AMSTERDAM CITY BREAK   >   NORTH HOLLAND 


Amsterdam is a exciting and dynamic city. Culture and history blend with the youthful exuberance of the city, where a network of 17th Century canals, lined with beautifully preserved, gabled merchants' houses and colourful houseboats, gives the city its special appeal and charm.

Amsterdam is fairly small making it easy walk around or take one of the many trams. Indulge in a spot of culture, with 60 galleries, 50 museums and theatres, start by visiting the Van Gogh museum or the Rijksmuseum, which houses the famous painting of Rembrandt's Night Watch.

If you want your Amsterdam city break to last a little longer, why not go further afield and spend a day at Keukenhof Gardens during the bulb season, when the fields will be bursting with colour. Or visit the two picturesque villages of Volendam and Marken for a look at traditional Holland where you will still find residents in traditional Dutch costume

City Center, Amsterdam East, Amsterdam North, Amsterdam West, Amsterdam - South and Amsterdam Southeast


hotels, tour operators - amsterdam tours, city guides, travel to amsterdam

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Campsites Amsterdam / Caravanning

  Camping Amsterdamse Bos
Kleine Noorddijk 1 [ near Bovenkerk / Amstelveen ]
  Camping De Badhoeve, UItdammerdijk 10
  Camping Gaasper Amsterdam
  Camping Vliegenbos, Meeuwenlaan 128
  Camping Zeeburg, Zuider IJdijk 20

  Eurocampings   -   ACSI Camping Guide

Car Hire Amsterdam 

  Holiday Autos   -    
Holiday Autos offers the best fully inclusive car hire prices. Get cheap car hire quickly and securely online with holidayautos.co.uk, the experts in online car rental.

Hotels in Amsterdam

  Booking  -  Hotels in Amsterdam   -   Hotel Guide Amsterdam

  NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky ***** , Dam Square 9, 1012 JS Amsterdam
This 5-star hotel, in the heart of Amsterdam, is set on the edge of the famous Dam Square, opposite the Royal Palace. Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky benefits from 2 restaurants and a fitness centre on site.
Set in a 19th-century building, the hotel rooms are stylishly furnished with parquet floors and a seating area. Each has an en suite bathroom and coffee and tea making facilities for extra comfort.
The hotel has a summer garden where guests can sit whenever the weather is nice and sunny. An extensive breakfast buffet is served in the monumental glass and steel Wintergarden. The à la carte restaurant Reflet offers French-inspired dishes.
Trend-setting shopping streets are just around the corner just as cultural tours de force such as the Royal Palace, "Beurs van Berlage" and the "Nieuwe Kerk". Amsterdam Central Station is seven minutes away by foot, and it is only a half-hour journey from there to Schiphol Airport.

  Amsterdam American Hotel *****, Leidsekade 97, 1017 PN Amsterdam
Built in 1900 the Amsterdam American Hotel is Amsterdam most famous Art Nouveau hotel directly located on the lively Leidseplein. From its classic exterior with tower to stained glass windows to wall paintings in the interior, Art Nouveau archictectual and decorative features can be traced even in its rooms. The Grand Cafe American also invites from Breakfast to Dinner under its arched roof decorated with Tiffany lamps. The Cafe extends onto the Leidseplein in summer times. The American allows a combined historic discovery with the comfort of modern guest room amentities directly in the city center.
The hotel is ideally situated in the very heart of the city, the "Leidseplein". The perfect location for visiting the main museums, cinemas, theatres, bars, restaurants and major shopping areas.

  Amsterdam30.com   -   
Amsterdam Cheap Hotels, Hostels, Apartments and B&B's.

      -   Amsterdam Hotels

 

  

  Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark **, Zandpad 5, 1054 GA Amsterdam
Stay in the green heart of Amsterdam! Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark; your best bed in low budget! This modern IYHF hostel is situated right in the middle of the famous Vondelpark, at walking distance from the Van Gogh- and the Rijksmuseum and at crawling distance from the Leidse Plein. Consume culture, shop till you drop and dance the night away in Amsterdam! Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark is your best starting point! The hostel is partly located in a monumental chalet building from which you have a stunning view over the park. Here you will also find our Brasserie "Backpackers", a cool place for a cool drink or a hot meal! Other facilities include: 536 beds divided over 2, 4, 6 bedded rooms and some large dormitories. All rooms have shower, toilet and washbasin. Three rooms for the handicapped, high speed internet facilities, WIFI wireless internet, a laundrette, bike shelter, pool table, tourist info and discount tickets, electronic doorlocks, lockers and safes, no curfew.

  Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg, Timorplein 21, 1094 CC Amsterdam 
The IYHF hostel is situated east of the centre in a typical Amsterdam neighbourhood. The city's must see attractions are only a 15 minute cycle or tram trip away. Take a tour of the canals by boat, visit world famous museums or head off shopping along the colourful Kalverstraat. And there's always plenty to do at the hostel in the evening.
Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg is housed in an amazing building, a former school dating from around 1900.

  
Create your perfect trip to Amsterdam  -   Flight, Hotel and Car

  

 
Ferries to France from Dover ( cross-channel ferry ).

  Canal Boats
For a more leisurely journey, canal boats operate between the major tourist attractions [ starting points: Central Station, near the Leidseplein,  opposite the Heineken Brewery, etc.


Links

  Amsterdamtourist   -   Tourist Board City of Amsterdam

  Amsterdam North
With the villages Durgerdam, Zunderdorp, Ransdorp, and Holysloot
  Amsterdam - East
Oost-Watergraafsmeer, Zeeburg ( Indische buurt, oostelijk Havengebied, IJburg )
  Amsterdam - West
Westelijk Havengebied, Bedrijfsterreinen Sloterdijk, Teleport, Ruigoord, Spaarndammerbuurt, Staatsliedenbuurt , Frederik Hendrikbuurt, Oud-West [ de Baarsjes, Bos en Lommer [ met het dorp Sloterdijk ], Geuzenveld-Slotermeer, Osdorp (Osdorp, MAP, dorp Sloten), Slotervaart-Overtoomse Veld (with Nieuw-Sloten) ]
  Amsterdam - South
Old- South (Zuid, de Pijp, Hoofddorppleinbuurt ) and ZuiderAmstel ( Rivierenbuurt, Buitenveldert, Prinses Irenebuurt )
The 'Old South' district is home to some world-famous museums, so hop on a bike (Amsterdammers treat cyclists as pedestrians) or jump on a water-taxi and head to the Rijksmuseum, Stadhouderskade 42, home to the largest collection of art in the Netherlands. The Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 7, and the Stedelijk Museum Bureau of Modern Art, Rozenstraat 59, are also big draws
  Amsterdam Southeast
Bijlmer, Gaasperdam, Bullewijk and Driemond.
  City Center of Amsterdam   -   Jordaan and East Islands
Jordaan [ with the stark reminder of life during the Nazi occupation, Anne Frankhuis (Anne Frank's house), Prinsengracht 263, perversely situated in what is now one of the city's most charming neighbourhoods, the Jordaan. Historically Amsterdam made its living from trading, and the city has some great markets ].

  Amsterdamarchitectuur [ architecture in Amsterdam ]
O.a. World Trade Center, Oklahoma, Silodam, Van Gogh Museum, Tuschinski Theater, The Whale, Stadhuis/Muziektheater, Scheepvaarthuis, Scheepstimmermanstraat, Rembrandttoren, Piraeus, NEMO [museum], Lloyd Hotel, ING House, IJburg, Hoop, Liefde en Fortuin, Entrepotdok, Barcelona [KNSM-eiland], Beurs van Berlage, Arcam [architectuurcentrum]
  Amsterdamsurprise
  Amsterdamwereldstad   -   powered by Amsterdam Tourist Board

  Ajax   -   FC Ajax soccer Club
History of the club, Ajax Museum, Prijzenkast, Hall of Fame, spelers, wedstrijden, kaartverkoop enz.
  Albert Cuyp Markt
The Albert Cuyp Markt, in the street of the same name, is the city's biggest general market - cheap, eclectic and friendly.
  Allard Pierson Museum
  Amsterdam City Archives
  Amsterdam Museum
  Amsterdam Zoo   -   Artis
  Anne Frank House   -   a museum with a story
Anne Frank is a Jewish girl who had to go in hiding during the 2nd World War to escape the Nazis. As well as preserving the hiding place - known in Dutch as 'Het Achterhuis' - and an exhibition about her life, the museum also  acts as an exhibition space to highlight all forms of persecution and discrimination.
  Begijnhof Amsterdam
  Beurs van Berlage
  Bijbels Museum
  Dam Square   -   Palace at the Dam, National Monument
  Diamant factory   -   Koninklijke Asscher Diamant Maatschappij
  Diamond houses
Why not visit one of the city's diamond houses and perhaps indulge in a gift to treasure forever!
  Diamond Museum Amsterdam
  Floating Flower Market   -   a dazzling range of colour all year round
Don't miss the Bloemenmarkt, the gorgeous floating flower market on the Singel Canal, between Leidsestraat and Muntplein (9am-5pm, Mon - Sat).
  Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum
  Heineken Experience
  Hermitage Amsterdam
  Het Schip
  Hortus Amsterdam   -   Hortus Botanicus   -   garden
  Joods Historisch Museum
  Jordaan   -   see Jordaan Info
  KattenKabinet
  Madame Tussauds
  Markets
There are various markets in Amsterdam; Albert Cuyp Markt - for clothes, food and local artwork; the Saturday Noordermarkt - for 'foodies'; Waterlooplein - for curios. Delftware, wooden clogs, liqueurs and cheeses are popular souvenirs whilst tulip bulbs make an annual reminder of your visit. Don't forget the famous Singel Flower Market for cut flowers and bulbs.
  Market   -   Albert Cuyp Markt
  Market   -   Biologische Noordermarkt   -   every Saturday from 09.00 till 16.00 hr.
Aan de voet van de Noorderkerk.
  Market   -   Waterlooplein flee market
  Miniature Museum
  Museum Geelvinck-Hinlopen
  Museum of Bags and Purses
  Museum Van Loon
  Museum Willet-Holthuysen
  Museumplein [ Museum square ]
The square is called "Museum Square" because of the four museums around the square: the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Diamond Museum. Beside an area to recreate, it's also used for (mass) events such as festivals, celebrations, and demonstrations. SeeTentoonstellingmuseumplein.nl.
  Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum
  Nieuwe Kerk
  Noorderkerk
  Onze Lieve Heer op Zolder   -   Museum Amstelkring
  Queen's Day   -   every year on the 30th of April
The formula for celebrating Queens day is unique to the Dutch. You rummage through your house gathering all the artifacts you want to get rid of, haul them into the city or local village, find a suitable place where you can display them to passersby, and sell it for as much or as little possible. But there is more to Queens day then selling your past, creativity can play an important roll in the pursuit of profit. It's dressing up, making music, have a joint/drink or two, let go and enjoy life.
The aftermath of Queens Day is mostly one of disbelief and utter shock in Amsterdam [and other cities in Holland]. Tons of rubbish such as cloths, clapped out hi-fi equipment, furniture, bottles, toys, beer cans, plastic cups litter the streets, all the streets.
  Red Light District
To the eastern side of the 'Old Centre' is the ancient 'Old Side', home to the notorious red light district. It's big business: bright, brash, and not for the shy - you have been warned.
  Rembrandt House Museum
  Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
  Spiegel Quarter   -   book shops and antique shops
If you collect antiques or modern art, the Spiegelkwartier is the place to go. Just across the bridge opposite the Rijksmuseum you will find this historical neighbourhood with its typical old Dutch houses. This area had been the heart of the national art and antiques trade for the past eighty years and has a friendly relaxed atmosphere. See Spiegelkwartier.nl. 
  Stedelijk Museum
  Tropenmuseum
  Van Gogh Museum
  Vondelpark   -   park, near the center of Amsterdam
  Wallen   -   Red Light District of Amsterdam
  Zoo Amsterdam  -   Artis

  University Amsterdam   -   Municipal University of Amsterdam [ UvA ]
  University Amsterdam  -   Vrije Universiteit [ VU ] 

Cuisine   -   Recipes from Amsterdam

Father Cats *) said :

'Wat heeft er menig vrou, door onverstandig koocken
Een goede beet vermorst, en alle lust gebroken!'

"What has many women, by unwise koocken [ cooking ]
A good bit wasted, and all pleasure broken! "

Typical from Amsterdam: Amsterdamse uien [ onions pickled in vinegar and spices and bedause of that yellow coloured ], Ossenworst [ spices in the sausage, such as pepper, cloves, mace and nutmeg came from the Dutch East Indies ], Leverworst [ liver sausage ], Amsterdamse bolussen [ airy cakes with currants, raisins, candied peel, and ginger ], Amsterdamse koggetjes [ sweet biscuits ]

  Amsterdamse uien / Asjkenasische uien
  Ossenworst   -   17th century
  Pikketanesie   -   lemon gin with a bit of sugar

  Dutch Cooking

History Amsterdam

  History of Amsterdam   -   see Wikipedia

  Amsterdam University Library   -   Bibliotheek van de Universiteit van Amsterdam
  City archive Amsterdam   -   Gemeentearchief Amsterdam
  Jewish Historical Museum   -   Joods Historisch Museum

  Museums in Amsterdam

Music, Arts & Culture & Events in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a vibrant and diverse nightlife. Main nightlife areas are the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein, both in the centre of Amsterdam and within a walking distance from each other.
The Reguliersdwarsstraat is the main street for the LGBT community and nightlife.

  Johnny Jordaan [ Amsterdam singer ]   -   Nationaal Popinstituut
  Tante Leen [ Amsterdam singer ]   -   Gemeentearchief Amsterdam
  Concerts in a church   -   Noorderkerk Concerten

  Museum 'Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder'/
Our Lord in the Attic is one of the oldest and most remarkable museums in Amsterdam. Behind the characteristic facade of the house by the canal lies a largely original 17th-century home and a complete hidden church. This hidden church 'in the attic' was built during the Reformation, when Catholics were forbidden to hold public services.
  Museum Het Schip   -   Amsterdam School
  Museums
Amsterdam boasts the world's largest concentration of museums and art galleries. The impressive Rijksmuseum is definitely not to be missed, and in the nearby Van Gogh Museum, you will find the world's largest collection of paintings by this great artist
  Rijksmuseum   -   national treasures of the Netherlands
  Stedelijk Museum   -   Museum of Modern Art Amsterdam

*) Jacob Cats (1577-1660) is one of the most famous poets of the Netherlands. For previous generations the work of Father Cats was mandatory.

Famous festivals and events in Amsterdam include : Koninginnedag (Queen's Day), the Holland Festival for the performing arts; the yearly Prinsengrachtconcert (classical concerto on the Prinsen canal) in August, the 'Stille Omgang' (a silent Roman Catholic evening procession held every March); Amsterdam Gay Pride and the Uitmarkt.


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