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French Emotions ( Baci Baiser alla Francese) |
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Italian Emotions (Baci Italiani ) |
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 Anna Frank House |
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| Amsterdam Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Boat on river Boat on river David Dekel DD AMS Amsterdam is one of the coolest cities in Europe. Beautiful, hip, and laid back, with lots to do, lots to see, many pubs, food from all over the world and friendly people. A visit to this very beautiful city is sometimes like taking a walk in the 17th century, as the center of Amsterdam has a lot of charming architecture dating from this period. This is an excellent city to tour on foot or bicycle. However, while Amsterdam may boast a lot of 17th century architecture, that's about all that's old fashioned about the place. In summer one of the best places to go for a relaxing afternoon is the Vondelpark. It is a great park, right in the center of things and very lively. With a bit of luck you can catch a (free) outdoor concert near the water. There are also a few trendy places in the park where you can sit and have a beer, such as the Blauwe Theehuis. If you like to watch people strolling by, a perfect place is Leidseplein. Leidseplein(=square) is bustling with activity and terraces in summertime. Another nice square is Rembrandtplein - nice cafe's and again terraces If you like spare ribs - visit De Klos just off the Leidsestraat. Beer is everywhere and it is all good. Amsterdam was originally built on the shores of the saltwater Zuiderzee, but as a result of centuries of land-reclamation projects Zuiderzee was renamed Ijsselmeer after it was separated from the sea by a dike and became a freshwater lake. Thus the city now borders the freshwater of IJsselmeer. The center of Amsterdam is shaped like a horseshoe, surrounded by four famous canals called the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. These are best to walk along if you want to see the city's beautiful gabled houses. To get from one place to another quickly, get on a tram. Lines 1, 2, and 5 go from Centraal Station through the Dam, up the Leidsestraat to the Leidseplein, and this path is a good place to start when learning how to get from here to there. There are lots of interesting small shops for browsing and there are also bigger shopping centers. Clusters of shops can be found in the pedestrian passages and even in the old post office, which is right behind the central Dam Square (on which you can find the Dam Palace). And then, of course, there is the world famous (or infamous, depending on how you look at it) Red Light District, which consists of several canals and the side streets between them, south of Central Station and east of Damrak. They are known as 'De Wallen' (the walls) in Dutch, because the canals were once part of the city defenses (walls and moats). Despite the area's reputation, prostitution itself is limited to certain streets, mainly side streets and alleys, and while there are many adult shops and peep show bars, the whole area has a heavy police presence, and many security cameras. In addition, it is still a residential district, with many bars and restaurants as well as historic buildings and museums; this is, after all the oldest part of the city. An example of the old blending in with the new is the gothic Oude Kerk church on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, the oldest in Amsterdam, which is now surrounded by window prostitution. The Red Light District is certainly worth a visit for the brave and adventurous. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: wikipedia ___________Sights Edit This Vondelpark in Winter Vondelpark in Winter Giorgio Baresi Amsterdam is home to some of the most beautiful sights in Europe. The canals that flow through the city give it great character and style and the museums are renowned all over the world. Amsterdam has several excellent museums and two of the best are next to each other. The Van Gogh Museum is a must for anyone interested in the artist’s work. It houses some of his most famous masterpieces, beginning with his time in Holland and stretching through the period of his death in France. The museum is open every day between 10:00 and 18:00 hours, and on Friday night you can visit the museum until 22:00 hours! On the same square is the 250-room Rijksmuseum, which contains among its treasures a handful of exquisite Vermeers and one of the best Rembrandt collections in the world. At the moment, the main building of the museum is undergoing a major restoration, which is going to be finished in 2008. However, 200 masterpieces, amongst them Rembrandt's "Nightwatch" and Vermeer's "Milkmaid", are on display in the Philips wing of the museum. Open every day between 09:00 and 18:00 hours. The excellent Stedelijk Museum, located on the museum square, displays contemporary art, including traveling exhibits from other countries. At the moment the museum is undergoing a renovation/expansion, and the artwork is on display in a temporary museum near the Central Railway Station. Museum Amstelkring also known as "Our Lord in the Attic" is set in a 17th-century merchant house. It contains a secret Catholic church on the top floor. The house has its original furnishings giving a good idea of what life at that time was like. If time permits, take a look a Rembrandt’s house near the Waterlooplein (the artist lived there 1639-1657). And the church where he is buried at the Westerkerk, (you’ll walk past it on the way to The Anne Frank House). Have a look for the crown on top of the church given to Amsterdam by Maximilian I in 1489 and you can also climb the spire for a great view of the city. There are also a number of other Rembrandt-related sites: the 13th-century Oudekerk (Amsterdam’s oldest church), where Rembrandt’s wife Saskia is buried; the 15th-century Waag (weigh station) where Rembrandt painted "The Anatomy Lesson" (it now houses a cultural center and café); and the Zuiderkerk (South Church) where he painted "The Night Watch". Contributors February 28, 2007 change by rfujitani Display all or display just: Churches and Cathedrals Hotspots Landmarks Palaces Parks, Gardens and Zoos Public Buildings Squares Streets Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Sight] Westerpark Edit This Westerpark is a park located west of the Central Station. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] Spui Edit This artplein-spui artplein-spui photo by: marc wensma On the spui square you find some of the oldest buildings of Amsterdam. Be sure not the miss the Begijnhof. The bookmarket helt here is a great place to find secondhand books about Amsterdam if you want to stay for some time in the city. If there's no market just go to the Slechte in the Kalverstraat (just arround the corner) you'll probably pay a bit more, but they do have an extensive collection on Amsterdam. Every Sunday at the ''Spui'' in Amsterdam there is an exhibition in the open air with recent work of sixty Dutch and international professional artists.(in more.. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] address: Spui url: www.artplein-spui.nl Carré Edit This Royal Theatre Carré with at the foreground the locks in the Amstel Royal Theatre Carré with at the foreground the locks in the Amstel photo by: Hans-Peter Harmsen The Royal Theatre Carre was built by Oscar Carré to house his family circus. Now it is the most prestigous theatre building of Amsterdam. Recent renovations have brought back the original windows and added a bar in the attic with a view over the city. type: Public Buildings World66 rating: [rate it] zipcode: 1018 EM address: Amstel 115-125 url: www.theatercarre.nl tel: (0900) 25 25 255 (€ 0,40 pm) Skinny Bridge Edit This Magere brug Magere brug photo by: Hans-Peter Harmsen The Skinny bridge or Magere brug as the Dutch say is one of the most beautiful bridges in the city. Some local people say that the bridge was named after the Mager Sisters (mager is Dutch for skinny). These two well-to-do sisters lived on opposite sides of the river. They are said to have had the wooden bridge built to make it easier to visit one another. The real explanation is more down to earth, however. The bridge used to be so narrow that it was hard for two pedestrians to pass one another. When traffic along the Amstel increased, a wider more.. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] address: Kerkstraat crossing the Amstel river Artis Zoo Edit This Founded in 1838, Artis Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. In addition to access to 14 hectares (34.5 acres) of 700 species of animals, visitors to Artis Zoo will also enjoy walking the dozens of winding paths this cultural zoo has to offer as well as exploring lush gardens and viewing sculptures and historical buildings. Located right next to the main entrance at Artis Zoo is the Artis Planetarium which features a 640-metre (2,099 sq. ft.) projection dome as well as more than 100 projectors for displaying special effects, videos, and slides. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40 1018 CZ Amsterdam openinghours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. email: info@artis.nl url: www.amsterdamzoo.nl tel: +31-20-5233400 openingHours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Concertgebouw Edit This Concertgebouw Concertgebouw photo by: Hans-Peter Harmsen At the west side of Museumplein stands the Amsterdam concert building. It can be easily recognized by the greek harp on it's top. type: Public Buildings World66 rating: [rate it] address: van Baerlestraat Our lord in the attic Edit This The organ inside "Our Lord in the Attic" The organ inside "Our Lord in the Attic" photo by: Giorgio Baresi This marvellous catholic church, hidden into the attic of an old 17th century house, is part of the Amstelkring Museum. The history of this church dates back to 1661 when a wealthy merchant, Jan Hartman, bought a house on Oudezijds Voorburgwal. He and his family lived on the first two floors, while the attic was turned into a catholic church betwen 1661 and 1663. To be continued. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] email: info@museumamstelkring.nl address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40 openings: Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 1pm-5pm tel: 020 6246604 url: www.museumamstelkring.nl zipcode: 1012 GE Rembrandtplein Edit This Rembrandt Square Rembrandt Square photo by: Luiz H Mentzingen You easily miss it but there is a statue of Rembrandt on the Rembrandtplein. All around are pubs, disco's and some sleazy bars. Rembrandt became the most important painter in the beginning of the 19th century when Belgiun separated itself from the Netherlands and claimed Rubens as their national painter. The statue on the Rembrand plein, wich used to be called buttermarket, was meant to be cast in bronze, but typically Dutch it was cast in iron to keep costs as low as possible. The statue of Rembrandt is made of cast iron because bronze was too expensive. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] address: Rembrandtplein Wester Kerk Edit This Wester Kerk Wester Kerk photo by: Charles de Lanoy Overlooking the Jordaan, the Westerkerk and its Tower is one of the symbols of Amsterdam. The necessity to undertake the construction of additional churches was the inevitable result of the 1613 urban expansion project. In 1620, therefore, a decision was made to build two churches, the Noorderkerk and the Westerkerk. The Westerkerk was planned as a large church catering for the religious needs of the inhabitants of the northern part of the ring of canals. A smaller church, the Noorderkerk, was designed for church-goers in the Jordaan area, a far less prestigious more.. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] Zaandam Edit This Zaandam is a pitoresque village north west of Amsterdam. The city of Zaandam is one of Amsterdams suburbs, located just on the other side of the river IJ. The city in itself is rather modern, but has two key historical attractions. In the city itself you can find the Czaar Peter House. When Czaar Peter the Great visited the Netherlands to learn more about shipbuilding and watermanagement, he lived in this small wooden workmanshouse for a while. Zaandam at the time had many shipdocks where he learned how to build ships, the base for his Baltic fleet. Peter the more.. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Chinatown Edit This Amsterdam's China Town is loacted near the Nieuwmarkt. The Zeedijk is lined with Chinese shops and restaurants. type: Streets World66 rating: [rate it] address: Zeedijk Royal Palace Edit This photo The Royal Palace (1648-1665) was designed as the most prestigious town hall of its time. It is justly famous for being a large and important cultural and historic building of 17th century Amsterdam. It was built by the architect Jacob van Campen in Palladian style as the city hall. However, when Holland was occupied by the French troops of Napoleon, at the end of the 18th, beginning of the 19th C, Napoleon made his brother Louis King of the Netherlands. Louis didn't want to live in a house on one of the canals, he wanted a real palace, so he had the city hall converted in more.. type: Palaces World66 rating: [rate it] Vondelpark Edit This The Cinema Museum in Vondelpark The Cinema Museum in Vondelpark photo by: Giorgio Baresi The vondelpark is one of the nicest parks in the world and should not be missed. It is perfect to walk, to cycle or to skate. You can rent inlines at the far end. Designed in English Landscape style at the end of the 19-th century. It runs roughly speaking from Leidseplein to the Amstelveense weg. There are several sculpures and temporary art rojects to be discovered. In the park you can find a Picasso sculpture (which is also a gay rendezvous) , a Rietveld building, and a beautiful crowd of people sunbathing, playin soccer or reading (in summer) and spitting lama's (all year more.. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] Hortus Botanicus Edit This Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam photo by: Hans-Peter Harmsen Great place to relax. You can have coffee and tea in the Orangerie. Entrance is free if you have a student card. The Hortus serves good food too. If you are looking for a place to lie down on the grass you'd better visit the Wertheim park opposite the Hortus. For exotic plants the hortus is the right place indeed. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Plantage Middenlaan 2 openinghours: 9:00-17:00 weekdays, 11:00-17:00 weekend, closes at 16:00 in winter Leidseplein Edit This Leidseplein is one of the most busy places in Amsterdam. There are many pubs around it that have nice lights at night on thier facade. In winter there is a skating ring, in summer there is a big terrace. There are many good value priced resturants in the area. Great area for watching street perfomers and people in general. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] address: Leidseplein Waag Edit This Today the Waag (Weigh House) is a restaurant cum Cybercafe. The Weigh House at the Nieuwmarkt is the oldest secular public building in Amsterdam. It was designed as a city gate (Sint Antoniespoort, 1488) and as such it formed part of the medieval defences. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Nieuwmarkt Beurs van Berlage Edit This photo Designed by Berlage, the most famous modern architect of the Netherlands, his Beurs (1903) was the starting point of Dutch Modern architecture. The building had a profound influence on architecture in the whole of Europe in to the 1920's, and was an inspiration for famous architects and artists like Rietveld, Oud and Mies van der Rohe. The Beurs (Beurs is the Dutch word for Exchange, this building was the 3rd Merchants Exchange of Amsterdam) nowadays is a prestigious center for culture, conferences and events. In 2002 it was venue for the civil wedding of the future more.. type: Public Buildings World66 rating: [rate it] address: Beursplein 1-3/Damrak 243 openinghours: Café: 10am-06pm zipcode: 1012ZJ Amsterdam email: info@beursvanberlage.nl url: www.beursvanberlage.nl tel: 0031205304141 openingHours: Main Hall: only with public events Canal view from the water Edit This Have you ever seen the beautiful canal houses that date back to the 1600's, churches and other monumental hotspots from the water. Explore the city Amsterdam from another perspective? Rent a boat with friends, family or colleagues and spend the day on the water? Boat rental Amsterdam offers the possibility to rent a boat with or without skipper to cruise the Amsterdam canals. Rent a boat Amsterdam offers a beautiful fleet and provides a perfect boating package for every occasion. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: Prinsengracht openinghours: 09.00 - 19.00 zipcode: 1015 GT email: info@rentaboatamsterdam.com url: www.rentaboatamsterdam.com accessibility: all year round openingHours: 09.00 - 19.00 St. Nicolaaskerk Edit This Front of St Nicolaas Kerk Front of St Nicolaas Kerk photo by: Michael Spaans The new church of St. Nicholas is among the better known of the ‘new’ Amsterdam churches. The tall and spacious building occupies a prominent place in the city centre, opposite the Central Station and is a rare example of the neo-Baroque style. Most ‘new’ Roman Catholic Churches, in Holland as well as in other European countries, were built in the neo-Gothic style promoted by Viollet-le-Duc in France, Pugin in England and Cuypers in Holland. Neo-Gothic architecture referred back to the heyday of medieval French Catholicism and its world-famous cathedrals. Therefore, it is more.. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] Stopera Edit This The Stopera seen from the Amstel river with on the right side the Hermitage museum The Stopera seen from the Amstel river with on the right side the Hermitage museum photo by: Hans-Peter Harmsen The Opera building at the end of the Amstel river is in fact two buildings in one: the opera and the city hall. The name Stopera is a combination of the Dutch words for city hall (stadhuis) and opera. When built in the eighties, it generated a lot of protest. Partly because it costed way more money than expected and partly because the popular Waterlooplein market had to move. Nowadays the building is still controversial. Some love it and others would rather see it torn down tomorrow. Judge for yourself. type: Public Buildings World66 rating: [rate it] address: Waterlooplein 1 City North Edit This To reach the northen part of the city you can take a ferry from the Central Station or a tunnel next to Nemo Science Centre. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Red Light district Edit This the famous red light district windows the famous red light district windows The red lights section is located close the central station, between Dam square and Nieuwmarkt. For more info see the nightlife section. type: Streets World66 rating: [rate it] De Oude Kerk Edit This Oude Kerk Oude Kerk photo by: JDavis Built in the 1300s, De Oude Kerk is Amsterdam’s oldest surviving building and earliest parish church. This Dutch brick Gothic style building has a number of spectacular features such as the Vater-Muller organ which dates back to 1724, tombstones set into the floor and the tombs of Dutch naval heroes, memorial tablets, paintings on the ceiling, wooden statues, stained glass windows, and more. Interestingly enough, this sacred and magnificent structure is in full view of the infamous Red Light District. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] address: Oudekerksplein 23 1012 GX Amsterdam openinghours: Mon.-Sat. 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Closed on Queens Day, 12/25 and 1/1 email: info@oudekerk.nl tel: 020-625 82 84 openingHours: Mon.-Sat. 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Closed on Queens Day, 12/25 and 1/1 url: www.oudekerk.nl Sarphati Park Edit This Small park close to Albert Cuyp market. Good place for a picknick after a visit to the market. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Sarphatistraat Amsterdamse Bos Edit This The Dutch call it a wood, but it is closer to a park. Commisioned in the 1930-ies by the Dutch government as part of a Keynesian attempt to fight unemployment, it is the biggets city park of the Netherlands. In summer there are free Theater performances (in Dutch). type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Amstelveenseweg Zeeburg Edit This A block of houses A block of houses photo by: Giorgio Baresi Zeeburg is a new quarter that is being built north east of Amsterdam on a series of artificial island on the river IJ. Zeeburg is basically a residential area famous for its modern architecture buildings and for its nice restaurant. Anyway don't expect anything monumental such as La Defense in Paris or Canary Warf in London: you'll find just nice blocks of houses. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] Dam Square Edit This Dam Square is Amsterdam'm main square. It's located not far from the Central Station. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Noorderkerk Edit This At the northernmost end of the Jordaan, the Noorderkerk is an impressive building, overlooking the Noordermarkt. In 1620 an important decision was made. The northern part of the Jordaan area was to have a church of its own. The Westerkerk, proved too far away in more sense than one. Hendrick de Keyser designed the Noorderkerk, built between 1620 and 1623. On June 15, 1620 the foundation stone was laid and as early as Easter 1623 the church opened its gates. When Hendrick died in 1621 his son Pieter took over and supervised the final phases of the construction process more.. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] Nieuwmarkt Edit This Nieuwmarkt is a square locatd next to the Red Light District. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Pijp Edit This Pijp is a nice residencial area south of the city centre. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Zuider Kerk Edit This Close to the Waterloo plein, this 17th century church is now surrounded by '70 city renewal architecture. The design was like the Wester, Noorder and Ooster Kerk made by the city's Architect Hendrikck de Keyser. Inside you'll find the informationcenter for city planning. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] On top of Post CS Building Edit This On top of Post CS Building, next to central station where the Stedelijk Museum has been temporarily transfered, you can discover quite a fantastic view of Amsterdam ! At the 11th floor by the lift, you get access to the trendy bar-restaurant-disco 11 where youngsters from the city go for a drink or a night. Next to the entry of the bar you can go upstairs to an outside bar, accessible during summer and leading to a roof terrace on which you can look around at the whole city with an original view on Nemo. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +31(0)206255999 openingHours: bar : 11.00 am to 24.00 - club on friday and saturday from 22.30pm to 04.00am url: www.ilove11.nl address: Oosterdokskade 3-5 1011 AD Amsterdam email: e.diote@gmail.com City Centre Edit This Amsterdam City Centre has several canals that pass through it. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Amsterdam Arenal Edit This Amsterdam Arena is the home statium of Amsterdam main football team: Ajax. type: Public Buildings World66 rating: [rate it] Anne Frankhuis (The Anne Frank House) Edit This Located in the center of Amsterdam, The Anne Frank House is the former place where Anne Frank wrote her diary. Now a museum, the featured texts and displays recount the history of the eight people in hiding and the story of those who helped them during the war. Collections, exhibitions, and a virtual display (to show pieces that could not be displayed) are all a part of The Anne Frank House experience. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible tel: +31 (0)20-5567100 openingHours: March 15-Sept. 14 daily from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; July and August open daily 9:00 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sept. 15-March 14 daily 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. url: www.annefrank.org address: Prinsengracht 267 Museum Het Rembrandthuis Edit This Constructed in 1606-1607 and named Sint Anthonisbreestraat (at the time), the Rembrandt House is where Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn lived from 1639-1658. After a dramatic restoration and the addition of a print collection, Queen Wilhelmina opened the house as a museum on June 10, 1911. Today, the Rembrandt House Museum features a collection of Rembrandt’s graphic work – 260 of the 290 etchings the artist made, drawings and copper plates made by the artist, and a number of works by Rembrandt’s teacher. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: The modern wing of the museum is wheelchair accessible. Rembrandt's former house and studio are not, due to the many thresholds and stairs. tel: +31 (0)20 5200 400 openingHours: Daily 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. url: www.rembrandthuis.nl address: Jodenbreestraat 4 1011 NK Amsterdam email: museum@rembrandthuis.nl Van Gogh Museum Edit This The Van Gogh Museum is home to the largest collection of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh. Of Van Gogh’s 900 paintings and 1,200 drawings, the Van Gogh Museum has 200 paintings and 500 drawings. The museum also has 850 letters and works by Gauguin, Monet, Bernard, and Pissaro. The Van Gogh Museum also houses a study area and library, a restaurant and museum shop, and it also offers a general tour, a multimedia tour, and a special audio tour just for kids. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout. tel: +31 (0)20 570 5200 openingHours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Closed January 1. url: www3.vangoghmuseum.nl address: The Van Gogh Museum is on Museumplein, between the Rijksmuseum and hte Stedelijk Museum. The entrance is at Paulus Potterstraat 7. email: info@vangoghmuseum.nl ______________History Edit This i Amsterdam is situated at the mouth and on the south side of the IJ, an inland arm of the former Zuiderzee, now IJsselmeer, and connected by canal with the North Sea. It is divided by the canalized Amstel River into two main sections. The medieval town lies on either side of the Amstel at the city's centre, enclosed by the semicircular Singel (ditch or moat). Outside the Singel are the three main canals dating from the 17th century: the Herengracht (Heren Canal), Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. Within this area smaller canals run north and south. One tower (the Schreierstoren) of the old fortifications still stands. The old part of Amsterdam has many ancient buildings, among which the Old Church (Oude Kerk), built in the 13th century, and the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), begun in the 15th century, are outstanding. Next to the New Church is the 17th-century town hall, now the Royal Palace, built in classical Palladian style. Other notable buildings include the Mint Tower (Munttoren), with a 17th-century upper part superimposed on a medieval gate; the South Church (Zuiderkerk, 1611); the West Church (Westerkerk, 1631), where Rembrandt is buried; the Trippenhuis, housing the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences; and the Old Man's House Gate (Oudemanhuispoort), now the entrance to one of the University of Amsterdam's main buildings. The Sint Nicolaas Church (1886), the Central Station (1889), the Beurs (the bourse, or Commercial Exchange Building, 1903), and the Shipping House (1916) are more modern in style. The former Jewish quarter, in the east of the old town, is the location of the Portuguese Synagogue (1670) and the Rembrandt House (Rembrandthuis), which is now a museum. The old town's three main squares are the Dam, the Leidseplein (Leidse Square), and the Rembrandtsplein. Fine 17th- and 18th-century patrician houses line the canals. Then in the 16th century, the Dutch war of independence began against the Spanish rule. Although originally on the Spanish side, Amsterdam switched sides in 1578. As a result, freedom of religion was reinstated, a very smart move at the time. Religious wars raged throughout Europe and a lot of people were looking for a place of refuge where they would not be condemned by their religion. Wealthy Jewish families from Spain and Portugal came to settle in the Netherlands. Merchants of Antwerp fled the destruction and ransacking of their city by the Spanish. The "Hugenotes" from France sought refuge in Amsterdam so they could practice their religion. But in Amsterdam nobody really had a belief, as long as you were willing to pay your taxes and do your bit for the economy. The seventeenth century was Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Amsterdam’s ships sailed to Indonesia, Brazil and Africa, gathering an impressive Empire in the process. This was also the same century as Rembrandt and the construction of the canals. Amsterdam became the most important port of the world and an international center for banking. The 18th and 19th century saw a decline in the prosperity of Amsterdam. Wars against England and France took their toll on the city and trade was lost to London. At the end of the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution reached Amsterdam. Waterways to the sea and to the river Rhine improved communication with the rest of Europe and the World. Amsterdam got a new lease on life, but never reached the same supremacy as before. The First World War did not affect Amsterdam, although trade and industry suffered. During the Second World War about 100.000 Jewish people were deported from Amsterdam, almost completely wiping out the Jewish community. The sixties put Amsterdam back on the map, for reasons other than trade. The tolerance of soft drugs made the city an ideal place for the “hippie generation”. Riots and clashes against the police become common, reaching their high point in 1980 when a battle of protesters against the police fought while Queen Beatrix pledged her oaths to become the new Queen of The Netherlands. Nowadays Amsterdam has become more peaceful and has retained its tolerance of soft drugs and also to social problems. ____________Practical Information Edit This The Tourist Information The VVV is the official tourist information office in Amsterdam. It is efficient and friendly, but can become very busy especially during the summer and the queues can be quite long. The VVV has two outlets in Amsterdam, one just opposite the Central Station and one on the corner of Leidseplein/Leidsestraat. There is also a “Buro De Change” situated next to the VVV on the Leidseplein. You can also call the VVV at 0900-4004040, but it costs €0.50 per minute. Telephone numbers Emergency: 112 Police: 0900-8844 Police stations centre: Beursstraat 33 Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 104 Keizerstraat 3 Lost and Found station: Tel: 020 5593005 Stephensonstraat 18, near Amstelstation Directory Assistance: 0900-8008, for the Netherlands, 0900-8418 International. Collect Calls: 0800-0410 Public Transport Information: 0900-9292 (75ct/min) Lost credit cards: Amex: 5058504, Eurocard/Mastercard: 030-2835555, Visa: 6600611 Telephone Phone booths are dotted throughout the city, though the wide use of cell phones means they are not used that much today and the number of them has decreased. Within Central Station, the telephone company, Telfort has the operational rights over the telephone booths and require Telfort calling cards. Whereas outside the Central Station KPN public phones are in operation and require KPN telephone cards. For international calling, dial 00 followed by the country code. If you are going to call for any length of time to a foreign country, pick up a calling card from one of the 'call centers' scattered around town or from some of the exchange booths. You have to dial a special number, type a PIN code and you can call for the amount of money that you have bough the card for allows you too. This is very good deal when compared to calling directly. If you're going to stay for a while in the Netherlands and you are going to use the phone extensively, you might consider buying a cell phone. Cell phones with prepaid calling cards start at round €50,- including €25,- of calling value. Calling costs are €0.10 to €0.50 a minute depending on which phone company you use. Left luggage You can leave your luggage at Central Station for €4 to €6 a locker, for 24 hours. This is a great service if you have to check out of your hotel early but still have some time left to explore the city before you depart. If you don't want to spend your money in Central Station, you can try your luck at any of the big museums or with the client service at Bijenkorf department store on Dam square. They won’t accept great backpacks or suitcases though and you have to collect your luggage before closing time. Money Finding a place to change money in Amsterdam is easy, but chances are you have to pay a hefty commission. A lot of places advertise 'no commission', but the small print usually reads that this is only when purchasing foreign currency only, not if you want Euro. The best thing is to avoid changing money altogether and get your money from one of the many ATMs machine. If you have a Euro pass or Cirrus on your bankcard, you can take money from most ATM machine around the city. It seems that there are never enough machines, cause there are always people waiting in line. If there are no people waiting, you can bet the machine is out of order. A lot of restaurants around the city accept credit cards but always carry some cash just in case or ask before ordering. You can also obtain cash withdrawals from most ATM’s with all major credit cards, but this is usually more expensive due to the service charge. If you do change money, GWK is a good option, right in the middle of Central Station and elsewhere, especially for smaller amounts. For larger amounts shop around, some of the smaller exchanges have good deals. There is also a money exchange and transfer center at the corner Leidsestraat/Leidseplein. The best place to change money is the post office, on Kerkstraat. I got a rate which was roughly 8% better than Travelex, ABN Ambro or any other bank, and the commission was only 2% versus the usual 2.75%. Although some money changers say no commission (i.e. Travelex), their rates are terrible. Other things Electricity comes in 50Hz/230 volt, so bring a converter if you’re from a country that uses a different voltage. Business hours are generally 9:00 to 17:00/18:00 during the week. Most shops close on Saturdays around 16:00/17:00 and are closed on Sundays, although since the liberalization of shop opening times it is not as predictable as it used to be. The shops around Dam Square, in the Kalverstraat and "Magna Plaza" shopping mall are opened on Sundays from 12:00-17:00. Public toilets are not very hard to find. You might be struck by the smell of urine sometimes as you walk about the streets. This is due to the very public, men only urinals situated throughout the streets. Most toilets have a toilet lady who you have to pay around 25 to 50 cents but it means that the toilets are always clean. Watch out for pickpockets! It is a great place but keep your wits about you.. Contributors February 02, 2006 change by hpharmsen [Add Practical address] Tax free shopping Edit This Through www.vatfree.nl you can get your VAT (tax) back on your purchases made in Holland. It's only for Non-EU citizens though, but it's very easy to use: either through internet or at the Service Wings desk at Schiphol. type: Money matters World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: by train, car, airplane tel: 020-8813030 url: www.vatfree.nl address: Schiphol WTC/ Service Wings @ check-in email: info@vatfree.nl Main post office Edit This The main post office is at the Singel 250, on the corner with the Raadhuisstraat and can be very efficient despite the long queues. Just make sure you have the right ticket for the right queue. There are lots of shops that sell stamps too but they often require you to buy a postcard with it. The postal address of the main post office is: Poste Restante Hoofdpostkantoor PTT Singel 250 1012 SJ Amsterdam The Netherlands. You'll need your passport to pick up mail. type: Post office World66 rating: [rate it] address: Singel 250 Amsterdam Central Station Edit This Located on the IJ river, it's connected with several European and Dutch destinations. For train schedule, visit the website of the Dutch Railways: www.ns.nl type: Train station World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.ns.nl Schiphol Airport Edit This Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the Netherlands main airport. Located 10km south west of Amsterdam, it's connected by train with Amsterdam Central Station 6 times per hour. type: Airport World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.schiphol.nl Rai Convention Center Edit This Rai Convention Center is the Netherlands biggest convention centre. Located south of the city. type: Convention Center World66 rating: [rate it] ------------Getting Around Edit This Amsterdam Metro sign Amsterdam Metro sign Hans-Peter Harmsen Here are a few good suggestions on how to get around Amsterdam. Contributors July 19, 2005 change by giorgio [Add Local transport mode] By Car Edit This Don't bring your car into the city if you can avoid it. Getting around Amsterdam by car is usually slower than it is by bicycle or a tram or bus. And due to expensive fees, driving can also be quite costly as well. In the centre you will have to pay for parking from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. every day of the week and from 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sundays. Around centrum, fees decrease from 3,20 per hour to 1,70 per hour. There are also safety issues associated with driving in the city. If you have a foreign license plate, you may be more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.naaramsterdam.nl By Foot Edit This amsterdam tour amsterdam tour photo by: tt The very best way to see Amsterdam is still by foot, and the second best way is by bicycle. A scenic city walk will bring you to the best places in the old city center. Of course there's the red light district, but don't forget the old harbor, city towers, hidden churches, canals, and museums -- places that you may miss if you're too busy driving. Explore Amsterdam by foot -- everyone does! World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.toptours.nl By Bike Edit This Windmill de Gooyer Windmill de Gooyer photo by: Ondrej Pastirik Amsterdam is a compact city; most distances can be walked, if they can't be walked they can be biked. Bikes are therefore the most effective way of getting around Amsterdam. If you walk through the city, you see as many as 700,000 bikes, all seem to be worn down, half broken and protected with enough locks to guard Fort Knox. Nevertheless, about 100,000 bikes are stolen each year in this city. If you stay longer than a week in the city, you might consider buying your own bike. A good second hand bike should cost you about 70 Euros. People in the street will approach more.. World66 rating: [rate it] By Public transport Edit This Public transport, especially if you stick to the center, is excellent in Amsterdam. Trams have many routes and tend to be as frequency as 5 to 10 times an hour. Busses tend to deal with less accessable destinations of the way places in the city. At night (after 01:00 Am), night busses take over so you can always get around but they are not as freguent as the trams. There is even a subway or metro but this is only of much use to people who live in the suburbs of the city. Unlimited travel by GVB tram, bus and metro Do you plan on seeing the more.. World66 rating: [rate it] By Taxi Edit This i photo by: Tornike (Geo) Taxis are rather expensive in Amsterdam and you're not supposed to hail them down, but find a taxi stand and call from there. They are not very cheap and sometimes they take you the long way to a destination so it cost you even more money, if nessecary avoid taking taxis. Late at the night the Taxi queues can be very long and you can be waiting for up to 30-40 mins for a cab. For taxis, TCA Tel. 6777777 is the old monopolist. Taxi Direct is the new competitor and slightly cheaper: 0900-0724. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] by GPS ! Edit This As far as I know Amsterdam is the only town where you can rent a GPS navigator and let it help you to find your way. Besides the obvious things like museums etc. it also lists the places nearby you did not know where there, like cool bars, shops, restaurants, architecture etc. all with a vivid descriptions why these places are worthwile. Wonder why this service is not available in other cities,... www.citynavigators.com World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +86-5463647725246 address: Kempinski hotel beijing email: kees@keesdevoogd.nl By Boat Edit This The best way to see Amsterdam is by boat! From the canals you have the best view on Amsterdam. Get a quick boat trip at the Central Station, Rokin or Leidseplein. There are many boat companies who offer trips on ourly basis or private party boats. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.amsterdamenwater.nl _____________Getting There Edit This photo_11 Lars Amsterdam is easily accessible by a number of different forms of transportation depending on which country you are traveling from. In addition to numerous travel options such as air, bus, boat, train or car, travel to Amsterdam is relatively cheap and frequent. For detailed information on all forms of travel to Amsterdam visit the Amsterdam Tourism Board ( www.visitamsterdam.nl), The City of Amsterdam ( www.amsterdam.nl) or the Netherlands Board of Tourism ( www.holland.com). Some of the top airlines flying to Amsterdam's main airport (Schiphol Airport, www.schiphol.nl) include: Aer Lingus, Condor, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Martinair, Northwest Airlines, and US Airways. Tip: Arriving by car to the city center is discouraged due to narrow streets and high parking rates. You can leave your car in P+R transferiums, some offer long term parking at cheaper rates such as Amsterdam ArenA or leave your car at Schiphol airport ( www.schiphol.nl). The costs, time issues and safety concerns associated with driving in Amsterdam far outweigh the benefits. Contributors May 13, 2008 change by mcburton (1 point) [Add Global transport mode] From Schiphol Airport Edit This Getting to and from the airport is easy. Trains run from Central Station every 15 minutes and there are also trains from other stations, like Zuid. The train trip from Central Station to the airport will take you about 20 minutes. A taxi will set you back around 30 Euros and the train costs 4 Euros. type: By Rail World66 rating: [rate it] address: Sarphatipark 58 ____________-A perfect day in Edit This Start your perfect day in Amsterdam at the Spui, which is located half way through the Kalverstraat.And enjoy the amazing Art Market there located. Pick up some bread rolls at “Broodje van Kootje”, buy a newspaper from the Atheneaum magazine shop, and take a seat, if the weather is good. If it happens to be a rainy day, there are lots of other very nice coffee bars situated around the Spui as well. After having a hearty breakfast you'll be ready for some serious stuff. If you jump on tram 2 or 5, which pass through the Spui regularly, you can make your way to the Museumplein. Here you are spoiled for choice with all the different kinds of museums. Firstly, there is The Van Gogh Museum, which holds a lot of the artist's greatest works, as well as works from various other acclaimed artists. Just next to the Van Gogh there is the Stedelijk Museum. This houses a collection of modern art and features numerous expeditions throughout the year. Leaving these two behind you, make your way towards the last museum, The Rijks Museum. This is quite a large museum and could take some time to get around, but it is worth it. Art dates from the 12th century and there is a superb collection of Dutch masters, including the Nachtwacht, by Rembrandt. Lunchtime. One of the best spots to have lunch is on top of the old shopping building Metz in the Leidsestraat. You may choose to take a tram there from the Museumplein, but it is also not too far to walk. Once there, you can take the elevator to the top floor where the restaurant is, and here you can get a bird’s eye view of Amsterdam. If you want to try something Dutch, try the selection of various Dutch meats and cheeses with mustard called “bittergarnituur”. Very nice, or “lekker,” as they say in Dutch. After lunch, a good place to check out is the Albert Cuyp Market. The best way to get there is to walk, and these are the directions: walk through the Leidseplein and head to your right in the direction of the trams. If you walk along the Weteringsschans for about 10 minutes it will bring you to the Heinekenplein. Then turn to your right at the roundabout, go past the Heineken Museum, and this will bring you to the Albert Cuyp Market. The Cuyp is a great place to shop for clothes and fresh food and also a great way to see the real international Amsterdam. When you're tired of shopping, it's time to relax, so why not grab some snacks and go for a picnic? Make your way back to the Heinekenplein and visit one of the two supermarkets, the Albert Hein or the Dirk Van Den Broek. “Albert” is expensive and has a good selection of goodies, while “Dirk” is less expensive with an equally good selection. Once you've gotten your picnic fare together, take it to the "oudezijds achterburgwal," which is situated near the central station and is nice and “chilled out” on a fine day. There are plenty of activities going on, with a lot of rollerbladers, musicans, and plenty of soccer games going on. It really is one of the best ways to sit back and watch the world go by. At night, a nice way to explore the canals a little more without having to use your feet is to take a dinner cruise. You will be served top class cuisine, and you can enjoy the beauty of the canals at night. It can be a little expensive but it's definitely the perfect way to indulge in good food and enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam. When you're back on the shore again, the time has come to hit the city. A good idea might be to first go to the Jordaan, the neighbourhood around the Westerkerk. Here you'll find lots of nice and cozy bars, perfect for starting the evening's drinking. Afterwards, possibly the best place to go to is the Leidseplein. In the summer the square is one big terrace and you can sit there until late in the night and watch the numerous attractions that are going on. It is definitely very entertaining and there is never a dull moment. The Bulldog is a nice and quiet bar that provides an ideal place to to relax after a long day. Most pubs close at 1am during the week and 3am during weekends, but that doesn't mean it is time to go home. But first you will want to eat something. The Febo on Leidsestraat caters to those who can’t resist some greasy food after a few beers. Finally, one of the best places you can visit is 'Bourbon Street' in the Leidse Kruisstraat. This is a blues/jazz club with live music that usually stays open until 05:00. After that, if you’re not too tired and you're ready to handle breakfast, you'll be glad know that the bakeries will be starting to open around this time. This will bring your perfect day in Amsterdam to an end, and you should be ready for a well deserved sleep. _____________Museums Edit This Amsterdam has several excellent museums and two of the best are next to each other. The Van Gogh Museum is a must for anyone interested in the artist’s work. It house’s some of his most famous masterpieces beginning with his time in Holland to the period of his death in France. On the same square is the 250-room Rijksmuseum, which contains among its treasures a handful of exquisite Vermeers and one of the best Rembrandt collections in the world. "The Night Watch" is exhibited in the Hall of Honor and is most definitely a "work of art". Astonishing is only a portion of the original painting which had to be cut down to fit its intended spot in the city’s old town hall. There is a copy of an uncut version of the painting hanging in the room just before the Hall of Honor. The excellent Stedelijk Museum displays contemporary art including traveling exhibits from other countries. Museum Amstelkring also known as "Our Lord in the Attic" is set in a 17th-century merchant house. It contains a secret Catholic church on the top floor. The house has its original furnishings giving a good idea of what life at that time was like. [Note: the Stedelijk is currently closed for renovations - February 2004] If time permits take a look a Rembrandt’s house near the Waterlooplein (the artist lived there 1639-1657). And the church where he is buried at the Westerkerk, (you’ll walk passed it on the way to The Anne Frank House). Have a look for the crown on top of the church given to Amsterdam by Maximilian I in 1489 and you can also climb the spire for a great view of the city. There are also a number of other Rembrandt-related sites: the 13th-century Oudekerk (Amsterdam’s oldest church), where Rembrandt’s wife Saskia is buried. The 15th-century Waag (weigh station) where Rembrandt painted "The Anatomy Lesson" (it now houses the Jewish Historical Museum) and the Zuiderkerk (South Church) where he painted "The Night Watch". Contributors August 24, 2004 new by giorgio [Add Museum] Rijksmuseum Edit This Rijksmuseum Rijksmuseum photo by: Hans-Peter Harmsen This is the number one museum in the city. Located in a majestic 1885 building designed by Pierre Cuypers who also designed the Stadsschouwburg and the Central Station. Why is the Rijksmuseum the number one museum in Amsterdam (in the Netherlands)? For one, this is where Rembrandts most famous work, the Nightwatch, is displayed along with a lot of other Rembrandt pictures. But the other 17th masters are also present. Vermeers milkmaid can be found here along with pictures by Jan Steen, Frans Hals and Breughel. Van Gogh? No, although the museum has a couple of van Goghs in more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Jan Luijkenstraat 1 url: www.rijksmuseum.nl zipcode: 1071 ZD Amsterdam openingHours: Daily from 9.00 to 18.00 (closed on 1 January). Anne Frank House Edit This The most dramatic and powerful attraction in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank hiding place. As you climb the stairs to their little attic, each step becomes heavier and heavier with the realization of what transpired in the middle of this beautiful tranquil city. People from all over the world stand in line in cold and rain to see where a young girl touched the heart of the world with the diary that has been translated into more languages than any other book, except the Bible. Tickets: Adults € 7.50 Young people, 10-17 years € 3.50 Children up to 10 years free type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: 9.00 - 19.00 until 21:00 in summer. Closed Yom Kippur Maritime Museum Edit This On the Kattenburgplein (east from the central station, visible over the water). Entry fee is 7.50 Eur, the Museum is open tues-sun 10 am-5 pm all year round, from June to September also on Mondays. Gives good insight into the Maritime history of the Netherlands. Before a ship was built a model was made. There are a large number of these beautiful models in the Museum. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Kattenburgplein1 openinghours: Tues-Sun 10 am-5 pm zipcode: 1018 KK Rembrandt House Edit This The 17th century house in which Rembrandt lived and worked from 1639 till 1658 is today still to be found in the Jodenbreestraat in Amsterdam. The house in which his son titus was born and his wife Saskia prematurely died is also the place where he painted and made his prints. In 1911 Rembrandt's house became a museum and it now owns and houses almost all of Rembrandt's etchings ( 250 in total). It is unique to see these exhibited in the very same surroundings in which they where created. Also to be found in the museum are a small number of his drawings as well as paintings by more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Jodenbreestraat 4-6 Nemo Edit This Nemo science museum Nemo science museum photo by: Hans-Peter Harmsen Renzo Piano built this great green building right on the entrance of the IJ-tunnel (near the Central Station) to house a museum for technology. Most people see just the bow-like form of the building, but is can also be conceived as a theater. The city side of the building is one giant staircase which is wheel chair accessible. On a sunny day this is the perfect place for a picknick. Open every day from 10am to 5pm. Closed on Monday (except during national school holidays), on Christmas day, on 1st January and on Queen's day (30th April) Tickets: 11 euro. Children below 4 more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.e-nemo.nl address: Oosterdok 2, Amsterdam tel: 09009191100 (€ 0,35) zipcode: 1000 AK Jewish Historical Edit This Open daily 11am-5 pm, closed on Yom Kippur. The Jewish Historical musuem is located near the Waterlooplein and offers a good introduction into the history of Jews in the Netherlands. Housed in an old synagogue. In this old synagoge, the last peace of the railway track to the Westerbork concentration camp is still embedded in the street. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Jonas Daniël Meijerplein 2-4 openinghours: 11.00 - 17.00, closed Yom Kippu Amsterdams Historisch Museum Edit This Situated in a former monastary this museum tells the story of the city of Amsterdam. You will be fascinated by the interactive tools and all the daily stuff of Amsterdam people of the last centuries. Discover how they build ships or how flats looked like 200 or 300 years ago. The museum has the only museumstreet in the world, which is made for people passing by during their shoppings: a street connecting the inner court of the museum with the court of the adjacent begijnhof. On the walls of this street there are 17th century paintings for witch you do not have to pay to see them. more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Kalverstraat 92 Van Gogh museum Edit This Fishing boats on the beach at Les Saintes Maries de la Mer Fishing boats on the beach at Les Saintes Maries de la Mer photo by: Vincent van Gogh This is one the most popular museums in Amsterdam and not for nothing. It really is a nice museum. The paintings tell the story of Van Goghs tragic life, from his start in the Netherlands to his brilliant time in France. The Van Gogh Museum first opened its doors in 1973. The building, designed by Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld, houses the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh: some 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 letters, as well as the artist's own collection of Japanese prints. The collection originally belonged to Theo van Gogh (1857-1891), more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Paulus Potterstraat 7 url: www.vangogh.nl Allard Pierson Museum Edit This Good museum of Antiquities, collections of Egyptina, Etruskan, and Near Eastern artefacts. An important part of the collection was donated from the private collection of the Royal family. The museum is located in an old Bank Building dating from the mid 19th century. It's a great museum if you happen to like plaster, there are few large statues, lots of small stuff and a great plaster collection from the 19th century. Admission is free if you have a students card. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: Closed on mondays Museum Amstelkring Edit This Also known as "Our Lord in the Attic" is set in a 17th-century merchant house. It contains a secret Catholic church on the top floor. The house has its original furnishings giving a good idea of what life at that time was like. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal Ajax Museum Edit This A bit of a rip off. Displays different things from the history of Ajax but you have to be a big fan to think its worth you money and time. The stadium istelf is quite nice, though. Sigourney says: The stadium is impressive, but the museum is just for real fans. I thought it was a rip-off. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: Amsterdam Arena Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Edit This The Stedelijk Museum is one of Europe's most important museums for modern and contemporary art. It is a dynamic museum that closely follows developments in art, particularly those of the second half of the 20th century, with a comprehensive exhibition programme. The collection of paintings and sculptures, drawings, prints, photography, graphic design, applied arts and new media is world-renowned. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] tel: (020) 5732.911 openingHours: 10.00 - 18.00 url: www.stedelijk.nl address: Oosterdokskade 5 email: info@stedelijk.nl Madame Tussad Wax Museum Edit This This interesting and exciting place captures many different actors, presidents, genusis, and others in thier finest. In one walk through you notice familier faces that through the years you've staired in the eyes of and adored such as Albert Einstien, or Anne Frank. Plus theres a part in which will scare the pants off anyone who walks in the door. I wouldn't want to give away any frightening secrets! World66 rating: [rate it] address: in Court Yard Hermitage Amsterdam Edit This x Hermitage aan de Amstel photo by: Hans-Peter Harmsen As of february 2004 on Amsterdam has its own Hermitage: The first phase of the Hermitage Amsterdam will open to the public on 28 February 2004. Small temporary exhibitions drawn from the rich collection of The State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg will be presented in six rooms. Each exhibition will be on view for around 5 months. For the inaugural exhibition the finest Greek gold jewellery from the treasure rooms of the Hermitage will be coming to Amsterdam. This Greek gold was found during various expeditions to the Black Sea, where there were Greek colonies. This more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: amstelhof ______________Tours and Excursions Edit This Amsterdam is a great place to explore on foot. You can do some nice walking tours along the canals and through the lesser known parts of old Amsterdam. [Add New] Andre Ancion Edit This Discover the hidden secrets behind the facades of Amsterdam canal houses. Urban Home & garden tours guide you through canal houses and gardens, and provide all the architectural, interior and garden information of 17th canal houses. Also the stories of the merchant families who used to live there are great fun. They also can show you exclusive design hotels, special antique shops, the red light district and interesting buildings in Art Noveau or Art Deco style. Take a look at their site. Andre Ancion will be your contact person. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0031206881243 url: www.uhgt.nl address: Herengracht 518 email: info@uhgt.nl The Cannabis City Tour Edit This "Coffee" Shop in Amsterdam "Coffee" Shop in Amsterdam Amsterdam City Tours hosts a unique cultural tour; The Cannabis City Tour. This green tour leads small groups of 4 -10 tourists to various "coffeeshops". In Amsterdam, a "coffeeshop" is a place where cannabis is openly sold and smoked. According to Amsterdam City Tours, there are over 300 coffeeshops that offer several basic flavours: dark rasta, generic touristy, authentic dutch, and cool. The tour will goes behind the scenes of the Amsterdam Coffee shop industry and exposes "client attitudes", "social reaction patterns" and "current trends in the drug more.. World66 rating: [rate it] address: http://amazingtours.rezgo.com/2007/10/rastadam-exposing-amsterdamss-cannibis.html email: amazingtours@rezgo.com Cocktail Workshop Edit This cocktails cocktails photo by: cocktailworkshop.nl A very nice workshop all group purposes in Amsterdam. The Cocktail course is held in a very hip bar near the Leidse square and Jordaan part of the city. It is available for groups from 8 up to 80 persons, please make a reservation at least 2 weeks before the event date. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0206209338 url: www.cocktailworkshop.nl email: info@cocktailworkshop.nl Randy Roy's Redlight Tours Edit This We went on this red light tour in Amsterdam and saw all the hidden alleys and places only a local guide would know about. Our ex-pat guide has lived in the red light district for 20 years and easily answered all our many (sometimes crazy) questions. She took us to a charming ye olde local bar at the end of the tour. We really enjoyed the tour and had a fun, entertaining time. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 06.41.85.3288 url: www.randyroysredlighttours.com email: kimberley@randyroysredlighttours.com Canal Cruise Edit This A Canal Cruise boat A Canal Cruise boat photo by: Giorgio Baresi If you haven't much time but want to get a complete overview of the city you should absolutely jump on a boat and have a Canal Cruise. Normal cruises usually last one hour, cost around 8 euros and depart just in front of the Central Station. World66 rating: [rate it] Rent a boat Amsterdam Edit This Offers private boats for rent to cruise the canals of Amsterdam and surrounding area and provides boat rental packages for every occasion whether you are with a group of 5 or 150. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +31 (0)6 21454326 url: www.rentaboatamsterdam.com address: Korte Prinsengracht 42 email: info@rentaboatamsterdam.com Amsterdam City Tours Edit This Offers daily walking, bike, bus and boat tours in Amsterdam and Holland World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +31299770799 url: www.amsterdamcitytours.com address: Burg. D. Kooimanweg 12 email: info@amsterdamcitytours.com Walking Dinner Tour Edit This A culinary dinner tour in the city centre of Amsterdam. We visit three restaurants during this guided walk, and in between the dishes we visit the most beautiful parts of town. There are many different kind of dinner tours, by foot, by bike or even by boat. At the website walkingdinnertours.nl will be new auctions and the options. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +316206209338 url: www.walkingdinnertours.nl address: www.walkingdinnertours.nl email: info@walkingdinnertours.nl _________Day Trips Edit This Dutch Mill Dutch Mill Amsterdam is a great place to explore on foot. You can do some nice walking tours along the canals and through the lesser known parts of old Amsterdam. [Add Day Trip] Volendam Edit This Legend has it that the Volendam coat of arms is a compliment to the beauty of the Volendam girls ! No wonder that a famous singer sang the praise of this characteristic Dutch fishing village in the words: As a result of its completely insulated location, this village preserved its character for six centuries, also because of the tough vitality of the fishermen. The characteristic small houses, which together with the canals and the drawbridges form the most picturesque spots, present the visitor an atmosphere of geniality and romance. It's about 30 minutes by more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.vvvvolendam.nl Zaanse Schans Edit This The Zaanse Schans is a delightful old hamlet on the banks of the river Zaan with characteristic green wooden houses, charming styalised gardens, small hump-backed bridges, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops. This enchanting hamlet gives an excellent impression of how a typical Zaanse village must have looked like in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Apart from the cluster of windmills and houses there are also several museums, restaurants and a visitors' centre to be found as well as The possibility of taking a more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.zaanseschans.nl The city of Utrecht Edit This Dutch Mill Dutch Mill A beautiful ancient city right in the centre of the country and just 45 minutes by train. The city has beautiful canals that are quite different to the ones in Amsterdam. The centre of the city is The Dom a cathedral with a tower about 200 meters a part of it as that part of the church was blown away during a storm. The city was founded during the Roman periode and was then called Ultrajectum. Since then it has palyed its very important role in the history of the countrie. The canals do have lovely houses, there ar some ancient marketplaces and a part of the canals are called more.. World66 rating: [rate it] Delft and The Hague Edit This Delft is a great one-day escape not only because it is the charming hometown of the painter Vermeer and home to the Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory, but you can also combine it with a trip to the nearby city of The Hague. In Delft, you can visit a number of all day art markets and flea markets, people-watch, trek across canal bridges, and enjoy some of the best syrup waffles the Netherlands has to offer. A quick trip to The Hague (the Netherlands capital) will take you to a number of amazing museums such as Mauritshuis (Vermeer and more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.delft.nl email: info@tipdelft.nl The Historic Triangle Edit This The Historic Triangle is a popular day trip for small groups and families. Upon arrival in the tiny town of Hoorn, visitors will notice a modern train station that exits to a pedestrian overpass (follow the signs). This will take you to an old-fashioned train station where visitors will board a steam train to the town of Medemblik. During the 65-minute ride the train passed modern white windmills and kids waving from backyards. After spending roughly 50 minutes in Medemblik and collecting cutesy postcards, visitors will board a 1920s-era boat to Enkhuizen. more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +31 (0) 22 9214862 url: www.museumstoomtram.nl email: info@museumstoomtram.nl Edam Edit This Although Edam is only a 30-minute bus ride from Amsterdam, it is the perfect day trip for tourists interested in walking tours, small museums, and noshing on cheese at a cute cafe. Try De Prinsen Bar and Eetcafe for Dutch cheese samplers, fresh bread, tasty olives, and crisp green salads (Prinsenstraat 8; Tel: 0299/372-911). The pace in Edam is much slower than the in the city, so visitors can also relax and recharge here. Most tourists like Edam so much, that they decide to stay overnight at the canal side Hotel de Fortuna, which is more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +299-315121 url: www.vvv-edam.nl address: Damplein 1 PO Box 91 email: info@vvv-edam.nl Cycling in the countryside. Edit This Cycling in the countryside Cycling in the countryside photo by: edward You still can find the classical Holland within a few miles from Amsterdam. A great way to get around and see a lot is the bicycle. The region just east of Amsterdam is less visited by the crowds, but nevertheless very interesting. Lowlands with rivers and windmills, old fortified towns like Weesp, Muiden (medieval castle), and Naarden (see also information on wikitravel). A bit more to the east forest and heath, with even some (very modest) hills. Now you can cycle out of Amsterdam, within half an hour you’re out of town. You can take your bike on the more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.guideholland.com email: guide@guideholland.com ____________Beaches Edit This Lifes a beach Lifes a beach Amanda Lake One day tours of amsterdam environs [Add Beach] Noordwijk Edit This Lifes a beach Lifes a beach photo by: Amanda Lake The Noordwijk Beach is the home to sun, fun, golden sand, surfing of all kinds; especially kite surfing: The worlds number two kitesurfer calls Noordwijk home. The local surf clubs can teach you how to kitesurf or rent you all the surf gear you could ever want. Noordwijk is also a party town, in season and out its easy to meet people and be merry in the local bars. Its easy to stay out at the beach too, The Flying Pig Beach Hostel ( www.beachhostel.nl) is affordable and the perfect place more.. World66 rating: [rate it] Blijburg Edit This photo In the north east of Amsterdam there is a beach called Blijburg-beach. This tiny beach is still in development, but verry relaxing on a hot summer day. There is a place where you can get some food and refreshments. Because of the development in the area its's not sure if the beach wil still be there in the summer of 2006 World66 rating: [rate it] __________--Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This photo Ventz Amsterdam is the perfect place to party! Most clubs open at 10 pm and stay open until 4 or 5 am. However, usually things only get going after midnight, so try and keep yourself awake. Sometimes the bouncers say you have to be a member of the club, but a little negotiating you can sometimes win them round. Some clubs like the Melkweg offer one night memberships for a few euro. Amsterdam offers a wide range of music venues. Try to catch a performance of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra that performs in the Beurs, a turn-of-the-century stock exchange. In June the city hosts the Holland Festival—opera, orchestra and dance performances. Display all or display just: Bars Beer Gardens Billard & Pool Casinos Clubs and dancing Concerts Disco Erotic clubs and bars Gay and Lesbian Grand Café Jazz Live Music Pubs Rock Salsa Student Pubs Theatres Wine bars general Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Entertainment place] Café Karpershoek Edit This The oldest café’s in Amsterdam dating back to 1606 AD. Very conveniently located in the historic heart of Amsterdam and directly acros the road from the Central Station. Not only do they serve a perfectly tapped Heineken beer, but they also offer an interesting variety of local alcoholic beverages such as Jenevers. Along with your beverage you can enjoy the taste of 'bitterballs' or Dutch cheese. Do not miss this unique establishment when visiting Amsterdam. Adres: Martelaarsgracht 2 (next door to the Bellevue Hotel). type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Martelaarsgracht 2 tel: +31 (0)20 624 7886 zipcode: 1012TP Amsterdam ClosingTime: weekdays 1 am weekends 2 am url: www.cafekarpershoek.nl accessibility: Central Station email: info@bellevuehotel.nl De Jaren Edit This photo photo by: Ventz One of the nicest Grand Cafes, and really quite Grand. On the first floor there is a restaurant and there are two terraces with a great view over the Amstel.Ijoya van Gemert : Amsterdam op zijn best door de perfecte locatie aan het water wat een heerlijk ruimtelijke effect geeft. Uniek door de aanleg stijger voor de voorbij varende bootjes. Gezellig, sfeervol en afwisselend grand café. Grote leestafel binnen. <Peer Schouten:> A swell place garned with a terrace from which one has a beautiful, spacial view on Amsterdam's previous main route over more.. type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22 tel: 020-6255771 ClosingTime: differs day to day closingtime: differs day to day zipcode: 1012 CP Mulligan's Edit This i photo by: Tornike (Geo) Alsmost every night there's life music from different (Irish) groups that are stashed away on the small podium next to the entrance. Not very practical. A good thing is: your never more than two steps away from the bar. At the back there's some sort split-level thing that gives a good view. If it's really crowded there's a small second floor above the stage, but the staircase just right next to the entrance makes it hard to get a drink. type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Amstel 100 tel: +31 (0)20 6221330 url: www.mulligans.nl email: mulligans@mulligans.nl BIM huis mahal Edit This Probably one of the best jazz venues in the world, period. Concerts usually start at nine, spectacular location (with a view) at the river IJ. Part of the new 'Muziekgebouw'. type: Jazz World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 020 788 2188 url: www.bimhuis.nl address: Piet Heinkade 3 Ter Brugge Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Overtoom 578 tel: +31 (0)20 612 9983 zipcode: 1054LN Paradiso Edit This The famous pop temple based in an old church. Best known from the Roling Stones Videoclip Not Fade Away. After the concerts you can dance to the latest hits played by local and international deejays. Their special Rocked Cinema features DJ's spinning to classic movie pictures. type: Concerts World66 rating: [rate it] address: Weteringschans 6-8 tel: +31 (0)20 626 45 21 Café De Kroon Edit This This café was originally opened in 1898 (the year Queen Wilhelmina ascended the Dutch throne, hence the name 'The Crown'). Back in the 1930s, Café De Kroon was the location of a group of artists weekly meetings on Monday mornings. With this historical perspective in mind, Café De Kroon was successfully restored and reopened in the late 1980s. The landmark building was entirely remodeled - inside and outside as well. The interior now features a blend of different styles, giving Café De Kroon a very distinct character. : Café de Kroon is vooral in de more.. type: Grand Café World66 rating: [rate it] address: Rembrandtplein 171 tel: +31-20-6252011 Vrankrijk Edit This Vrankrijk Vrankrijk photo by: Vrankrijk This is the place to be for alternative people to feel at home. It is a squatted house in the center of Amsterdam. Amoung visitors are most exentric people. Visit this place for a good conversation, but don't be supprised to find the door closed. The opening hours may differ from day to day. Opening hours: Sun-wen: 21.00h - 01.00h Thurt: 21.30h - 01.00h Fri: 21.00h - 03.00h Sat: 22.00h - 03.00h Happy hours the same times.... Free internet is offered every day but on Saturdays. type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Spuistraat 216 zipcode: 1012 VT url: www.vrankrijk.org De Blaffende Vis Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Westerstr 118 tel: +31 (0)20 625 1721 zipcode: 1015MN Amsterdam Bolle Jan Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: K Reguliersdwstr 3 tel: +31 (0)20 625 9376 zipcode: 1017BH Amsterdam Kale de Grote Edit This Nice place on Heinekenpein. It's got a big terrace with sun until late if the weather helps a bit. type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Heinekenplein Bourbon Street Edit This When all bars are closed, go to Bourbonstreet, always live music! Drinks are a bit more expensive. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: Leidsekruisstr 6 tel: +31 (0)20 623 3440 zipcode: 1017RH Amsterdam De Buurvrouw Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: St Pietersp stg 29 tel: +31 (0)20 625 9654 zipcode: 1012HM Amsterdam De Badcuyp Edit This The Badcuyp is located close to the Albert Cuyp Market. It's a 'buurthuis'-cafe with salsa on Wednesdays. The Wednesday Salsa evening has been taking place for years. For further info call 020-6759669. type: Salsa World66 rating: [rate it] address: 1e Sweelinckstraat 10 tel: 020-6759669 NOA Edit This Although NOA stands for Noodles of Asia and you can have tasty noodles, soups and snacks at the big table bar in the back, it is an inviting place to 'relax' with a cocktail if you please and preferably on the big white couch in front of the fire place. Good music, friendly staff, silverly atmosphere with a touch of the 70s and some people who think they're all that much of course. type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Leidsegracht 84 tel: 020 626 0802 Supperclub Edit This Restaurant and loungeclub. In the restaurant the guests lay on white beds as roman emperors. Food is good but expensive. After dinner you can dance on the music of national and international deejays. This is one of the most trendy places of Amsterdam. type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Jonge Roelensteeg 21 1021 PL Amsterdam url: www.supperclub.nl openinghours: 19:00 - 03:00 tel: 020 63 80 513 1820 Edit This Cafe 1820 is called after the housenumbers of the two houses on Ferdinant Bolstraat where the pub is located. It's a reasonably big place. Hip and trendy. It's in at Heinekenplein, the heart of Amsterdam's new hip nightlife center: the Pijp. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: Ferdinant Bolstraat 18-20 Gollem Edit This This place is almost to small to hold all the different types of beer they offer. A very good place to start your education on the difference between one beer and the other. type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Raamsteeg 4 tel: +31 (0)20 626 6645 zipcode: 1012VZ Amsterdam groningen Edit This A new, scale smoking coffee shop with pool hall upstairs. Open daily 10am to 1,2 or 3 am. Veronique : Pool heeft het tafelvoetbal in de meeste coffeeshops helaas vervangen. Maar het toch ook wel een leuk spel en een stuk relaxter. type: Billard & Pool World66 rating: [rate it] address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 163 tel: 020 - 625 2891 Kapitein Zeppos Edit This This cafe with its small podium is hard to find if you don't know the way. The streets name "prayer without end" very well fits this small alley. The stage offers a place for people to practice their poetry or their musical abilities. type: Live Music World66 rating: [rate it] address: Gebed Zonder End 3-hs tel: +31 (0)20 6242057 De Kroeg Edit This Crowded club with a black hole of an interior, cutting-edge music. Take trams 7, 10, 13, 14 or 17 to Marnixplein. Open daily till 2 or 3 am. type: Disco World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +31 (0)20 420 0232 address: Lijnbaansgracht 163 La Bastille Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Lynbaansgr 245 tel: +31 (0)20 320 9801 zipcode: 1017RK AMSTERDAM Hesp Edit This 1091ER Amsterdam This café is a favorite of many journalists. Anthon : Een welkome afwisseling voor de bedrijfs recepties van Volkskrant en Parool. Favoriet van veel schrijvers en journalisten, die hier eens niet boven op het nieuws zitten. Je vindt hier altijd wel iemand voor een ouwehoer gesprek. Ook voor al uw feesten en partijen. Merel van Dijk : Het terras is geweldig, het uitzicht nog mooier! De stoelen zitten lekker en het is er niet duur. Voor een cola betaal je maar 3,25! Alleen kan het zo zijn dat de bediening je vergeet of er more.. type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Weesperzyde 130 url: go.to tel: +31 (0)20 665 1202 Hard Rock Cafe Edit This If you don't want any surprises: the Amsterdam Hard Rock Cafe is just like any other Hard Rock Cafe anywhere in the world. type: Rock World66 rating: [rate it] address: Max Euweplein 59 tel: 020-5237625 The Tara Edit This This is actually a huge place, but by subdividing it in separate rooms, it's still quite cozy. It looks a bit rundown, but that’s what atmosphere’s all about. Downstairs you can play pool, but you have to get in early to get to play. It’s always crowded. The bars can cope rather well, but sometimes you have to wait here as well. As with most Irish pubs you have to order in English. Veronique : Een grote pub tussen Rokin en Nes, deze twee ingangen maakt het afspreken ietwat gecompliceerder. Spreek bijvoorbeeld af naast de pooltafels. Door een onderverdeling more.. type: Beer Gardens World66 rating: [rate it] Club Arena (Salsa Lounge) Edit This On the last Sunday the best Latin party takes place on two floors at the Club Arena. The so-called Salsa Lounge is a must for every Salsa and Samba friend. It starts at 6 pm. but becomes crowded at 8 pm. There is a small Salsa work shop and a Samba during the early hours. Especially the Samba work-shop is great fun. In the Samba hall a DJ plays Latin Hip Hop and more while the Salsa crowd goes crazy on the first floor in the exotic environment of a former monastery. type: Salsa World66 rating: [rate it] address: ´s-Gravesandestraat 51 tel: (020) 6222510 Café G-Force Edit This S&M Bar for Ladies and Gents, mostly thursdays live sessions. type: Theatres World66 rating: [rate it] address: Oudezijds Armsteeg 7 Joseph Lam Jazz Club Edit This Dixieland and 1950s jazz classics at this traditional jazz club in the warehouse shipping district west of Central Station. Open weekends only. Sun free Jam sessions. type: Jazz World66 rating: [rate it] address: Van Diemenstraat 8 tel: 020 – 622 8086 Cafe De Koe Edit This Live music bar focussed on Soul, kitchen open til 11pm. type: Live Music World66 rating: [rate it] address: Marnixstraat 381 openinghours: 2pm-1pm (3am weekends). tel: (020)625 44 82 De Heeren van Aemstel Edit This i photo by: Tornike (Geo) A typical brown café and a second home to many students. type: Erotic clubs and bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Thorbeckeplein 5 tel: +31 (0)20 620 2173 zipcode: 1017CS Amsterdam Holland Casino / Lido Edit This Holland Casino, Amsterdam Holland Casino, Amsterdam photo by: Hans-Peter Harmsen The Holland Casino offers French and American Roulette, Black Jack, Carribean Stud Poker, Sic Bo, Big Wheel, Poker en Punto Banco in a great stylish environment. Additionally you will find there four international bars, the Vondel Restaurant and a lunchroom. You can find the casino near Leidseplein, just across the entrance to the Vondel Park. type: Erotic clubs and bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Max Euweplein 62 tel: +31-20-52 11 111 url: www.hollandcasino.com zipcode: 1017 NB Amsterdam Boom Chicago Edit This If you’re up for a good laugh, the all English Boom Chicago has you covered. A staple in Amsterdam’s comedy scene, Boom Chicago performs sketches and improvisation every night at Amsterdam’s 300-seat Leidseplein Theater. An added bonus – guests can also have dinner at the “long tables” before the show as well as a variety of cocktails and beer during the show. With the exception of VIP ticket holders, Boom Chicago is a first come first served event, so arrive early! type: Theatres World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: Most shows end between 10:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. tel: +31 20 5307309 url: www.boomchicago.nl address: Leidseplein 12, 1017 PT Amsterdam G Force Edit This photo S&M Bar for Ladies and Gents, mostly thursdays live sessions. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: Oudezijds Armsteeg 7 De Bierelier Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 14 tel: 020 638 16 87 zipcode: 1017 RC De groene olifant Edit This Nice "bruin cafe" between Artis and Tropenmuseum, perfect to sit outside and watch people passing by in summer. Always crowded in the evening. type: Student Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Sarphatistraat 510 tel: +31 (0)20 - 620 49 04 De Balie Edit This Merel van Dijk : Het geweldige van De Balie is, dat het niet onder te brengen is in één rubriek. Alle soorten media zijn er te vinden. Van twee computers tot een eigen theaterzaal en dan ook nog een restaurant en ieder jaar het Cinekid festival! Verder ook vaak debatten en bijeenkomsten. Voor elk wat wils dus en een mooi café. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Kleine Gartman Plantsoen 10 url: href: tel: 020 553 5151 zipcode: 1017 RR Eik en Linde Edit This A bit off center but with a great ‘50s interior. type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Plantage Middenlaan 22 tel: +31 (0)20 622 5716 zipcode: 1018DE Amsterdam Havelaar Edit This A bit rundown, but usually not to crowded. On the first floor you can shoot pool on two crappy tables. The do have a tendency to overexpose their customers to the favorite music of the bartender. type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Voetboogstr 22-24 tel: +31 (0)20 638 5953 zipcode: 1012XL Amsterdam Kale Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Weteringschans 267 tel: +31 (0)20 622 6363 zipcode: 1017XJ Amsterdam Ter Kuile Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Torensteeg 4-8 tel: +31 (0)20 639 1055 zipcode: 1012TH Amsterdam ’t Loosje Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Nieuwmarkt 32/34 tel: +31 (0)20 627 2635 zipcode: 1012CS Amsterdam De Beiaard Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Spui 30 tel: +31 (0)20 622 5110 zipcode: 1012XA Amsterdam De Beetles Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: L Leidsedwstr 81hs tel: +31 (0)20 625 9588 zipcode: 1017NH AMSTERDAM Het Beurscafé Edit This type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Beurspln 5 tel: +31 (0)20 422 7274 zipcode: 1012JW Amsterdam El Centro Edit This El Centro is a place dedicated to salsa, with salsa nights on Thursday, Friday, Saturday , and Sunday. The place is located at the Borgerstreet close to the Kinkerstraat. Friday and Sunday are the recommend days to go there. type: Salsa World66 rating: [rate it] Carels Eetcafe Edit This Next to Carel's Cafe is Carel's eetcafe, where many students from the Pijp come to eat. It's not really cheap but the atmosphere is great. Opposite is Carel's nacht cafe which stays open until 3 AM. It only gets crowded after midnight. type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Frans Halsstraat 78 tel: 020 662 24 90 Wildschut Edit This The place for students and yups to be seen drinking beer.Merel van Dijk : Mooie locatie, jonge bediening en een lekker terras waar het binnen flink druk kan zijn. Geld wisselen voor de parkeermeter was geen probleem na een drankje. De tafels waren schoon en de de drankjes vrij prijzig. type: Student Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Roelof Hartplein 1 tel: 020-6768220 zipcode: 1071 TR OT301 Edit This This alternative stage originated from the squat scene features performances, theme parties, discussions and special children matinees. type: Live Music World66 rating: [rate it] address: Overtoom 301 tel: +31 (0)20 7794913 ArenA Edit This In this UEVA five stars stadium you can see the greats performe, next to the football matches of the Amsterdam Admirals and soccer by Ajax. type: Live Music World66 rating: [rate it] Ebeling Edit This Very close to the office where World66 is located. A nice pub with a very attractive decoration. type: Bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: Overtoom 52, 1054HK Amsterdam tel: +31 (0)20 689 1218 Wine and Champagnebar Bubbles & Wines Edit This Located on one of the quaintest lanes in Amsterdam, and only a mere two minute walk from the Dam Square, you will find the champagne and wine bar B ubbles & Wines . Our extensive and carefully chosen collection consists of over 50 wines by the glass and 200 by the bottle. Our wine flights and matching Gourmet Bites are unique in Amsterdam. type: Wine bars World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 01.00 A.M. tel: 0031204223318 url: www.bubblesandwines.com accessibility: 2 minutes from Damsquare address: nes 37 Amsterdam email: info@bubblesandwines.com Cityvibz Edit This [b]ZONDAG 30 DEC Oudejaarzparty!![/b] 2 areas: Tropical Mix | Soul Classics area - Salsa | Zouk | Bachata | Merengue | Son Montuno | Soukou | - Soul Classics 2th area Koeling | Catering Entree: 7 euro | Tijd: 21.00 - 03.00 (mogelijk latere sluitingstijd!) Party center van Galen /Jan v Galenstraat 24 Amsterdam Host Salzora / Info: Tel: 06.166.93.331 [b]www.cityvibz.nl Join us@: www.cityvibz.hyves.nl[/b] type: Salsa World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0616693331 url: www.cityvibz.nl address: jan van galenstraat 24 email: info@cityvibz.nl Prik Edit This Nice bar on the Spuistraat. Relaxed mixed crowd and friendly staff. Spuistraat 109 (next to Dam square, behind Magna Plaza). type: Gay and Lesbian World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 1:00 tel: +31-(0)-20-3200002 url: www.prikamsterdam.nl accessibility: Behind Dam-square address: Spuistraat 109 Odeon Day and Night Edit This Odeon Day and Night is a restaurant, bar, nightclub, and concert hall all rolled up into one. This sophisticated entertainment venue is housed in an historic building that dates back to 1663. Patrons can dine on a three-course meal and have a cocktail or two in the Gold Room or they can order up a mixed drink and listen to “credible classics” in The Odeon Club, which takes place in the Concert Hall three nights a week. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: The Odeon Club is open from 11 p.m.-5:00 a.m. Thursday-Saturday tel: 020 521 8555 url: www.odeontheater.nl address: Singel 460, 1017 AW Amsterdam email: pz@amvilco.nl De Beiaard Edit This This specialty bar features more than 80 beers from around the world. Each month De Beiaard puts the spotlight on a special beer. Past beers of the month include Steenrijk and Lentebock. De Beiaard has it’s own brewery as well and tours. Tastings are also available by reservation (020 4230112). type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +31 20 6225110 url: www.beiaardgroep.nl address: Spui 30 Escape Edit This With room for 2,000 guests, Escape is Amsterdam’s largest disco. Locals and tourists alike come to this Amsterdam nightlife staple to dance at the Escape disco, dine at the Escape Cafe, and pose and sip on a cocktail at the Escape Lounge. Escape lounge has been a significant part of Amsterdam’s nightlife scene since 1986. The club is open from 11 p.m. until 4 a.m. Thursday, until 5:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday, and 4:30 a.m. Sunday. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 4 a.m. Thursday, until 5:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday, and 4:30 a.m. Sunday tel: +31 20 622 11 11 url: www.escape.nl address: Rembrandtplein 11, 1017 CTAmsterdam email: contact@escape.nl ___________Bars and Cafes Edit This Add Content. [Add Bar] Burger Bar fast food Edit This Burger Bar is newly opened in Amsterdam Centrum with a new concept of serving healthier fast food such as Hamburgers. Normally, people tend to confuse fast food with non-healthy food. Burger Bar Amsterdam challenges this confusion and is dedicated to serving tasty and healthy hamburgers. Our mission Influences by the fast pace of today’s life, our mission is to make and distribute healthy and tasty fast food. While the big fast food firms are in the business of mass selling of average hamburgers, we are in the business of making excellent more.. World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: Yes tel: 020 - 6249049 address: Kolksteeg 2 __________Festivals Edit This x Gay Pride Hugo Lingeman Many smaller and bigger festival are held throughout the year, from serious concerts on floating platforms in the Prinsengracht canal, to fun packed, crazy festivities like Queens ' Birthday. Contributors April 14, 2005 new by hugo (2 points) [Add Festival] Queensday (Queens Birthday) Edit This Queensday on the Amsterdam Canals Queensday on the Amsterdam Canals photo by: Knibbe When you're in Amsterdam/Holland on the last day of April, this is the place to be! Probably your only chance to see the Dutch go wild... It is one big orange party. Not on the actual birthday of the Queen, but on her mothers birthday: April 30th. Not Only Amsterdam turns into one big party area, but actually the whole country. However it's best to celebrate Queensday in Amsterdam! The city turns crazy and orange (it because of "the House of Orange", the Dutch Royal Family), and many people from around the world have discovered this more.. World66 rating: [rate it] date: April 30th url: www.koninginnedagamsterdam.nl address: Amsterdam City Centre Gay Pride Edit This For a couple of years now the first weekend in August is "Gay Pride" with numerous parties and a Pride parade on the canals, drawing enormous crowds (500.000 in 2004) to see the Queens and Dykes float along in a colorful spectacle! World66 rating: [rate it] date: First weekend in August Grachtenfestival Edit This A series of concerts at unique locations: churches, private homes, and on boats. The final concert is traditionally held on the Prinsengracht on a stage built over the canal. People with boats will be waiting for days in the canal to have a good view of this very "Amsterdam" happening. World66 rating: [rate it] date: August url: www.grachtenfestival.nl Hartjesdagen Edit This The parade at the Hartjesdagen The parade at the Hartjesdagen photo by: B.J. van Bommel Much smaller than the Gay Pride is the " Hartjesdagen" festival right in the Nieuwmarkt area on the Zeedijk. The third weekend in August men turn up as women, and women as men. And they have been doing so for centuries! Some historians believe this fun packed romantic festival dates back to the Middle ages. Its small scale is a definit plus. More information can be found on the website: www.hartjesdagen.nl World66 rating: [rate it] date: Third weekend in August url: www.hartjesdagen.nl 22nd Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival Edit This festivalposter festivalposter Films that are nervewrecking, films that astound and astonish – heaps of them will be shown during the 22nd Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival, from April 19 through April 26. In the main programme of the AFFF the whole range of the genrefilm, as is custom at the AFFF, can be seen on screen: fantasy, horror, sciencefiction, thriller, anime, and cult. From blockbuster to arthousefilm. From Dutch fabrication to films from far and away. Also, the European fantastic short film is celebrated and during the Night of Terror you can count on oldfashioned goosebumps. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 020-6794876 url: www.afff.nl date: 19-26 april address: Amsterdam Leidseplein email: info@afff.nl ___________Things to do Edit This Gay Pride August Gay Pride August Hugo Lingeman In addition to memorable museum tours and exciting canal cruises, Amsterdam also offers a variety of unique walking tours, fun indoor and outdoor sports, and more. Read on to find out about things to do to help keep you active and engaged during your visit to Amsterdam. Contributors May 13, 2008 change by mcburton (1 point) Display all or display just: Climbing Cycling Going to the Beach Golf Other Spa and Sauna Squash Swimming Trekking Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Activity] Openbare Golfbaan Spaarnwoude Edit This The 66 holes of Golfbaan Spaarnwoude The 66 holes of Golfbaan Spaarnwoude The golfcourse Spaarnwoude, 25 min by car from city center, is a public course, also open for non-members and partly open even for absolute beginners. Even though the course can be overcrowded on weekend, the atmosphere is more relaxed than on many other courses. Over all Spaarnwoude offers six 9-holes courses of which 3 are open for beginners. Even advanced players will find a challange on the championship courses. Openbare Golfbaan Spaarnwoude Het Hoge Land 2 1982 LT Velsen-Zuid Telefoon: +31-23-5385599 Spaarnwoude info (Dutch only) type: Golf World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.golfbaanspaarnwoude.nl email: info@golfbaanspaarnwoude.nl Frans Otten Edit This The place where the pros meet. Outside of the center near the Olympic Stadium. type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.fransottenstadion.nl Birdwatching close to Amsterdam Edit This Just 40 km outside Amsterdam is the nature reserve Oostvaardersplassen. It is a good place to go Birding. There are eurosian spoonbills, white tailed eagles and many other bird species. You can also see deer, heck cattle and foxes. You can go by your own, but you will need a rental car or hire a local bird guide who meet you at station Almere Buiten (30 minutes from Amsterdam Central) type: Trekking World66 rating: [rate it] accessibility: Train or rental car, 30 minutes url: www.birdsnetherlands.nl email: flevobirdwatching@gmail.com Amstelborgh/Borchland B.V. Edit This The golf course has several big advantages: Amstelborgh/Borchland is very easy to reach, by car 5-15 min. from the city center into direction Utrecht, there is a huge parking lot. Or by public transport to the stadium (Arena). Prices are modest, the driving range is free(!) and balls are cheap and of a great quality. There are several chipping and pitching greens, not very big and - esp. on the weekend - a bit crowded. The course has 9 holes (par 3 - total length 863 meter) and is open to everybody, not only for members. Equipment can be hired but the choice is not really more.. type: Golf World66 rating: [rate it] address: Borchlandweg 6-12 tel: +31 (0)20-56 333 33 email: info@borchland.nl url: www.borchland.nl zipcode: 1099 CT Amsterdam/Duivendrecht Canal fishing Edit This Don't let the title fool you, canal fishing has nothing to do with fish, but you will use a length of line/rope and a hook of some fashion. Canal fishing is usually born of desperation, the desperation that comes with having your bike (fiets) stolen for the umpteenth time. Many of these stolen bikes find there way into canals for some reason or another and unless they are "fished" out will remain there in an ignoble grave. To begin, gather the necessary equipment (as described above) and walk the older canals slowly, peering over the side for the perfect fiets habitat. When you more.. type: Cycling World66 rating: [rate it] Golf Course "De Hoge Dijk" Edit This "De Hoge Dijk" is an 18-hole competition course (PAR 71, 5755 meters), designed by the renowned golf course architect Joan Dudok van Heel. The first nine holes were inaugurated in 1990; the second nine holes have been ready for play since 1995. The golf course is open to all golfers against payment of a green fee providing he/she has an official handicap. The facilities consist of a driving range with 32 tees, a large putting green, a chipping and pitching green and two practice bunkers. Use of these facilities is free. 46 Abcouderstraatweg 1105 AA more.. type: Golf World66 rating: [rate it] THEA Edit This THEA is in the west of Amsterdam in an old Church. The name actually means between Heaven and Earth. You can rent equipment. type: Climbing World66 rating: [rate it] Jogging in Amsterdam Edit This Finding scenic places to jog or power walk in Amsterdam is easy as the city has more than 30 parks and four beaches to choose from. Vondelpark – Amsterdam’s largest and busiest, is a popular place for jogging as well as Sarphatipark, which is smaller and more peaceful than Vondelpark. Sarphatipark is also a popular place for dog-walkers and grabbing a bite to eat at a snack bar or café. Other popular Amsterdam parks include: Amsterdamse Bos, Frankendael, Beatrixpark, and Amstelpark. Amsterdam’s four beaches also offer opportunities for jogging and walking as well as more.. type: Going to the Beach World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.iamsterdam.com Hamam zaanstraat Edit This photo Turkish bath with full service, massage, peeling, olive soap, towel, tea room and snacks. Monday 16:00-22:00h for men. Tuesday till Sunday for women (12:00 to 20:00h). type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] address: Zaanstraat 88, 1013 RW Amsterdam tel: +31-20-681 48 18 Squash City Edit This Great court. Also fitness club. Taking a sauna after the match is included. A ten minute walk from the Central station, near the Haarlemmerdijk. tel: +31-20-626 78 83 type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] address: Ketelmakerstraat 6 Klimmuur Centraal Edit This Klimmuur Centraal Klimmuur Centraal photo by: S.Andrew Near the Central Station, walk in the direction of the Bote (East) then it's between the tracks. Since the other climbing halls are located outside of the center, I would recommend this one. You can hire your gear here. you can also buy great food; try the BLT, for instance. De Ruyterkade 160, 1011 Amsterdam tel: +31-20-427 57 77 type: Climbing World66 rating: [rate it] SC Leidseplein Edit This Right in the center, just 100 meters off Leidseplein, this is a great place to play; incl. Sauna. Pretty crowded, therefore a reservation is recommended. tel: +31-20-620 66 31 type: Squash World66 rating: [rate it] Borchland Amstelborgh Edit This Lots of pretty good squash courts, as well as in- and outdoor tennis. It's cool to hit some balls at the (golf) driving range behind behind the building before squashing! Borchlandweg 6-12 1099 CT Amsterdam (near the Ajax Arena) tel: +31-20-5633333 Roada: It's a good place to sport, but they don't offer a sauna for the squash and tennis players ... that's a bit cheap. type: Squash World66 rating: [rate it] Jordaan Walk Edit This This 1.5 hour walk starts at Dam Square -- considered the Times Square of Amsterdam, and ends at by Egelantiers canal – the center of Jordaan. During the walk you will travel past Anne Frank’s House and through the charming Jordaan neighborhood to explore the exteriors of quaint structures and homes as well as some of the city’s most attractive canal scenery. Other attractions along the route include: Torensluis Bridge, Homomonument, St. Andrew’s Hof, and Electric Ladyland – the world’s first and only museum of fluorescent art. St. Andrew’s Hall of Fame, more.. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] Explore Haarlem Edit This Haarlem is the world’s very first “Harlem” and yes -- it’s where New York’s Harlem got its name. Visitors to Amsterdam’s Haarlem are in for a treat – the area offers everything from markets and architectural sights to restaurants, cruises, and museums. Specific points of interest include: the 700-year old Haarlem Market Square, Town Hall (built in mid-1200s), Frans Hals Museum, a 15th-century Gothic Church featuring a 400-year-old cannonball, and the History Museum Haarlem. Not to be missed is the 50-minute Canal Cruise that loops through and around Haarlem. The more.. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] Amsterdam History Museum Tour Edit This The Amsterdam History Museum Tour is one of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions. During the tour visitors will explore dozens of rooms that tell the story of Amsterdam’s history through numerous displays and interactive exhibits covering roughly 1,000 years. Expect to visit rooms that cover the history of the growth of the city, the history of Amsterdam’s Harbor, the history of the carillon player, World War II, the Hippie Age, and more. The Amsterdam History Museum Tour last around an hour or so and hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday more.. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 020 5231822 url: www.ahm.nl address: Kalverstraat 92 Explore Bruges Edit This This Gothic city is a major tourist attraction that can be enjoyed for a few hours, but a full 1-2 days here is highly recommended. The town is popular for shopping, museum tours, bike riding and horse-buggy tours, canal tours, and dining. Points of interest include: the bell tower on Market Square, Gruuthuse Museum, the Church of Our Lady (see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child), Burg Square, the De Halve Maan Brewery tour, and Groeninge Museum. The bell tower on Market Square offers spectacular views of Bruges – but you have to climb it first so wear comfortable shoes and more.. type: Cycling World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.brugge.be Anne Frankhuis Tour Edit This For the cost of a cup of coffee and a muffin, visitors to Amsterdam can purchase a ticket for the unforgettable Anne Frankhuis (Anne Frank House) tour. Located in the center of Amsterdam, The Anne Frank House is the former place where Anne Frank wrote her diary. Now a museum, the featured texts and displays recount the history of the eight people in hiding and the story of those who helped them during the war. Collections, exhibitions, and a virtual display (to show pieces that could not be displayed) are all a part of The Anne Frank House experience. The museum is open daily more.. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 020 5567100 url: www.annefrank.org address: Prinsengracht 267 De Mirandabad Edit This If you’re interested in sneaking in a full body workout or two during your stay in Amsterdam, De Mirandabad is a great place to suit up and take a rejuvenating swim. This subtropical swimming pool complex features a beach, several indoor and outdoor pools, and wave machines. Other amenities include squash courts, a solarium, and a restaurant. Rates vary, so visit the website (www.mirandabad.nl ) for details on pricing or inquire within (020 5464 444, mirandabad@zuideramstel.amsterdam.nl). type: Swimming World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 020 5464 444 url: www.mirandabad.nl address: The Mirandalaan 9 email: mirandabad@zuideramstel.amsterdam.nl |
___________________Thanks to http://www.amsterdam.info Amsterdam figures:Population: 735,500 _______________________Specialty shopsEntertainment****Cofeeshops
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GNU Free Documentation License Esso utilizza materiale tratto da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam Cronologia http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amsterdam&action=history AmsterdamDa Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.Amsterdam pronuncia▶ (aiuto) è la capitale e la maggiore città dei Paesi Bassi, nella provincia dell'Olanda Settentrionale. Il comune di Amsterdam ha 739.295 residenti (al 1 gennaio 2005) di oltre 170 nazionalità, mentre la popolazione che risiede nell'area metropolitana è di circa 1.450.000 persone.
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IntroduzioneDal momento che la sede istituzionale del governo è situata a L'Aia, spesso quest'ultima viene confusa con la capitale, che invece è Amsterdam. I Paesi Bassi sono una delle poche nazioni la cui sede governativa non coincide con la capitale. La città è amministrata non solo dal sindaco e dal consiglio comunale centrale (Centraal [Stads]Bestuur) ma è anche divisa in diverse parti cittadine/circoscrizioni (Stadsdelen), che hanno i loro propri consigli (Stadsdeelraad). Tutte le decisioni locali sono prese da questi consigli circoscrizionali e solo le più importanti decisioni infrastrutturali sono delegate all'amministrazione principale. Oltre al centro città, la municipalità comprende le seguenti circoscrizioni: Amsterdam Noord, Amsterdam Oud Zuid, Bos en Lommer, De Baarsjes, Driemond, Durgerdam, Geuzenveld-Slotermeer, Holysloot, IJburg (in sviluppo), Jordaan, Oost/Watergraafsmeer, Osdorp, Oud-West, Ransdorp, Ruigoord, Sloten, Slotervaart/Overtoomse Veld, Westerpark, Zeeburg, Zuider Amstel, Zuidoost (incluso Bijlmer; vedi anche Bijlmerramp), Zunderdorp. (Vedi anche uno dei collegamenti esterni.) Amsterdam Noord è separata dal resto della città dalla via d'acqua IJ, il Canale del Mare del Nord. Amsterdam possiede uno dei maggiori centri rinascimentali in Europa. Numerose costruzioni che risalgono al periodo tra il XVI e XVII secolo, conosciuto anche come Età dell'Oro, sono ora considerate monumenti storici e sono collocate intorno ad una serie di canali semicircolari. Questi cingono il vecchio porto che una volta era affacciato sullo Zuiderzee, oggi separato dal resto del mare aperto e noto col nome di IJsselmeer o lago IJssel. La città è famosa per ospitare il Rijksmuseum (museo reale), il Van Gogh Museum, la Concertgebouw, il Rembrandt House Museum, la casa di Anna Frank, il monumento alla memoria degli omosessuali uccisi nei campi di sterminio nazisti ed un enorme numero di biciclette. Amsterdam è anche famosa per il suo quartiere "a luci rosse", de Wallen, ed i suoi numerosi coffee shops autorizzati alla vendita della cannabis e di derivati della marijuana. La prostituzione è legale nei Paesi Bassi. Chi la esercita è considerato un libero professionista ed è tassato come qualsiasi altro imprenditore. La cannabis invece non è legale, bensì tollerata; ciò significa che vendita di una quantità inferiore ai 6 grammi per cliente ed il possesso di quantità fino a 30 grammi non sono perseguite dalla legge.
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StoriaAmsterdam nacque nel XIII secolo da un villaggio di pescatori situato vicino ad una diga (dam) sul fiume Amstel (da cui il nome originario Amstelredam). Gli abitanti iniziarono molto presto a dedicarsi al commercio, e nel XIV secolo il commercio con le città tedesche della Lega Anseatica divenne fiorente. Amsterdam ottenne ufficialmente il titolo di città nel 1300 o 1301 dal vescovo di Utrecht Guy van Henegouwen, ma già nel 1275 Amestelledamme (sic) aveva ricevuto delle esenzioni da parte di uno dei Signori dell'Aemstel. I Paesi Bassi furono una colonia spagnola fino al XVI secolo, quando terminò la guerra d'indipendenza. Tra le conseguenze dell'indipendenza, venne introdotta nello stato la libertà di religione. Amsterdam rimase una città cattolica, religione preponderante nella città ancora oggi. Numerose tuttavia furono le chiese convertite alla fede protestante. Montelbaanstoren, ca. 1512 Mentre le guerre di religione imperversavano per l'Europa, Amsterdam divenne un rifugio per molte genti perseguitate o timorose di persecuzioni per via della loro religione. Vi giunsero ebrei dalla Spagna e dal Portogallo, mercanti da Anversa in fuga dal saccheggio degli spagnoli e gli ugonotti dalla Francia. Il XVII secolo fu l'età d'oro di Amsterdam. Le navi olandesi salpavano per il nord America, l'Indonesia, il Brasile e l'Africa, creando un impero coloniale. Rembrandt visse in questo secolo. La città si espanse attorno ai canali. Amsterdam divenne il porto più importante del mondo e un centro di finanza internazionale. Mulino De Gooyer, ca. 1725 Il XVIII e il XIX secolo videro un declino nella prosperità di Amsterdam. Le guerre contro la Gran Bretagna e la Francia misero a dura prova la città e il commercio si spostò verso Londra. Alla fine del XIX secolo, la Rivoluzione Industriale raggiunse la città. Nuove rotte sull'acqua verso il mare e verso il fiume Rhine fecero nascere nuove rotte commerciali con l'estero. Le condizioni di Amsterdam migliorarono di nuovo, ma la città non raggiunse più gli splendori del passato. In questi anni fu costruita la Stelling van Amsterdam, un anello di 42 forti e di terre che potevano essere alluvionate, messo a difesa della città. La Prima Guerra Mondiale non portò distruzioni perché l'Olanda rimase neutrale. Il commercio e l'industria soffrirono comunque le conseguenze di un'Europa devastata. Tra le due guerre gli Olandesi costruirono dei muri che separarono Zuider Zee dal Mare del Nord, creando il cosiddetto IJsselmeer (lago IJseel). Le distese d'acqua ad est di Amsterdam divennero così d'acqua dolce, non più salata, e poterono essere usate dagli abitanti. Durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale le truppe tedesche occuparono la città a partire dal 15 maggio 1940 e deportarono quasi 100.000 ebrei, facendo quasi scomparire la loro comunità. Anna Frank era una di loro. Prima della guerra, Amsterdam era il centro più importante per il commercio dei diamanti. Poiché questo commercio era per la maggior parte nelle mani di affaristi e gioiellieri ebrei, esso scomparve. Oggi Amsterdam ha ancora un ruolo nel commercio dei diamanti, ma il suo posto di centro mondiale è stato preso dalla città di Anversa in Belgio. Negli anni sessanta e settanta Amsterdam divenne di nuovo famosa, per ragioni diverse: la politica di tolleranza verso le droghe leggere rese la città una destinazione popolare per gli hippie. Diventarono frequenti le occupazioni di edifici vuoti e gli scontri con la polizia. Gli anni ottanta iniziarono in modo convulso: nel 1980, mentre la Regina Beatrice veniva incoronata, una protesta si svolse fuori dalla chiesa. Il motto dei protestanti era 'Geen woning, geen kroning' (niente casa, niente incoronazione). Il sindaco e il consiglio comunale alla fine dovettero chiamare l'esercito per riprendere il controllo della situazione. Durante gli anni seguenti crebbe grandemente il numero degli immigrati, soprattutto dal Suriname, dalla Turchia e dal Marocco. Molte persone si trasferirono nelle città vicine, tra cui Purmerend ed Almere. Quartieri come Pijp e Jordaan, precedentemente abitati da operai, divennero ambite mete per i nuovi Yuppie abbienti e per gli studenti. Negli stessi anni avvennero grandi cambiamenti amministrativi: la città fu divisa in distretti (oggi 15), responsabili per molte delle attività che erano precedentemente assegnate al governo centrale. L'idea fu quella di avvicinare l'amministrazione alla gente. Gli anni novanta furono anni di boom economico. Il vecchio centro storico fu quasi del tutto restaurato e molte infrastrutture vennero completate. Nel 1995 il governo nazionale propose la creazione di una "provincia cittadina", comprendente Amsterdam e le città vicine. La popolazione respinse l'idea in un referendum. L'opposizione non era tanto contro la provincia cittadina, ma contro la divisione della città in parti. Dopo il referendum la proposta venne archiviata, ma a partire dal 1995 alcune parti della città divennero comunque più autonome, e alcune città vicine sono state inglobate da Amsterdam, sia politicamente che economicamente. In un certo senso la provincia si è formata lo stesso, sotto forma di "Grande Amsterdam". L'inizio del nuovo millennio ha portato problemi economici per la città. La disoccupazione è cresciuta. L'integrazione degli immigranti arrivati due decenni fa è ancora problematica, come mostrato dall'omicidio del regista Theo van Gogh. Gli 800 anni di storia di Amsterdam hanno comunque mostrato che la città è capace di risollevarsi da periodi del genere.
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Vita culturaleAmsterdam è il centro culturale dei Paesi Bassi, con grande attività nelle arti, nella danza, nella musica e nel teatro. La Concertgebouw, sala da concerto famosa nel mondo, è sede della Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Il Muziektheater è un nuovo (1986) teatro lirico, sito in un edificio chiamato Stopera insieme al municipio di fronte all'Amstel. È sede della De Nederlandse Opera e della compagnia nazionale di danza. Un altro teatro rinomato è il Carré, anch'esso sull'Amstel. Madame Tussaud Oltre ai musei precedentemente menzionati, ad Amsterdam si trovano anche lo Stedelijk Museum (dedicato all'arte contemporanea), il museo storico, il museo giudaico, il museo nautico (Scheppvartsmuseum), il museo delle cere di Madame Tussaud, ed altri ancora. Tra le altre istituzioni si annoverano il conservatorio Sweelinck, il Theatre Group Amstedam ed il National Dance Theatre. Fondato all'inizio del XVII secolo, l'Hortus Botanicus di Amsterdam è uno dei giardini botanici più antichi del mondo, con numerose specie antiche e rare. L'Istituto Internazionale di Storia Sociale di Amsterdam è una delle istituzioni di ricerca e documentazione della storia sociale più grandi del mondo, specialmente per quando concerne la storia del movimento operaio. Numerose nel centro cittadino sono anche le gallerie d'arte private. Lo zoo di Amsterdam è chiamato Artis, dal motto latino Natura Artis Magistra, ossia "Natura maestra d'arte". Numerose fiere, congressi e mostre commerciali sono organizzate presso il centro congressi "RAI".
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SportAmsterdam è la città dell'Ajax, una squadra di calcio del campionato olandese che ha vinto alcune volte la Coppa dei Campioni e due volte il campionato mondiale per club. A metà degli anni '90 ha lasciato il vecchio Ajax Stadium De Meer per spostarsi nell'Amsterdam ArenA, sita nella zona sud-est della città. Nel 1928 Amsterdam ha ospitato i giochi della IX Olimpiade. Lo stadio olimpico è ancora in funzione oggi ed ospita eventi sportivi e culturali. La città ha una importante squadra di football americano, gli Amsterdam Admirals, ed una di hockey, l'Hockey Club Amsterdam.
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Formazione universitariaAmsterdam ha due principali università, l'Università di Amsterdam (Universiteit van Amsterdam o UvA) e la Libera Università (Vrije Universiteit o VU), nota in precedenza come Libera Università Protestante. La sua accademia di arte moderna, De Rietveldacademie prende il nome dall'architetto Gerrit Rietveld e gode una buona reputazione internazionale.
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Trasporto pubblicoAmsterdam possiede diversi sistemi di trasporto pubblico
Stazione "Wibautstraat" della metropolitana.
Oltre al trasporto pubblico, ad Amsterdam è estremamente diffuso l'uso della bicicletta. L'uso dell'auto nel centro cittadino non è ovunque vietato, ma presenta i consueti svantaggi del traffico e della difficoltà di trovare parcheggio. Una nuova linea di metropolitana orientata da nord a sud ed una nuova linea di tram [1] sono in via di realizzazione.
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StradeMolte strade sono corredate di piste ciclabili e rastrelliere per posteggiare la bicicletta sono distribuite ovunque in città. Canale che attraversa la città di Amsterdam Benché non più comunemente usati come in passato, anche i canali che attraversano il centro cittadino rappresentano un'importante via di trasporto. A causa loro Amsterdam si è guadagnata l'appellativo di "Venezia del nord".
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Crimine e disagio socialeCome ogni grande città, Amsterdam attira borseggiatori ed altri ladruncoli.Prestare un poco di cautela sul treno che dalla città porta all'aeroporto di Schiphol, spesso carico di turisti stanchi e carichi di bagagli. Altri punti a rischio possono essere gli sportelli bancomat della zona attorno Piazza Dam. Anche ad Amsterdam si possono incontrare per le strade clochard e senzatetto,specialmente nel De Wallen, il quartiere "a luci rosse",anche se il fenomeno e' più limitato di un tempo. Una delle principali attività malavitose è ovviamente il furto di biciclette, principale mezzo di trasporto degli olandesi, dove, nella sola Amsterdam, se ne contano circa 500.000. Di recente invenzione sono le truffe operate da persone appartenenti a bande est-europee che, travestite da poliziotti, chiedono il pagamento in contanti di una multa o di ispezionare il portafogli del malcapitato per "verificare l'assenza di banconote false". Il comune di Amsterdam ha in corso un programma per rendere il quartiere "a luci rosse" più sicuro basato sull'acquisto di locali ed altre proprietà destinate ad attività criminali per destinarli ad attività commerciali legali. Questo ha sensibilmente migliorato la percezione della sicurezza negli ultimi anni.
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CiboAd Amsterdam si possono trovare le tradizioni culinarie di tutto il mondo.
Vicino alla stazione centrale si trova lo Zeedijk, un'area occupata da
ristoranti orientali. I
kebab
turchi e
gli shwarma arabi sono ovunque.
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Vita notturnaAmsterdam ha un'intensa vita notturna, con numerose feste private che si aggiungono ai club ed ai locali pubblici. Secondo alcuni, compete con Rotterdam per il titolo di "città più hippy", ma ha comunque un suo fascino unico. Tra i locali consigliati vi sono il Chemistry, l'Escape, l'iT, il Mazzo, il Jimmy Woo, il Club 11, il Melkweg, il Korzakoff e il Paradiso.
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Eventi periodici
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Motto e bandieraIl motto ufficiale della città è Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig (valorosa, decisa, misericordiosa). Le tre croci di Sant'Andrea sulla bandiera sono associate a queste tre parole, benché siano entrate in uso prima del motto. Una tradizione popolare collega le tre X alle tre minacce che gravano sulla città: l'acqua, il fuoco e la pestilenza. La bandiera è solitamente orientata con le strisce rosso-nero-rosso in senso verticale.
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SloganIl nuovo slogan che l'amministrazione comunale ha scelto nel 2004 per promuovere l'immagine di Amsterdam è I AMsterdam. Il vecchio slogan era Amsterdam heeft het (Amsterdam ce l'ha).
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Voci correlate
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Collegamenti esterni
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