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Amsterdam
Named after the river Amstel, Amsterdam now has a population of over 720,000. As as a result of centuries of land-reclamation projects the city now borders the freshwater of IJsselmeer although it was originally built on the Zuiderzee. The centre of the old city is shaped like a horseshoe, surrounded by three well known canals called the "Herengracht", "Keizersgracht" and "Prinsengracht". To the north of the city you will find the impressive 19th Century Central Train Station, with it's interior painted ceiling and ornate brickwork. Amsterdam is one of the world's most popular destinations for travellers and offers a wealth of cultural and social activities. However, it rarely feels crowded or overwhelming, partly because the preferred forms of transport are the bicycle and trams, as cars tend to dominate the ring road rather than the inner city.
The government is generous in its support of the performing and visual arts, so there is always plenty to see and do. Even throughout the summer months there are specially commissioned concerts in the Concertegebouw (Concert Hall), and season tickets can bea cheap option for music lovers. There are some great music venues, such as Paradiso, a former church near Leidseplein (the equivalent of London's Piccadilly Circus, but smaller). You can get to see world famous bands and world music, from Nitin Sawhney to Beth Orton or Morcheeba. They also hold mini-festivals such as the Latin Dance Beats event in August, making it a cosmopolitan, lively place to be. Most of the venues are small and intimate, making each gig feel as if you have been invited to a party rather than a football match. However, there is also the Heineken Hall near the Ajax stadium for huge events and major stars.
Amsterdam is a very green city, with many parks and gardens to appreciate throughout the year. Even on cold Winter days visitors can find quiet streets and interesting walks, with only the passing cyclist to watch out for. At night time the pretty arches of the canal bridges are lit up and this can be one of the best times to wander around, as most Amsterdammers go home for their evening meal at 6pm so the city is comparatively empty.
The city is renowned for being laid back and permissive, attracting a diverse tourist population from spaced-out hippies to the culturally aware and trendy nightclubbers and shoppers. There are numerous "Coffeeshops", which are places where you can buy and smoke cannabis without fear of arrest. You can, apparently, find reasonable food and nice coffee in these establishments, but for coffee in less smoky environments, try the outdoor cafes around the 'Negen Straatjes' or along Utrechtestraat, near Rembrandtsplein.
Amsterdam (not The Hague) is actually the capital of the Netherlands and has been host to a cosmopolitan mix of people from former colonies such as Surinaam or Indonesia, which is reflected in unusual blends of world cuisines. Try the delicious Rijsttafel, a combination of more than ten different spicy dishes, mixed with coconut, in either meat or vegetarian versions. Otherwise, numerous pancake restaurants offer typical dutch fare, popular with children and the less culinary adventurous.
Unlike some of the other most frequently visited cities in Europe, Amsterdam is best explored on foot. With its extensive network of canals, visitors can walk along peaceful, tree-lined streets, past elegant Seventeenth Century houses and converted warehouses. The inner ring is one of the most beautiful areas, with an often confusing circular layout of streets, known as the Grachtengordel, or 'Girdle of canals'. It is enjoyable to wander along the four main routes, from Singel, with it's five star restaurants to Prinsengracht where there are lots of delightful cafes by the water. Even in colder weatehr, there is plenty to do and see, as numerous town houses owned by illustrious Dutch citizens have been turned into museums. You'll find yourself admiring the marble floors, hand-made Delft tiles in the kitchens and grand staircases leading up to sumptuous bedrooms.
There are also the major tourist attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt's 'Nightwatch' and some exquisite Vermeer's. The recently constructed Van Gogh museum is also worth visiting and very accessible, nearby. This striking modern building not only houses many landscapes and interiors by the infamous Dutch painter, but also temporary exhibitions, such as the recent Gauguin/VanGogh blockbuster, which help to put these painters' work in context as well as bring in the crowds.
If shopping is more enticing than cultural activites, Amsterdam has numerous streets full of quaint little shops, as well as the major chains around Dam Square. The 'Negen Straatjes', (Nine Streets) is a pretty area to the west of the centre where shops selling glass lanterns from Morocco are found next to specialist cheese shops or small boutiques offering tight fitting designer T-shirts. It is easy to get lost, however, so buy a map or pick up one of the free leaflets which have details of more than 53 museums and inner city tram lines clearly displayed on the same page. However, if you need to find your way or ask the locals about a good place to eat, nearly everyone speaks fluent English and is usually pleased to assist.
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| Weather |
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The weather in Holland is usually mild, rarely dropping below freezing
in the winter or becoming too hot in the summer. It can be beautiful
when the canals freeze over, (but not much fun if your bike lock has
frozen solid). Rain is spread pretty evenly throughout the year, so
it is advisable to pack umbrellas and rainwear.
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| Currency |
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The currency used in the Netherlands, and throughout most of the
EU is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €100, €50,
€20, €10 and €5 and the coins in use are €2, €1,
0.50C, 0.20C, 0.10C, 0.05C, 0.02C and 0.01C. Banks are open Mondays
to Fridays from 09.00 to 16.00/17.00. Exchange offices are indicated
by the letters GWK, and you can also book theatre and concert tickets
here. GWK offices can be found in the city centre, (Leidesplein) major
railway stations, Schiphol airport and at the border crossings with
Germany and Belgium. Note: visa cards are a rarity in the Netherlands.
Most chain stores don't take them and you need to show proof of identity
when buying something (take your passport).
The cheapest way to exchange money is to use the ATM machines in
the walls of most major banks. As soon as you insert your foreign
debit card, text will appear in English. (Even the Dutch bank staff
recommend you withdraw cash this way).
The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world. Children
still walk to school without being chaperoned by their parents, (although
it is advisable to accompany them to the local park.) The main problem
in the cities, especially Rotterdam and Amsterdam, is the presence
of pickpockets. Be particularly vigilant in street markets, crowded
tourist sites and railway stations. Don't carry a laptop in your hand,
hide it away in a backpack instead.If you are the victim of a crime,
the majority of police officers speak good English and deal sympathetically
with your case.
The emergency telephone number (no coins required) is 112
In Amsterdam, areas round the Oude Kerk, Zeedijk and De Pijp can
feel unpleasant at night, so leave valuables at home or in the hotel
safe. Women don't tend to get hassled in the street, but cycling is
a safer way of getting home late than walking, if you are alone.
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| Tipping |
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Although a service charge generally is included in restaurant prices
and taxi fares, it is customary to give taxi drivers and waiters a tip
of about 10 percent. Porters, doormen and room service will expect a
small tip for their services. |
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