but not least, don't forget to try a traditional herring or a broodje haring (herring sandwich), available from fish stalls around the city. Herring in Amsterdam is usually with served onions and pickles. A good try is the fish stand on the Koningsplein near the Flower Market. If you're visiting in late November or December, you can enjoy oliebollen, which are round blobs of sweet fried dough embedded with raisins (sultanas) and dusted with powdered sugar.

Vlaamse Frite These large Belgian fries are served with mayonnaise.

Places to avoid

Avoid at all costs any steak house in the centre - they are well known tourist traps. You will also never be hungry enough to make Febo [99] a good idea.

Budget

For food during the day, the Albert Heijn supermarkets (largest national chain) usually have cheap ready-to-go meals on hand, from pre-packaged sandwiches and salads to microwavable single-serving meals. There is one right behind the Royal Palace on Dam Square, on the Nieuwmarkt, on Koningsplein and in the Vijzelstraat.

For budget meal, check out also the various Falafel and Shoarma restaurents around the Damstraat and Muntplein. They usually include in the dish a large amount of salad. Lange Leidsedwarsstraat (just off Leidseplein) has about five Italian restaurants that sell pasta or pizza for €5.

Drink

Amsterdam is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city.

Amsterdam's famously wild nightlife caters to all tastes and budgets.

Bars and pubs

The archetypical Amsterdam watering hole is the bruine ("brown bar" or "brown café"), a neighborhood pub of sorts with gorgeous dark wood panelling — hence the name — and booths. These do not sell cannabis, see coffeeshops below for that. Popular entertainment areas with lots of bars are the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.

Clubs

Amsterdam features many famous clubs, including:

- AIR [100] Amstelstraat 16 (near Rembrandtplein)

- Bitterzoet [101] Spuistraat 2. This placed used to be alternative, but changed ownership and is now more hip hop and R&B oriented. Check their agenda to see what they're doing.

- Club HOME [102] Wagenstraat 7 (near Rembrandtplein, at the old Sinners in heaven location)

- Club 8, Admiraal de Ruijterweg in West. A large alternative place with lots of art on its walls. There's ping pong, a very local and fairly young crowd.

- Escape [103] Rembrandtplein 11, a large, fairly uninspiring club that plays mostly mainstream house music.

- FlexBar [104] Pazzanistraat 1 (in the Westerpark), a small venue off the beaten path in Westerpark that plays electronic music, often until 5am.

- Jimmy Woo [105] Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18 (near Leidseplein) is an upscale, relatively small club with table service and a notorious door policy. Boys, don't come alone.

- Korsakoff [106] Lijnbaansgracht 161 (near Leidseplein) A more alternative, run-down but cheap place that often has live music.

- Melkweg [107] Lijnbaansgracht 234 (near Leidseplein) can be compared to Paradiso, although its live venues and events can eat up some of the nights. Check their listing.

- OCCII is a rock venue for cutting edge music (punk, noise, riot grrrl, etc).

- Odessa [108] Veemkade 259

- Panama [109] Oostelijke Handelskade 4, quite far away but can have its nice nights and the view on the water is excellent.

- Paradiso [110] Weteringschans 6 (near Leidseplein). Somewhat the safest bet in town. It's impressive, walks a fine line between pop and alternative, gets a mixed crowd and isn't too crazy expensive. It popularity is obvious by the huge line on the weekends.

- Studio 80 [111] Rembrandtplein 17 Is an somewhat more underground, intimate club that's easy to miss because of its flashy neighbours. It prides itself by trying to stay on the forefront of electronic music in the city.

- Sugar Factory [112] Lijnbaansgracht 238 (near Leidseplein)

- The Power Zone [113] Daniel Goedkoopstraat 1 3 (metro to Spaklerweg)

- Tonight club (in Hotel Arena) [114] 's Gravesandestraat 51

- Trouw is club that opened in 2009 in an old newspaper building with the same name. Far away, amazing space, and great music. Can be a little expensive because of its cool.

- Winston Kingdom Music venue & Club in the red light district [115] Warmoesstraat 131

Coffeeshops

Amsterdam is renowned for its liberal drug policy. Coffeeshops, not to be confused with coffeehouses or cafes, are allowed to sell cannabis and hash for personal use (not more than 5 grams). While technically still illegal, mostly to comply to international treaties, personal use of (soft) drugs are regulated by the Ministry of Justice under an official policy of gedogen; literally this means to accept or tolerate, legally it is a doctrine of non-prosecution on the basis that action taken would be so highly irregular as to constitute selective prosecution. The city council of Amsterdam allows coffeeshops to operate only with the provision of set, non-transferable licenses as shown by an official green and white sticker on the window of a coffeeshop. Coffeeshops are to sell only soft drugs (such as cannabis), selling of other drugs is not allowed. Also selling of dried hallucinogenic mushrooms is not allowed.

That said, drug usage is increasingly being strictly controlled by the Dutch government. Garish advertising is not allowed (look for red-yellow-green rasta colors and the English word "coffeeshop"); no alcohol or edible cannabis products may be sold inside a coffeeshop; customers who want to smoke their weed mixed with tobacco are limited to special sealed 'smoking areas'; the amount of coffeeshops has decreased significantly since 1995; coffeeshops within a '250 meter school zone' have been closed down; and the usage of magic mushrooms has been forbidden since December 2008 (after two fatal incidents with foreign tourists).

Still there are about 250 coffeeshops in Amsterdam, most of them in the Old Center. Prices hover around €7.50 for 1 gram, with the average joint holding around 0.33g and a 5g/person sales limit. Most coffeeshops are happy to recommend varieties and prepare your joint for you. Some offer vaporizers/inhalators for people who don't want to smoke.

Using (soft) drugs is not allowed in public places, though in reality it will never be an issue. Just stay away from children's playgrounds and schools. Many coffeeshops offer a 'smoking lounge' where softdrugs may be used. Also note that despite the confusion on the subject, the Netherlands-wide smoking ban applies only to tobacco. However, since the Dutch commonly smoke tobacco mixed with their marijuana or hash, many coffeeshops, especially those unaccustomed to tourists, may require all smoking to be done in a separated smoking section or outdoors (this is far more common in coffeeshops outside of Amsterdam). Most central coffeeshops with large tourist clienteles will allow marijuana or hash smoking in their entire space, requiring you to smoke in the separated section only if your joint contains tobacco. Many coffeeshops also provide a non-tobacco herbal filler for those who find pure joints too strong. You may usually smoke joints containing this herbal filler anywhere within the coffeeshop although individual house rules may vary. If in doubt, always ask the staff.

- Bulldog, [116]. Chain of touristy coffeeshops.

- Grey Area.

- The Bluebird - one of the best selections of pot in Amsterdam.

- De Kuil (420 Cafe)

- Global Chillage - Good produce and nice tunes but uncomfortable seating.

- Barney's [117]. Multiple Cannabis Cup winner.

- Rokerij[118]. Four coffeeshops.

- Kadinsky

- Hill Street Blues - lively atmosphere but buy cannabis elsewhere.

- Club Media - Completely organic menu, fair selection, good prices, lovely staff, free fruit!

- Katsu - Just around the corner from Media, good prices + nice atmosphere.

- The Greenhouse - usually pretty crowded but when warm or if you can get a seat definitely one of the nice coffeeshops near the red light. Also has a bar next door.

- De Dampkring - three locations, bought out Pink Floyd and renovated it. Original shop featured in a scene in Ocean's 12.

- De Kroon.

- Abraxas.

- Homegrown Fantasy.

- The Jungle(Het Oerwoud)

Sleep

Individual listings can be found in Amsterdam's district articles

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:

Budget

Under €50

Mid-range

€50 to €150

Splurge

Over €150

Amsterdam has over 400 registered hotels of varying standards from budget facilities to some of the most expensive hotels in Europe. Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. Most hotels and hostels can be found in the Old Center, notably south of central station, and in the South around the Museum Quarter. Charming boutique accommodation can be found in the wealthy residential Canal Ring, home to the rich and famous and its squares are the prime nightlife spots of the city. The Jordaan is another area for hip boutique accommodations, slightly upmarket, but still for mid-range prices. Some cheaper hostels can also be found in the Red Light District.

A simple bed in a hostel starts around €15 on weekdays in the winter and up to €30 on a weekend in the summer. A twin room in a budget hotel, 1-2 stars, might cost around €40 on weekdays in the winter and up to €100 on summer weekends. In a three and four star hotel, the prices would range from €100 to €200, depending on season, and five stars hotels can cost between €150 and €400 a night.

Do not expect a wide amount of services from cheaper end hostels and hotels. Most of these do not have elevators and have the usual steep staircases; if you suffer from vertigo, do get an assurance that you will be getting a first or second floor room or book a hotel that has an elevator.

Contact

Internet

The first internet cafes of the country opened in Amsterdam, but they vanished as quickly as they appeared. Only a few smaller internet cafes remain in the Old Center. Outside of it, you might want to try your luck at one of the phone shops (belwinkel), which cater for immigrant communities in the Netherlands, but they usually have only one or two terminals. The Amsterdam Public Library (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam) offers free internet access. It is limited to web-only access though and is located near the Central Station in the Old Center.

If you bring a laptop, many hotels in the city offer wifi free of charge for guests, but inform before making a booking. Don't count on this when staying at a hostel or cheaper end hotel. On the go, you can try some of the various coffee houses or fast food chains for wi-fi — but nearly all of them charge for it.

Telephone

The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Amsterdam's city code is 020.

If making local calls from a pay phone, you will need a phone card (€5 minimum) as many green KPN telephone booths do not accept coins. blue/orange Telfort booths accept both coins and cards. The KPN booths are currently being replaced by newer models, which will accept coins again. There are very few public telephones on the streets or in public transport stations in the Netherlands. If you need to make a call and do not have access to a local phone or hotel phone, it is best to go to a call center or use a calling service over the internet (like Skype, for example). Most payphones require phone cards which can be bought at post offices and some delis, although the cards are increasingly hard to find. Also, as in any area, some of the pay phones are scams. If you do need to use a payphone, call the free customer service number listed on the payphone first to make sure the phone is actually in service. When you call the customer service number listed on the phone, if you get a recorded message or 'number not in service' message in Dutch or English, then DON'T put your money or credit card into the phone. Phones run by BBG Communications, common in Europe and the U.S., have repeatedly been alleged to make fraudulent charges with credit cards used in their phone, for calls that were never made.

There are phone shops ('belwinkel') all over the city. Outside the city center, they mostly serve immigrants calling their home country at cheap rates.

If you have a simlock-free European GSM mobile phone (suitable for GSM 900/1800 networks), consider buying a prepaid simcard. You can buy these in any electronics store, and they are often the same price as buying a KPN phonebooth card. Calling then is a lot cheaper than using pay phones, and you are mobile.

Stay safe

General

You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. Street begging is no longer common in Amsterdam, since the police take a harder line. Some beggars are addicts, some are homeless, and some are both.

What looks like a footpath, especially along a canal bank, may be a bike lane. Bike lanes are normally marked by red/purple tiles or asphalt, and a bike icon on the ground. However, the colour fades over time, so you might miss the difference. Don't expect cyclists to be kind to pedestrians: some consider the side-walk an extension of the road, to be used when it suits them. Never stay or walk on the bike path or street for extended periods of time, as you will be greeted only by angry bell ringing. Keep in mind that for many Amsterdammers, the bike is their main means of transportation. For the bike theft problem see above, Get around.

Watch out for trams when crossing the street. Taxis are also allowed to use some tram lanes, and even if not allowed, they often use them anyway.

Groups of women visiting the Red Light District at night might feel harassed in the aggressive environment, though this is said to be the safest area because of the police presence. Keep to main streets and groups. Do not take photographs of the prostitutes!, you will be yelled at or worse.

Although not really dangerous, women especially might want to avoid the narrow lane north of the Oude Kerk (Old Church) after dark as the atmosphere can be quite intimidating.

Neighborhoods

Amsterdam is actually one of the safest cities in the world. International consultancy Mercer ranked Amsterdam 13 out of 215 world cities for personal safety in its 2010 Quality of Life Survey. [119]

Journeywoman.com calls Amsterdam 'female-friendly' and recommends it as a city where women travelling alone should feel comfortable and safe. [120]

However, there are differences between the neighborhoods. While it's filled with all types of people during the day, the Red Light District does attract seedier visitors and vagrants after sunset. You may want to avoid walking alone here or in parks at night.

The Bijlmer and Slotervaart in West still have a bad name regarding violence and harassment. With recent urban renewal projects, these neighborhoods have made significant progress in the last few years.

The local authorities provide a brochure [121] with tips, do's and don'ts and other safety information.

Cannabis and other drugs

It cannot be denied that many tourists come to Amsterdam for the coffeeshops. Coffeeshops (in English but written as one word) sell only soft drugs such as marijuana and hash - asking for other drugs is pointless because coffeeshops are watched closely by the authorities, and nothing will get them closed faster than having hard drugs for sale. 'Café' is the general name for a place licenced to sell alcohol: a bar. Since April 1, 2007, coffeeshops are no longer allowed to sell alcohol.

Quality varies. Coffeeshops aimed at tourists are more likely to have overpriced and poor quality products. A simple rule of thumb is: if the place looks good and well-kept chances are their wares will be good as well. Don't just enter a coffeeshop being overwhelmed that it's possible at all to buy and consume cannabis openly: be discerning as to the quality.

If you're not a smoker, and you really want to try it, start with something light, make sure you don't have an empty stomach, and don't combine it with any other drugs or intoxicants, including alcohol. Be forthright with the counter person about your inexperience, they see it all the time. Go with an experienced person if you can. Regardless of the strength, your first experience can be quite a sensation at first, but will quickly decrease in intensity. You may want to plan to return to your hotel and "hole up" for a couple hours until you become comfortable with the feeling. If you do find yourself too strongly under the influence - feeling nauseated, woozey or faint - drink orange juice or eat something sweet like cookies or candy, and get fresh air. Dutch-grown nederwiet (a.k.a. super skunk) is much stronger than you might expect, even if you are experienced. The THC level can be as high as 15%, twice the norm (source: Trimbos Institute).

There's a small chance you will be approached by people offering to sell you hard drugs in the street, especially as you are walking through the Red Light District. Ignoring or failing that a firm refusal is enough - they will not pester you. The selling of drugs in the street is illegal and often dangerous; moreover the drugs sold to strangers are usually fake. When they invite you to see the goods, they can lure you into a narrow street and rob you.

So-called smartshops do not sell any illegal products, but a range of dietary supplements, including 'herbal exstacy' - a legal attempt at an ecstasy pill alternative which is a complete waste of money and various more or less obscure psychedelic herbs and despite a change in the law, one type of magic mushrooms. It is the latter which causes problems as people often underestimate their strength. Magic mushrooms have few physical risks attached to them, but can have a very strong short-acting psychological effect, which can either be great or very distressing, depending on your own mindset (e.g. if you are relaxed, have any serious worries, history of mental illness, etc.) and your surroundings (e.g. if you feel comfortable and safe in them). The first time you try this should always be in a familiar and trusted environment, not on the streets of an unfamiliar city. If you do decide to try it please get informed first. Conscious Dreams [122], the company who invented the entire concept of a 'smartshop' back in 1994 does this clearly (without downplaying the possible risks just to sell more like some other shops do) and responsibly. Also plan well ahead, make sure you have thought out where you will be, most recommended is going to a large park like the Vondelpark, the Rembrandtpark or the Amsterdamse Bos where it is quiet, and there is no risk from traffic. Make sure that being intoxicated will not endanger your safety, or that of anybody else. Be sure to make your purchase in the Smartshops rather than a regular coffeeshop. They are better regulated and information is available from the attendants that work there. They are also of better quality and stronger potency than at the coffeeshops.

If you're not sure of how much to take, take a small dose. Then you'll know what your "tolerance" level is. People who have bad trips are those who take a dosage over their own tolerance level. Never take more than one packet of mushrooms - usually half is good for your first time. A good smart shop can give you more info about this.

Do keep in mind that all hemp related products (except the seeds) are still illegal. This can be confusing for most tourists, who do think hemp products are legal since they are sold in coffeeshops. Hemp products are not legal, rather they are "tolerated" under the Dutch Opium Act. Read more about the legalities in the article about the Netherlands.

As of April 2009 you can still buy Magic mushrooms.

Amsterdam plays host to the Cannabis Cup, the most important marijuana related event in the world every year during the week of Thanksgiving. The Cannabis Cup is organized by High Times magazine, and offers both tourists and natives the chance to enjoy 5 days of consuming and judging marijuana in different forms. Participants are eligible to pay $199 in advance or €250 at the door to obtain a "judges pass", which allows entry to the event for all 5 days, admission to numerous concerts and seminars held during the event, the ability to vote on numerous awards that are handed out, and free bus tours to and from the event. Day passes are available for €30 for each day, and certain concerts sell tickets at the door provided they are not already sold out.

Cope

Publications

- Amsterdam Weekly [123]. An English-language free cultural weekly published every Wednesday. It provides coverage of Amsterdam city life, and an arts and entertainment calendar.

- Mijn NL [124]. A free bi-weekly magazine which lists all events happening in Amsterdam. The section is divided into Music, Night(clubs, DJs), Gay, Comedy, Cabaret, Stage, Festival, Musical, Dance, Expositions, Children, and also Movie listings. It can be picked up at any Albert Heijn supermarket, and many venues. Covers more events than Uitkrant and Amsterdam Weekly. Although written in Dutch, it would be easy to understand the basic idea. Also provides suggestions on bars, restaurants, shops and hair dressers. Check out the online edition.

- UnderwaterAmsterdam. An online English-language guide to the Dutch capital which evolved from the free magazine Shark. It has an extraordinary number of daily events for English speakers – music, parties, theatre, opera, queer etc – plus annual events and upcoming gigs. It posts the latest gigs as they're announced by via Twitter. Written by an experienced travel writer, it also features a city guide – with the best places to visit in town – plus daily news and horoscopes (written by celebrity astrologer Bridgett Walther) . [125]

- Uitkrant. A free monthly magazine, listing all concerts, classical, jazz, pop etc., exhibitions, museums and anything cultural to do in Amsterdam. It can be picked up at many spots in the city, e.g. at the Uitburo at the Leidseplein.

- Amsterdam Spoke. An English magazine featuring Amsterdam’s daily life, its ambiance and trends.[126]

Religious services

Holy mass in Catholic churches (Overview of cath. churches in Amsterdam (dutch): [127]):

- Begijnhofkapel (HH. Joannes en Ursula), Begijnhof 29. [128] Sun: 10PM 11:15PM (in French); Mon-Fri: 9AM, 5PM; Sat: 9AM.

- De Krijtberg (St. Franciscus Xaverius), Singel 448 (stop Koningsplein of trams 1, 2, 5). [129] Sat: 12:30PM, 5:15PM; Sun: 9:30AM; 11:00AM, 12:30AM, 5:15PM; Mon-Fri: 12:30PM, 5:15PM.

- Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk, Keizersgracht 220/218 B (stop Westermarkt of trams 6, 13, 14, 17 or busses 21, 170, 172). [130] Sat: 7PM; Sun: 11:15AM, 1:00PM (surinam.); Mon-Fri (chapel): 12:15PM, 7:30PM.

- Papegaai (HH. Petrus en Paulus), Kalverstraat 58 (by feet 20 min from central station). Sat: 5:30PM; Sun: 10:30AM, 12:15PM; Mon-Sat: 10:30AM.

- Zusters van Moeder Teresa, Amsterdam-Badhoevedorp, Egelantierstraat 147 (city center). Sun: 3:00PM; Mon-Sat: 07:30AM.

- Vrouwe van alle volkeren, Diepenbrockstraat 3 (near to RAI congress centre), tel. (020)-6620504. Sun: 09:30AM, 11:15AM; Mon-Sat: 12:15PM; Tue: 7:15PM.

The older generation of Dutch people tends to be more religious.

Get out

Direct trains connect Amsterdam to Paris, to major Belgian cities like Brussels and Antwerp, and to German cities like Cologne, Frankfurt and Berlin. The ticket machines directly sell tickets to nearby destinations in Belgium and Germany, for longer journeys you will need to consult the international ticket office at the west end of the Central Station. CityNightLine trains run directly from Amsterdam Central Station to Milan, Vienna, Copenhagen, Prague, Warsaw, Moscow, Munich, Innsbruck, and Zurich (reservation compulsory).

Almost any place in the Netherlands can be reached within 3 hr of rail travel. To make more sense, day trips can be divided into those close to the city (about 30 min by public transport) and those further afield.

About 30 minutes

- Broek in Waterland - a 'picturesque' village and a tourist destination since the 19th century

- Haarlem - the closest of the historic cities, just 15 minutes from Amsterdam center by train

- Zuid-Kennemerland National Park - a unique national park made of dunes formed over the centuries

- Monnickendam - a small 17th-century port town

- Muiden - formerly a small port at the mouth of the Vecht river, it boasts the Muiderslot, the best-known castle of the country

- Naarden - surrounded by a complete ring of 17th-century fortifications

- Hilversum - wealthy town known for its magnificent town hall, also offers cycling tours through forests and the heath

- Weesp - nearest small fortified town with a quiet historic center on the Vecht River, 14 minutes by train

- Volendam - once a fishing village, it is now the most commercialised tourist destination in the Netherlands (Edam and Marken are nearby and more authentic)

- Zaanse Schans - historic windmills, trademen workshops and open-air museum

- Zandvoort - closest beach resort

About one hour

- Alkmaar - historic town with its cheese market

- Delft - well-known for its typical blue and white ceramics

- Den Bosch - typical city for the Southern Netherlands, goes crazy during carnival

- Enkhuizen - interesting small town with the Zuiderzee Museum, that shows how people used to live with the persistent danger of the sea

- Hoorn - historic port that played a large role in the history of the Dutch East India Company (VOC)

- Kinderdijk - this authentic network of windmills shows the typical Dutch countryside at its best

- Keukenhof - a seasonal attraction in the Spring, these enormous flower fields are popular among travellers

- Rotterdam - has a history of rivalry with Amsterdam, and a completely different atmosphere with modern architecture

- The Hague (Den Haag) - political heart of the country, Madurodam, and Scheveningen, the most popular beach of the country

- Utrecht - historic town that has a less-ambitious canal system

District Old Center Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

By tram

• See

Museums

Art gallery

Old Jewish Quarter

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

Budget

Mid-range

• Drink

Bars and pubs

• Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

• Contact

Understand
toc

Most visitors arrive in Amsterdam at the Central Station, and then walk south over the streets Damrak and Rokin. In medieval times, both these streets actually were the final end of the Amstel river. They used to cut Amsterdam in half: east of the Damrak-Rokin-axis was the Old Side (Oudezijde) of Amsterdam, the oldest part of the city dating from the 13th century. West of the Damrak-Rokin-axis was the New Side (Nieuwezijde), which was constructed later, but still dates from the late Middle Ages. Now Damrak and Rokin are the glue that hold both sides of the city together, and while walking there, you probably won't even feel that this once was a river.

The division between the Old Side and the New Side never faded away however, and both have a lot to offer for visitors. The Old Side is home to the Nieuwmarkt, a large square that recently turned into a Chinatown district (though it doesn't match up with Chinatowns in other cities). The Zeedijk particularly offers some great Eastern cuisine. Nearby is the Red Light District located at the Oudezijds Burgwal, the oldest profession of the world at the oldest part of the city. The New Side's most iconic square is Dam Square, considered the ultimate center of the city. It's a spacious area dominated by the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) and the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk). It's the prime shopping area with the Kalverstraat and the Flower Market.

An outlying area is the Old Jewish Quarter. As the Netherlands had a relatively high level of religious freedom from the 16th century onwards, many Jewish communities had migrated to this area. In the 1920s this was one of the busiest areas of town with large open-air markets and smoky factories. This changed in World War II, when Nazi Germany occupied Amsterdam and most Jewish citizens were deported to concentration camps. The area went into decay and even today isn't quite as interesting as one might hope. It nowadays has turned into a big traffic junction, but the Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum) keeps the history of the neighborhood alive.

Next to the more official cultural venues, the old centrum of Amsterdamoffers 'cultural fun experiences'. On Damrak you can find for example the Amsterdam Vodka Museum and the Sex Museum.

Get in
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By tram
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The Central Station at the north of the Old Center is the center of Amsterdam's public transport network. Most tram lines start, finish or pass through it.

See
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Museums
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- Allard Pierson Museum, Oude Turfmarkt 127 (Old Side, tram: Mint Square), +31 20 525 2556, [1]. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 1PM-5PM. The Allard Pierson Museum is the archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam . The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Cyprus, the Greek World, Etruria and the Roman Empire are revived in this museum. Art-objects and utensils, dating from 4000 B.C. till 500 A.D. give a good impression of everyday-life, mythology and religion in Antiquity. €6.50.

- Amsterdams Historisch Museum (New Side), Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 357 or Kalverstraat 92, +31 20 523 1822, [2]. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 11AM-5PM. The city’s historical museum.. €6.

- Hash, Marihuana and Hemp Museum, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 148 (Old Side), +31 20 624 89 26, [3]. 10AM-11PM daily. Opened for over twenty years, the Hash Museum is dedicated to debunking the lies and demonization about one of our most useful plants, the hemp plant. Although small, busy and seriously overpriced, it is a well-done museum where people go to get informed. €9.

- Hermitage Amsterdam, Amstel 51 (Old Jewish Quarter), +31 20 530 8755, [4]. Recently opened and an annex to the famous Hermitage museum in st Petersburg (Russia). This museum hosts exhibitions with paintings and other cultural artifacts from the vaults of its Russian parent.

- Joods Historisch Museum, Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, +31 20 531 0310, [5]. 11am-5pm daily (except some Jewish holidays). Jewish Historical Museum. History of the Jewish people, culture and religion. €9. (52.36735,4.9037)

- Museum Amstelkring (Our Lord in the Attic), Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40 (Old Side, inside the Red Light District), [6]. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. Most locals don't recognize the official name, but will know what you mean if you say "Our Lord in the Attic." This is a Catholic church stuffed into the upper stories of a house built in 1663, when Catholics were persecuted and had to disguise their churches. It's amazing to see how they fit worshippers, an organ, and an altar into such a narrow place. €7.

- NEMO, Oosterdok 2 (Old Jewish Quarter), +31 20 531 3233, [7]. NEMO is the biggest science centre in the Netherlands; an educational attraction where you can discover a world of science and technology in an entertaining way. NEMO takes you on a voyage of discovery between fantasy and reality. You will discover how scientific phenomena influence your daily life. You will learn about technology and engineering, ICT and bio- and behavioral sciences. This is a great place to take kids and is best for those ages 11 and below - teenagers will probably get bored. €11.50.

- Rembrandt House, Jodenbreestraat 4 (Old Jewish Quarter), +31 20 520 0400, [8]. 10AM-5PM daily. This is where the artist Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn and his wife, Saskia, lived between 1639 and 1658. The house is a reconstruction of the painter’s life at that time and provides interesting insight. You will be able to see 260 of his 290 etchings, find out about how they were created, see where he worked and explore the nooks and crannies of this fascinating building. €8.

- Royal Palace, Dam Square, +31 20 620 4060, [9]. Tu-Su noon-5PM, M closed. This former City Hall (built in 1651) has recently been completely renovated and is now open again. It is mainly used for diplomatic receptions and to welcome visiting heads of state, not as a royal residence. €7.50.

- Sexmuseum, Damrak 18, +31 20 622 8376, [10]. 9AM-10PM daily. The largest and most prestigious museum for sex art and sex history in the Netherlands. It shows a lot of sex oddities. Only ages 16 and up are allowed entry. €4.

- Torture Museum, Singel 449, +31 20 320 6642, [11]. 10AM-11PM. This museum depicts the history of different torturous techniques used over the centuries. €5.

- Vodka Museum, Damrak 33, +31 20 528 6035, [12]. 9AM-10PM daily. The latest gimmicky tourist attraction near the Central Station, the first and only museum devoted to the drink in Western Europe. A lot of fun and interesting facts for Vodka lovers are to be found in this museum. A tour includes a personal guide. €7.50.

Art gallery
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- Schutters Gallery, Between Kalverstraat and Begijnhof. Plenty of 17th-century portraits. Free.

Old Jewish Quarter
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The most prominent synagogue is The Esnoga (or The Portuguese Synagogue) [13] (1675) located at Mr. Visserplein 3, in an austere Classicist style.

Do
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Buy
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Eat
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Budget
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- Dim Sum Court Chinatown, Zeedijk 109 (Chinatown). Just like the Rokin-branch, also offers all-you-can-eat for €8.50.

- Dim Sum Court Rokin, Rokin 152 (New Side). It offers an all-you-can-eat (maximum one hour) Chinese buffet for €7.50 (beverages not included, but available for an additional fee). Vegetarian and vegan options are available, just ask the cashier/waitress about the contents of individual dishes.

- Long Pura, Rozengracht 46-48, +31 20 6238950, [14]. 6-11PM. Indonesian food, try the rice table.

- Rapper, 30 Oudebrugsteeg (New Side). Offers delicious sandwiches in freshly baked wraps and salads with a selection of home sauces. Prices vary from €3.95 for vegetarian wrap to €5.95 for Black-Angus Entrecôte wrap.

- Thaise Snackbar Bird, Zeedijk 72 (Chinatown). Very crowded little snack bar with Thai food. Not to be confused with the restaurant of the same owner, on the other side of the street. Try the chicken in oyster sauce.

Mid-range
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- Gebr. Niemeijer French style bakery, Nieuwendijk 35, +31 20 7076752, [15]. Tu-Fr 8:15AM-6:30PM, Sa 8:30AM-5PM0, Su 9AM-5PM. * Gary's Muffins, Jodenbreestraat 15 (Old Jewish Quarter), [16]. Oversized cups of coffee, muffins and bagels. Muffins, brownies, giant cookies, cheesecake and bagels spread with various toppings are served at reasonable prices to a clientele that is a mix of locals and tourists. American themed. There are 3 locations in the city.

- Greetje, Peperstraat 23-25 (Old Jewish Quarter), +31 20 779 74 50, [17]. Traditional Dutch, alongside French classics. Located in an historic building on a quiet side street near Central Station; it's off the beaten track so most of the diners are local. Open 6 days a week (not Mondays); a reservation is usually necessary.

- Kantjil & de Tiger, Spuistraat 291 (New Side). Great spices and meat dishes, Indian/Indonesian food. Try the Nasi Goreng Rames.

- Nam Tin, Jodenbreestraat 11 (Old Jewish Quarter, near Waterloo Square just opposite Rembrandt's House). Large Chinese restaurant. About half of the customers are Chinese tourists or expats. They serve cheap but delicious dim-sum at lunchtime.

- Rembrandt Corner, Jodenbreestraat 2 (Old Jewish Quarter). Around the corner of the "Rembrandt Huis" is a very nice "Eetcafe" with fresh food, wifi hot spots and internet workplaces. Try the dish of the day or the mussels.

Drink
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Bars and pubs
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- Belgique, Gravenstraat 2 (New Side, Tram: Dam Square), +31 20 625 19 74. One of the smallest bars in Amsterdam, there is seating for at most 15 people. Specialising in Belgian beers, extensive menu that includes some hard to find beers on tap. This place is smoke friendly so don't be surprised to see people rolling joints as they drink.

- Cuba, Nieuwmarkt 3 (Old Side, Tram/Metro: Nieuwmarkt). Great bar, really nice atmosphere, close to red light with a nice terrace in the summer. Selection of cheap cocktails and long island ice tea.

- De Bierkoning, Paleisstraat 125 (New Side, Tram: Dam Square), +31 20 625 23 36‎, [18]. Not a café, but a 'supermarket' specialized in beer.

- De Jaren, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22 (Old Side, Tram: Mint Square), +31 20 625 57 71‎, [19]. A minimal art-deco interior next to Hotel d'Europe and a great view of where all the main canals come together. Sip a cup of coffee or tea and read a newspaper.

- Gollem, Raamsteeg 4 (New Side, Tram: Spui), +31 6 53 780 273‎, [20]. A special beer café, serving many beers, especially from Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and other countries.

- In De Wildeman, Kolksteeg 3 (New Side, Tram: Nieuwezijds Kolk), +31 20 638 23 48‎, [21]. A very well stocked beer café, or actually beer tasting room (bierproeflokaal) in the centre of the inner city. 17 beers (usually from various countries) and a cider on draught, and about 250 different bottled beers offered. There is no music played, which makes for a very friendly and talkative atmosphere, and it has a separate non-smoking room.

- Katoen, Oude Turfmarkt 153 (Old Side, near Mint Square), +31 20 626 26 35, [22]. Close to the southern part of the Grachtengordel. Alternative music and cozy atmosphere also in the evenings. (52.367718,4.894004)

- Molly Malones Irish Pub, Oudezijds Kolk 9 (Old Side, Tram: Central Station), +31 20 624 11 50‎, [23]. Authentic Irish pub with food. Mix of expatriates, locals and tourists, friendly staff. Situated on a canal off the Zeedijk, close to Centraal Station and Warmoesstraat. Open every night, live music in the week-ends and large-screen television.

- d'Oude Herberg, Handboogstraat 17/19 (New Side, near Spui Square), +31 20 623 18 40, [24]. Daily 9PM-4AM. One of the oldest original brown cafés in the central district op Amsterdam, a side street of the famous Spui Square. Get a stool at the bar or get comfy in one of the three wood panelled booths. On weekdays a highly popular student bar and in the weekend the hangout for the more adult locals and travellers from Couchsurfing.com.

- Schuim, Spuistraat 189 (New Side, near Dam Square), +31 20 638 9357. The super comfy cafe is a great place to spend entire rainy days at a time. It heats up quite a bit at night. Pot smoking seems to be tolerated even though Schuim is definitely not a "coffeeshop".

Sleep
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Budget
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- Intersail Hostel-Christina, Oosterdok 2 Dock 3 (Tram/Bus/Train to central station), +31 6 5478 5934 (intersail@hotmail.com), [25]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Floating hostel. Close to Central station. Small cabins, bedlength is 1.90 m, but great staff and a nice spacious sun deck. Breakfast, sheets, towels are included in the price. 4 person cabins are better to be used for only 3 adults. Don't take too much lugage in these cabins. Shared shower and toilet, 4 bed private from €22,50 to €27,50 per bed per night. 2 and 3 bed private from €25-€30,- per bed per night ..

- Bob's Youth Hostel, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 92 (New Side, Tram: Nieuwezijds Kolk), +31 20 623 0063 (booking@bobsyouthhostel.nl), [26]. Breakfast, shower, dorm bed at €22 a night. Private rooms with a kitchen are €70 for two persons and €90 for three people..

- De Oranje Tulp, Damrak 32 (New Side, Tram: Central Station), +31 20 428 1618, [27]. €50.

- Bulldog, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 220 (Old Side, Tram: Dam Square), +31 20 620 3822, [28]. Friendly hostel in the heart of the red light district. A coffeeshop is conveniently located on the ground floor, this is also where you get your breakfast. Breakfast, sheets, shower and a locker starting at €22..

- 1 class, Damstraat, 1012 (New Side, Tram: Central Station), +31 20 800 4952. €50.

- Durty Nellys Inn, Warmoesstraat 117 (Old Side, Tram: Dam Square), +31 20 638 0125, [29]. 5 min walk to central station. Dorms are clean and the beds comfortable. The Irish pub downstairs gives discounts to people staying in the hostel (€3.5 for a pint of Amstel, 5€ for a burger and chips). Breakfast 9AM-11AM. No common area apart from the bar itself. Breakfast, sheets, shower and a locker starting at €17.

- Flying Pig (Downtown Branch), Nieuwendijk 100, +31 20 420 6822 (downtown@flyingpig.nl), [30]. The Uptown is supposed to be a bit more quiet compared to the Downtown location, which has more of a party vibe. Both hostels are famous for their laidback atmosphere, bars and indoor smoking areas. Free extras, check out the facility page on their website. From €14 for a dorm bed to €70 for a private room..

- Flying Pig (Uptown Branch), Vossiusstraat 46 (New Side, Tram: Central Station), +31 20 400 4187 (uptown@flyingpig.nl), [31]. Noisy at times, kitchen is closed, as are some showers. Lockers require lockpads, which are not available for rent, only sale for €5. From €25 for a dorm bed.

- Hans Brinker Hostel, Kerkstraat 136-138 (Tram 1: Keizersgracht), +31 20 622 0687, [32]. Very light atmosphere and doesn't take itself seriously. Bar and downstairs club. Happy Feelings coffeeshop is opposite. From €24.00 per person..

- Hostel Cosmos, Nieuwe Nieuwstraat 17 (New Side, Tram: Nieuwezijds Kolk), +31 20 625 2438, [33]. Friendly, youth hostel 4 min walk from Central Station. Breakfast, sheets, shower and a locker starting at €24.

- Hotel Beursstraat, Beursstraat 9, +31 20 626 3701, [34]. Simple and clean hotel, mostly visited by (young) people who are looking for an inexpensive accommodation.

- Hotel Brian, Singel 69 (New Side, Tram: Nieuwezijds Kolk), +31 20 624 4661, [35]. Very basic hotel, but free breakfast and free internet included.

- Hotel Tamara, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 144 (New Side, Tram: Nieuwezijds Kolk), +31 20 624 2484. Cheap "hotel" in a great location with basic clean rooms. Single/double/triple/quad/dorm, from €23 shared, €49 private.

- St Christophers (St Christopher's @ The Winston), Warmoesstraat 129 (Old Side, Tram: Dam Square), +31 20 623 13 80 (amsterdam@st-christophers.co.uk), [36]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Part hostel, part hotel. Each room is designed by local Dutch artists. €33.90 with breakfast included.

- Stayokay Stadsdoelen, Kloveniersburgwal 97 (Old Side, Tram: Mint Square), +31 20 624 6832, [37]. Stayokay operates a network of 30 hostels in the Netherlands. A little smaller than Stayokay Vondelpark, this location does not take groups.

- The Shelter (City), Barndesteeg 21 (Old Side, Tram: Nieuwmarkt), +31 20 624 4717, [38]. An alcohol and drug-free Christian youth hostel, controversially enough right at the Red Light District. Single-sex dormitories, including breakfast, bed linen. From €17, €19 in July and August.

- White Tulip Hostel, Warmoesstraat 87 (Old Side, tram: Dam Square), +31 20 625 5974 (fax: +31 20 420 1299), [39]. About a 5 min walk from the central station. Dorms and a few rooms. Really a basic crash-pad, but quiet and relaxed due to their 'No large groups' policy. €20.

Mid-range
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- City Center Bed and Breakfast, Sint Jacobsstraat 21, +31 6 4516 0078 (info@citycenter-amsterdam.com), [40]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 10AM. 1 min from Central Station and Dam Square. €90.

- Delta Hotel, Damrak 42-43, +31 20 620 2626, [41]. Clean rooms and friendly staff. Doubles €65-160.

- Hotel Citadel, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 100, +31 20 627 38 82, [42]. Doubles €65-160.

- Hotel Continental, Damrak 40-41, +31 20 622 33 63, [43]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 10AM. 5 min walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Small rooms. Shared toilets.

- Hotel Falcon Plaza, Valkenburgerstraat 72 (Metro/Tram: Waterlooplein), +31 20 638 29 91, [44]. 5 min walk to the Waterlooplein flee market and the Rembrandtplein. The trams number 9 and 14, which stop at the Waterlooplein will take you to nearby attractions. €80.

- Hotel Y Boulevard, Prins Hendrikkade 145, +31 20 623 04 30, [45]. Includes a free breakfast. €109.

- Rembrandtplein Hotel, Groenbrugwal 27, +31 20 428 4244, [46]. Sometimes tiny, near the flower market. Friendly staff, bar open all night. €70-90 including breakfast.

- RHo Hotel, Nes 11-15, +31 20 620 7371‎ (reception@rhohotel.com), [47]. Rooms are quiet. Parking available. Friendly staff. Doubles €100.

- Rokin Hotel, Rokin 73, +31 20 626 7456, [48]. 2 star renovated 17th century mansion. Very clean and good atmosphere, own parking. €100.

Splurge
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- Estherea, Singel 303-309, +31 20 624 5146, [49]. 4 star hotel on one of the main canals in the centre, 300 m from the Dam Square and the Royal Palace. 17th century facade, 75 recently renovated rooms. From €220.

- Krasnapolsky, Dam 9, +31 20 554 9111‎, [50]. A somewhat seedy location for a 5-star hotel - the entrance may be on the main square but the hotel backs onto the red-light district, with a view of sex-shops and peepshows. €159.

- Luxury Hotel Sofitel The Grand, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, +31 20 555 3111, [51]. Close to Dam Square, offers canal views. Weather permitting, lunch is served in the courtyard. From €365.

- Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam, Damrak 1-5, +31 20 623 4255 (bookamsterdam@pphe.com, fax: +31 20 62 52 997), [52]. 4 star opposite Central Station. Free wifi in public spaces. €104 per room.

- Radisson Blu Hotel Amsterdam (Formerly Radisson SAS), Rusland, 17, +31 20 623 1231 (Reservations.Amsterdam@Radissonblu.com, fax: Fax: +31 20 520 8200), [53]. Between two canals. €159 per room.

- Renaissance Amsterdam, Kattengat 1 (just off Nieuwe Zijds Voorburgwal), +31 20 621 2223, [54]. 4 star hotel with conference center, wifi access in the lobby and café. From €289.

Contact
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District UNESCO World Heritage Site Table of Contents

• Get in

By tram

• See

Architecture

Museums

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

• Drink

Bars and pubs

Nightclubs

Coffeeshops

• Sleep

Mid-range

Splurge

• Contact

Get in
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By tram
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The most convienient way to get into the Grachtengordel is by tram. From Central Station, the most important tram lines are 1, 2 and 5 which go right through the middle of the Grachtengordel, cutting the western and the southern side of it in half. Notable stops include Koningsplein, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and Leiden Square (Leidseplein). The Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein) can be reached with tram lines 4, 9 and 14.

The other lines only cross either the western side or the southern side of the canal ring. Tram lines 13 and 17 head for the western side, with the stop Westerkerk as the most notable one as the Anne Frank House is nearby. Trams 16, 24 and 25 go through the southern side of the canal ring with the stops Keizersgracht and Weteringscircuit. East of it is tram line 4 that continues to Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and Frederikplein after having served the Rembrandt Square.

See
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Architecture
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Grachtengordel literally means 'canal belt', it's main attraction is the rich architectural heritage of this neighborhood. Built in the 17th Century, the merchant-based oligarchy that ruled the trading city of Amsterdam built canal houses and mansions in the most prestigious locations, especially along the main canals. The city office for architectural heritage BMA has a chronological list of the most important ones:

- Singel 140-142, De Dolphijn (circa 1600).

- Oudezijds Voorburgwal 14, Wapen van Riga (1605).

- Oudezijds Voorburgwal 57, De Gecroonde Raep (1615), in Baroque Amsterdam Renaissance style.

- Herengracht 170-172, Bartolotti House (circa 1617).

- Keizersgracht 123, House with the Heads (1622).

- Herengracht 168 (1638).

- Rokin 145 (1643).

- Kloveniersburgwal 29, Trip House (1662).

- Oudezijds Voorburgwal 187 (1663).

- Singel 104-106 (1743).

- Singel 36, Zeevrugt (1763).

Museums
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- Anne Frank House (Anne Frankhuis), Prinsengracht 267, +31 20 556 71 00, [1]. The house where the Jewish girl Anne Frank wrote her diary while hiding with her family from the Nazis. Don't let the long line (or maybe a very short line if you're lucky) discourage you; it moves quickly and the experience inside the hiding places on the top floors is moving. The museum lacks any exhibits to explain the historical context at the time of Anne's diary, however. Go in the early evening around 5PM to avoid any lines, or alternatively skip the lines entirely by reserving tickets from the official website. The Anne Frank House is open later during the summer. Museumkaart and iAmsterdam Card not valid. €8.50.

- Cat Cabinet (Kattenkabinet), Herengracht 497, +31 20 626 53 78‎, [2]. A cat museum. Housed in a beautiful restored palatial home in an upscale area street - very Masterpiece Theater. It was opened by the homeowner after his favourite cat died... and he still lives in the home. Lots of cat-related art, and two real felines. The exhibition is spread across the first floor of the house. €5.

- Museum Willet-Holthuysen, Herengracht 605, +31 20 523 18 22, [3]. €6.

Do
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- Boom Chicago, Leidseplein 12, +31 20 530 7300, [4]. The Amsterdam comedy institution since 1993. English language sketch and improv comedy show with extensive use of video, music and the internet. The troupe is sharp and skewers current events, trends and life and local events in Amsterdam. Perhaps the best comedy show in any city. Good food is served before the show and drink service continues all night.

Buy
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Eat
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Budget
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- Pancakes! Amsterdam, Berenstraat 38, +31 20 528 9797, [5]. Amazing variety of both sweet and savory pancakes. Quaint atmosphere and the street side tables are great to watch people. The only downfall is that street side tables attract too many tourists asking for directions.

Mid-range
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- De Blauwe Hollander, Leidsekruisstraat 28, +31-20-6270251, [6]. Noon-10 PM. Dutch restaurant with an extensive menu of hearty home cooked dishes like herrings, pea soup and hutspot. Unlike most restaurants in this area, this one gets local diners too, and if it gets crowded enough you may have to share tables. Pancakes served only until 5 PM. €20.

- Damsteeg, Reestraat 28-32, [7]. They specialise in fish dishes, but they also have a wide variety of meat and vegetarian meals to choose from. With bar.

- Dimitrij, Prinsenstraat 3. Offering dozens of interesting sandwiches and salads. Dimitrij is a must for at least one lunch, and it's on a street which is packed with an ever-changing line-up of fun boutiques.

Splurge
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- Akbar, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 15 (Near Leiden Square), [8]. Indian restaurant, Muslim (halal) / Hindu (no beef). Good quality dishes from different regions of India. Main courses €15-20.

- La Margarita, Reguliersdwarsstraat 49 (Near Rembrandt Square and the flower market), +31 20 623 07 07. Daily 5PM-11PM. This Caribbean restaurant offers a huge range of plates, including three different vegetarian options. Every dish comes with ample sides of white rice, black beans, plantains, and vegetables. In addition to having great food, the restaurant is decked out with a range of fantastic and magic-realist art. If you like your food hot, be sure to ask for the special home-made hot sauce. Reservations accepted. €20-30 per person, with drinks..

- Proeverij 274, Prinsengracht 274, +31 20 421 18 48. Daily 6PM-10PM. Small, cosy restaurant at one of the main canals. Business but also romantic dinner. Small menu, new Dutch cuisine with classic french influences. The menu features mainly organic regional produce. Personal service, nice wineadvises and fresh seasonal food in a relaxed environment.

- Amsterdam Jewel Cruises, Singel 235 (Near Dam Square), +31 20 422 13 85 (info@amsterdamjewelcruises.com), [9]. Exclusive Dinner Cruise / Sailing Restaurant. A la carte dining while cruising the famous canals of Amsterdam. Cruise and 3 courses dinner €115-125.

Drink
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Nightlife in Amsterdam mostly revolved around two squares: Leiden Square (Leidseplein) and Rembrandt Square (Rembrandtplein). Close to the latter is the Reguliersdwarsstraat, the gay street of Amsterdam.

In between these squares are plenty of other smaller bars, which are also fun at daytime.

Bars and pubs
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- 't Arendsnest, Herengracht 90 (Intersection of Herenstraat and Herengracht), +31 20 421 20 57, [10]. Su-Th 4PM-midnight, F-Sa: 4PM-2AM. Excellent biercafe serving only Dutch beers and liqueurs, including jenever. Around 30 beers on tap, 17 or so which change regularly, and over 100 bottled. Very friendly bartenders who know beer well and give great recommendations. Try the €8 sampler, which gives you 12cl samples of 3 beers with a glass of water and some crackers.

- Dan Murphy's, Leidseplein 7, +31 20 422 32 85‎, [11]. One of the many Irish pubs in the city. People from all over the world meet here and watch football, rugby and typical Irish sports like hurling and Gaelic football while drinking a pint of Guinness.

- Feijoa, Vijzelstraat 39 (Rembrandt Square, corner of Vijzelstraat and Reguliersdwarsstraat), +31 6 53 726 137‎. Cocktail bar with a lovely atmosphere, pleasant music and friendly staff, including one of the Netherlands leading cocktail barmen. Will make any cocktail you ask for.

- Hard Rock Cafe, Max Euweplein 61 (Max Euwe Square, close to Leiden Square), +31 20 523 76 25‎. This is close to, or right next to the Holland Casino also close to the Leidseplein. Great service, great food, and plenty of drinks.

- Maloe Melo, Lijnbaansgracht 163, [12]. Sun-Thu: 3 AM, Fri-Sat: 4 AM. Small blues bar which is seperated in two parts: a free part in the front, €5 entrance fee in the back where blues or rock 'n' roll bands play live every night of the week.

- Mulligans Irish Music Bar, Amstel 100, [13]. The oldest Irish bar in Amsterdam, Mulligans has live music most nights. This is where the traditional music crowd gathers.

- l'Opera, Rembrandtplein 27-29 (Tram: Rembrandt Square), +31 20 620 47 54‎, [14]. A friendly spot for coffee, a beer, or something stronger. You may at first only notice the outside seating and the enclosed terrace, but there is also an elegant, (usually) quieter indoor area. Food, too, but you don't see many eaters.

- Whisky Cafe L&B, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 82-84 (Tram: Leiden Square), +31 6 245 541 62, [15]. If you like whisky, this small, laid-back and friendly cafe is the ideal place to visit. Many unusual whiskies from independent bottlers and closed distilleries are available. The menu stretches along one wall and is about 2 meters in height, the cafe having had 1001 whiskies available since they opened. Just be warned the stairs to the toilets are pretty steep!

Nightclubs
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- Escape, Rembrandtplein 11 (Rembrandt Square). Famous and conviently located on the main clubbing square, the Rembrandt Square. It is large and attracts the more or less wannabe hip people of the city. The second hall upstairs has a completely different audience, mostly hiphip and R&B enthusiasts. At some events Escape is split in two, which means you can use the backside entry at Amstel for a different party.

- Jimmy Woo, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18 (Leiden Square), [16]. The most glamorous club in Amsterdam offers a selection of house and r&b, with a spectacularly lit dance floor downstairs. Entry policy is strict so dress sharp to get in.

- Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234 (Leiden Square), [17]. A former milk factory, now it's one of the best clubs of Amsterdam. It's special effects or interior is not as good as Escape, but the atmosphere feels more relaxed. Popular among students and younger tourists, it's a great place to go out till the sun gets up.

- Paradiso, Weteringschans 6 (Leiden Square), [18]. Sometimes referred to as a nightclub, it feels more like a nightly music venue. It's interior is phenomenal, being in a beautiful former church, but the main room has relatively bad acoustics. But there are plenty of rooms with plenty of bands performing at the same time. It's mostly rock music, but can really be anything: don't be surprised to be dancing on Russian troika music with thousands of people. Gets fairly packed, even on weekdays and especially after 1AM.

- Sugar Factory, Lijnbaansgracht 238 (Tram: Leiden Square), +31 20 626 50 06‎, [19]. Bit of a remarkable place that integrates art, music, culture, theater and club into one. It has a relaxed atmosphere with an eccentric artisty audience. Around €10.

- The Cave Rockclub, Prinsengracht 472 (Tram: Prinsengracht), +31 20 626 89 39, [20]. Cozy metal bar with friendly barstaff and interesting regulars, with live performances by touring metal bands on weekends.

- Waterhole, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 49 (Tram: Leiden Square), +31 20 620 89 04, [21]. Su-Th: 3 AM, Fri-Sat: 4 AM. Light rock/funk jam sessions in a dingy but atmospheric bar with pooltables. Live bands play every night of the week. €1, entrance fee includes wardrobe.

Coffeeshops
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Sleep
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Mid-range
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- Blue Moon Bed & Breakfast, Weteringschans 123A, +31 20 428 88 00, [22]. Bed & Breakfast in the centre of Amsterdam opposite the Rijksmuseum. From €105 to €165.

- Hotel de Paris', Marnixstraat 372, +31 20 623 75 24‎, [23]. Three star hotel. From €99.

- Hotel La Boheme, Marnixstraat 415, +31 (0)20 624 2828, [24]. Two star hotel with very friendly staff. Clean rooms and free wi fi.

- Hotel Nicolaas Witsen, Nicolaas Witsenstraat 4-8 (Tram 4: Frederiksplein), +31 20 620 51 13 (info@hotelnicolaaswitsen.nl), [25]. €75.

- Jewel Canal Apartments, Singel 235, +31 6 244 575 93, [26]. Two canal side apartments in the center of Amsterdam, close to the Dam Square. Suitable for holiday and business stays. Free high speed internet. From €109 to €179.

- Marnix Hotel, Marnixstraat 382, +31 20 664 6111‎, [27]. 2 star hotel with dorm beds. Prices from €20 a bed and €60 for a room..

- Mozart Hotel, Prinsengracht 518-520, +31 20 620 95 46, [28]. 47 en-suite rooms. Singles €50, doubles €60.

- Seven Windmills Bed & Breakfast, Kerkstraat 369, +31 64284 4533, [29]. Fully furnished vacation apartment in quiet, safe area. Free high speed internet. Continental self catering breakfast included. from €95.

Splurge
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- Eden Amsterdam American Hotel (A member of Summit Hotels and Resorts), Leidsekade 97, +31 (0) 20 5563000, [30]. Listed as an Art Nouveau monument, the hotel is right in the heart of Leidseplein Square. Both Café Americain and Bar Americain are in the hotel, famous for celebrity and VIP spotting. €100-200.

- Hotel Ambassade, Herengracht 341, +31 20 555 02 22, [31]. Four star hotel on one of the main canals. Writers that stayed here left signed copies of their books in the hotel's library. €195.

- Hotel Pulitzer, Prinsengracht 315-331, +31 20 523 52 35, [32]. 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses overlooking two of the city's most picturesque canals, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, and made famous in Ocean's 12. €259.

Contact
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CoffeeCompany offers free Wi-Fi at Leidsegracht, the walking street from the Old Center to Leiden Square.

District Jordaan Table of Contents

• Get in

By tram

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

Mid-range

• Drink

Bars and pubs

Nightclubs

• Sleep

Budget

• Contact

Get in
toc

By tram
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The tram is the easiest way to get around central Amsterdam, and the Jordaan is no exception. From Central Station, tram lines 13 and 17 bring you to the stop Rozengracht/Marnixstraat in the heart of the Jordaan. The next stop of tram line 17 is Elandsgracht at the south side of the district.

No tram lines attend the Haarlemmer Neighborhood at the northern side of the district, but it's a walk of less than 5 minutes from Central Station.

See
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- The 9 Streets, [1].

Do
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Buy
toc

Eat
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- Kinnaree, 1e Anjeliersdwarsstraat 14, 020 - 627 71 53, [2]. Amazing Thai food. Good atmosphere, good service despite being quite busy, but the food is why you would come here. Highly recommended.

Mid-range
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- Barney's, Haarlemerstraat 98. A gorgeous brassiere with outside seating which has the best breakfasts in Amsterdam for very reasonable prices. Their strawberry milkshakes are to die for.

- De Korte Prins, Haarlemmerdijk 8, [3]. Open daily from 8 am till 4 pm, Sat. 9 am till 6 pm. Closed on Sundays.. De Korte Prins is a lunchroom café on the Haarlemmerdijk 8, in the heart of the Jordaan area in Amsterdam. The friendly staff serves great bagels, rolls and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. In the afternoon the café is filled with coffee lovers who enjoy a rich coffee with a delicious brownie or cheesecake. Regulars often drop by for cookies and muffins takeaway as well.

- Proust, Noordermarkt 4, +31 20 623 91 45. Proust is a little off the beaten path, near the intersection of Brouwersgracht and Prinsengracht, but it's worth a visit for the inexpensive and satisfying meals as well as the company: it's a favourite with locals.

- STOUT!, Haarlemmerstraat 73, +31 20 616 36 64, [4]. Nice and modern bar/cafe/restaurant with young people as customers and mattresses on the terrace. (52.380168,4.892317)

- Vliegende Schotel, Nieuwe Leliestraat 162. Since Green Planet is closing, you better look for alternative vegetarian hang-outs. Believe it or not, but Vliegende Schotel is even better than its Australia-moving competitor. It has big portions of unbelievably good vegetarian food, in an unpretentious but authentic atmosphere. Minimalistic service and a little walk from the centre, but seriously worth it. Small selection of organic and fair trade wines and a non-smoking room. Mains €9-15, daily special €8. Bottle of wine €13.

Drink
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Unlike the mainstream bars and clubs in the Grachtengordel, the Jordaan offers a different atmosphere with obscure rock, metal and alternative music.

Bars and pubs
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- Soundgarden, Marnixstraat 166, +31 20 620 28 53‎, [5]. Top metal/grungy/punky pub, most relaxed drinking atmosphere in town. Really nice, secluded terrace for drinking beer in the sun. can smoke, but not buy, puff.

Nightclubs
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- Korsakoff, Lijnbaansgracht 161, +31 20 625 78 54‎, [6]. Alternative nightspot for fans of metal, industrial, goth, and techno. Some live music and popular club nights. A bit off the beaten path but worth it.

- Maloe Melo, Lijnbaansgracht 163 (Tram: Elandsgracht), +31 20 420 45 92‎. Live 50s rockabilly bar. Drinks are cheap and the crowd are mostly Dutch rockers, but the music is good.

Sleep
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Budget
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- Hotel De Looier, Derde Looiersdwarsstraat 75, +31 20 625 18 55, [7]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Hotel De Looier Amsterdam was built as a diamond factory in 1886 and had recently renovated to a 3 star hotel which is situated in the city centre.

- The Shelter (Jordan), Bloemstraat 179 (Tram: Marnixstraat / Rozengracht), +31 20 624 47 17, [8]. An alcohol and drug-free Christian youth hostel. Great value for money. Single-sex dormitories (including breakfast, bed linen). From € 17, € 19 in July and August.

Contact
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District Plantage Table of Contents

• Get in

By tram

By metro

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

Mid-range

Splurge

• Drink

• Sleep

Mid-range

Splurge

• Contact

Get in
toc

By tram
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As walking to Plantage can take more than 45 minutes, most visitors would take the tram to get there. From Central Station, trams 9 and 14 crosses right through the district. The stops Plantage Kerklaan, Plantage Badlaan and Alexanderplein are the most important ones.

By metro
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The metro is the fastest way to get into the district, but the locations of its stops are not convenient for travellers. The only stop inside Plantage is Weesperplein and all metro lines from Central Station stop there (lines 51, 53 and 54). You might want to exit one station earlier though, at Waterloo Square (Waterlooplein), as it is closer to most of the sights. It is still quite a walk to Plantage from there, however.

See
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Plantage is a leafy area, most popular for Artis Zoo and its botanical gardens.

- Artis Zoo, Plantage Kerklaan 38, +31 20 523 34 00‎, [1]. An entry ticket for Artis also provides admission to the Planetarium, the Geological Museum, the Aquarium and the Zoological Museum. Artis is also a botanical garden, with plants and trees gathered from all over the world, just like the animal species. Don't miss the Artis ZOOmeravonden [2]. Tickets €18,50 seniors €17 children (3-9years).

De Gooyer (1814, restored) on Funenkade is the site of the popular microbrewery Brouwerij t' IJ. It's the only windmill in the center of Amsterdam, and the closest one that's open to visitors. De Gooyer at Funenkade, Bus 22, Tram 7, open Wednesday to Sunday from 3PM to 7PM. Easy to combine with a visitor to the popular microbrewery Brouwerij 't IJ.

- Hermitage (Hermitage Amsterdam), Nieuwe Herengracht 14, +31 20 5308751, [3]. Hermitage Amsterdam is a dependency of the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg on the Amstel river in Amsterdam.

- Hortus Botanicus, Plantage Middenlaan 2, +31 20 625 90 21‎, [4]. The 'Hortus' as it is called by locals, was formerly the Botanical Garden of the University of Amsterdam. Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM, Saturday and Sunday 10AM to 5PM, open until 11PM in July and August, admission € 6.

- Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum), Plantage Kerklaan 61D, +31 20 620 25 35‎, [5]. Award-winning museum showing what Amsterdam and Holland were like during Nazi occupation.

- Wertheimpark, (Opposite the Hortus Botanicus). A small park with a World War II memorial located at one of the nicest canals in Amsterdam.

Do
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Buy
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Eat
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Mid-range
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- Koffiehuis van den Volksbond, Kadijksplein 4. Former coffeehouse for harbour labourers. Now a small atmospheric restaurant in the east of the city centre. Mainly visited by locals. Different menu every evening, ranging from €10 to €15 for a main course. Not possible to make reservations and you may have to share a table with other guests.

Splurge
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- De Bamboeseur, Plantage Parklaan 10, +31 20 625 47 21. Daily 11AM-1AM. Fabulous little bar in the traditional "brown cafe" style in a fairly residential district near Artis Zoo. All the food is homemade daily; you really can't go wrong with any part of the menu. No reservations necessary, but seating is limited to a small bar and 8 tables of varying sizes upstairs. Great place to spend an evening. Open for lunch and dinner.

Drink
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- The IJ Brewery (Brouwerij 't IJ), Funenkade 7, +31 20 622 83 25‎, [6]. W-Su 3PM-8PM. Its label with an ostrich egg is a visual pun, as IJ and 'ei' - the word for egg - sound the same in Dutch. East of the centre, close to Artis Zoo, in a former bath house beside a windmill. A small scale brewery where delicious beer in several varieties and strengths is brewed and sold - at a bar - on the premises. The beer is available at some specialist beer shops, and of high quality and, in some cases, alcohol content. Internationally renowned!

Sleep
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Mid-range
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- Eden Lancaster Hotel, Plantage Middenlaan 48 (Opposite Artis Zoo), +31 20 535 6888, [7]. Recently renovated, quaint 3-star hotel with 91 rooms and bags of character. Friendly and helpful English-speaking staff, quiet area and very good value for money. €69.

Splurge
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- InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam (Amstel Hotel), Professor Tulpplein 1, +31 20 622 60 60, [8]. Historic 5-star hotel located on banks of Amstel River, near financial, shopping and theater districts. Voted the Netherlands' best in 2008 by Condé Nast Traveller. 19th-century palace, 79 guestrooms and suites, indoor swimming pool, spa facilities including a Turkish bath. €495.

Contact
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District South Table of Contents

• Get in

By tram

• See

Museums

Parks

Windmills

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

Mid-range

• Drink

Budget

• Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Apartment rental

• Contact

Get in
toc

By tram
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The South is a vast district and just viewing a map of all the tram lines that go through it can make you dazzle. But it's not that complicated if you know the few lines that are interesting for visitors. From Central Station, the fastest tram to the Museum Quarter (and the Vondelpark) is line 5, get out at either Hobbemastraat, Van Baerlestraat or Museum Square (Museumplein). For De Pijp, take either tram line 16 or 24 (stops: Stadhouderskade and Albert Cuypmarkt). After a while they will also reach the Museum Square, but they are noticeably slower.

See
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Museums
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The Museum Quarter boasts some of the best museums of the world, notably the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. A trip to Amsterdam is not complete if you haven't been to at least one of these museums.

- Diamond Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 8 (Opposite the '''Van Gogh Museum'''), +31 20 305 53 00‎. This brand new exhibition about the history of diamond trade in Amsterdam.

- Filmmuseum, Vondelpark 3 (Inside Vondelpark), +31 20 589 14 00, [1]. A non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of contemporary and historical films. Multiple screenings daily. The Filmmuseum is in the Vondelpark, between park entrances Roemer Visscherstraat and Vondelstraat. Despite the name the "Filmmuseum" this is not a museum, rather just an alternative cinema funded by the government.

- Rijksmuseum, Jan Luijkenstraat 1, +31 20 674 70 47, [2]. 9AM-6PM. The largest and most prestigious museum for art and history in the Netherlands: works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Dutch masters. The museum is being completely renovated, but the major masterpieces are still on show. This makes it easy to catch the highlights, but it also means that it gets packed, and the line just to get in can be lengthy. Admission €12.50 for adults, under 18 free, no discounts for students. In the garden is a small temporary exhibition on the renovation plans. €12.50.

- Stedelijk Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 13, +31 20 573 29 11‎, [3]. The Amsterdam municipal museum of modern art. Tues-Sun: 10AM-4PM, Thurs: 10AM-10PM, Mon: closed. This museum has been recently reopened post-renovation. € 10.

- Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 7, +31 20 570 52 00‎, [4]. 10AM-6PM (till 10PM on Fri). This museum is dedicated to Vincent van Gogh, a late 19th century Dutch painter. The museum is extremely popular so expect to wait in line to get in. In the museum are many, but not all, of Van Gogh's works. The museum contains some famous painting like Sunflowers and Potato Eaters, but lack other such as Starry Night. Also, there are selected works of Monet exhibited there. Consider the audio tour at only € 4,00, in the language of your choice, will give you a much better understanding of Van Gogh's life and his paintings. Entry is €14 for adults, neither student nor group rates. Open late on Fridays. €14.

Parks
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- Museum Square (Museumplein). Not exactly a park, but a large grassed open space. Around its edges are the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Concertgebouw, and the temporarily closed Stedelijk Museum. At a sunny summer day, many locals chill at the grass lawn on top of the Albert Heijn supermarket.

- Sarphatipark. Situated in De Pijp, this is a place where people sunbathe and have picnics in the summer.

- Vondelpark, [5]. The only large park that is close to the Old Center, and definitely the most popular one among visitors. Especially in the summer it's lively and crowded, many locals sit on the grass and enjoy a cold beer. It's a lovely place to just hang out, sit in the sun and meet the locals.

- Amsterdamse Bos. The largest park that is relatively close to the city centre is officially located in Amstelveen.

Windmills
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In the South, only the Molen van Sloten [6] is open for visitors. The Molen van Sloten at Akersluis 10, about 10 minutes walk from the terminus of tram line 2, open daily from 10:00AM to 4PM.

Other windmills:

- De Jonge Dikkert, [7]. Officially in Amstelveen (corner of Molenweg and Amsterdamseweg) is now a restaurant.

- Riekermolen (1636). on the bank of the Amstel river at Kalfjeslaan.

Do
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- Concertgebouw, Concertgebouwplein 6 (Tram: Museum Square), 0900 671 83 45 (Dutch phones only), [8]. Famous for its orchestra and its acoustics (among the top ten in the world), this is the world's most frequently visited concert hall. Classical music is the main fare, but they also bring other kinds of music on stage. They have a free "lunch concert" Wednesdays from 12:30PM to 1PM. In the same building is the "Kleine Zaal" or "Small Hall" for more intimate performances, often top-notch also. The building is near the major three museums on the Museum Square.

Buy
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The population of the South is a mixed bag and that becomes most apparent when you're going shopping. Most visitors to the area at least head out for the Albert Cuyp Markt, a typical street market that is iconic for the "De Pijp" area and its lower-class inhabitants. It is touted as the largest and busiest street market in Europe. There is something for everyone here, whether you're looking for delicious Dutch treats, clothes or second-hand cameras. There's also a wide array of stores that cater for the city's Surinamese, Antillean, Turkish and Moroccan inhabitants, giving the market and neighbourhood a strong multicultural feel.

The other end is the P.C. Hooftstraat, the wealthiest street of the country where Dutch celebrities from the Grachtengordel go to find a new pair of designer shoes. Better bring a filled wallet if you're planning on buying something here.

Eat
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De Pijp is an excellent area for getting ethnic food that belongs to former Dutch colonies, such as Indonesian or Surinamese cuisine. Koreans have congregated in the area known as Buitenveldert, so that's an excellent location for Korean cuisine.

Mid-range
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- De Orient, Van Baerlestraat 21 (Museum Quarter). Daily 5PM-11PM. Small restaurant serving authentic Indonesian cuisine.

- Dosa, Overtoom 146 (Vondelpark), +31 20 6164 838, [9]. They specialise in traditional Southern Indian cuisine, especially the eponymous 'Dosa' (a rice and lentil pancake with a variety of fillings). The food is outstanding and well worth hunting out. The dosas are exceptional and a treat worthy of a visit by themselves.

- En Route, Hobbemakade 63 (Museum Quarter), +31 20 6711 263. En Route offers the French cuisine for very reasonable prices (€22,50 for three courses). The chef changes his surprisingly good and creative dishes every week. Just opened, still fresh and comfortable!

- Q's Café, Ruysdaelkade (De Pijp, opposite the flower boat), [10]. Q's is worth a visit with its pleasant canal setting just around the corner from the Albert Cuyp Market. It does a wide variety of sandwiches (hot and cold) at extremely reasonable prices, as well as pancakes, soups and all day cooked breakfast. It also stocks a really good beer from the south of Holland and is the only place in the city that serves it. Definitely at least worth one of their excellent coffees which come in a variety of flavours.

- Sari Citra, Ferdinand Bolstraat 52 (De Pijp), +31 20 675 41 02. Located just off the far end of the De Pijp neighborhood's famous the Albert Cuyp Market, Sari Citra is one of the most delicious and most affordable Indonesian restaurants in town. Be sure to try several of the selections as the friendly staff builds a plate for you. Don't show up right at 5PM unless you feel like waiting in line behind a lot of hungry locals just getting off work. Open during the week from 2PM-9PM, and from 3PM-9PM on weekends.

Drink
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Budget
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- Hotel ABBA, Overtoom 118-122 (Vondelpark, Tram: Overtoom or Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat), +31 20 618 3058, [11]. Cheap but clean hotel, close to the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum.

- Van Ostade Bicycle Hotel, Van Ostadestraat 123 (De Pijp, Tram: Tweede van der Helststraat), +31 20 679 3452 (info@bicyclehotel.com), [12]. A walk or short tram ride from the centre of the action, yet far enough away to feel safe. Surrounded by fantastic architecture with reasonable rates, even on peak. Rooms from single to quadruple and optional en suite. Comes with free coffee, breakfast and wireless internet access. Great for students. Doubles €50-85, doubles ensuite €80-120..

Sleep
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Due to the area being cheaper than the center, the South has become the most popular location for budget and mid-range hotels.

Budget
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- Stayokay Vondelpark, Zandpad 5 (Vondelpark, tram: Stadhouderskade), +31 20 589 8996, [13]. Fairly large youth hostel, very clean and professional. Next to the pleasant Vondelpark, puts you on the southern side of downtown and just a few blocks from the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. The breakfast is filling and has a social atmosphere. This location is popular with school groups. Bring a padlock for your locker, or purchase one at the desk.

Mid-range
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- Hotel Seasons, Stadhouderskade 135, +31 20 675 05 53, [14]. checkin: 14.00; checkout: 11.00. The hotel offers the latest requirements of 3 star hotel. All the floors are reachable by elevator. All rooms have their own private bathrooms.

- Hotel Linda, Stadhouderskade 131, +31 20 673 87 39, [15]. Hotel Linda is a newly renovated hotel in the centre of Amsterdam. The hotel offers 42 rooms with private facilities.

- Hotel Flipper, Borssenburgstraat 5, +31 20 676 19 32, [16]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. Hotel Flipper Amsterdam is very attractive with its peaceful location in a quiet residential area in the southern part of Amsterdam.

- Hotel City Garden, P.C. Hooftstraat 162, +31 20 672 79 19, [17]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. The hotel has 70 rooms with stylish interior and a beautiful view.

- Travel Hotel Amsterdam, Beurstraat 23, 1012 JV Amsterdam, +31 20 626 65 32, [18]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. The hotel is a comfortable 2 star hotel situated only a 5 minute walk from Amsterdam’s Central Station.

- Hotel Falcon Plaza, Marnixstraat 372, Amsterdam, +31 20 622 55 87, [19]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. The hotel has 48 newly renovated rooms, and is located near the Waterlooplein flee market.

- Hotel De Paris Amsterdam, Valkenburgerstraat 72, 1011 LZ Amsterdam, +31 20 638 29 91, [20]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. The hotel is a 3 star non smoking hotel with 37 rooms.

- Hotel Continental Amsterdam, Damrak 40-41, 1012 LK Amsterdam, +31 20 622 33 63, [21]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. The hotel is a 2 star hotel located a 5 minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.

- Hotel De Looier Amsterdam, 3e Looiersdwarsstraat 75, 1016 VD Amsterdam, +31 20 625 18 55, [22]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. The hotel is a 3 star hotel located near many of the main Museums of Amsterdam.

- Borgmann Villa Hotel, Koningslaan 48, +31 20 673 52 52, [23]. An old brick villa with large windows, 15 rooms. Wi fi access. Double room from €99, parking in front €12 per day..

- citizenM (Amsterdam City), Prinses Irenestraat 30, +31 20 408 04 98, [24]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. Second property by citizenM hotels, opened in 2009. Located on Beethovenstraat in Oud-Zuid. Rooms include free WiFi and movies, a rainshower, and an XL kingsize bed with luxury linens. From €69 - €120.

- Gresham Memphis Hotel, De Lairessestraat 87, +31 20 673 31 41, [25]. Singles from €70 and doubles from €90.

- Park Plaza Vondelpark Amsterdam, Koninginneweg 34-36, +31 20 664 61 11‎ (bookamsterdam@pphe.com, fax: +31 20 573 7130), [26]. Ideally situated right by the Vondelpark, museum district within walking distance. Close to Amsterdam's famous upscale shopping street, PC Hooftstraat and the business district Zuidas and the RAI Congress Centre.Free Wi-Fi in public areas. from €69-€120.

- Roemer Hotel, Vondelstraat 28, +31 20 612 01 20. Trendy boutique hotel, housed in a converted from an 18th-century town house adjacent to central Leidseplein Square. Doubles from €129.

Splurge
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- Bilderberg Garden Hotel, Dijsselhofplantsoen 7, +31 20 - 570 56 00 (garden.reservation@bilderberg.nl, fax: +31 20 - 570 56 54), [27]. Five star hotel just off the Apollolaan and only a short walk to the city centre.

- Hilton Amsterdam, Apollolaan 138, +31 20 710 60 00, [28]. Site of John Lennon's and Yoko Ono's bed-in. Located in an upscale, older neighbourhood outside of the city centre (Oud-Zuid) but close to the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark. Nationally famous for being the site where Dutch artist Herman Brood commited suicide by jumping from the roof. From €249.

- Hotel Okura, Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, +31 20 671 23 44, [29]. Five star Japanese-owned and operated hotel with an excellent range of Japanese food, clothing, and book shops in the basement, and wireless internet in the lobby, bar, and conference rooms. The only drawback is that it's relatively distant from the central station (15 minutes by tram), but worth considering if work is paying and you don't mind taking cabs. €275.

- Park Hotel Amsterdam, Stadhouderskade 25, +31 20 671 12 22, [30]. Bang in the middle of Amsterdam between Leidseplein, Rijksmuseum and P.C. Hooftstraat. Four star hotel spread over several historical buildings. Parking. Very friendly staff. From €149.

- Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport, Melbournestraat 1, +31 20 6580 580 (ppaares@pphe.com, fax: +31 20 6580 585), [31]. The hotel has 19 meeting rooms as well as 6 business suites. The hotel provides free shuttle service from and to the airport as well as free wi-fi in public areas. From €79.

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- CityMundo, Schinkelkade 30, +31 20 470 57 05 (info@citymundo.com), [32]. CityMundo is an agency licensed by the local municipality to offer Amsterdam accommodation for short-term rental and takes reservations from 3 to 21 nights.

- Duplex Apartment (http://amsterdamduplexapartment.com), 1e Jan vd Heijdenstraat, (020apartment@gmail.com), [33]. Duplex Holiday Apartment is a beautiful rental apartment which sleeps 6.

Contact
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District West Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

• See

Windmills

Parks

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

Nightclubs

• Sleep

Mid-range

• Contact

Understand
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This district can be split in Old West, a modern neighborhood built in the first half of the twentieth century, and New West, a multicultural area built after World War II and generally off-the-beaten path to tourists. The heart of Old West is (confusingly enough) the neighborhood of Old West proper, the area closest to the city center, bordered to the south by Overtoom and the Vondelpark and in the west by the Rembrandt Park. Other areas in Old West are Westerpark, a large park bordering the center with some interesting nightlife; De Baarsjes, a neighborhood built in Amsterdam School and New Objectivity architectural styles; and Bos en Lommer, most similar to New West with some remarkable buildings.

New West has often dominated the headlines for social and ethnic tensions, crime, urban decay. Most infamous is Slotervaart, bordering Old West to the east; other districts are Geuzenveld/Slotermeer and Osdorp. A special district is the vast area of Westpoort, a harbor occupying a large area to the north of Amsterdam West, but not of much interest to most visitors.

Get in
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See
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Windmills
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Scattered over the district are plenty of windmills, however, none of them are open to the public (but they do look good on pictures).

- De 100 Roe (1674). In the Ookmeer sports fields along Ma Braunpad.

- De 1200 Roe, Haarlemmerweg 701. Near Seineweg.

- De Bloem (1878), Haarlemmerweg 465. at Nieuwpoortkade.

- De Otter (1631). a restored and functioning sawmill, opposite Buyskade, west of the Jordaan.

Parks
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- Rembrandtpark. Not too far west of the Vondelpark, but much quieter and larger in size.

- Westerpark, [1]. Newly expanded park, at the western edge of the centre, with cultural activities in a former gas factory. Access from Haarlemmerweg.

Do
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Buy
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Eat
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Drink
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Nightclubs
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- Flex Bar, Pazzanistraat 1 (Westerpark, Tram: Van Limburg Stirumstraat), +31 20 486 21 23‎, [2]. Flex Bar is known for its innovative musical program and their openminded approach towards music as well as their public. Expect electro, techno, house, dubstep, hiphop, indie, funk, soul...

Sleep
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Mid-range
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- Bastion Hotel Zuidwest, Nachtwachtlaan 11, +31 20 669 1621, [3].

Contact
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District Waterland and Zaan Region Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Contact

Understand
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Get in
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The north lies fairly isolated from the rest of Amsterdam, but luckily, there is a free GVB ferry from Central Station in the Old Center. Instead of just being a way to get in, the ferry ride is an attraction in itself. It gives a great view over the urban harbor-front, and shows the diversity of the north's residents. Large signs show when the next boat is departing, and when it does, except masses of locals getting on with their bicycles. Getting on just before the boat leaves seems to have turned into a sport here. You can take off at different piers, the NDSM shipyard being the most notable. If you want to do some further exploring, be sure to bring a bicycle and a decent map.

See
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There's not much to see around here, but you might want to check out the windmill. It's not open to the public.

- D'Admiraal (1792), Noordhollandschkanaaldijk 21. on the bank of the Noordhollands Kanaal in the north, ferry from Central Station.

Do
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Buy
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Eat
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Drink
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Sleep
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Contact
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District East Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

• See

Architecture

Parks

Museums

Beaches

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

Mid-range

• Drink

• Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

• Contact

Understand
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The East is a residential district southeast of the Plantage neighborhood and east of Amsterdam South. The East should not be regarded as one homogeneous area, as there are many different neighborhoods, each with their own character. Most foreign visitors head out for the area around Oosterpark, a breezy area where you can hang out and visit some museums. The Eastern Docklands is an upper class neighborhood with some of the highest population densities of the city. The Indische Buurt, Transvaalbuurt and Dapperbuurt is a working class area with a relatively large immigrant population; urban renewal projects are underway to improve the living conditions in these neighborhoods.

IJburg[1] is Amsterdam's newest neighborhood at the east side of the city, which is discovered by more and more tourists. The first house was built in 2002. By now, the islands have 15,000 dwellers and are still growing. It consists of several islands connected by bridges, has a harbour and the city's only real beach. The two main islands are Steigereiland (pier island) and Haveneiland (harbour island).

Get in
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You can reach most of the East easily by public transport. For IJburg, take tram 26 from Amsterdam Central Station. You can also get on bus 66 from Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA to Vennepluimstraat.

You can also reach IJburg by car. Take Amsterdam's city ring A10 exit S114 (Zeeburg/IJburg), take highway A1 exit 3 (Muiden) or take Piet Heintunnel from the center of Amsterdam. And you can reach IJburg by bike. Take one of the two bridges: the Nesciobrug or the Enneüs Heermabrug.

See
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The architecture at IJburg is worth seeing. The first island you reach by tram is Steigereiland. At Steigereiland South many residents got the chance to design their houses themselves. Steigereiland North is all about water and air, with a basin full of floating homes. Haveneiland is the main island, and called after its harbour. Many buildings here are modern interpretations of the old city center. Blijburg beach is on the main island.

Architecture
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- IJburg, Steigereiland (pier island) and Haveneiland (harbour island) (tram 26 to IJburg, bus 66 from Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA Station to Vennepluimstraat, by car exit the A10 at S114 (Zeeburg/IJburg)), [2]. IJburg consists of several islands connected by bridges, with a harbour and a beach. The first house at IJburg was build in 2002. The islands have a population of 15.000 and is still growing. The two main islands are Steigereiland (pier island) and Haveneiland (harbour island). Amongst the attractions are modern architecture, water, nature, good restaurants, entertainment venues and hip shops.

Parks
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- Oosterpark, (Behind the Tropenmuseum). Close to Plantage, this park holds several multicultural festivals throughout the year.

- Diemerpark, (Next to IJburg). This is a large park, a little like a dune park.

- Flevopark in the Indische buurt, at the East end of the Insulindeweg, next to the Jewish cemetery, the Flevobad swimming pool, and the Nieuwe Diep inlet. There are two cafe's open in spring/summer/autumn time and one festival each year.

Museums
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- Scheepvaart Museum, [3]. The Netherlands Maritime Museum is closed for complete renovation.

- Tropenmuseum, Linnaeusstraat 2, +31 20 568 82 15‎, [4]. Ethnographic and cultural museum about Africa, Asia, and South America.

Beaches
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- Blijburg Beach, [5]. Blijburg beach is on the main island. You can reach this beach with beach club with tram 26 (IJburg).

Do
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Going out at Blijburg beach, harbour club The Lighthouse, cool restaurant and bar N.A.P. or Dok48. Enjoying the water, the architecture, the nice shops and restaurants.

- Bimhuis, Piet Heinkade 3 (tram Muziekgebouw Bimhuis), +31 20 788 21 50‎, [6]. World class jazz and improvised music venue, five minutes by foot from Central Station. Tickets €14 to €18.

- Blijburg Beach, (tram 26 to the last stop, then a few minutes walk, follow the signs), [7]. This temporary artificial beach is only open in summers. Oddly enough it's surrounded by construction sites and modern architecture in IJburg, the newest neighborhood of Amsterdam.

Buy
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IJburg has a lot of interesting shops. Design020 (Pedro de Medinalaan 89) is a large interior design center and W.I.C. (Pampuslaan 36) sells sixties vintage designer furniture. IJgenwijs (IJburglaan 1285) and Swah (IJburglaan 354) are nice shops for present and home decoration.

Nice boutiques are Bij'tij (Krijn Taconiskade 126), Frontrow (IJburglaan 1277), Ien Lifestyleshop (Diemerparklaan 52), Sevenlands (IJburglaan 1359) and SUBURB denim (IJburglaan 1499). Kids boutiques are Bliksem en Sterren (IJburglaan 1153), Flo4Kidz (IJburglaan 1273), Mama's Design (IJburglaan 1495) and Tjikky+Ko (Krijn Taconiskade 128P).

Eat
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There are some special food shops in IJburg: Boerenjongens Eetwinkel (Talbotstraat 3) is a deli shop annex lunch room with products from the region and Dal Magazino (IJburglaan 431) is the deli shop of Italian restaurant Il Lago.

IJburg further has about 25 restaurants and lunchrooms. Nice ones are Beachclub Blijburg (Muiderlaan 1), coffee bar Espressofabriek (IJburglaan 1489), harbour club The Lighthouse (Krijn Taconiskade 432), harbour side restaurant N.A.P. (Krijn Taconiskade 124), Italian restaurant Lago Caffè (IJburglaan 431), Dutch pancake restaurant Pannenkoek en zo (Taconiskade 406), Mediterranean deli annex restaurant Tante Til (IJburglaan 1501), and icecream shop IJsburg (Pampuslaan 41). You can find an overview at the website 'IJburg: Amsterdam by the sea'.

- Bloem op IJburg, IJburglaan 1289, 020-4160677, [8]. 6 days a week from 17.30. Italian

Mid-range
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- De Ponteneur, Eerste van Swindenstraat 581 (Oosterpark), +31 20 668 06 80, [9]. An inexpensive bar-restaurant with great food and atmosphere. All food served is fresh- and home made. Free wifi available. Excellent bang for the buck and suited for only a drink as well. Main courses start at 15 Euro. No English menu, some waiters speak English.

- Jerry's Eetcafe, Veemkade 1288 (Eastern Docklands, Left to Albert Heijn Supermarket), +31 20 362 80 00, [10]. Daily 6PM-10PM, Sa, M, Tu closed. Amsterdam's best kept secret until now. Small and very cheap restaurant. Good food and service. Great view from the restaurant. Don't let yourself be put off by the unwelcoming entrance to the restaurant shared with a fitness center. Walk up two stories and you feel welcome at once! Reservation required for groups more then 6 people.

- Silk Road Restaurant, Piet Heinkade 11, +31-20-5191200, [11]. In Silk Road Restaurant we offer you an exciting East meets West Kitchen with both a la carte and (on high occupied days only) a live cooking theme buffet. Silk Road Restaurant is located on the 2nd floor of the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam with a great view on the river IJ. Open 7 days per week for lunch and dinner. EUR 25-40.

Drink
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In the harbour: N.A.P. (Krijn Taconiskade 124), Dok48 (Krijn Taconiskade 328) and The Lighthouse (Krijn Taconiskade 432). At the beach: Blijburg (Muiderlaan 1). At Steigereiland: Lago Caffè (IJburglaan 431).

Sleep
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Budget
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- Camping Zeeburg, Zuider IJdijk 20 (from Centraal station Tram 26 IJburg, From Dam Square Tram 14 Flevopark, close to IJburg), +31 20 694 44 30. This campground is near the city. It has camping cabins, wagonettes, tent sites and RV sites. A good store, free wifi and resturant/bar round out the amenities. A good, clean and cheap place to stay if you do not mind walking to the bathroom and paying €.80 for a hot shower.

- Stayokay Zeeburg, Timorplein 21 (Zeeburg, tram: Zeeburgerdijk), +31 20 551 31 90 (zeeburg@stayokay.com), [12]. This 480 bed hostel is located to the east of the city centre in a typical Amsterdam neighbourhood. Amsterdam's historic centre is less than 15 minutes away by bike or tram. The hostel is in the same building as Studio K, a budget diner and movie theatre.

Mid-range
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- B&B Lieve Nachten, Vaillantlaan 77.

- Bastion Hotel Amstel, Verlengde van Marwijk Kooystraat 30, +31 20 663 45 67‎, [13]. Comfortable but lacking in charm, 4 star hotel near OverAmstel metro, 10 minutes walk then 10 minutes train ride to Centraal Station. But without pedestrian access to the road - you have to take your chance with the traffic. Doubles €70.

- The Flying Chef (De Vliegende Kok), Transvaalkade 26 (Transvaal, tram: Krugerplein), +31 20 468 65 08 (reserveren@devliegendekok.nl), [14]. Quiet art deco bed breakfast with culinairy arrangements. In East part, Watergraafsmeer of center. Wi-Fi access. See website for pictures. €90.

- Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, Piet Heinkade 11 (Eastern Docklands, tram: Muziekgebouw Bimhuis), +31 20 519 12 00 (hotel.amsterdam@moevenpick.com, fax: +31 20 519 1239), [15]. The hotel is located in the Eastern Docklands, the renewed area of the city centre which makes it perfect for business or pleasure. 149 euro.

Contact
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District Duivendrecht Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

• See

Amsterdam ArenA

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Stay safe

• Contact

Understand
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With no shared borders with Amsterdam, Zuidoost is an entity to itself. It was built up in the 1960s and 70s as a residential utopia of sorts with apartment blocks separated by tracts of green. Also known as ‘De Bijlmer’, Zuidoost is a vibrant multicultural district renowned as the home of the Ajax football team.

Get in
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Zuidoost lies east of the A10 ring highway and west of the Weespertrekvaart waterway which connects with the Amsterdam-Rijn canal. To the north are the city of Diemen and its forest Diemenbos. To the south lies Nieuw Utrechtseweg and open fields, beyond which is the Amstel River-side town of Oudekerk aan de Amstel. The new architecturally-acclaimed train station Bijlmer provides easy access to Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands.

By train Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA (Asb) railway station serves the Bijlmermeer neighborhood.

- From Schiphol Airport. Schiphol station is located directly beneath the airport. From the arrivals hall walk through Schiphol Plazato to reach the train station.

- Trains run to and from the Randstad (Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht region)

A number of special (through) trains also run throughout the night commencing after the last train of the day and are available until the early morning. These trains run once an hour and the fare for the night train is the same as that for the day train.[1]

See
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Amsterdam ArenA
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The Amsterdam ArenA, built from 1993 to 1996 and with a capacity of 51,628 seats during sports matches, is home to the most successful football club in the Netherlands, Ajax. The arena can hold up to 68,000 people during concerts and regularly holds popular music events. In past many well known artists have performed here including Tina Turner, Justin Timberlake and U2.

Do
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- Heineken Music Hall, De Corridor 9 (Metro/Train: Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA), 0900 687 42 42‎ (Dutch phones only), [2]. Large-scale music venue with plenty of international stars having performed here. More "headliners" are booked in Amsterdam for the Heineken Music Hall than any other venue. Best reached by train r metro (station Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA).

- Pathé. One of the largest cinemas of the country, and it also has IMAX movies.

- Gaasperpark. Recreational area and nature reserve with a lake and water-sports centre. The centre offers facilities for canoeing, swimming, rowing, sailing and a surfing school. Explore the park (5 km around the lake) by foot, bicycle or horseback. On the edge of the park is the Gaasper Camping campsite.

Buy
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As this is a new part of Amsterdam, shopping malls are generally modern and large. From Bijlmer Station, west of the railroad you can find large retail stores, such as IKEA, MediaMarkt and others. The area east of the railroad could be called "downtown Bijlmer", where you can find a more relaxed atmosphere with smaller stores and quick dining facilities.

Eat
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Drink
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Sleep
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Campsite

Just twenty minutes from the centre of Amsterdam is the Gaasperpark on the Gaasperplas (Gaasper Lake). There, close to the metro station Gaasperplas (5 minutes walk), you will find the capital's largest campsite: Gaasper Camping Amsterdam.

Address: Loosdrecht 7, 1108 AZ Route and Directions

Hotels

- Campanile Hotel Amsterdam, Loosdrechtdreef 3, 1108 AX, [3]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. 3 star hotel. 1 minute walk from metro station Gaasperplas. Free wifi. Free parking.

- Tulip Inn Amsterdam Riverside, Provincialeweg 38, 1108 AB, [4]. 3 star hotel. 7 minute walk from metro station Gaasperplas. Free parking. 8 conference rooms. Restaurant. Bar open till 1:00 am.

Stay safe
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As this used to be the most crime-ridden area of Amsterdam (and the Netherlands as a whole), it is important to always be cautious and stay within the well-populated areas. Do not walk around alone in the dark and avoid groups of youth standing around. Generally speaking, the area around Bijlmer station is quite safe, while the further off you get from there, the unsafer it gets. It must be said though that the last 20 years crime has lessened considerably and the area can be visited safely during daylight.

Contact
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