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Amsterdam Travel Guide

Travel Guides: Amsterdam

General Information

Amsterdam

Lively, lascivious Amsterdam has a unique atmosphere that belies the caricature of the dour Dutch.

Radiating out from the Dam Square, the historic centre of the city is ringed by quaint canals and cobbled streets, thronged with bicycles, tourists, houseboats, students, and street performers. The city wears two faces: on one it smiles and beckons hedonistic youth with its notorious Red Light District and liberal view of marijuana use, while on the other it offers some of Europe's finest museums and art galleries.

For the tourist the joy of Amsterdam is its compactness. The old part of town is a pleasure to explore on foot, strolling across ancient bridges and down narrow lanes past gabled houses, dropping in to browse in inviting souvenir boutiques crammed with blue and white Delft china and wooden clogs. Pavement cafes and cosy bars offer rest and refreshment. An alternative is to take a circular canal-boat cruise and see the city from the water, peering in on the lives of the locals who live on houseboats lining the waterways.

At night even the most conservative visitor is drawn by the lively atmosphere of the infamous Red Light District, known as De Wallen, which is bounded by the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudeziujds Achterburgwal canals near the Dam Square. Here prostitutes display their charms in brightly lit shop windows and touts encourage passers-by to view raunchy floorshows. The best nightclubs, bars, and the theatres and cinemas are mainly to be found in the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.

Getting Around

The central area of Amsterdam is fairly compact and easy to get around on foot. When going further a field, there is a good, inexpensive network of trams, buses and metro lines that all converge at Centraal Station, as well as canal boats and a free ferry service across the IJ Canal. The GVB public transport office at Centraal Station has route maps and a guide to the ticketing system, which is based on zones with the same ticket valid on buses, metros and trams. The I Amsterdam Card offers unlimited transport on buses, trams and metro for up to three days including massive discounts on museums, canal cruises and other attractions. A one day pass costs EUR33 and a three day pass costs EUR53. Another type of travel pass is the Strippenkart; a strip gets stamped every time one boards and remains valid for unlimited transfers within an hour (eight-strip day card: EUR6.40; 15-strip card: EUR6.90; 45-strip card: EUR20.40). After midnight there are night buses that run from Centraal Station to most parts of the city. Taxis are among the most expensive in Europe and renting a car or driving one's own to Amsterdam is not recommended; it is better to park it outside the city and use public transport to get into the centre and around. An ideal way to get around is the Dutch way - by bicycle. There are several rental agencies around town (about EUR7 daily or EUR30 weekly), but be aware that theft is common and make sure that both the frame and a wheel is locked to something fixed and solid.

Activites

Anne Frank House,Amsterdam
This museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank whose famous diary, recorded over a two-year period, describes the experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II. Part of the house was used as a hiding place by the Franks and others to escape Nazi persecution. The families were later discovered and sent to their deaths in the concentration camps. Otto Frank was the only survivor. The original diary is on display as part of the permanent exhibition. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that focus on related issues.

Admission:
EUR7.50 (adults), EUR3.50 (children aged 10 to 17)

Opening time:
Daily 9am to 7pm (September 15 to March 14) and 9am to 9pm (15 March to 14 September). Note that the queues can be long

Van Gogh Museum,Amsterdam
The Van Gogh Museum is a definitive attraction in Amsterdam. Situated in a modern building, the simple architecture subtly underscores the artists' colourful and extraordinary work. The museum houses a permanent display of several hundred of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings, many of which will be familiar even to the untrained eye. The collection is organised according to three criteria. The first of these is the work of the artist, which is divided into five notable periods. Then there is the display of work of other artists including those of his friends and contemporaries. The third section is the showcase of the museum's history recording its progress with a feature on the development of the new wing designed by Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa, built to house the temporary exhibitions.

Admission:
EUR12.50 (adults), EUR2.50 (children aged 13 to 17)

Opening time:
Daily 10am to 6pm, Fridays 10am to 10pm

The Rijksmuseum,Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885 and is best known for its collection of 17th century Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The most notable of these is Rembrandt's masterpiece, the Night Watch. The museum contains thousands of other paintings and artefacts in its Asiatic collection, Print Room, Dutch History and Applied Arts sections. A visit to the museum should include a trip into its delightful garden adorned with bright flowers, fountains, sculptures and summerhouses. Nestled within the garden is a collection depicting five centuries of Dutch architecture. It is advisable to consult a map or purchase a CD audio tour for an orientation to the extensive collection. Note that the Rijksmuseum is currently undergoing renovations, and although still open to visitors, structural work is ongoing and scheduled for completion only in 2012.

Admission:
EUR10 (adults), under 18s are free and concessions are available

Opening time:
Daily 9am to 6pm (closing at 10pm on Fridays). Closed 1 January

Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art,Amsterdam
The museum closely traces the development in art of the second half of the 20th century, showcasing the most impressive collections of modern art in Amsterdam. The permanent exhibition focuses on De Stijl, Cobra, Nouveau Realisme, Pop Art, Colorfield Painting, Zero and Minimalist Art while temporary exhibitions on design and applied art are housed in the new wing. The museum at Paulus Potterstraat is currently closed until late 2009 but a selection of works can still be viewed at the temporary location on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the Post CS building.

Admission:
EUR9 (adults), EUR4.50 (children 7 to16), family pass EUR22.50. Other concessions available

Opening time:
Daily 10am to 6pm. Closed 1 January

Rembrandt House,Amsterdam
This museum provides an insight into the life and times of the famous painter. Rembrandt lived here between 1639 and 1658 at the height of his career. The museum presents a permanent collection of Rembrandt's work, a reconstructed 17th century studio together with temporary exhibitions and a collection of paintings done by his teacher, Pieter Latman, and those of Rembrandt's pupils.

Admission:
EUR8 (adults), EUR1.50 (children 6-15). Other concessions available

Opening time:
Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed 1 January

Amsterdam Historisch Museum,Amsterdam
Housed in a former orphanage, the Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement along the river into a thriving modern city. The museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum provides a showpiece of Dutch Master paintings, archaeological discoveries, gold, silver, glass and earthenware and other artefacts. The museum fee covers entry to the Civic Guards Gallery. This is a glass-roofed gallery stretching between Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof, lined with portraits of Amsterdam's Civic Guards dating back to the 17th century.

Admission:
EUR8 (adults), EUR4 (children aged 6 to 16)

Opening time:
Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Closed 1 January, 30 April and 25 December

Red Light District (De Wallen),Amsterdam
A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll around the notorious Red Light District. The atmosphere can be chaotic with throngs of tourists jostling for space alongside city slickers, pimps and drug dealers. The prostitutes of De Wallen are part of a legal and regulated industry that includes compulsory health checks and taxable income. Prostitution is by no means the only attraction of the area. The district's architecture comprises a scenic mix that dates back to the Middle Ages. Areas to explore include Waterlooplein, Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt Square. Waterlooplein is the location of the modern City Hall and Muziek Theatre. The square was created in 1880 from two canals that were filled and then allocated to Jewish traders who used to ply their wares on its pavements. Nieuwmarkt Square was also once home to a thriving Jewish community, mainly Portuguese Jews who had fled from persecution during the Spanish Inquisition. The cultural diversity of this area extends to Zeedijk Street, which is often referred to as Chinatown. The street runs from the Saint Olof Chapel to De Waag.

Our Dear Lord in the Attic (Museum Amstelkring),Amsterdam
This concealed Catholic church (the combined top floors of a 17th century canal house) is a reminder of the Alteration period in Holland. Protestantism was declared the official religion and churches like this one relied on clandestine activity for their survival. The building's lower floors became a museum in 1888 housing a collection of church artefacts and paintings. It is located near the edge of the Red Light District.

Admission:
EUR7 (adults), EUR1 (children 5-18), other concessions available

Opening time:
Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm (open from 1pm on Sundays and public holidays). Closed 1 January and 30 April

The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum),Amsterdam
A trip to this museum provides a fascinating insight into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during World War II. Displays of false documents, weaponry and other equipment provide testimony to the bravery and innovation of its members.

Admission:
EUR6.50 (adults), EUR3.50 (children 7-15). Other concessions available

Opening time:
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday, Sunday, Monday and public holidays 12pm to 5pm

The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis),Amsterdam
Although the Royal Palace is the official Royal residence it is mainly used for functions as the family reside in The Hague. The building dates back to 1648 and was originally designed for use as Amsterdam's city hall. King Louis Napoleon however had other plans. In 1808 he turned the city hall into a palace. A large collection of furniture from this period adorns its interiors. Guided tours are offered to visitors (these need to be booked two weeks in advance). The Royal Palace will be closed for renovations from 8 September 2005 until early 2009.

Admission:
EUR4.50/EUR6.50 with audio tour (adults), EUR3.60 (children)

Opening time:
12.30pm to 5pm; closed Mondays and Fridays (November, January and February). Guided tours can be booked on (020) 624 8698

Maastricht,Amsterdam
Maastricht is the oldest city in the Netherlands, peacefully perching on the banks of the Maas River. It is also one of the sunnier spots, located at Holland's southernmost point, squeezed in between the Belgium and German borders. Ancient fortifications provide pleasant walking routes and some of these can be explored on the city's western outskirts. The Bonnefantenmuseum traces the city's historical roots, and makes for a good introduction to one's visit. Another must-see is the Basilica of Saint Servatius. It is a medieval cruciform basilica with a significant collection of religious artefacts as well as the burial place of Holland's first bishop. In the old centre of Maastricht is a selection of shops and department stores. Here one can also savour the fine food that Maastricht has developed a reputation for. A selection of wines from nearby vineyards can be savoured with the cuisine that has been influenced by the distinctive tastes of its neighbours. Maastricht is located 133 miles (215km) from Amsterdam.

International Court of Justice,Amsterdam
The Peace Palace was so named to import its significance as a place of arbitration for the maintenance and promotion of world peace. Situated in The Hague, the building houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and The Hague Academy of International Law. It was here (in 1946) that the first session of the International Court of Justice was held. Four guided tours are conducted daily. The Hague is located approximately 35 miles (57km) from Amsterdam.

Admission:
EUR5 (adults) and EUR3 (children)

Opening time:
Guided tours Monday to Friday at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm

Waterland Neeltje Jans,Amsterdam
Enjoy a whole day with marine animals, experience fantastic attractions and see and learn about the world famous Delta Works at this spectacular water park. Attractions include the storm surge barrier, Delta Expo, a waterslide and water playground, whale world exhibition and a hurricane simulator.

Admission:
EUR17.50 (summer), EUR11.50 (winter). Concessions available

Opening time:
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm (winter) and daily from 10am to 5.30pm (summer)

Royal Delftware Factory,Amsterdam
The white and blue decorative pottery, the trademark of Royal Delftware, was influenced by Chinese porcelain brought back from the east by the tradesmen of the Dutch East India Company. The Royal Delftware Factory (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles) is the only remaining earthenware factory in Delft and dates back to the 17th century. Visitors to the factory can see painting demonstrations, attend painting workshops or visit the factory's museum and showroom. Delft is 30 miles (47km) south of Amsterdam, near The Hague. There is also a showroom in Amsterdam where visitors can also view a painting demonstration and view an exhibition. The address is Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 175-179 (on the premises of Gassan Diamonds).

Admission:
EUR4.50 (adults), children under 12 free

Opening time:
Daily 9am to 5pm (25 March to 1 November) and Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5 pm (2 November to 24 March). Closed between Christmas and New Years Day

National Maritime Museum,Amsterdam
Covering four centuries of Dutch naval history, the National Maritime Museum allows visitors to glimpse into the adventurous seafaring past of Dutch explorers and merchants through exhibits of antiquarian maps, navigation instruments, paintings and ship models, creating one of the most extensive collections of maritime memorabilia in the world. A major attraction is the life-size reconstruction of a Dutch East India Company ship called the Amsterdam, which is docked behind the museum. Learn about dated maritime trade, naval combat, fishing and whaling and the intrepid journeys that took the Dutch fleet and her crew to remote destinations as far away as modern day Indonesia, India and South Africa. Please Note: The National Maritime Museum Amsterdam will be closed until 2010 for major renovations. The Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam is currently moored at the NEMO Science Centre where it is open to the public.

Admission:
EUR7 (adults) and EUR4 (children)

Opening time:
Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Open on Mondays from mid-June to mid-September. Closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Queen's day (30 April)

Heineken Experience,Amsterdam
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience is not to be missed. After opening its doors in 2001, with Heineken Experience has been attracting international beer lovers for almost a decade. Housed in the original brewery, visitors will learn about the history of the famous Heineken Company and its unique brewing process, visit cutting edge interactive exhibits and enjoy free Heineken beer at the two pit stops along the way. Don't go away empty handed, a gift of Heineken memorabilia is given to each visitor to ensure they remember their Heineken Experience. Unfortunately the Heineken Experience is currently undergoing major renovations and is scheduled to reopen towards the end of 2008. The new and improved Heineken experience will include a mini brewery, a new tasting bar and an opportunity to view Heineken's iconic Shire horses.

Admission:
EUR11 adults

Opening time:
Currently closed for renovations until Summer 2008

Amsterdam Coffee Shops,Amsterdam
Amsterdam's coffee shops are an iconic part of the city and for many tourists they constitute a unique and essential part of any visit to the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, 'coffee shop' means a place where cannabis is openly sold and smoked, while 'café' refers to somewhere that sells coffees, tea and cakes. The coffee shops can legally sell up to 5 grams of marijuana to adults over 18 years of age. Travellers are warned, however, that the personal possession of drugs is illegal. There are a variety of coffee shops in the city, from laid-back and mellow to psychedelic and loud. It is expected of customers to consume not only the cannabis but also a beverage or snack while at the venue. Most coffee shops offer several kinds of weed or hash, listed on a 'menu', which the staff can give advice on. The prices vary according to the quality and be warned: the local skunk is very strong!

Events

Keukenhof,Amsterdam
The world's largest garden (32-hectares) bursts with colour during this eight week spring season. This showcase of flowers (particularly the elegant tulips and daffodils) attracts some 800,000 visitors to its flowery ramparts and is divided into theme gardens, sculpture routes and a children's exhibition known as Clever Clogs

Date: 19 March to 21 May 2009
Venue: The Keukenhof is located in the bulb-growing area between Amsterdam and The Hague
Time: 8am to 7.40pm

Queen's Day,Amsterdam
The Queen Mother's birthday is a very festive occasion in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam goes all out to celebrate staging a street party which starts the night before and keeps going well into the early hours of the next day. Traditionally people attending wear orange (the Royal family is the House of Orange), and ensure they have a beer in hand. The party also resembles a giant jumble sale, with street trade unregulated for the day allowing people to display all their unused and unwanted goods on the street in the hope of selling it to passers-by. It is a great day for bargain hunters and party animals alike, particularly if the sun shines. For more information contact the tourist office on (0)20 201 8800.

Date: 30 April 2009
Venue: The centre of the action is at Vondelpark in the city centre

Amsterdam Pride,Amsterdam
One of Europe's most popular and well-attended 'gay pride' festivals, Amsterdam's Pride takes place annually in early August. The highlight is the Canal Parade on the Saturday in which about 75 decorated craft carry revellers along the Prinsengracht, Amstel and Stopera canals to the delight of about 25,000 spectators. The festival includes a full programme of street parties at different venues during the week, sporting events, an open-air film festival on the Nieumarkt and numerous theatrical and cultural events

Date: 1-3 August 2008
Venue: Various places throughout the city
Time: Parade: 2pm

Amsterdam Roots Festival,Amsterdam
Now a major event on the global music calendar, Amsterdam's Roots Festival started in 1983 as a celebration of African music. Today the annual programme draws top artists from everywhere around the world, and hordes of concertgoers who come to enjoy their talents. The festival opens each year with a massive free open-air concert in the Oosterpark, performances spanning six stages. During the rest of the festival week about 60 concerts are held at different venues around the city. The Roots Festival is part of the Holland Festival.

Date: June 2009
Venue: Various locations

Holland Festival,Amsterdam
The Holland Festival is a yearly trend-setting and innovative presentation of the dramatic arts, the highlight of the cultural season in the Netherlands. During the month of June each year about 30 productions take to the boards across the full spectrum of the arts, music, opera, theatre and dance. The programme includes everything from pop music to topical high drama. A street café on Leidseplein serves as the festival centre where bookings can be made.

Date: 31 May to 22 June 2009
Venue: Information and booking at The Festival Centre, Stadsschouwburg, Leidseplein

Amsterdam Dance Event,Amsterdam
Europe's main electronic and dance music conference brings together more than 1,300 professionals from the international dance music community for a daytime conference and night time festival in Amsterdam's city centre. Thousands of visitors dance the nights away at more than 12 clubs with top DJs and artists performing. The three-day programme includes everything from electro to trance and house.

Date: October 2009 TBA
Venue: Various city centre clubs, including Melkweg, Paradiso, Supperclub and Escape

New Year's Eve in Amsterdam,Amsterdam
On New Year's Eve locals and tourists pack into the streets and squares of central Amsterdam to celebrate before heading to one of the city's many bars and clubs. Dam Square and the Leidseplein become the centre of most of the revelry and as midnight approaches the sky is lit up with fireworks. The atmosphere in the bars is festive and friendly, though a little seedy around the red light district. Many nightclubs offer New Year specials with top DJs and performances. For more information contact the Amsterdam Tourist Office on +31 (0)20 551 2525 or email info@amsterdamtourist.nl

Date: 31 December annually

Arrival of St Nicholas,Amsterdam
The true story of Santa Claus began in the 3rd century when St Nicholas (the Bishop of Myra) dedicated his life to helping the poor and needy. Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told about St Nicholas' life and deeds, but he is best known today for giving presents to children. His birthday is commemorated on 6 December and three weeks before, he arrives in Amsterdam on a ship and rides a white horse to Dam Square. The arrival of St Nicholas is a festive occasion; musical bands and Black Peters accompany him on bicycles with acrobats, clowns and animals to entertain the children. For more information contact the Amsterdam Tourist Office on +31 (0)20 551 2525 or email info@amsterdamtourist.nl

Date: 16 November 2008
Venue: Central Station, Amsterdam

Holland Flowers Festival,Amsterdam
A huge plant and flower show, the Holland Flowers Festival is an annual riot of colour and fragrance with a vast array of tulips, irises, daffodils and other blooms covering the halls. An accompanying fair showcases hundreds of house and garden products.

Date: 18-22 February 2009
Venue: The Greenery, Centrale Markt 5, Zwaagdijk-Oost
Time: 10am to 10pm

Uitmarkt,Amsterdam
Every year Uitmarkt heralds the official beginning of the cultural season in Holland and is a celebration and introduction to the forthcoming cultural activities in the city. Stages are erected all over the city and offer a wide variety of free performances, including theatre, music, dance, street theatre and film, as well as numerous workshops around Leidseplein and Museumplein. There are also hundreds of cultural institutions on hand to provide information about their upcoming events and publishers with their latest editions. Contact the Amsterdams Uit Buro for more information on +31 (0)20 621 1211 or email the Amsterdam Tourist Office info@amsterdamtourist.nl

Date: August 2009 TBA
Venue: Various

Cannabis Cup,Amsterdam
Amsterdam is equally famous for the relaxed attitude towards marijuana as it is for tulips, canals and Van Gogh; and the Cannabis Cup is a celebration of the narcotic that attracts many high-minded tourists who want to partake openly in its appreciation. High Times Magazine sponsors the event and gathers all the best spliff around to sample and ultimately be awarded with the prestigious Cannabis Cup. The event is steadily increasing in popularity and attracts thousands of curious spectators each year who can purchase seeds and winning weed throughout the festival. However it is not all about getting high, as promoters also try and persuade visitors to the global benefits of the hemp industry.

Date: 23-27 November 2008
Venue: NDSM wharf

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam,Amsterdam
One of the top documentary festivals on the international calendar sees over 180 entries and over 60,000 film fanatics, industry professionals and passers by in attendance. The films focus on everything and anything of interest and there are concurrent mini festivals, or themed showings, within the IDFA. The documentaries compete for feature length, short, and newcomer prizes.

Date: 20-30 November 2008
Venue: Various

Dance Valley Festival,Amsterdam
There is no denying the popularity of this hugely important festival on the dance calendar. The top names in the international electronic music scene enthral the 60,000 odd fans for whom this has certainly become one of the annual highlights of the contemporary dance scene.

Date: 12 July 2009
Venue: Spaarnwoude Recreation Ground
Time: 10am to 11pm

ING Amsterdam Marathon,Amsterdam
The popular marathon is one of the top twelve in the world and part of the IAAF Golden League. Runners from all over the world enjoy the flat terrain, stunning architecture and little traffic that characterises the Amsterdam Marathon. The race dates back to 1975 and is recognised as one of the most professionally organised and enjoyable races on the athletics calendar.

Date: 19 October 2009
Venue: Olympic Stadium

De Parade,Amsterdam
De Parade is a travelling theatre festival that visits Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht for about 6 weeks in total before culminating with 17 days of performances as one of the highlights of the August in Amsterdam festival. Audiences can enjoy a variety of theatre dance, magic, art and animation. Families are most welcome and there are children's shows throughout the afternoon.

Date: August 2009 TBA
Venue: Martin Luther King Park

Canal Festival,Amsterdam
The Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) is nine days of classical music appreciation along the canals of the capital city and a few indoor areas. A number of concerts are performed culminating in the Prinsengracht concert, which takes place on a floating stage.

Date: August 2009 TBA
Venue: Various

pAn Amsterdam,Amsterdam
The leading national art and antiques fair of the Low Countries has an incredible variety to offer collectors. Whether an antique in the business or a newcomer just browsing, one may happily peruse for hours the sheer diversity of ceramics, jewellery, furniture, silver, glassware, manuscripts, ornaments, clocks, sculptures, paintings, photographs& the list goes on and on.

Date: 23-30 November 2008
Venue: Amsterdam RAI-Parkhal
Time: 11am to 7pm

Restaurants

Blauw aan de Wal,Amsterdam
One of Amsterdam's delightful secrets, this charming restaurant is an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the midst of the bustle of the Red Light District. A narrow alley leads to the tiny square where Blauw aan de Wal (Blue on the Quay) is hidden, a modern minimalist restaurant with a courtyard that was once part of a monastery. The fare is Mediterranean inspired and the service renowned for its excellence. Reservations necessary. Closed Sunday. Dinner only.

Location: Oude Zijds, Achterburgwal 99

Odeon,Amsterdam
Once a rumpled teenage disco but now a revamped chic and cosmopolitan restaurant, the Odeon attracts the stylish and sophisticated diners of Amsterdam. A brassiere, restaurant and nightclub spread over three floors, guests are ensured an entertaining evening out. The restaurant serves fresh, simple and contemporary cuisine and has an excellent wine list. The kitchen is open daily from 11am to 10.30pm.

Location: Singel 460, Rembrandtplein

D' Vijff Vlieghen,Amsterdam
The 'Five Flies' is one of the world's famous restaurants, oozing old-world charm with antiques and Rembrandt etchings on the Spui, and offering New Dutch Cuisine, created using only fresh Dutch products. Brass plaques on the chairs remind diners of the famous names like Orson Welles and Walt Disney who have patronised the rambling establishment that occupies five adjoining historic houses. D'Vijff Vlieghen also offers an organic five-course vegetarian meal. Open daily for dinner. Reservations advised.

Location: Spuistraat 294-302 (opposite the Amsterdam Historical Museum)

Café de Jaren,Amsterdam
Contemporary and stylish, the chief attraction of the Café de Jaren is its waterfront terrace overlooking the Amstel River, in the heart of the city. It makes for a great place for a pre dinner drink, the sampling of a superb bottle of wine or enjoying a strong coffee. The menu is varied and attractive, with fare ranging from soups and sandwiches to steaks and pastas. With a classic French feel to it, the high ceilings and tiled floors of the Café de Jaren exude a refined elegance. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Location: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22

Dynasty,Amsterdam
Amsterdam is well supplied with oriental restaurants particularly in its rejuvenated Chinatown district. One of the most popular institutions, serving a mix of Asian cuisine from Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese, to Malay and Filipino, is Dynasty. The themed interior is exceedingly colourful, the ceiling adorned with upturned paper umbrellas. A big attraction is the beautiful Canalhouse Garden, usually packed out for summer dining. Reservations essential. Closed Tuesdays.

Location: Reguliersdwarsstraat 30

Pasta E Basta,Amsterdam
The lively Pasta E Basta restaurant has hit on a gimmick that draws customers as much as the delicious plates of pasta it serves: the waiters and bartenders sing opera arias while they tend the tables. This makes for a jovial atmosphere, where guests enjoy the excellent wine list and superb Italian fare in an intriguing environment. Bookings should be made well in advance. Open daily from 6pm for dinner.

Location: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8

Rose's Cantina,Amsterdam
Amsterdam's most popular Mexican-style bar buzzes with warm Latin-American ambience and serves up notoriously potent margaritas along with a number of food specialities. The menu includes regular Mexican favourites like burritos, nachos and enchiladas. Fillet steak and burgers are also available and are well complimented with Mexican beer. Open daily from 5pm.

Location: Reguliersdwarsstraat 38-40

Sukasari,Amsterdam
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without enjoying an Indonesian 'Rijstafel' at one of any number of Indonesian restaurants. One of the most central and affordable, offering an extensive Rijstafel as well as numerous other specialities, is Sukasari, just off of the Dam Square in the first block east of the Dam Monument. Open daily.

Location: Damstraat 26-28

De Silveren Spiegel,Amsterdam
The elegant Silveren Spiegel (Silver Mirror) is one of Amsterdam's best known traditional restaurants, featuring a romantic atmosphere enhanced by beautifully decorated candlelit rooms in two historic houses. Highlights on the menu include seafood and meat dishes, like baked sole with wild spinach or fillet of venison. The lamb dishes are especially fine. Open for lunch by reservation only.

Location: Kattengat 4-6

De Witte Uyl,Amsterdam
A simple Amsterdam restaurant that serves delicious food in a laid back yet sophisticated environment, De Witte Uyl is a popular choice with locals and foreigners looking for a pleasurable night out. While the soft rhythms of jazz music flow through the restaurant, patrons can indulge in the flavours of the diverse contemporary menu that offers dishes like steak of veal filled with sage and pastrami, served with mashed sweet potato, brussel sprouts and parmesan or warm crème of garden peas with mint, with home smoked oysters and steamed wonton filled with chévre, crème fraiche and chives. Order two dishes and a desert for a fixed price and scan the international winelist, which compliments the intricate menu. Open for dinner, Tuesday to Saturday.

Location: Frans Halsstraat 26

De Eetkamer van de Jordaan,Amsterdam
A lovely Dutch restaurant serving a combination of local and international fare, De Eetkamer van de Jordaan is ideal for friends and couples looking for a special night out in an intimate and unpretentious environment. With a fantastic menu that has a variety of enticing cold and hot starters, mains that get the salivary glands flowing and ten different deserts to wind down with, there is a little bit of culinary genius for everyone. Some of the mains include fresh fried Halibut with a Dutch shrimp sauce and Lamb fillet with honey poffertjes (small pancakes) and a sauce of honey and thyme. Make your booking today. Open daily for dinner.

Location: Westerstraat 76

Café Luxembourg,Amsterdam
A large established eatery, Café Luxembourg's affordable prices, traditional atmosphere and superb food continue to draw crowds throughout the year. With heavily wooded tables, a long, well stocked bar, soft lighting and a pleasant atmosphere, Café Luxembourg is the ideal place for a lunchtime salad or sandwich, evening drink accompanied by a mouth-watering array of snacks or a laid back wholesome evening meal. In summer patrons can people-watch from the bustling sidewalks and in winter friends and couples can cosy up with a nice bottle of red or a crisp pint. If you looking for a great meal at an affordable price, Café Luxembourg is the ticket. Open daily from 9am for lunch and dinner.

Location: Spuistraat 24