Of all the cities in Europe, Amsterdam is one of the most delightful, its bustling markets, magnificent art galleries, olive-green canals and gabled houses famous throughout the world. One of its special charms is its small-city feel with all the key attractions within easy walking distance.
This street market is one of the most popular in the whole of Holland. Started in 1903, this market now has over 300 stalls on both sides of the street. These stalls sell everything from clothes, cosmetics and chocolates to fruit, fish and vegetables. The market is a good place to test your bargaining skills. The market is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. Due to bad weather during winters, the market may close earlier.
With almost 25 perfect of its surface area covered with navigable waterways, Amsterdam is often known as the Venice of the East. Canal Cruises have hence emerged as a major tourist attraction in the city. For those who want to go on a canal cruise, boats can be taken on rent from various boat rental companies. There is a choice of pedal or electrically powered boat. Once popular, Houseboats are now almost exclusively private residences, and strict government regulations mean that only a few of them have legal rental space.
Anne Frank, a girl who wrote about her experiences during the Second World War has her house in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam. This is the house where the Anne Frank along with her family spent 25 months during the war. A must see for those who love history and were touched by her story.
In central Amsterdam you will come across the famous Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum which houses wax filled statues of Dutch and foreign stars. Conveniently located on Dam Square, Madame Tussauds is at 10 minutes walking distance from Central Station. Parking places are easily available nearby. If you wish to travel by tram you can use Tram No 1, 2, 5, 13, 17 and 20 that will drop you at Magna Plaza/Dam or Tram No. 4, 9, 16, 20 and 24 that stop at Bijenkorf/Dam.
Rembrandtplein is another major tourist attraction in central Amsterdam. This square named after famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn, was originally a butter market. Over time various cafes, night clubs and hotels opened in the area making it one of the hottest nightspots in the city.
A true treat for art lovers, the Rijkmuseum features a splendid collection of Dutch paintings from the Golden Age.
The museum is organizing exhibitions, projects, workshops and other activities at various venues throughout Amsterdam. Stedelijk Goes to Town is a countdown to the grand re-opening on the Museumplein. For most of 2009, items from Stedelijk's fantastic collection will be on show in major exhibitions at other locales in Amsterdam.
One of the most famous artists in history, Van Gogh's work is displayed at the Van Gogh Museum. Located between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, the museum entrance is at the Paulus, Potterstraat 7. Tram No 2 and 5 from the Central Station will take you to the museum. The museum is disabled friendly.
Located near the Museum Quarter, Vondelpark is one of the largest parks in Amsterdam, very popular with locals and tourists alike. The open air theatre at the park has theatrical performances five days week. During June, July and August, one can enjoy concerts and musical performances at the open air theatre.
Kids have many things to see and do when in Amsterdam:
Type: East African Location: Albert Cuypstraat 182, Amsterdam, 1073 Phone: +31 (0)20 6750544
Type: American Location: Van Woustraat 127-129, Amsterdam, 1074 Phone: +31 (0)20 4709900
Type: West Indian Address: Dappperstraat 94, Amsterdam, 1093 Phone: 020-4652132
Type: Indonesian Address: Burgemeester van Leeuwenlaan 34, Amsterdam Phone: +3120 611 92 61
Type: Moroccan Address: Bosboom Toussaintstraat 70, Amsterdam, 1054 Phone: 020 489 37 07
Ever tried Indonesian cuisine? If not, then head for De Orient which brings the taste of Indonesian food to your palate.
A cafe that has over-sized almost everything! You'll find giant cups of coffee, muffins, bagels, cheesecake, cookies, and brownies which bring a sense of New York and California together.
For those who crave a bit of South American food, Los Latinos a South American grill Steak House is the place which offers some of the finest steaks in town.
Burger Bar is another popular restaurant with reasonable prices that is the ideal choice for anyone who loves a good old fashioned burger.
The Bamboeseur is a small cozy bar serving snacks and lunches. Evenings see the mezzanine turned into a small restaurant that serves a limited European menu of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. The younger crowd generally frequents this place creating an ambiance of jovility and cheer. Loud modern music adds to the spirit of bonhomie and merriment. The service at the bar is mostly female.
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Walk into one of Holland's most opulent and prestigious hotels and be sure to meet some celebrities and members of the royalty. Located on the banks of River Amstel, the hotel has catered to the world's rich and famous since its opening in 1867, Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn and Madonna being some of them. Amstel Intercontinental is the perfect blend of the old and the new with its stately traditional-style rooms and riverside terraces alongside a state of the art health club and swimming pool. For those visiting Amsterdam on business, the hotel provides conference facilities. Limousine service and private motor launches and an impressive health club and swimming pool are some of the many facilities also offered here. Headed by Chef Edwin Katz, the hotel's restaurant La Rive, has gained much recognition and has even received two Michelin Stars.
Located in the heart of the Amsterdam city centre, the Armada Canalview is a comfortable, warm and affordable hotel. It has in its vicinity, numerous museums and parks. Notable among them are the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Vondel Park. The central location of the hotel makes it easy to access most places allowing the visitor to either go sightseeing or shopping in one of the many narrow shopping streets around the hotel.
The hotel is centrally located just opposite the majestic Rijksmuseum offering a nice view of the museum building. Located very close to the Leidseplein, a lively square in central Amsterdam popular for its nightlife, restaurants, bars, cafes and coffee shops, visitors can look forward to a warm, homely and exciting stay at the hotel. For those who love collecting antiques, the Spiegelkwartier is full of little surprises. Free coffee and tea making facilities are available at the hotel.
This modern 3 star hotel is centrally located in the heart of Amsterdam. The building that is now the Avenue Hotel was in the Golden Age used as a warehouse for the United East India Company. The hotel staff is warm and hospitable and the service is very good. The 80 rooms of the hotel are cosy and comfortable.
The Garden Hotel offers tasteful luxury among serene surroundings. Located in close proximity to chic shopping streets, splendid museums and welcoming pavement cafes, it is a popular choice with visitors who like to be in the midst of it all. Guests can enjoy enticing culinary fusion of French and Mediterranean cuisine at the famous hotel restaurant, De Kersentuin.
This charming 100 years old hotel is located in a tranquil and exclusive part of central Amsterdam, 30 minutes drive from Schiphol Airport. There is a bus stop right in front of the hotel that makes access to the city's tourist attractions easy. In the vicinity of the hotel is the Waterloo Square with its flea market, Artis Zoo, Carre theatre and the Rembrandt Square. There are plenty of small cafes and restaurants around the hotel, the hotel itself also has its own trendy restaurant that serves only breakfast. Eden Lancaster is a non smoking hotel and has free wifi facility.
This luxury 5-star hotel located in the heart of Amsterdam is a monumental masterpiece. Grand Hotel Amrath is a place where art and luxury meet to create a stunning picture of grandeur and elegance, tradition and modernity, style and service. The Central Station is a mere 500 meters away and all the main attractions of the city are also easily reachable from here by public transport or on foot. The hospitable professional staff at the hotel takes great care to ensure that your stay at the hotel is pleasurable and memorable. The hotel has been built to impress and it surely does a good job of it.
The Hem is located in the west central part of Amsterdam at 5 minutes distance from the city's famous World Trade Centre and World Fashion Centre. The hotel has recently been renovated and a food corner has been placed in the hotel lobby where salads, pizzas and sandwiches are served. Beverages and snacks are also sold in the bar. The city centre and the airport are both a 15 minutes drive away and most tourist attractions can be easily accessed by public transport. If you need help in planning an excursion or gathering information, the reception staff is ever wiling to oblige you.
With the Artis Zoo and the lively Rembrandtplein square within walking distance, Hotel Barbacan promises to be a delight for people of all ages. This 3 star hotel is located in a residential neighbourhood, on the east side of the city centre. The hotel has 23 well serviced rooms. While most of the rooms have private bathrooms there are basic rooms available which require you to share a bathroom with other hotel guests. The hotel will be especially attractive to those travelling in large groups as there are rooms available for 3 to 6 people as well. Every room has a telephone, a television and a safe.
This south Amsterdam situated 3 star hotel is very affordable and perfect for those travelling on a budget. South Amsterdam or Amsterdam Zuid is best known for its colourful Albert Cuypmarket, which is walking distance from the hotel. Go shopping at the market for everything from vegetables and fruits to clothes and accessories. The Amstel train station is a walking distance away and the tram and bus stops are close to the hotel. The hotel has rooms with both sharing and private shower and toilets. All rooms are equipped with a television phone, wake up service, free wireless internet and central heating.
Amsterdam, the capital of Holland, is a city that needs no introduction. It enjoys a climate warmer than its sister-cities due to the Gulf Stream (the global air current which draws tropical air from the Caribbean area up to the north-west of Europe). It is a perfect place to go to all year round with events to keep you occupied any month. June-July & early August is when the peak season starts for people who prefer to be in a reasonably pleasant climate. Whereas, winter in Amsterdam is not frozen but extremely cold, so it is better to have things that will keep you warm.
Location: Amsterdam is located in the province of North Holland; Dialing code: Country Code: 31 Amsterdam Area Code: 020; Emergency numbers: Police: 112 Fire Brigade : 112 Ambulance Service: 112 Pharmacy : 694 8709 Doctor: 592 3434/0900 1515 Car Breakdown: 0800 0888 Amsterdam Information: 09 00 84 18 (Int )/ 09 00 80 08 (Local) Police ( Non Emergency) : 0900 8844 Emergency Dentists Amsterdam: 0900 321 2230 / 0900 821 2230 / 020 686 1109 Public Transport Information: 0900 9292 Sea Rescue / Coast Guard: 0900 0111 Population: 735,000
Public Holidays 2011; 01 January New Year’s Day: 22 April Good Friday 24 April Easter 25 April Easter 30 April Queen’s Day 04 May National Remembrance Day 05 May Liberation Day (official holiday every 5 years) 02 June Ascension Day 12 June Pentecost 05 December Sinterklaas (not an official holiday) 25 December Christmas 26 December Christmas
January: High: 4°C (39°F) Low: -1°C (30°F); February: High: 6°C (43°F) Low: -1°C (30°F); March: High: 9°C (48°F) Low: 1°C (34°F)
The people of Amsterdam are warm, generous and wild depending on who you meet and for what purpose. They are always ready to lend a helping hand and are crazy about their food, dancing, beer, history and diamonds!
If you reside in Dubai and the Northern Emirates you can submit your visa application at Consulate General of the Netherlands in Dubai
Amsterdam is a soothing site for sore eyes as it gives you a feeling of old and new Europe. From its canals, meandering through the city like grapevines, to the latest designs gracing the ramps at the city's fashion week, Amsterdam is certainly a city of contrasts. It is filled with warm people who are relaxed and laid back and are ready to give tourists a real taste of Amsterdam whether it be partying until dawn or appreciating the city's historic beauty. Amsterdam has become one of the most important places to trade in and is at the forefront of diamond and finance businesses.
Amsterdam is believed to have been a small fishing village. It is said that the villagers who were settled on the banks of the Amstel built a bridge across the river to cross over to the other side. The wooden doors of the bridge served as a dam that held back the IJ bay. This is how Amsterdam derived its name (Amstel-Dam). Amsterdam gradually grew as a trading city, mainly the in the trade of salted herring and more famously, beer.
Step into a world of exquisite antique and contemporary jewelry and gorgeous antique silver at this elegant shop situated opposite the Allard-Pierson Museum in the historic and beautiful heart of Amsterdam. This establishment, opened in 1823, specializes in European silver, antiques and second hand jewelry. The splendid collection showcased in brocaded display cases and richly carved cabinets is a tribute to fine craftsmanship. The antique jewelry displayed alongside the variety of sterling silverware vies for your attention as does the silver plaque depicting the entrance to an Amsterdam hospital or the 18th century perpetual calendar. In 1973, this establishment became suppliers of the Dutch royalty. Jewelry is also designed, made and repaired in the workshop located on the premises.
Unassuming and modest, the exterior of this emporium belies the content loaded within. High quality Makkumware porcelain from Koninklijke Tichelaars is available at this shop which stocks all kinds of everything related to Delftware. Genuine articles as well as imitations are available in elegant designs. Funky shapes are available as well like ceramic clogs, Christmas decorations, misshapen vases, etc.
If branded items and exclusive designer labels is what you are looking for, then look no further. From Gucci bags, Fieldcrest towels and a host of other designer tags to compliment your wardrobe, this elegant store has it all. Household goods with labels to boast and a galaxy of personal items are also available here.
Not one to flaunt its name, this unobtrusive store is a name to reckon with when it comes to a collection of antiques. In the business since 1878, Mathieu Hart is a veritable treasure trove. Color etchings of Dutch cities give you an artistic view of Amsterdam or the Dutch countryside. Rare old prints are also available here. A collection of famous 18th century Delftware along with grandfather clocks are also part of the unique items the shop has to offer.
Expect an explosive and unique combination when a hip, trendy, artistic, avant-garde and a wee bit loud store for women is set in a protected historical monument, the 17th century Klein Trippenhuis. This counter-intuitive setting sets the mood of this store where co-proprietor Desiree Webers showcases her designer fashions along with other Dutch and international designers.
The Museum Quarter which is located in Amsterdam Zuid is considered to be the Rodeo Drive of Amsterdam. It has the most popular designer’s shops clothes and shoes shops along with massage, well being, health, florist and specialist shops.
At the P.C. Hooftstraat you will find all the haute couture boutiques: Cartier, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger and the very impressive Oger shop.
The perfect place to find gold and silver turned into stunning jewelry, each piece of which is an expression of art. Owner Paul Derrez's creativity does not stop here. Visit the store to see the playful pieces he turns other materials like rubber, foam and feathers into.
Want to wash away your worries or wash away your sins; there's soap aplenty to do all of that, plus more. You'll be amazed that a simple commodity like soap could be an object of artistic creation. Enter the shop and your senses will be assaulted with the fragrance of vanilla, rose and other essential oils. The variety of shapes and sizes of soap available here is astounding. Imagine a chess set made of soap, soap alphabet blocks and soap in the shape of a cow! At la Savonnerie you can buy personalized soaps and even make your own customized soap with oils and perfumes of your choice.
A fabric shop like no other, it is sure to please every woman's heart and every man's too who wants to please his woman. Spools of ribbon and cord, colors galore, adorn the store's walls. Set to indulge every woman who loves to stitch and embroider, the shop has books with samples of patches and appliques.
Located in central Amsterdam on the Dam Square, this 17th century palace was originally built as a city hall for Amsterdam's magistrates. The museum is now used primarily for state functions and for presentation of various official and royal prizes. The Palace is not open to visitors as it has been temporarily closed down for major renovation.
Built in the 17th century for housing working class immigrants, Jordaan is now an upscale district of Amsterdam. The district has emerged as a posh and happening place for art aficionados with the opening of many art galleries, especially those for modern art. For those who want to browse through specialty shops and restaurants, Jordaan is the perfect place. The area also has many small and interesting museums such as the Houseboat Museum and the Pianola Museum. Rembrandt spent his last days in Jordaan
For those who love horses, Jumping Amsterdam is the event for you! It is considered the best equestrian event in the Netherlands. It is an international indoor horse show featuring high-level jumping and dressage competitions. The year 2009 sees the very special 50th edition of this event with visitors being entertained by the performances of famous artists.
The Amsterdam International Fashion Week takes place in January. The event showcases the talent of young designers, wanting to make their mark on the fashion world. The week guarantees to be an interesting mix of fashion, photography, parties and fun!
The Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival takes place in April from the 18th to the 25 th and brings to the audience a mix of anime, fantasy, thriller, cult, horror, and sci-fi movies.
The Kwakoe Festival takes place on 30th June and is all about having a good time and relaxing. The festival offers an enticing combo of theatre, music, film, literature, sports and more!
The 5 Days of The Amsterdam Festival are all about lots of electronic music combined with an indoor dance event and a massive concert with bands coming together from across the globe.
Prices: from € 19 per adult and € 9.50 per child (4 to 12 years), infants 0 to 3 years free of charge Duration: 2.5 hours Departure: Daily at 14:30 In summer (Mar20- Oct31) also at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm In winter extra departures only on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm Blackout dates: Tour does not operate December 25, January 1, or April 30. Location: Tour departs from Damrak 26, Amsterdam 150-200 meters from the Central Station. Time: 10:00am Return Details: Tour concludes at original point of departure.
Prices: from € 7, 50 per adult and € 5 per child (4 to 12 years) infants 0 to 3 years free of charge
According to an old Dutch saying, in Netherlands you Walk on Water. Water is everywhere and everywhere you stand there was once water.
Prices: from € 39 per adult and € 19.50 per child (4 to 12 years) infants 0 to 3 years free of charge
Location: Zangvogelweg 156 3815 DR Amersfoort, Netherlands
Location: Stichting Masjid Anour Emmalaan 66 3411 XJ Lopik, Netherlands
Location: Marokkaanse Moskee Vereniging Tolhuislaan 22 3862 WL Nijkerk Gld, Netherlands
Regional buses travel in and around the city and their time tables are available at the airport and at every street corner. The Express Service Buses have fewer stops than other buses. Holland also has a service called the Interliner, which is used for longer distances and is similar to America's Greyhound Buses.
The tram and the subway system are other means of traveling and enjoyment as it gives tourists a view of the city from a different angle (The Hague and GVB Companies offer tram services). These transport services begin functioning at 6 a.m. and operate until midnight. It is better to have a 'stripcard' incase you have to travel a lot which is better than buying tickets every time you want to use these services.
The taxi system in Holland is the same as everywhere else; you may book it in advance or catch one on the street. They have blue license plates with black letters and digits and have the word TAXI on top of the roof. Taxi stands are visible at quite a few tourist places such as Leidseplein, Dam Square and Central Station.
Most car rental companies require you to be 21 or older (some require you to be 23) to hire a car. You are also required to have a valid international driving license and passport. Rates vary from 39 EUR to 115 EUR per day depending upon the car model. This price is exclusive of the fuel cost. Special rates are available during off season and for rentals of one week or more. Most international car rental companies have offices at the Schiphol Airport and in the city too.
Direct Rail Link connects Schiphol International Airport to Amsterdam central station and is the fastest way to get to the city center. Trains run every 10 minutes from platforms 1 and 2 in the main arrival plaza and cost just € 3.60 for a single journey. Tickets are available from the ticket offices at Schiphol Plaza.
Remember to always drive on the right hand side of the road. You might encounter many cyclists on the road who often disregard traffic signals and rules. Be careful while driving on roads with too many cyclists. The speed limit in cities is 30 miles/hr (50 kms) and on highways this ranges from 60 miles to 75 miles/hr ( 100 to 120 kms/hr).Tourists can drive in the Netherlands, provided they hold a valid International Driver's License.
Amsterdam is a safe city and the city stays alive till late in the night. It is hence not uncommon to find people on the road even well past midnight although standard security precautions need to be taken, like being wary of your belongings in public areas etc.
