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Amsterdam, Netherlands
AmsterdameGuide.com
Introduction
The Dutch capital is a large, easygoing city with many traditional and modern
sightseeing adventures. The mix between old historical and the brothel and
hashish scene bring a melting pot of people from all walks of life to Amsterdam.
This is a busy city with plenty of activity going on in the streets.
The main tourist area is the city centre around Centraal Station. Damrak is the
wide avenue that runs from Centraal Station to Dam Square which gave
Amsterdam its name.
Amsterdam is a city with plenty to do, many attractions and a thriving
entertainment scene.
The neighbourhoods and villages surrounding Amsterdam are also steeped in
history and offer wonderful landscapes and variety to the city itself.
Amsterdam's relaxed tolerance makes it an unusual European city. Pornography
is openly on display within the city! It is home to one of the most lurid red light districts in Europe and its relaxed stance on drugs
has given it the reputation of being the world’s cannabis capital. This easygoing lifestyle has drawn people from all over the world to
live here and immigrants now make up over 30% of its population.
The traditional history of Amsterdam still exists though and that is displayed in the architecture, medieval churches, museums and
galleries that are all around the city. It is a haven for the arts with Rembrandt being its favourite son.
The land and sea blend beautifully in Amsterdam as it is located at the mouth of the River Ij and is 20km from the North Sea coast.
Canals snake their way through the city which gives another means of getting around with canal cruising being very popular.
Tourist Information
Essentials
Local Laws
Prostitution is legal and visible. The sale, possession and consumption of small quantities of cannabis are illegal. The selling of drugs
in the street is illegal. All hemp related products are illegal even if sold in coffee shops.
Stay Safe
Watch out for pickpockets and baggage theft in the main shopping streets, on trams and trains, at stations and the airport. Watch
out for being short changed in shops. In the red light district, keep to main streets and do not take photographs of the prostitutes.
Emergency = 112
Money and Currency
The local currency is the euro (EUR, €).
Banks normally open from 0900 - 1600
except on Mondays when they open at
13.00. ATMs are easily found.
Police Services
The police in Amsterdam are generally very helpful and
usually speak good English. The emergency number is 112.
The main police stations are at Elandsgracht 117 and
Warmoesstraat 44.
Telephones
The telephone country code for the
Netherlands is 31. Amsterdam's city
code is 020. For phone calls from
within the Netherlands dial 020 to
start.
Tipping
Taxes and service charges are
always included in all bills.
However tipping is still done and
might consist of rounding up rather
than a % of the bill.
Medical Services
The main 24 hour hospitals are:
Boven-Ij Ziekenhuis Statenjachstraat 1, Amsterdam Noord.
Telephone 020 634 6346.
Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Ie Oosterparkstraat 1.
Telephone 020 599 9111.
St Lucas Andreas Ziekenhuis, Jan Tooropstraat 164.
Telephone 020 510 9199.
Ambulance and Fire Services
The emergency number for ambulance and fire services is
112.

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Getting To Amsterdam
By Air
Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is 15 km to the south west of the city. Many airlines serve Amsterdam. There is a direct train to
Amsterdam Centraal Station. The train station is located under the main airport hall. Taxis from Schiphol are expensive. Only use
legal taxis which have blue number plates. Airport shuttles operated by Connexxion transfer directly to Amsterdam hotels.
By Bus
International bus services terminate at Amstel Station.
By Car
From the east, the A1 motorway leads directly to Amsterdam and from the south the A2. All motorways connect to the ring
motorway, the A10. The speed limit on Dutch motorways is 120 km/h and the A10 is 80 km/h.
By Sea
The maritime passenger terminal is for cruise ships. The nearest ferry port is Ijmuiden and ferry terminals are at Rotterdam
Europort and Hook of Holland.
By Train
Most trains arrive and depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Other train stations are Bijlmer, Amstel and Muiderpoort to the
southeast; to the south, RAI and Zuid WTC; and, to the west, Lelylaan and Sloterdijk. Schiphol Airport also has its own train station
with many trains to Amsterdam Centraal.
Getting About
Amsterdam Transport
There is a metro with four lines. The tram has 15 lines and is ideal for the central area. There are numerous bus routes. Tickets can
be bought on the bus or tram but is cheaper to buy them before boarding.
The standard ticket for bus, tram and metro is called a strippenkaart and is available from machines in the metro and railway
stations, from the main GVB office opposite Centraal Station, supermarkets, newsagents and tobacconists. The ticket has a number
of strips which are stamped in the machine as you enter the metro, or by the driver/conductor for a bus or tram.
The strippenkaart can also be used on NS trains within Amsterdam. They are not valid for train trips to Schiphol Airport but are valid
on buses to Schiphol. Travel for one hour in a single zone uses two strips and two zones will use three strips. An alternative is to buy
a 24, 48 or 72 hour bus/rail/tram pass. This must be stamped on your first journey.
Free ferry services cross the Ij River to Amsterdam North and leave from a jetty on the northern side of Centraal Station.
Canal Boats
The Museumboot are convenient for all the major attractions. A commentary is provided. These boats leave from Centraal Station
every 30 to 45 minutes. There are ticket agencies here and day tickets can be purchased. They stop at most of the popular
museums and attractions and are a novel way to see the city. Telephone 020 625 5029.
Canal Bus
The canal bus operates from Centraal Station as well and travels on three routes. These buses stop at several stops and are great
for getting to attractions or shopping areas anywhere else in the Amsterdam central area. A day pass is available and it can be used
up until midday the next day. Telephone 020 623 9886.
Cycling
Dutch and cycling are synonymous and this applies in Amsterdam. Cycling is a great way to see the city and is also good for getting
from A to B. Most locals own bikes and they do use them, so beware of the cycling congestion on the streets.
There are many bike rental agencies in the city. Always remember to lock up your bike and watch for some drivers as a lot are not
always patient with cyclists.
Metro
This is Amsterdam's subway system. There are four metro lines and are mainly used by the locals to travel between suburbs. The
trains leave from Centraal Station. The tow areas you might find easier to travel to on the Metro system are Niewmarkt and
Waterlooplein. More information is available through GVB Amsterdam Tickets and Information Office, telephone 0900 9292.

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Taxis
Taxis in Amsterdam are available but expensive and have a meter. All legal taxis have blue number plates. Taxi stands are available
at most tourist hubs including Leidseplein, Dam Square and Centraal Station. In the city centre are bicycle taxis which are cheaper
than normal taxis.
Trains
If you leave Amsterdam, the train is the best form of transport. Ticket machines are the cheapest way to buy tickets. Most trains
arriving from other countries or cities will drop you at Centraal Station. There are new stations currently being constructed in
Amsterdam at this site so the Station can be confusing to get around. Work is not expected to finish until 2011. Centraal Station has
two tourist information desks, a money exchange, rail information, ticket reservations and lots of eateries and shops. At the front of
the station you will find a taxi rank, tram stops and bus stops all able to take you where you need to go. The docks are located at
the rear of Centraal Station as well where you can get a water taxi, a canal bus and canal cruise boats.
Trams
The trams are a great way to get around Amsterdam and see the sights. The trams are a blue-grey colour and are often referred to
as streetcars. There are 17 tram routes in the city and, of those, 12 connect with Centraal Station so this is the best place to go to if
you wish to travel by tram.
Tickets for the trams can be purchased from the drivers, conductors or ticket dispensers, as well as from the Station’s tourist
information offices. You can also purchase day tickets for one or more days.
Water Taxi
A water taxi is another way to travel on the canals. These taxis are quite large and can take up to 40 passengers, however they are
more expensive than the other forms of water travel. They leave from the dock outside Centraal Station. Telephone 020 535 6363.
Accommodation
Due to the huge quantity and variety of accommodation available in Amsterdam, we recommend that you browse to find your choice
and book online at Travel eGuides prior to your departure.
Restaurants
Traditional Dutch fare is usually carbohydrate loaded, large meals with plenty of cheese to follow or graze on all day. A Dutch
breakfast is a good solid meal of meats and cheeses and breads, all washed down with plenty of coffee. Lunch is a lighter meal and
dinner is the full three coarse.
There are some traditional Dutch restaurants in Amsterdam but there are also many other eating experiences ranging from the
exotic Asian cuisines to Italian, Greek and Spanish, so all tastes are catered for here.
Fast food outlets are big as well and all the usual outlets can be found in and around Amsterdam.
Outdoor dining is popular, with most of the cafes having outdoor seating. Coffee drinking is a popular pastime in Amsterdam so
cafés are always easy to find. The Dutch also like their beer and it is served in most eateries.
A large selection of Amsterdam's restaurants and eateries can be found in the city centre around the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein
areas. Cheaper eateries are in the Nieuwendijk, Zeedijk and Centraal Station areas. The area around Jordaan offers a trendy,
different style of eating.
Please refer to our website www.AmsterdameGuide.com for the best restaurants.
Tours
Similarly to accommodation, there is a large choice of tours available in Amsterdam. Again, we recommend that you browse to find
your choice and book online at Travel eGuides.

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Animal Attractions
Artis Zoo
A zoo with aquarium founded in 1838. In addition to animals there are plants, statues, planetarium and geological museum. Artis
has an African savannah and a South American zone with llamas. Plantage Kerklaan 38. Telephone 020 523 3400.
Attractions
Amsterdam Pass
The Amsterdam Pass is an entrance ticket to many museums, attractions and for use on all buses, trams and metros in Amsterdam
and can be purchased at tourist information offices and other shops.
Art Galleries
Civic Guard Gallery
A free gallery showing medieval guards with the paintings
made to fit the spaces in the guardhouses. 18 Kalverstraat 92.
CoBrA Musuem
A modern building with works from the CoBrA movement.
Sanbergplein Amstelveen. Telephone 020 5475050.
De Appel
A centre of contemporary art in Amsterdam. Nieuwe
Spiegelstraat 10.
Rembrandt House Museum
Rembrandt lived here from 1639 until 1659 and the museum
houses 250 of Rembrandt's etchings. Rembrandt also collected
antiques and other artefacts which on display. Jodenbreestraat
4. Telephone 020 520 0400.
Rijksmuseum
The largest museum in Amsterdam with works by Vermeer,
Rembrandt and others. Rembrandt's most famous painting
“The Night Watch” can be seen here. A larger collection of
Dutch art that extends to over 5,000 works. Stadhouderskade
42. Telephone 020 674 7000.
Six Collection
Jan Six was a Rembrandt patron and his portrait by
Rembrandt is displayed in this museum. Inside the house,
built in 1680, are also works by Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael
and Peiter Saenredam. Amstel 218. Telephone 020 674 7000.
Stedelijk Museum
The Amsterdam municipal museum of modern art. Collection
of modern art with sculpture garden. Works by Picasso,
Matisse, Cezane and Monet. Oosterdokskade 5, Amsterdam.
Telephone 020 573 2911.
Van Gogh Museum
Numerous paintings and sketches drawn by Van Gogh
together with letters by Van Gogh are on display. Works by
Monet and Gauguin are also found in the Van Gogh Museum.
Paulus Potterstraat 7, Amsterdam. Telephone 020 570 5200.
Architecture, Buildings and Places of Historical Significance
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House is where Anne Frank wrote her diary during
World War II and it is on display. She went into hiding here on
6 July, 1942, and lived here for two years. Prinsengracht 263,
Amsterdam. Telephone 020 556 7100.
ARCAM
Run by the Amsterdam Architecture Foundation as a centre for
Amsterdam architecture. Prins Hendrikkade 600. Telephone
020 620 4878.
Hollandsche Schouwburg
Originally a place for opera it was used by the Nazis as a
concentration camp assembly point for Dutch Jews. Part of the
building has been left as a memorial and the other part has
videos and stories of the Nazi occupation. Plantage
Middenlann 24. Telephone 020 531 0340.
Kleine Trippenhuis
The narrowest house in Amsterdam with a carved facade of
centaurs and sphinxes. 26 Kloveniersburgwal.
Koninklijk Paleis
Built as the town hall with an elaborate façade which
illustrates Amsterdam’s role as a port and trading centre. At
one time Napoleon’s residence. Dam Square. Telephone 020
620 4060.
Magere Brug
A working drawbridge that crosses the Amstel river. One of the
most beautiful bridges in Amsterdam . Known locally as the
‘Skinny Bridge’ as it was originally so narrow that it was hard
for two pedestrians to pass.
Magna Plaza
Now the Magna Plaza Shopping Mall but in 1899 a post office.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal.

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Royal Palace
Koninklijk was originally the city hall, an important historic
building of 17th century Amsterdam. It was built by Jacob van
Campen in Palladian style. The classical façade is crowned with
unicorns. The halls have lavish furniture. Koninklijk Paleis.
Telephone 020 620 4060).
The Beurs van Berlage
The Old Stock Exchange is now used for exhibitions, concerts
and other events. Damrak.
The Felix Meritis Building
A neoclassical building that originally housed an art collection
then became the headquarters of the Dutch Communist Party.
Now run by the Felix Meritis Foundation and used for art
workshops and other events. Keizersgracht 324.
The Schreierstoren
Weepers Tower is part of the original city wall and so called as
it was the place that the women would watch their men sail
away. Geldersekade.
The Tuschinski
A cinema that opened in 1921 and contains a number of
expressionist paintings and marbles. Reguliersbreestraat 26-
28.
Windmills
Windmills are outside the city walls with the nearest to the city
being De Gooyer (1814) and De Otter (1631), a restored
sawmill, opposite Buyskade, west of the Jordaan.
Churches
Agnietenkapel
The Chapel of Holy Agnes is a well preserved medieval chapel.
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 231, Amsterdam. Telephone
020 525 3339.
Begijnkerk
This chapel was erected in 1419 and in the 1600s was taken
over by the Presbyterians. It is still referred to as the English
church. The medieval church tower is a highlight of the chapel.
Begijnhof Square.
Nieuwe Kerk
The name translates to ‘New Church’ yet it still dates to the
15th century. It is late Gothic church and houses exhibitions
during the year. Inside is an oak pulpit, a copper choir screen
and a large pipe organ. Dam Square. Telephone
020 638 6909.
Noorderkerk
This is a significant Amsterdam landmark due to its size and
structure. This church was built in 1620. Noordenmarkt.
Telephone 020 642 7819.
Oude Kerk
This church, built in 1306 on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, is
now in the red light district. The Gothic style, octagonal bell
tower was a landmark for sailors entering Amsterdam. Inside
is a memorial tablet to Rembrandt's first wife and some good
examples of stained glass windows. Oudekerkspleain 23.
Telephone 020 625 8284.
St. Nicolaaskerk
St. Nicholas, opposite Centraal Station, was built in a neo-
Baroque style. Easily seen due to the large twin towers. Prins
Hendrikkade.
The Amstelkring
Just a little north of Oude Kerk is the Amstelkring, a former
Catholic church, now a museum. Dating from the 17th century
as a clandestine church where Catholics practised in secret
during the time when the Protestants were in control. The
church is found in the loft of the house! Oudezijds
Voorburgwal 40.
Westerkerk
Overlooking the Jordaan, the Westerkerk was planned as a
large church with a high tower crowned with a blue orb.
Translated as Western Church and opened in 1631, Rembrandt
was buried here on 8 October 1669. Contains an organ
decorated by Jacob van Campen. Prinsengracht 281.
Telephone 020 612 6856.
Zuiderkerk
The spire and tower of this church are stunning and can be
climbed to view the city’s wonderful architecture. St
Antoniesbreestraat. Telephone 020 622 2962.
Museums
Amsterdam Historical Museum
Amsterdam's history is housed in the old city orphanage.
Kalverstraat 92, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 357, St Luciensteeg.
Telephone 020 523 1822.
Ajax Museum
The history of Ajax football club. Amsterdam Arena, Arena
Boulevard 29, Amsterdam Zo.
ARCAM
The Amsterdam Centre for Architecture illustrates
Amsterdam's architecture. Prins Hendrikkade.
Allard Pierson Museum
The archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam
with Egyptian, Greek, Cypriot, Roman, Etruscan and Coptic
artefacts. Oude Turfmarkt 127, Amsterdam. Telephone 020
525 2556.
Amsterdam's Historic Museum
Devoted to Amsterdam's history. The entrance which is free is
the Civic Guard Gallery with portraits of the Amsterdam
militia. Inside the history of Amsterdam unfolds. Nieuwezijds
Voorburgwal 357.

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Bijbelsmuseum
The world of the bible. The Amsterdam Biblical Museum is
situated in two buildings on a canal dating from 1662 with an
interesting wooden interior. Herengracht 366-368,
Amsterdam. Telephone 020 624 2436.
Electric Ladyland
A museum devoted to fluorescent art. Egelantiersgracht.
Telephone 020 420 3776.
Energetica
The history of energy production with working engines,
generators and radios. Hooge Kadijk 400.
Erotic Museum
In the red light district - lots of erotic entertainment on show.
Oz Achterburgwal 54.
Filmmuseum
Exhibition of contemporary and historical movies, photos,
posters and scripts. Vondelpark 3. Telephone 020 589 1400.
FOAM
Photographic exhibitions in this museum. Keizersgracht 609.
Geels & Co Koffie en Theemuseum
The history of tea and coffee traced back to the Dutch East
India Company. Warmoesstraat 67. Telephone 020 624 0683.
Hash Marijuana Hemp Museum
The benefits of marijuana are shown! Oudezijds Achterburgwal
130. Telephone 020 623 5961.
Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage is a satellite of the of the Hermitage Museum in
St Petersburg. The collection is spread over three floors of the
historic Amstelhof and has changing exhibitions. Nieuwe
Herengracht 14. Telephone 020 530 8755.
Het Orange Voetbal Museum
The story of the orange maestros and lots of football
paraphernalia. Kalverstraat 236. Telephone 020 589 8989.
Houseboat Museum
The Hendrika Maria is a typical houseboat built in 1914.
Prinsengracht Tegenover 296, Amsterdam. Telephone 020 427
0750.
Huis Marseille
Photographic exhibitions. Keizersgracht 401.
Jewish Historical Museum
Four synagogues dating back to the 17th century. The Great
Synagogue was built in 1671. The story of the Jews in the
Netherlands is told. Jonas Daniel Meijerplein 2-4. Telephone
020 626 9945.
Katten Kabinet
A museum devoted to cats with cat art.
Kindermuseum
Located in the Tropenmuseum a museum for children aged 6–
12. Linnaeusstraat 2. Telephone 020 568 8300.
Museum Amstelkring
Known locally as the "Our Lord in the Attic", a Catholic church
hidden in the upper stories of a restored 17th century house
where Catholics were persecuted in the 1600s and had to hide
their churches. Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40. Telephone 020 624
6604.
Museum Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis
A canal mansion with period rooms and garden. Keizersgracht
633.
Museum van Loon
A canal house built in 1672 in the centre of Amsterdam owned
by the van Loon family with a collection of furniture and
portraits. Keizersgracht 672. Telephone 020 624 5255.
Museum Willet-Holthuysen
A 17th century canal-side mansion. The rooms have been
renovated to illustrate what they would have been like in the
18th Century. Herengracht 605.
National Maritime Museum
National Maritime Museum (Scheepvart Museum) has a large
collection of boats, models and maps. This popular attraction
is the 18th Century “Amsterdam”. Kattenburgerplein 1.
Telephone 020 523 2222.
NEMO
A futuristic science centre in a ship-like building designed by
Renzo Piano. Lots of interactive fun. Oosterdok 2. Telephone
0900 919 1100.
Open Havenmuseum
The open harbour museum has a number of historical vessels.
Hoogte Kadijk 147. Telephone 020 627 6777.
Persmuseum
The Press Museum celebrates journalism in the Netherlands
Zeeburgerkade 10.
Pianola Museum
Automatic music machines and pianolas are to be found in this
little museum. Westerstraat 106.
Sex Museum
The Venustemple has a large collection of erotic paintings,
objects and exhibits devoted to sex. Damrak 18.
Tattoo Museum
The history of tattooing and body art. Oude Zijds
Achterburgwal 130. Telephone 020 625 1565.
Torture Museum
A display of torture instruments used over the years. Singel
449.

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Tropenmuseum
Devoted to Africa, Asia and South America with recreated
streets from each area. Linnaeusstraat 2. Telephone 020 568
8215.
Theatre Museum
A museum of theatre history with costumes and 18th Century
murals. Herengracht 168. Telephone 020 551 3300.
Vakbondsmuseum
The national trade union museum in the de Burcht van
Berlage, built for Dutch diamond workers. Henri PolakLaan 9.
Telephone 020 624 1166.
Verzetsmuseum
The Resistance Museum tells the story of the Dutch resistance
during WWII. It is housed in a former synagogue. Plantage
Kerklaan 61. Telephone 020 620 2535.
Willet Holthuysen Museum
The house was built in 1687 and houses furniture and antiques
from the 19th Century. Each room is richly decorated and of
note is the Louis XVI dining room. Herengracht 605. Telephone
020 523 1870.
Parks and Gardens
Amsterdamse Bos
This park is located in the southern suburb of Amstelveen.
There are plenty of small varieties of wildlife, as well as birds,
trees and gardens. Amsteveensewerg, Bosbaanweg 5.
Telephone 020 545 6100.
Frankendael
An old country manor park of seven hectares with sculptures
and a botanical garden. Linnaeusstraat 89.
Hortus Botanicus
The Hortus Botanical Garden was established in the late
1600s. Now a pleasant place to walk around with plants from
all over the world. Plantage Middenlaan 2a, Amsterdam.
Telephone 020 625 9021.
Martin Luther King Park
This park on the Amstel River and is a good park for walking
and relaxing in.
Rembrandtpark
An area of green to the west of the Vondelpark. A statue of
Rembrandt is in the middle and all around are many cafés,
restaurants and bars.
Sarphatipark
In the heart of De Pijp and popular with locals. A main feature
is the memorial fountain.
Vondelpark
A large park popular with locals a good place to walk or cycle.
It goes from the Leidseplein to the Amstelveense weg. The
park has a Picasso sculpture. Telephone 020 678 1678.
Wertheimpark
A small park opposite the Hortus Botanicus with the Auschwitz
monument.
Westerpark
To the west of Amsterdam having a number of cultural
activities in the gas factory.
Entertainment
Nightlife is big in Amsterdam and the city prides itself as catering for all types of evening entertainment. Amsterdam touts itself to
be the gay capital of Europe so there are many venues that cater for the gay scene. Young locals and the backpacker set love the
clubs, discos and pubs so there are plenty of choices along those lines as well. The 'Smoking Cafés'' offer the laid back vibe that the
thousands of Hashish smokers come to Amsterdam to experience.
The bigger, more popular venues and acts impose a cover charge but there are a lot of venues in Amsterdam that offer free entry.
A lot of the bars and cafes are centred around Leidseplein and Rembrantplein. Most clubs are open from Thursday until Sunday.
They don't start jumping until at last 9pm or 10pm and usually close at about 3am to 5 am.
Amsterdam Weekly is an English-language, free, cultural weekly published every Wednesday. It provides coverage of Amsterdam
city life and an arts and entertainment calendar. Uitkrant is a free monthly magazine with concerts, exhibitions and what to do in
Amsterdam . OOM! is published four times a year with ideas on restaurants and a guide to the red light district.
Red Light District
The famous Amsterdam red light district is just to the east of the Damrak. The red light district is spread around two small canals,
the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and the Oudezijds Achterburgwal. In this area are many sex shops, sex shows and the "window brothels"
where women show themselves to passing customers. Do not take any pictures of the women.
Please visit www.AmsterdmaeGuide.com for a list of clubs, cinemas and theatres.

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Shopping
The main shopping streets run from Centraal Station to the Leidseplein: Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat, Heiligeweg and Leidsestraat. The
smaller shops are in the side streets off the main canals: Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht. The nine streets between
the main canals from the Prinsengracht to the Singel are also full of shops. North of Dam Square there are boutiques, specialist
shops, galleries and restaurants.
Antiques and art dealers are popular in Amsterdam and a large collection of antique and art dealers can be found along the
Spiegelgracht, where the canal is lined by almost 100 antique shops and galleries.
Amsterdam Shopping Hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Some stores have later trading on Thursday or Friday evenings.
Diamonds
Amsterdam is the home of the diamond and there are many shops selling, cutting and setting this precious gem.
Shopping Centres
Beethovenstraat
An upmarket shopping street in Oud Zuid.
Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk
At the end of Singel and offers a full range of shops.
Joordaan
Jordaan has a village type feel well known for artisans and
artists. A typical Jordaan Street is the Hazenstraat. The
Museum Quarter, in Amsterdam Zuid, is the upmarket
shopping area.
Kalverstraat
Amsterdam's main shopping street that runs from the Dam to
the Spui.
Nieuwendijk
Nieuwedijk runs from the Dam to Centraal Station with a full
range of shops.
Pieter Cornelisz Hoofstraat
The place for designer shops.
Spiegelkwartier
An area of antiques in front of Rijksmuseum.
Shopping Malls
Kalvertoren
A lot of international names. Kalverstraat 212-220.
Magna Plaza
This shopping centre looks more like a palace from a fairy tale
as it is very ornate. There are several levels of shopping and
this is Amsterdam's most popular shopping mall. Nieuwezijds
Voorburgwal 182.
Markets
Albert Cuyp
The largest market in Amsterdam which is open from Monday
to Saturday. Stalls sell fruit, vegetables, cheese, fish, poultry
and clothes; prices are reasonable. Located in the Pijp district.
Albert Cuypstraat/Ferdinand Bolstraat.
Amstelveld
Mondays is a flower market and once a month on Fridays in
the summer it becomes an antique market. Off Prinsengracht,
Canal belt.
Bloemenmarkt Flower Market
An interesting way to buy flowers is on this row of barges
along the Singel River. This flower market is open every day.
Boerenmarkt
This is a fresh produce market specialising in cheeses and
yogurts and freshly baked breads. Located between
Noorderkerk and the Prinsengracht in the square. Open on
Saturdays.
Kunst and Antickcentrum de Looier
This is and antique and art market that has many individual
stalls and dealers selling their wares. Elandsgracht 109.
Telephone 020 624 9038.
Lindengracht
Located in the Jordaan with fruit and vegetables.

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Nieuwmarkt
Located in a cobble-stoned street, here you will find food and
antique stalls. There are plenty of cafés lining the square so it
is a nice place to stroll through. Open on Sundays.
Noordermarkt
In Jordaan held on Saturdays with antiques, flowers, food,
clothes and second-hand goods. Located on the north side of
Noorderkerk.
Postzegelmarkt
Stamp collectors will love browsing through this market. Held
on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal.
Rommelmarkt
This is like one big, permanent jumble sale. You will really
have to work hard here, going through the piles of bric-a-brac
searching for a treasure. The market runs from Thursdays to
Saturdays with some days having different themes.
Looiersgracht 38.
Spui Boekenmarkt
If it is old books you are hunting for, this market may give you
some delight. Open on Fridays. The Spui.
Spui Kunstmarkt
This is an art market which sells local works from ceramics to
oils and more. Open on Sundays. The Spui.
Thorbeckeplein Art Market
Here you will find a mish-mash of art works, but it is a good
place to see what is happening in the Amsterdam art world.
Open on Sundays. Thorbeckeplein.
Waterlooplein
A flea market selling new and used wares, located in the
square near the Muziektheater. Waterlooplein. Centrum.
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Tourist Information............................................................................................................................................................. 1
Essentials ....................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Local Laws ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Stay Safe........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Getting To Amsterdam ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
By Air............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
By Bus............................................................................................................................................................................ 2
By Car............................................................................................................................................................................ 2
By Sea ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2
By Train.......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Getting About..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Amsterdam Transport....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Canal Boats..................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Canal Bus ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Cycling ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Metro ............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Taxis .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Trains............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Trams............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Water Taxi ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Accommodation.................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Restaurants ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Tours ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Animal Attractions .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Artis Zoo......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Attractions......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Amsterdam Pass.............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Art Galleries .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Architecture, Buildings and Places of Historical Significance................................................................................................... 4
Churches ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Museums ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Parks and Gardens.............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Entertainment .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Red Light District ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Shopping ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Amsterdam Shopping Hours .............................................................................................................................................. 8
Shopping Centres ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Diamonds ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Shopping Centres/Malls .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Markets .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................................... 9