

General Information

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


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