User:(WT-en) Maj/Sandbox/Amsterdam

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Corner of Prinsengracht and Bloemgracht, near Jordaan

Amsterdam [1] is a beautiful city in the Netherlands with impressive architecture, lovely canals that criss-cross the city, great shopping, and friendly people. There is something for every traveler's taste here, whether you prefer culture and history, serious partying, or just the relaxing charm of an old European city. Amsterdam has over a million inhabitants in the urban area, and is located in the Province of North-Holland. Although Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, the seat of government is The Hague, and the provincial capital is Haarlem.

Understand

Orientation

The 'Amsterdam' that most people know is the city centre, the semicircle with Central Station at its centre. It corresponds to the old city, as it was around 1850. Five major concentric canals ring the old city; the Singel, the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht, the Prinsengracht, and the Singelgracht (not to be confused with the Singel!), which runs alongside the roads Nassaukade, Stadhouderskade, and Mauritskade and marks the location of the former city moat and fortifications. Almost everything outside this line was built after 1870. The semicircle is on the south side of the IJ, which is called a river, but is more exactly an estuary. Going east from central station, the railway passes the artificial islands of the redeveloped Eastern Docklands. North of the IJ is mainly housing, although a major dockland redevelopment has started there too.

The river Amstel flows into the city from the south. Originally, it flowed along the line Rokin-Damrak. The dam in the Amstel, which gives the city its name, was located under the present Bijenkorf department store. The original settlement was on the right bank of the Amstel, on the present Warmoesstraat: it is therefore the oldest street in the city. The city has expanded in all directions, except to the north of the ring motorway. The region there, Waterland, is a protected rural landscape of open fields and small villages.

The radius of the semicircle is about 2 km. All major tourist destinations, and most hotels, are located inside it or just outside it. As a result, much of Amsterdam is never visited by tourists: at least 90% of the population lives outside this area. Most economic activity in Amsterdam -- the offices of the service sector, and the port -- is located on or outside the ring motorway, which is four to five kilometers from the centre.

Attitudes

Many people choose to visit Amsterdam because of its reputation for tolerance, although part of this reputation is attributable to cultural misunderstandings. Prostitution is legalized and licensed, although this is not specific to Amsterdam, or the Netherlands. Prostitution in Amsterdam is however very visible (window prostitution), and there are large numbers of prostitutes. The sale, possession, and consumption of small quantities of cannabis, while illegal, is ignored by authorities under a policy of gedogen (tolerance). This does not mean that you can get away with anything in Amsterdam. In any case, public attitudes and official policy have hardened in recent years. For more on coffeeshops and drugs, see below in Cope.

Depending on your viewpoint some people will consider Amsterdam an unwholesome city whereas other people will find their relaxed attitudes refreshing. Amsterdam is not generally seen as a family destination, but if you avoid the red light district, it is no more objectionable for children than any large city.

Nearly everyone in Amsterdam, young or old, seems to speak excellent english.

When to come

Amsterdam is a large city and a major tourist destination, so you can visit it all year round. However, in winter the days are short (8 hours daylight around Christmas), and the weather may be too cold to walk around the city comfortably, let alone cycle. Some things are seasonal: the bulb fields flower only in the spring, and Queens Day (Koninginnedag) is always on 30 April, unless that is a Sunday. Queen Beatrix was in fact born on 31 January, but since January is too cold, the celebrations are held on the birthday of her mother Juliana. The color of Queensday is orange, symbolizing national and royal pride in the House of Orange-Nassau. (Neither Orange nor Nassau are in the Netherlands, and the royal family is largely German, but there is a national party anyway).

Media/listings

Amsterdam Weekly [2] is an English-language free cultural weekly published every Wednesday. It provides coverage of Amsterdam city life, and an arts and entertainment calendar. It is online at http://www.amsterdamweekly.nl

Uitkrant is a free monthly magazine, listing all concerts, classical, jazz, pop etc., exhibitions, museums and anything cultural to do in Amsterdam. It can be picked up at many spots in the city, e.g. at the Uitburo at the Leidseplein.

NL20 is a free weekly listings magazine for Amsterdam, in Dutch.

BOOM! is a very very good free magazine in english available from most hotels and coffee shops. It is published 4 times a year, and if you can overlook the blatant adverts for its main sponser you'll find a wealth of up to date information about life in Amsterdam, going out, the best restaurants and a guide to the red light district, all written in an honest witty style. An essential read for any tourist.

Online listings, from alternative to mainstream, can be found at: http://www.underwateramsterdam.com

Get in

By plane

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is situated 15 km south-west of the city. Easyjet and other low-cost carriers serve Schiphol, providing a fairly economical way to city-hop to Amsterdam from other spots in Europe. As Amsterdam is a very popular destination, the cheapest tickets may be gone, and in that case a traditional carrier might be cheaper. So it pays to check a number of airlines before booking, to get the best deal. The former national carrier for the Netherlands is KLM, now merged with Air France. With partner Northwest Airlines they offer worldwide connections. The US, Asia and Europe are particularly well served at Schiphol.

For very frequent visitors to Amsterdam (6 or more times a year) it may pay to invest in a Privium card. This is available to EU passport holders only, but allows you to cut the queues at passport control. Instead of showing your passport you go to a special lane with an iris scanner, this will save a significant amount of time if the passport lines are long. Cost is currently € 99/year + € 55 for a partner.

From Schiphol there is a direct train to Amsterdam Central Station, for € 3.60, in 15 minutes. The train station at Schiphol is located underground, under the main airport hall. Watch out for pick-pockets and baggage thieves: a common trick is a knock on your window to distract you, so that an accomplice can steal your luggage or laptop. Another one is to have an accomplice jam the doors and than to steal your luggage. The thief jumps out and the door immediately closes, making it impossible to catch them.

Taxis from Schiphol are expensive: legal taxis have blue number plates, others should be avoided. Some hotels in Amsterdam, and around the airport, have a shuttle bus service.

If you decided to bring your bicycle on the plane with you, there is a 15-kilometer signposted bike route from the airport to Amsterdam. Turn right as you leave the airport terminal: the cycle path starts about 200 metres down the road.

When leaving Amsterdam, give yourself enough time to get to your plane! Schiphol is a large airport - be there at least an hour in advance.

By train

Sign for Platform 2b at Amsterdam Railway Station

Most trains arrive and depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station (with one extra 'a' in Dutch), located between the old centre and the IJ waterfront. Other train stations are Bijlmer, Amstel, Muiderpoort (all southeast), RAI, Zuid WTC (both south), Lelylaan and Sloterdijk (both west). Schiphol airport also has its own train station, with at least seven trains an hour to Amsterdam Centraal, with additional trains going to other Amsterdam stations.

By bus

Most international bus services are affiliated to Eurolines, which has a terminal at Amstel Station (train station and metro station). One bus per day is usually the maximum frequency on these routes. There are other international bus services, but they are often aimed at very specific markets, e.g. Polish migrant workers. There are almost no long-distance internal bus services in the Netherlands, and none to Amsterdam.

By car

The western part of the Netherlands has a dense (and congested) road network. Coming from the east (Germany), the A1 motorway leads directly to Amsterdam. On the A12 from Arnhem, change at Utrecht to the A2 northbound. From the south (Belgium), the A2 goes directly to Amsterdam: the A16 /A27 from Antwerp via Breda connects to the A2 south of Utrecht. From The Hague, the A4 leads to Amsterdam. All motorways to Amsterdam connect to the ring motorway, the A10. From this motorway, main roads lead radially into Amsterdam (the roads S101 through S118).

The speed limit on Dutch motorways is 120 km/h, except where indicated. On most sections of the A10 ring motorway around Amsterdam, the maximum speed has been lowered to 80 km/h. These limits are strictly enforced and there are many speed cameras.

By sea

The maritime Passenger Terminal Amsterdam is close to the city centre, but is only for cruise ships. The nearest ferry port is IJmuiden (ferry from Newcastle upon Tyne). There are also ferry terminals at Rotterdam Europoort (ferry from Kingston Upon Hull), and Hook of Holland (ferry from Harwich). More information, timetables and ticket prices for these ferries is available at Ferries To Amsterdam

Get around

On foot and bike

Amsterdam's center is fairly small, and almost abnormally flat, so you easily can get to most tourist destinations on foot - from the train station, within a half an hour.

A pleasant way to cover a lot of ground is to rent a bicycle. The city is very, very bike-friendly, and there are separate bike lanes on most major streets. In the city centre, however, there is often not enough space for a bike lane, so cars and cyclists share narrow streets. If you are not used to that, be very careful, and also watch out for other cyclists. There are bike rental shops at stations, and several others in and around the city centre. Bikes cost about € 9 to € 20 per day. Make sure to get a good lock, and to use it. Bike theft is a serious problem, see the Netherlands page. Note also that if buying a bike, prices that seem too good to be true are stolen bikes. Any bike offered for sale to passers-by, on the street, is certainly stolen.

• MacBike Bicycle Rental. Perhaps the most ubiquitous bicycle rental agency in Amsterdam, their bicycles are painted red with a MacBike sign on the front, everyone will know you're visiting. The bicycles are reliable, and in very good condition. Several locations around the city centre for assistance or repairs. Online bicycle reservations at their website. http://www.macbike.nl

Public transport

Public transport within the city is operated by the GVB (Gemeentevervoerbedrijf). There is a metro with four lines, including a short underground section in the city centre, but it mainly serves the suburbs. The tram (15 lines) is the main form of public transport system in the central area, and there are also dozens of bus routes. Regional buses, and some suburban buses, are operated by Connexxxion [3] and Arriva [4]. Most tram stops have a detailed, but not very legible, map of the system.

Tickets can be bought on bus or tram, but it is always cheaper to buy them before boarding. The standard ticket for bus, tram and metro is the strippenkaart. They are available from machines in the metro and railway stations, from the GVB office opposite Central Station, and from supermarkets, newsagents and tobacconists. This ticket consists of a number of strips, which must be stamped in a validator prior to entering the metro, or by the driver or conductor when boarding a tram or bus. A strippenkaart is also valid for use on NS trains within Amsterdam, validate them on the platform. They are not valid for trips to Schiphol airport.

Travel through a single zone costs two strips; two zones cost three strips, and so forth. Typically tourists will only be travelling through the central zone of Amsterdam, unless they plan on visiting outer areas. Alternatively, you can get a 24, 48 or 72 hour all zones bus/rail/tram pass for a reasonable price (€ 10 for 48 hr), and less hassle. Don't forget to stamp it before your first journey. If you stay longer in Amsterdam, you can buy discounted weekly or monthly tickets from most post offices or other ticket sale points ([5].

A new national ticketing system is being introduced, based on a contactless card (swipe card). The Amsterdam metro might be converted to this system in 2006, but introduction dates are uncertain.

Old trams can be boarded either via the front or rear doors, and passengers alight through the centre doors. With newer trams the situation is exactly reversed. Most trams these days have conductors at the rear (or in the center for new trams), although there are still two or three lines without them. Enter buses only via the front door.

There are several free ferry services across the IJ river, to Amsterdam North, the most frequent runs every six minutes. They all leave from a new jetty on the northern side of Centraal Station. (From the city centre this is the 'rear entrance', you can walk through Central Station, except for several hours at night, when the passage is closed).

Trains

For journeys outside the city, the train is usually the best option. All trains in the west of the Netherlands are operated by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen [6] (NS, "Dutch Railways"). Their website has English-language information.

Ticket machines are the standard way to buy a ticket, it costs 50 cents extra to buy a ticket at ticket counters, and at Central Station there are often long lines. Older machines are not in English and as such can be difficult to interpret. New machines come with a language selection, and support English, Dutch, French and German. You face fines, due immediately, if you are caught on the train without a ticket. This is enforced by somewhat random ticket checks.

For discount tickets and rail passes see the Netherlands page.

Car

Using a car in central Amsterdam is something of a pain. Many of the streets are narrow, the traffic signs are baroque and obscure, and cyclists and pedestrians may get in your way. You can try parking at one of the secured parking garages, for example under Museumplein, or near the Central Station, and then walk around the city center, or use a tram. Car parking is very expensive in Amsterdam and it's often hard to find a place to park. You can choose to pay by the hour or for the whole day.

Taxis

Taxis in Amsterdam are plentiful but expensive. Some drivers, particularly at Centraal Station, will refuse short trips, or else they'll quote outrageously high fares, even though all taxis are metered. For reference, no trip within the historic centre should cost more than €10 or so. Amsterdam taxi drivers are not noted for friendly service. However, other than the attempts at price-gouging and the gruffness, taxis are reliable and quick.

All legal taxis have blue number-plates. Unlicensed, illegal, cabbies operate mainly in Amsterdam Zuidoost. These aren't easily recognized as such, and most certainly don't drive Mercedes cars. They are known as snorders and most easily reached by mobile phone. Rides within Amsterdam Zuidoost (the Bijlmer) range from EUR 2.50 to EUR 5, whereas Zuidoost-Center can run up to EUR 12.50. Snorders have a shady reputation, so consider their services only if you are adventurous.

See

Architectural heritage

Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centres in Europe, with about 7 000 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century - there was no major bombing during World War II. The centre consists of 90 islands, linked by 400 bridges. Its most prominent feature is the concentric canal ring begun in the 17th century. The city office for architectural heritage (BMA) [7] has an excellent online introduction to the architectural history, and the types of historical buildings. The website includes a cycle route along important examples.

The oldest parts the city are Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk. Two mediaeval wooden houses survive, at Begijnhof 34 and Zeedijk 1. Other old houses are Warmoesstraat 83 (built circa 1400), Warmoesstraat 5 (circa 1500) and Begijnhof 2-3 (circa. 1425).

The Begijnhof is a late-mediaeval enclosed courtyard with the houses of beguines, women living in a semi-religious community. Beguinages are found in northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and north-western Germany.

Around 1650, Amsterdam was the main trading city of Europe. Goods were stored in warehouses along the canals and harbours, and about 600 survive. Many are now converted to apartments, and have lost some of their original appearance. The main concentrations of old warehouses are at Prinseneiland, Realengracht, Brouwersgracht, Oude Schans, and Oudezijds Kolk. There are others on the three main canals, especially Prinsengracht.

There are several large warehouses for more specific uses. The biggest is the Admiralty Arsenal (1656-1657),now the Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum) at Kattenburgerplein. Others include the former turf warehouses (1550) along the Nes, now the municipal pawn office; a similar warehouse at Waterlooplein 69-75 (Arsenaal, 1610), now an architectural academy, and the warehouse of the West India Company (1642) at the corner of Prins Hendrikkade and s-Gravenhekje. The 19th-century warehouses, along the Oostelijke Handelskade, are surrounded by new office buildings.

The trading city of Amsterdam was ruled by a merchant-based oligarchy, who built canal houses and mansions in the most prestigious locations, especially along the main canals. The BMA website has a chronological list of the most important:

• Singel 140-142, De Dolphijn (circa 1600)
• Oudezijds Voorburgwal 14, Wapen van Riga (1605)
• Oudezijds Voorburgwal 57, De Gecroonde Raep (1615), in Baroque Amsterdam Renaissance style
• Herengracht 170-172, Bartolotti House (circa 1617)
• Keizersgracht 123, House with the Heads (1622)
• Herengracht 168 (1638)
• Rokin 145 (1643)
• Kloveniersburgwal 29, Trip House (1662)
• Oudezijds Voorburgwal 187 (1663)
• Singel 104-106 (1743)
• Singel 36, Zeevrugt (1763)

The Jordaan was built around 1650 along with the canal ring, but not for the wealthy merchants. For a long time it was considered the typical working-class area of Amsterdam, and included some notorious slums. It was probably the first example of gentrification in the Netherlands, even before the word was used. The name probably drives from the nickname 'Jordan' for the Prinsengracht. Apart from a few wider canals, the streets are narrow, in an incomplete grid pattern.

19th-century architecture is under-represented in Amsterdam. Immediately outside the Singelgracht (former city moat) is a ring of 19th-century housing. The most prominent buildings from this period are Centraal Station (1889) and the Rijksmuseum (1885), both by P. J. H. Cuypers.

Churches

There are five main churches in the historic centre. The oldest is the Oude Kerk (1306) on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, in the red-light district. It was followed by the Nieuwe Kerk (15th century) on the Dam. The late-mediaeval city also had smaller chapels such as the Sint Olofskapel (circa 1440) on Zeedijk, and convent chapels such as the Agnietenkapel on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal 231 (originally 1470), mow the University of Amsterdam museum. Around 1600, three new Protestant churches were built:

• Zuiderkerk (1603) at Zuiderkerkhof, now an information centre on housing and planning.
• Noorderkerk (1620/230 at Noordermarkt on the Prinsengracht.
• Westerkerk (1620/31) on Westermarkt is the largest of the three. The church is open for visitors from Monday to Friday, 11.00 -15.00, from April to September. You can climb the tower - in good weather you can see the coast.

Later churches included the Oosterkerk (1669) in the eastern islands, and the heavily restored Lutheran Church on the Singel (1671), now used by a hotel as a conference centre. Catholic churches were long forbidden, and only built again in the 19th-century: the most prominent is the Neo-Baroque Church of St. Nicholas (1887) opposite Central Station.

The most prominent synagogue is the Portugese-Israelite Synagogue (1675) at Mr. Visserplein, in an austere Classicist style.

Modern architecture

Since there was little large-scale demolition in the historic centre, most 20th-century and recent architecture is outside it. The most prominent in architectural history are the residential complexes by architects of the Amsterdam School, for instance at Zaanstraat / Oostzaanstraat.

• Museum of the Amsterdam School [8], located in the best-known example of their architecture. Open Wednesday to Sunday 13.00 to 17.00, entrance € 2.50.

• The largest concentration of new residential buildings is in the Eastern Docklands. The zone includes three artificial islands: Borneo, Sporenburg, and Java/KNSM, together with the quayside along Piet Heinkade, and some adjoining projects. Accessible by tram 10, tram 26 to Rietlandpark, or best of all by bicycle.

• The largest concentration of box-like office buildings is in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost (South-East) around Bijlmer station (train and metro), but the area does have some spectacular buildings, such as the Amsterdam ArenA stadium and the new Bijlmer ArenA station (nearing completion and already in use).

• Amsterdam is replacing older sewage plants by a single modern plant, in the port zone. Connecting existing sewers to the new plant requires long main sewers, and the use of sewage booster pumps - a new technique at this scale. The new booster pump stations are a unique type of building, designed by separate architects. The three complete pumps are located at Klaprozenweg in the north, on Spaklerweg (just east of the A10 motorway), and beside and under Postjesweg, in the Rembrandtpark.

Windmills

Windmills were not built in urban areas, since the building obstructed the wind. The Amsterdam windmills were all originally outside the city walls. Nearest to the centre are De Gooyer and De Otter:

• De Gooyer (1814, restored) on Funenkade
• De Otter (1631), a restored and functioning sawmill, opposite Buyskade, west of the Jordaan.
• De Bloem (1878) on the Haarlemmerweg 465 at Nieuwpoortkade,
• De 1200 Roe, Haarlemmerweg 701 near Seineweg
• De 100 Roe (1674), in the Ookmeer sports fields along Ma Braunpad
• D'Admiraal (1792), Noordhollandschkanaaldijk 21, on the bank of the Noordhollands Kanaal in the north, ferry from Central Station.
• Riekermolen (1636) on the bank of the Amstel river at Kalfjeslaan
• De Jonge Dikkert in Amstelveen (corner of Molenweg and Amsterdamseweg) is now a restaurant [9].

Only the Molen van Sloten [10] is open daily for visitors, at Akersluis 10, about 10 minutes walk from the terminus of tram line 2, open from 10.00 to 16.00.

Museums

An English-language list at the GVB (public transport) website includes the tram and bus routes for each museum: Museums and attractions.

The Museumkaart (museum card) costs €29.95 (or €17.45 for those under 25 years old). It gives discount admission (typically 40% or 50%) in over 400 museums across the Netherlands, and sometimes free admission. You can buy it at most major museums.

• Rijksmuseum - masterpieces exhibition, [11]. The largest and most prestigious museum for art and history in the Netherlands: works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Dutch masters. The museum is being completely renovated, but the major masterpieces are still on show. Open 09.00 to 18.00, open until 22.00 on Fridays. Admission € 10 for adults, under 18 free. In the garden is a small temporary exhibition on the renovation plans.

• NEMO. NEMO is the biggest science centre in the Netherlands; an educational attraction where you can discover a world of science and technology in an entertaining way. NEMO takes you on a voyage of discovery between fantasy and reality. You will discover how scientific phenomena influence your daily life. You will learn about technology and engineering, ICT and bio- and behavioural sciences.

• Van Gogh Museum, [12]. This museum is dedicated to this late 19th century Dutch painter. Do not expect to see all of Van Gogh's works however as they only have a portion at this museum, others are at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and elsewhere. Still worth the visit though, especially with the audio tour. At only € 1,50, the audio tour, in the language of your choice, will give you a much better understanding of Van Gogh's life and his paintings. Open late on Fridays.

• Stedelijk Museum, [13]. The Amsterdam municipal museum of modern art. Temporarily located east of Central Station, 10 minutes walk from there.

• Amsterdams Historisch Museum, [14]. The city’s historical museum. Two entrances, at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 357 and Kalverstraat 92. Open 10.00-17.00, opens one hour later on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Entrance € 6 adults, € 3 children.

• Anne Frank House, [15]. Don't let the long line discourage you; it moves quickly and the experience inside the hiding places on the top floors are moving. The museum lacks any exhibits to explain the historical context at the time of Anne's diary, however. Go in the early evening around 17:00 to avoid any lines. The Anne Frank House is open later during the summer.

• Katten Kabinet, [16]. A cat museum. Housed in a beautiful restored palatial home in an upscale area street - very Masterpiece Theater. It was opened by the homeowner after his favourite cat died... and he still lives in the home. Lots of cat-related art, and real felines.

• Filmmuseum, [17]. A non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of contemporary and historical films. Multiple screenings daily. The Filmmuseum is located in the Vondelpark, between park entrances Roemer Visscherstraat and Vondelstraat.

• Museum Amstelkring, [18]. Most locals don't recognize the official name, but will know what you mean if you say "Our Lord in the Attic." This is a Catholic church stuffed into the upper stories of a house built in 1663, when Catholics were persecuted and had to disguise their churches. It's a beautiful place to visit, and amazing to see how they fit worshippers, an organ, and an altar into such a narrow place. Now a museum, open Monday-Saturday 10.00 - 17.00 , Sunday 13.00-17.00, admission € 7, under 18 € 1. Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40, in the red-light district.

• Tropenmuseum, [19]. Ethnographic / cultural museum about Africa, Asia, and South America.

• Royal Palace. This former City Hall (built in 1651) is currently closed for renovation. (It is mainly used for diplomatic receptions and to welcome visiting heads of state, not as a royal residence).

• Allard Pierson Museum. The Allard Pierson Museum is the archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam . The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Cyprus, the Greek World, Etruria and the Roman Empire are revived in this museum. Art-objects and utensils, dating from 4000 B.C. till 500 A.D. give a good impression of everyday-life, mythology and religion in Antiquity.

Zoo and botanical garden

• Hortus Botanicus, [20]. The 'Hortus' as it is called by locals, was formerly the Botanical Garden of the University of Amsterdam. Monday to Friday 9.00 - 17.00, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 17.00, open until 21.00 in July and August, admission € 6.

• Artis Zoo, [21]. An entry ticket for Artis also provides admission to the Planetarium, the Geological Museum, the Aquarium and the Zoological Museum. Artis is also a botanical garden, with plants and trees gathered from all over the world, just like the animal species.

Parks and countryside

The nearest open countryside is north of the city, about 20 minutes by bike. Cross the IJ by ferry behind Central Station, and follow the cycle signs for the villages of Ransdorp, Zunderdorp, Schellingwoude or Durgerdam. Cycling along the Amstel river for about 30 to 40 minutes will also take you into open countryside, and the village of Oudekerk.

• Vondelpark, [22]. The only large park in the older part of the city. Especially in the summer it's lively and crowded. Meet the locals there.

• Museumplein. Not exactly a park, but a large grassed open space. Around its edges are the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Concertgebouw, and the temporarily closed Stedelijk Museum.

• Westerpark, [23]. Newly expanded park, at the western edge of the centre, with cultural activities in a former gas factory. Access from Haarlemmerweg.

• Amsterdamse Bos, [24]. A much larger forest-type park on the outskirts of the city. Access from Amstelveenseweg.

Beach

The whole coast west of Amsterdam is a single long beach. The nearest stretch is at Zandvoort - 20 minutes by train from Central Station. In summer there are direct trains every half-hour, otherwise change trains at Haarlem. Zandvoort is usually very crowded in summer. The long beaches continue north of IJmuiden, for the most accessible take the train to Castricum, and then bus (or minibus) 267.

There is a temporary artificial beach [25], surrounded by construction sites, in the new suburb of IJburg. Tram 26 to the last stop, then a few minutes walk.

Attractions and tours

• Former Heineken Brewery (Heineken Experience), Stadhouderskade 78, [26]. Not a functioning brewery any more. Tuesdays to Sundays 10.00 - 18.00. Shameless promotion for Holland's leading export beer, but they charge tourists € 10 to get in. That includes three drink coupons and a take home beer glass or souvenir bottle opener.

• Organised city tours. Several operators offer tours, visits to diamond factories, other guided visits, and canal cruises. Unless you really need a guide - for instance if you speak only Chinese - it is cheaper to visit everything yourself. See for instance http://www.amsterdamcitytours.com

Red Light District

The Red Light District consists of several canals, and the side streets between them, south of Central Station and east of Damrak. Known as 'De Wallen' (the walls) in Dutch, because the canals were once part of the city defences (walls and moats). Prostitution itself is limited to certain streets, mainly side street and alleys, but the district is considered to include the canals, and usually adjoining streets such as Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk. The whole area has a heavy police presence, and many security cameras. Nevertheless it is still a residential district, has many bars and restaurants, and also includes historic buildings and museums - this is the oldest part of the city. The oldest church in Amsterdam, the Netherlands-gothic Oude Kerk on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal at Oudekerksplein, is now surrounded by brothels.

Do

• Several companies offer canal cruises - usually about one hour. Departures from: Prins Hendrikkade opposite Centraal Station; quayside Damrak; Rokin near Spui; Stadhouderskade 25 near Leidseplein.

• The Canal Bus [27] runs a fixed route, stopping near major attractions. You can get off or on at each stop and as often as you like, but it is expensive - € 17 for a day pass.

• With a canal bike or rented boat, you can cruise the canals yourself, without the commentary. Canal Company [28] is the largest renter, with four rental locations. The four-seater canal bikes cost € 8 per person per hour.

• Don't smoke cannabis products on the streets, go to a coffeeshop to do it. See below (Stay safe) for more on coffeeshops and drugs. Recently, boroughs have begun to ban smoking cannabis in certain designated areas, but police (and passers-by) might object to it on any street.
  • Barney's [29], coffeeshop.
  • Rokerij [30] - four coffeeshops.

• Queen's Day. The national holiday, nominally in celebration of the Queen's birthday (in fact the previous Queen's birthday). The city is one big flea market, with bands playing, and many on-street parties. An experience you'll never forget! April 30 - but if that is a Sunday, it is one day earlier (to avoid offence to orthodox Protestants).

• MEETin [31] is a 'free' web site (they do ask for donations, you must register) to help you meet new people away from the bar and dating scene. Events are arranged by MEETin members and include a variety of activities such as pub crawls, potlucks, movies, concerts, daytrips and much more. Check it out whether you're in Amsterdam for a few days or few months. The group consists mostly of expats from around the world.

• Canal Pride [32] Amsterdam gay pride on the first weekend in August. One of the biggest festivals in Amsterdam with parties, performances, workshops and a boat parade on the Prinsengracht on Saturday afternoon which is always well worth seeing.

Learn

Amsterdam is home to two universities, both offer summer courses and other short courses (with academic credits).

• Vrije Universiteit (Free University) [33] Founded in 1880, the VU campus is located southwest of the city centre, and approximately 20 minutes away by bicycle. It is the only protestant general university in the Netherlands.

• Universiteit van Amsterdam [34] Founded as the the Athenaeum Illustre in 1632, in 1877 it became the University of Amsterdam. With about 25 000 students, the UvA is located on three separate campuses in the city centre, plus smaller sites scattered over Amsterdam.

The Volksuniversiteit [35] is, despite the name, not a university, but a venerable institute for public education. Among the many courses are Dutch language courses for foreigners.

Work

Many people plan to move to Amsterdam for a year to relax before "settling down". This plan often falls apart at the job phase. Many people will find it difficult to get a suitable job, if they do not speak Dutch. However, hotels and hostels may need bar staff, night porters etc, who speak English and other languages.

Immigration matters are dealt with by the Immigration Service IND [36]. Registration is done by both police and municipalities. Immigration policy is restrictive and deliberately bureaucratic. That is especially true for non-EU citizens.

European Union citizens from the older member states do not require a work permit. Citizens of the 2004 accession states (Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia) are still subject to restrictions until 2007, although for some reason Cyprus is exempt. Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians are afforded a one year working-holiday visa. In general the employer must apply for work permits. Immigration is easier for "knowledge migrants" earning a gross annual salary of over € 45,000 (over € 33,000 for those under 30).

Buy

The main central shopping streets run in a line from near Central Station to the Leidseplein: Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat, Heiligeweg, Leidsestraat. The emphasis is on clothes/fashion, but there are plenty of other shops. They are not upmarket shopping streets, and the north end of Nieuwendijk is seedy. Amsterdam’s only upmarket shopping street is the P.C. Hooftstraat (near the Rijksmuseum).

Other concentrations of shops in the centre are Haarlemmerstraat / Haarlemmerdijk, Utrechtsestraat, Spiegelstraat (art/antiques), and around Nieuwmarkt. There is a concentration of Chinese shops at Zeedijk / Nieuwmarkt, but it is not a real Chinatown.

The ‘interesting little shops’ are located in the side streets of the main canals (Prinsengracht / Keizersgracht / Herengracht), and especially in the Jordaan - bounded by Prinsengracht, Elandsgracht, Marnixstraat and Brouwersgracht. The partly gentrified neighbourhood of De Pijp - around Ferdinand Bolstraat and Sarphatipark - is often seen as a 'second Jordaan'.

• The Nine Streets [37] or De Negen Straatjes, nine narrow streets between the main canals from the Prinsengracht to the Singel, north of Dam Square. Boutiques, specialist shops, galleries and restaurants.

• Santa Jet, Prinsenstraat 7, tel. (020) 427 2070. This little boutique specialises in hand-made imports from Latin America. You can find everything from mini shrines made of tin, to lamps, to kitschy postcards.

• De Beeldenwinkel Sculpture Gallery. This is a gallery for sculpture lovers, with bronze statues, pottery, abstract sculpture, raku-fired statues and marble figures sculpture to suit every budget and taste.

• Jordaan One of the most picturesque 'village' areas of Amsterdam, the Jordaan has always been a centre for artisans, artists and creatives, today, this area has a wonderful selection of goldsmiths and jewellers, fashion boutiques, galleries, designer florists, and specialist shops.

• Museum Quarter Located in Amsterdam Zuid, this is considered the chiquest area for shopping in Amsterdam, close to the Museum district, the PC Hooftstraat and the Cornelis Schuytstraat have some of the finest designer shops in the city, including designer shoes, health and well-being specialists, massage, fashion boutiques, designer interiors, designer florists and specialist shops.

In the older areas surrounding the centre, the main shopping streets are the Kinkerstraat, the Ferdinand Bolstraat, the Van Woustraat, and the Javastraat. The most 'ethnic' shopping street in Amsterdam is the Javastraat. There are toy stores and clothing shops for kids in the centre, but most are in the shopping streets further out, because that's where families with children live.

A give-away shop can be found at Singel 267, open Tuesdays and Thursdays 1700-1900 and Saturdays 1200-1700.

Street markets

Street markets originally sold mainly food, and most still sell food and clothing, but they have become more specialised. A complete list of Amsterdam markets (with opening times and the number of stalls) can be found at Hollandse Markten.

• Albert Cuyp. Largest in Amsterdam, best-known street market in the country. Monday to Saturday until around 17.00.

• Waterlooplein. Well-known but overrated flea market. Monday to Saturday until about 17.00.

• Lindengracht. In the Jordaan, selling a wide range of goods, fruit and vegetables, fish and various household items. Saturday Only. 09:00 to 16:00. Tram 3 or 10 to Marnixplein, and a short walk along the Lijnbaansgracht.

• Spui. Fridays: Books. Sundays: Art and Antiques.

• Bloemenmarkt. Flower market, open daily on Singel, near Muntplein. Buy pre-approved bulbs if taking them to the US or Canada.

• Lapjesmarkt. Westerstraat, In the Jordaan. A specialist market concentrating on selling cloth and material for making clothes, curtains etc. Monday Only. 09:00 to 13:00. Tram 3 or 10 to Marnixplein.

• Noordermarkt. In the historical Jordaan area of the city. On Monday morning (09:00 to 13:00) the Noordermarkt is a flea market selling fabrics, records second-hand clothing etc, and forms part of the Lapjesmarkt mentioned above. On Saturday (09:00 to 16:00) the Noordermarkt is a biological food market, selling a wide range of ecological products like organic fruits and vegetables, herbs, cheese, mushrooms etc, there is also a small flea market. Tram 3 or 10 to Marnixplein, and a short walk down the Westerstraat.

Eat

For food during the day, the Albert Heijn supermarkets (largest national chain) usually have cheap ready-to-go meals on hand, from pre-packaged sandwiches and salads to microvable single-serving meals.

Take advantage of the diversity of restaurants... especially Asian. The influence of the Dutch colonial past is apparent; Indonesian food is usually excellent, while Indian is often expensive and of poor quality. Surinamese food is widely available and worth a try. The highest concentration of Surinamese restaurants can be found in the Albert Cuypstraat. For Chinese food (generally good and cheap) check out the Zeedijk/Nieuwmarkt area. Also very good value are the numerous Falafel bars scattered around town, often sporting a "all you can pile" salad bar. And the Vlaamse Frites -- large french fries served with mayonnaise -- are great. Eetcafe's are pubs serving dinner too. Many restaurants of all kinds can be found in the Haarlemmerstraat and the Haarlemmerdijk, and in the narrow streets crossing the two. Also worth trying is the Van Woustraat in the Pijp, or continue to the Rijnstraat in the Rivierenbuurt. Exquise but expensive restaurants can be found in the Utrechtse Straat and environment.

Local cheese is marvelous, buy some at the Albert Cuyp market. Don't forget to taste the main culinary contribution of the Amsterdammers to the world: Heineken - oh, except you've already done that, and it doesn't taste any better in Holland. Try some of the other excellent beers you can get from this part of the world - including Witbeer. Also check out "bitterballen", a kind of fried meatball, and the "kroketten" (the same, but shaped like a cilinder). Last but not least, don't forget to try the "broodje haring" (herring sandwich), available from the dozens of fish stalls that scatter the city. (And if they ask "with onions and gherkins?", just say "of course"!)

• Damsteeg, Reestraat 28-32, 1016 DN Amsterdam [38] They specialise in fish dishes, but they also have a wide variety of meat and vegetarian meals to choose from. With bar.

• En Route, Hobbemakade 63, tel 020-6711263. En Route offers the French cuisine for very reasonable prices (euro 22,50 for three courses). The chef changes his surprisingly good and creative dishes every week. Just opened, still fresh and comfortable!

• Proust, Noordermarkt 4. Tel. 020-6239145. Proust is a little off the beaten path, near the intersection of Brouwersgracht and Prinsengracht, but it's worth a visit for the inexpensive and satisfying meals as well as the company: It's a favorite with locals.

• Sari Citra, Ferdinand Bolstraat 52. Tel. 020-6754102. Located just off the far end of the De Pijp neighborhood's famous the Albert Cuyp Market, Sari Citra is one of the most delicious and most affordable Indonesian restaurants in town. Be sure to try several of the selections as the friendly staff builds a plate for you. Don't show up right at 5PM unless you feel like waiting in line behind a lot of hungry locals just getting off work. Open during the week from 2PM-9PM, and from 3PM-9PM on weekends.

• Dimitrij, Prinsenstraat 3. Offering dozens of interesting sandwiches and salads, mostly on an Italian model Dimitrij is a must for at least one lunch, and it's on a street which is packed with an ever-changing lineup of fun boutiques.

• La Margarita, Reguliersdwarsstraat 49, near the flower market. Tel. 020 623 07 07. Open 17.00-23.00, reservations accepted. This caribbean restaurant offers a huge range of plates, including three different vegetarian options. Every dish comes with ample sides of white rice, black beans, plantains, and vegetables. In addition to having great food the restaurant is decked out with a range of fantastic and magic-realist art. If you like your food hot be sure to ask for the special home-made hot sauce. 20-30 Euro per person, with drinks.

• Green Planet, Spuistraat 122. Behind Dam Square. Superb food, which happens to be vegetarian, from an enthustiastic and imaginative young Austrian chef. We spent 25 euros each for two courses and drinks, including great crostini, an authentic curry with a pile of basmati and wild rice encrusted in sesame seeds, and a great vegan "cheesecake". A word of warning, they don't take credit cards.

• Gary's Muffins [39] is a pleasant, warm cafe with oversized cups of coffee, muffins and bagels galore. It's a combination of a New York deli and a California cafe where American-style products are baked on location and available to eat there or to take away. Muffins, brownies, giant cookies, cheesecake and bagels spread with various toppings are served at reasonable prices to a clientele that is a mix of locals, tourists, and expatriates hungry for a taste of home. There are 3 locations in the city

• Rembrandt Corner, Jodenbreestr, aorund the corner of the "Rembrandt Huis" is a very nice "Eetcafe" with fresh food, wireless hot spots and internet workplaces. Try the dish of the day or the mussels, this seems to be always a good choice!

• Q’s Café - Ruysdaelkade, De Pijp (Opposite the flower boat). Q's is worth a visit with its pleasant canal setting just around the corner from the Albert Cuyp Market. It does a wide variety of sandwiches (hot and cold) at extremely reasonable prices, as well as pancakes, soups and all day cooked breakfast. It also stocks a really good beer from the south of Holland and is the only place in the city that serves it. Definitely at least worth one of their excellent coffees which come in a variety of flavours. http://www.qscafe.nl

• Nam Tin - Jodenbreestraat 11, near Waterlooplein, just opposite Rembrandt's house. A huge chinese restaurant. Very authentic food: about half of the customers are chinese tourists or expats. They serve cheap but delicious dim-sum at lunchtime.

• De Orient - Van Baerlestraat 21, near Museumplein. Small restaurant serving authentic indonesian cuisine. Open daily from 17:00 to 22:00.

Drink

• Check out local "brown bars" with their gorgeous wood panelling and booths.

• Schuim Spuistraat 189, +31 20 638 93 57. The super comfy cafe is a great place to spend entire rainy days at a time. It heats up quite a bit at night. Pot smoking seems to be tolerated even though Schuim is definitely not a "coffee shop".

• Vrankrijk Spuistraat 216 [40] The most well-known and permanent squat café in Amsterdam has been a fixture on Spuistraat for over eighteen years. You have to ring at the door to be let in (the black door on the right with a single buzzer, please don't bother the people living in the building at the yellow-and-black checkered door on the left!), but once inside, you will find a super-cozy bar with an all-volunteer staff and the best prices in the inner city. All profits go to support various good causes. Open every night of the week, special nights are Monday night: queer night; Tuesday night: fancy cocktails to support refugees; Saturday night: dance night, the café's cavernous disco hall is opened for a mix of 80s, ska, and new wave; Sunday night: film night. Sunday through Thursday: 9pm - 1am; Friday and Saturday: 10pm - 3am.

• In De Wildeman Kolksteeg 3. A very well stocked beercafe, or actually beer tasting room (bierproeflokaal) in the center of the inner city. 17 beers (usually from various countries) and a cider on draught, and about 250 different bottled beers offered. There is no music played, which makes for a very friendly and talkative atmosphere, and it even has a separate non-smoking room.

• Gollem Raamsteeg 4 [41] A special beer café, serving many beers, especially from Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and other countries.

• De Bierkoning Paleisstraat 125 [42] Not a café, but a 'supermarket' specialized in beer.

• Cafe de Jaren - Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22, next to Hotel d'Europe and a great view of where all the main canals come together.

• Brouwerij 't IJ [43] Or in English The IJ Brewery. Its label with an ostrich egg is a visual pun, IJ and 'ei' the word for egg, sound the same in Dutch. East of the centre, close to Artis Zoo, in a former bath house beside a windmill. A small scale brewery where delicious beer in several varieties and strenghts is brewed and sold - at a bar - on the premises. Check their website for hours. The beer is available at some specialist beer shops, and of high quality and, in some cases, alcohol content. Internationally renowned!

Music

• Melkweg [44] - multimedia centre in Amsterdam with live-music, theater, photography, cinema, special events and parties.

• Paradiso [45] - music venue in a beautiful former church, but with relatively bad acoustics.

• Heineken Music Hall [46] - larger-scale music venue, best reached by train (train station Amsterdam Bijlmer) or metro/subway.

• Concertgebouw [47] - Famous for its orchestra and its accoustics (among the top ten in the world), this is the world's most frequently visited concert hall. Classical music is the main fare, but they also bring other kinds of music on stage. In the same building is the "Kleine Zaal" or "Small Hall" for more intimate performances, often top-notch also. The building is near the major three museums on the Museum Square.

• Bimhuis [48] - jazz and improvised music.

• Last Waterhole [49] - Light rock/funk jam sessions in a dingy but atmospheric bar with pooltables.

Sleep

Amsterdam has over a 400 registered hotels of varying standard from budget tourist to some of the most expensive hotels in the world. Note that it is generally illegal for owners of private apartments to rent them to tourists, only in starts to be legal in case someone rents the appartment for 2 weeks or longer. (They need permission to convert them to a hotel first, usually with extra fire precautions). Borough councils have increased their inspections of illegal hotels in 2006.

Budget

• The White Tulip, Warmoesstraat 87 Phone +31 (0)20 6255974 (Fax +31 (0)20 4201299, [50]. About 5 minute walk from the main station. Dorms and a few rooms right in the middle of things. Really a basic crash-pad, but quiet and relaxed due to their 'No large groups' policy. From € 20 per person.
• Hans Brinker Hostel, Kerkstraat 136-138, tram number 1. Phone: +31 (0)20 - 622 06 87, [51]. No frills, nice bar inside. From US$32.10/€24.00/£17.09 per person.
• Flying Pig, there are two Flying Pigs, Vossiusstraat 46 (The Palace)[52], [53] and Nieuwendijk 100 (Downtown) [54]. Lots of students/young adults stay here. Wide range of prices and accommodations, from €20 for a dorm bed to € 70 for a private room. The Palace is supposed to be the nicer (and cleaner) compared to the Downtown location.
• Stayokay Vondelpark, Zandpad 5, Phone +31 (0)20 589 89 96, [55]. Fairly large youth hostel, very clean and professional. Next to the pleasant Vondelpark, puts you on the southern side of downtown and just a few blocks from the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. The breakfast is filling and has a social atmosphere. This location is popular with school groups. Bring a padlock for your locker, or purchase one at the desk.
• Stayokay Stadsdoelen, Kloveniersburgwal 97, Phone +31 (0)20 624 68 32, [56]. Stayokay operates a network of 30 hostels in the Netherlands, this hostel is the Amsterdam city centre location. A little smaller than Stayokay Vondelpark, this location does not take groups.
• The Shelter, Barndesteeg 21 and Bloemstraat 179, Phone +31 (0) 20 - 62 44 717, [57]. Two alcohol & drug free Christian youth hostels in the heart of Amsterdam, the city-centre hostel has a curfew. Great value for money. Single-sex dormitories (including breakfast, bed linen) from € 17.
• Bulldog, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 220, Phone +31 20 620 38 22, [58]. Friendly, cheap hostel right in the heart of the red light district. Great second choice when the more popular Flying Pig is full. Breakfast, sheets, shower and a locker starting at 22 Euros. The Bulldog Coffeshop is conveniently located on the ground floor (also where you get your breakfast).
• Hotel Tamara, N.Z Voorburgwal 144, Cheap "hotel" in a great location. Very close to the center, basic but clean rooms (single/double/triple/quad/dorm). From €23 shared, €49 private.

Mid-Range

• Amsterdam Bed and Breakfast – Amsterdam Houseboat (PhilDutch) [59]. The houseboat is located at Nicolaas Witsenkade 17G, 1017 ZS, Amsterdam. Furnished houseboat and rental apartments with 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms near city centre. From €40 per night. Efren Quintana, phone +31(0)6-543-68–910 or by email pdbooking@yahoo.com.

• Rent-A-Bike Frederic, Phone +31(0)20 624 5509, [60]. Frederic has branched out, and now runs a service for booking apartments for a few days at a time. Rent a room in a home, an apartment, or a whole houseboat.

• Borgmann Villa Hotel [61] is old brick villa with large windows, tastefully modernised with pale decor with 15 rooms, located right on the border of the Vondelpark. Near to museum zone and Leidseplein. Beautiful surroundings (Vondelpark). Easy to reach by car from the motorway - parking places just in front (12€ per day). Wireless Internet Access.

• Rembrandtplein Hotel, Amsterdam Groenbrugwal 27. Beautiful but sometimes tiny mid-priced (70-90 Euros) rooms within easy walking distance of all parts of central Amsterdam, just a block from the flower market. Extremely friendly staff of various nationalities keep the bar open all night for guests, and serve a fabulous free breakfast.

• Bastion Hotels €70 per night for a double in a comfortable, but soulless "four star" hotel near OverAmstel metro. 10 minutes walk then 10 minutes train ride to Centraal Station. But without pedestrian access to the road - you have to take you chance with the traffic.

• Hotel Citadel, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 100 [62], close to the central station and Dam square. €65 to 160 per night for a double. Clean rooms and friendly staff.

• Rokin Hotel, [63] A nice place in 2 renovated 17th century mansions. Good atmosphere and top location in the center. The hotel has a private parking. We enjoyed the breakfast. Very clean and good atmosphere.

• RHo Hotel, [64]. One can have good time at this hotel on Dam square in the middle of the city. Friendly staff. Although the hotel is in the city center rooms are quiet. Parking available.

• Delta Hotel, Damrak 42-43 [65], close to the central station and Dam square. €65 to 160 per night for a double. Clean rooms and friendly staff.

• Hotel Luxer, [66]. Located right in the centre of Amsterdam's old and historical heart. It is a newly built 3-star hotel with 47 excellently furnished rooms that all have colour television, bath/shower/toilet as well as a telephone.

• Hotel Piet Hein, Vossuistraat 52-53, Phone +31 20 662 72 05, [67]. Three star hotel with newly renovated rooms, air conditioning, elevator. Modern lounge with internet access. Short walk to museums, Leidseplein and Vondel Park. The more expensive rooms are in a new annex in the back overlooking a garden. Cheaper rooms are in the front older building - slightly less modern (no air conditioning), but clean, comfortable and overlooking Vondel Park.

• Hotel Nicolaas Witsen [68], Nicolaas Witsenstraat 4-8, Tel: +31 20 6236143 Fax: +31 20 6205113, info@hotelnicolaaswitsen.nl. Pleasant hotel in a quiet location away from the noise and bustle and yet only a short tram ride away from Centraal Station. Take Tram 4 to Frederiksplein and walk the short distance from there to the hotel. Rooms from 75 Euro.

• Hotel Y Boulevard, Prins Hendrikkade 145. Located in the city center but on a quiet part of the riverfront. Not a hostel, but a hotel with guests from both vacations and businesses. Nice rooms, classy atmosphere, free breakfast.

• Gresham Memphis hotel Amsterdam, [69]. De Lairessestraat 87. Located Near the Museum square and the Vondel Park. The Gresham Memphis Hotel Amsterdam is a favourite of both the business and the leisure traveller.

Splurge

• Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel [70], Kattengat 1. Phone +31 20 621 22 23. A four star with conference center located just off of Nieuwe Zijds Voorburgwal, the Renaissance also offers wireless internet access in the lobby and café.

• Hotel Okura [71], Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, Phone +31 20 671 23 44. This five star hotel offers excellent rooms and a range of services including Swisscom wireless service in the lobby, bar, and conference rooms. Being Japanese owned and operated the hotel also has an excellent range of Japanese food, clothing, and book shops in the basement. The only drawback is that it's relatively distant from the central station (15 minutes by tram). If work is paying, and you don't mind taking cabs, this joint is worth considering.

• Hotel Ambassade [72], Herengracht 341. Phone +31 20 555 0 222. This four-star hotel offers a great Amsterdam experience. In the middle of the canal zone, the hotel offers superb doubles and singles, most of them with a beautiful view on the canal. The hotel is also famous for the writers that have stayed here and left a signed copy of their books in the hotel's library.

• Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, Dam 9 Amsterdam. Somewhat seedy location for a 5-star hotel - the entrance may be on the main square but the hotel backs onto the red-light district, with a view of sex-shops and peepshows.

• Estherea [73], Singel 303-309. Hotel Estheréa is ideally located on one of the most beautiful and quiet canals in the centre of the city, only 300 metres from the Dam Square and the Royal Palace. Central Station, the most important shopping streets, museums and theatres are all within walking distance. Hidden behind an elegant 17th century facade is a comfortable four star hotel with 75 recently renovated rooms.

• Victoria Hotel Amsterdam, Damrak 1-5. The Victoria Hotel Amsterdam is one of Amsterdam's most remarkable historic buildings.

Contact

The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Amsterdam's city code is 020. For phone calls from within the Netherlands dial 020 to start. If making local calls to reserve hotel rooms or restaurants, or calls to other cities in the country, you will need a phone card (5 Euro minimum) as many green KPN telephone booths do not accept coins. Blue/orange Telfort booths accept both coins and cards. The KPN booths are currently being replaced by newer models, which will accept coins again.

There are phone centres/shops ('belwinkel') all over the city. Outside the city centre, they mostly serve immigrants calling their home country at cheap rates.

Internet

There are internet cafés in the centre, and almost every phone centre has internet access, even if only one terminal.

• Amsterdam Network Collective [74]

• ASCII [75] is a free public internet space run by hackers and activists, whose location can vary over time-- currently at Javastraat 38hs, walking distance from train station Muiderpoort.

Stay safe

General

You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. Street begging is no longer common in Amsterdam, because the police take a harder line. Some beggars are addicts, some are homeless, and some are both.

What looks like a footpath, especially along a canal bank, may be a bike lane. Bike lanes are normally marked by red/purple tiles or asphalt, and a bike icon on the ground. However, the colour fades over time, so you might miss the difference. Don't expect cyclists to be kind to pedestrians: some consider the side-walk an extension of the road, to be used when it suits them. For the bike theft problem see above, Get Around.

Watch out for trams when crossing the street. Taxis are also allowed to use some tram lanes, and even if not allowed, they often use them anyway.

Visitors from outside the Euro zone should also take care they are not short-changed in shops. Unscrupulous vendors sometimes try to take advantage of those who are not familiar with the currency.

Groups of women visiting the Red Light District at night might feel harassed in the aggressive environment, though this is said to be the safest area because of the police presence. Keep to main streets and groups. Do not take photographs of the prostitutes!

Cope

Cannabis and other drugs

You will be approached by people offering to sell you hard drugs in the street, especially as you are walking through the Red Light District. A firm refusal is enough - they will not pester you. The selling of drugs in the street is illegal and often dangerous, moreover the drugs sold to strangers are often fake. When they invite you to see the goods, they can lure you into a narrow street and rob you.

It cannot be denied that many tourists come to Amsterdam for the coffeeshops. Coffeeshops (in English but written as one word) only sell soft drugs such as marijuana and hash - asking for other drugs is pointless because coffeeshops are watched closely by the authorities, and nothing will get them closed quicker than having hard drugs on sale. If they don't use the English name, then they don't sell drugs, even if they are called a Koffiehuis, or something similar. 'Café' is the general name for a place licenced to sell alcohol. i.e. a bar. Some coffeeshops sell alcohol, but city policy is to discourage sale of alcohol and drugs in one place.

Quality varies! Coffeeshops aimed at tourists are more likely to have overpriced and poor quality products. A simple rule of thumb is: if the place looks good and well-kept chances are their wares will be good as well. Don't just enter a coffeeshop being overwhelmed that it's possible at all to buy and consume cannabis openly - be discerning as to the quality.

If you're not a smoker, start with something light, make sure you don't have an empty stomach, and don't combine it with alcohol. If you do find yourself too strongly under the influence - feeling nauseous, woozey or faint - drink lots of orange juice, eat something sweet like cookies or candy and get fresh air. Dutch-grown nederwiet (a.k.a. skunk) is much stronger than you might expect. The THC level has increased recently to as much as 15% (source: Trimbos Institute).

So-called smartshops do not sell any illegal products, but a range of dietary supplements which are harmless, including 'herbal exstacy' a legal attempt at an XTC alternative which is a complete waste of money, and magic mushrooms. It is the latter which causes problems as people often underestimate their strength. Magic mushrooms have little physical risks attached to them, but can have a very strong short-acting psychological effect, which can either be great or very distressing. The first time you try this should always be in a familiar and trusted environment, not on the streets of a strange city. If you do decide to try it please get informed first. Conscious Dreams [76] claims to do this honestly (without downplaying the risk just to sell more) and responsibly. Also plan well ahead, make sure you have thought out where you will be, most recommended is going to a large park like the Vondelpark or the Amsterdamse Bos where it is quiet, and there is no risk from traffic. Make sure that being intoxicated will not endanger your safety, or that of anybody else.

Get out

Direct trains connect Amsterdam to Paris, to major Belgian cities like Brussels and Antwerp, and to German cities like Cologne, Frankfurt or Berlin. The ticket machines sell tickets to nearby destinations in Belgium and Germany. For longer journeys you will need the international ticket office which is located on Platform 2.

Almost everywhere in the Netherlands can be reached within 3 hours travel from Amsterdam, by public transport. To make more sense, day trips can be divided into those very close to the city (about 30 minutes by public transport) and further afield.

Under 45 minutes away

Haarlem is the closest of the historic cities, only 20 minutes by train. Smaller towns just outside Amsterdam (all within cycling distance) include:

• Weesp, nearest small town to Amsterdam (12 minutes by train), with a quiet historic centre on the Vecht river.
• Muiden, formerly a small port at the mouth of the Vecht river, with the best-known castle in the Netherlands, Muiderslot.
• Naarden, surrounded by a complete ring of 17th-century fortifications. Train to Naarden-Bussum station, then about 30 minutes walk.
• Zaandam, just 12 minutes by train. Two stations further is the windmill collection and open-air museum at Zaanse Schans[77] - 17 minutes by train to Koog-Zaandijk station, 10 minutes walk.
• Monnickendam, a small 17th-century port town, 20–25 minutes by bus lines 111 or 115, every 15 minutes from Amsterdam. Bus 111 also stops at the 'picturesque' village of Broek in Waterland, a tourist destination since the 19th century.
• Volendam - once a fishing village, now the most commercialised tourist destination in the Netherlands. 30 minutes by bus, but fortunately they all continue to Edam.

The historic cites of Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Leiden, and the smaller historic town of Alkmaar, are 30 to 35 minutes away by train. So is Zandvoort, the nearest beach resort. The historic port of Hoorn is 40 minutes away by train, and the smaller historic port of Edam is 40 minutes by bus (lines 110, 112, 114, 116, 117, 118).

About one hour away

Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft, Den Bosch, Apeldoorn, and Arnhem all take about one hour by train. A slightly longer journey, 70 minutes, takes you to the historic cities of Zwolle and Deventer, by then you are already in the Eastern Netherlands.

The smaller historic town of Enkhuizen is also one hour away by train, it has a large open-air museum [78] showing how people used to live around the former sea, Zuiderzee. Several other smaller historic towns are within an hour by train.

• The bulb fields are a seasonal attraction, in the spring (end of March to the end of May). The main bulb-growing area is on the sandy soil behind the dunes, between Haarlem and Leiden. If you just want to see the flowers briefly, you can do that from the train between Haarlem and Leiden. There are also signposted cycle routes through the bulb fields, such as the Leidse Bollenroute, a 37 km route, starting at the rear of Leiden Station. If you want to see many more flowers, the Keukenhof [79] is an elaborate park and floral exhibition. It is a promotion for the Netherlands flower industry, but you still have to pay to get in - € 12.50, children € 5.50. From Leiden Centraal Station, take bus 54, from Haarlem station bus 50 or 51. Combination tickets for the bus ride and entrance are on sale at the bus ticket offices, outside both stations.