The internet guide to Amsterdam

See this top Amsterdam travel guide according to Google, The Internet Guide to Amsterdam, for detailed information about Amsterdam. This travel guide is also easy to print and take with you. Written by Steven Pemberton, CWI, Amsterdam, and Astrid Kerssens, Amsterdam.

Amsterdam.info

Another good travel guide to Amsterdam is available here: Amsterdam.info. Information is given in many different languages.

General information about Amsterdam

Accessible & Compact

It would be an understatement to call Amsterdam an accessible city. The international awarded Schiphol airport is only 20 minutes from the city centre. And accessibility in Amsterdam doesn't stop at the city limits. International trains bring you right in the heart of the city. Inside Amsterdam you can travel by the excellent public transport system, by foot and watertaxi. No other city has so many places to see, eat or stay at such a short distance.

Historic Heart

Amsterdam may be a place of importance, but it is also a city of human dimensions. It was founded in the Middle Ages near a dam in the river Amstel. Its true blossoming period came at the start of the 17th century, when it became the world's largest centre of trade and art. Nowadays, the old part of the city, known as the "Grachtengordel" (canal ring), is still amazingly intact. But it is by no means an open-air museum. Instead, it's the vibrant heart of the city, only with a friendlier atmosphere than you might expect.

Shopping paradise

As it is a city of trade, it is only natural that Amsterdam has a great deal of interesting shops and shopping areas to pick from. You can stroll along the designers' stores in the city centre. The stylish Magna Plaza, located just behind Dam Square, also hosts many fashion stored of great reputation. Department stores like the exclusive Maison de Bonneterie and the majestic Bijenkorf (beehive) are just around the corner. Don't forget to stop at the stylish store of Metz & Co. along the Leidsestraat, also one of Amsterdam's most renowned shopping streets. If you want a taste of Amsterdam's many markets, you shouldn't miss the famous flee market at the Waterlooplein or the authentic farmer's markets at the Nieuwmarkt and Noordermarkt on Sundays.

Outstanding Culture

Amsterdam's unique character is well presented in its cultural life. Where else in the world will you find an enormous collection of 17th century masterpieces of painting, Van Goghs, a major museum of modern art and a world-famous concert hall, all on one square? The city of Rembrandt has always been a significant centre of the art works. But the city does not dwell on its past, it also gives space to new forms of culture, architecture and music. On the picturesque boards of the river Amstel, great musicals and impressive operas are played side by side in the famous Carré theatre and the city hall's Muziekthater (opera and ballet). A little further down the river, the once groundbreaking architecture of De Stijl stands face to face with the modern buildings of the 21st century. As you can see, Amsterdam will satisfy even the most spoiled visitor.

Culinary Delight

Dutch cuisine may not be as world famous as its French or Italian counterparts, but that does not keep Amsterdam from being a gourmet heaven. With many restaurants that are awarded one or even two Michelin stars, the city offers enough excitement for true gastronomes. But one of the best things about Amsterdam is that it is such a truly global city with a display of all of the worlds' cuisines on a very high level. Especially some Indonesian, Thai and other Asian eateries are among of the best places in town. The setting of these restaurants is as diverse as the menus they serve. Besides many historic locations there are restaurants overlooking the city, on the waterfront, in industrial buildings or even in a greenhouse! But why stick with one scene when you can rent your own historical boat for an exclusive floating dinner in the canals?

Exciting nightlife

Amsterdam has a vivid collection of cafes. Authentic 19th century pubs or bruin cafés can be found all over the city, alongside their more contemporary counterparts, like Grand Cafés and hip loungebars. The most popular bar areas are around the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. And don't leave without having explored the entertaining Amsterdam nightlife. There is more than the world-famous red Light District: the city also hosts a great number of jazz cafés, a large casino and late night bars. In the trendy clubs and discotheques the best new dance music is played prominent dj's. All nightlife venues are located within less than a few square miles of each other, so you can hop from one venue to another in a pleasurable manner. For the city centre is a very safe place to be, even at night. Good to know, isn't it?

For all cafes, restaurants and pubs there is a non-smoking policy. Smoking is only allowed outside.  

Striking events

Amsterdam also hosts a number of distinguished festivals. Every summer, the cultural Holland Festival takes featuring the best in theatre, opera and ballet, attracting a crowd from all over the world. Just like IDFA, the worlds leading documentary festival. Every year, the theatre season is opened at the ‘Uitmarkt' with stages all over the city with the finest plays, music and dance on display. Don't miss it! But there are also weekly events, like great Ajax football matches at the futuristic ArenA Stadium.

Superb surroundings

Most people think of Holland as a land of flowers and windmills. Just 15 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam you can experience this side of Holland at the village of Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum with an unmatched collection of authentic Dutch houses and windmills. In springtime, take a tour through the world famous flower bulb fields, or visit the gardens of the Keukenhof where millions of flowers will amaze you with their colours. And don't forget the beautiful dunes and fine sandy beaches. In the summertime you can find relaxation here, only 30 minutes away from the city centre!

Source: "It’s nice meeting (you) in Amsterdam!", 2005, Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board