Amsterdam Sightseeing
Our lovely escort models can accompany your on a city tour around Amsterdam introducing to you the most interesting places of the capital of Holland and any other Dutch city.
Here you can find some information about interesting places, number one to see in Amsterdam: museums, sightseeing, casino, cinema's, coffeeshops, etc.
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Museums
Amsterdam has 37 museums, each of which offer very diverse permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. The largest and most renowned institutions include: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage, Anne Frank House and Rembrandthuis. There is also a surprising amount of smaller museums, each of which bring very different types of art and collections to Amsterdam. In recent years, photography and multimedia exhibitions have also been booming.
Van Gogh Museum
Most of the work by Vincent van Gogh has never left the Netherlands, and 200 paintings and 500 drawings are on permanent exhibition in the Van Gogh Museum, designed by Gerrit Rietveld. The paintings are presented unadorned, in chronological order according to the different periods and residences in Van Gogh's career. On the second floor are the colorful paintings van Gogh made during his stay in the South of France, among them the famous "Sunflowers". Also on display is work by Toulouse-Lautrec and Gauguin, van Gogh's contemporaries. Changing exhibitions highlight points in van Gogh's artistic development.
National Museum (Rijksmuseum)
The Rijksmuseum is the Amsterdam National Museum, Dutch people call "het Rijks". It is now being reconstructed, so there's only a limited opening with the highlights of their collection. There is however a nice night-opening on friday evening. Entrance for the time-being is located at the Jan Luijkenstraat corner Hobbemastraat through the garden.
By far the largest museum in the Netherlands, housed in a monumental neo-renaissance building designed by PJH Cuypers. The Rijksmuseum draws over one million visitors a year, and ranks as a major European museum of Western European painting and decorative arts. Currently the Rijksmuseum is the subject of an extensive renovation, and work is scheduled to be completed no sooner then 2010. Until then the museum is showing the finest works from its 17th century collection in the redesigned Philips Wing, under the title "The Masterpieces". More than 400 highlights from the Golden Age are on display, amongst which of course Rembrandts Night Watch. Besides Rembrandts there are paintings by Frans Hals, Paulus Potter, Jacob van Ruysdael, Jan Steen, and Johannes Vermeer. There are landscapes, seascapes, individual portraits, domestic scenes and Dutch still lifes which together give a good overview of Golden Age life in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam Historical Museum
Long ago, a small settlement on the river Amstel. Later the centre of 17th century world trade. Today a colourful international city, with its special appearance and independently minded inhabitants. The Amsterdam Historical Museum tells the compelling story of the growth and heyday of this unique city. Go on a fascinating journey of discovery down seven centuries of the city’s history, through the intimate rooms and courtyards of the former Civic Orphanage, where Amsterdam’s orphans once lived.
Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)
Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) was chosen as the best historical museum of the Netherlands. Visitors will experience the mood of the war years as they take a walk through the Netherlands of before, during and after World War II.
Erotic Museum
Collection of erotic art throughout the centuries from the old masters to contemporary artists. A varied offer including sculptures, pottery, paintings, drawings, photographs and other visual material.
Diamant Museum Amsterdam
The Amsterdam Diamond Museum takes you on a journey that began 3 billion years ago, 200 kilometeres under the surface of the earth, and which ends in the ring on your finger or in the pendant around your neck. Along the way you will penetrate as far as the carbon atom, meet the specialists who transform a rough stone into a sparkling jewel, be surrounded by many famous glittering diamonds and see the smallest brilliant diamond in the world with a microscope. You can learn about Amsterdam - City of Diamonds, centre of diamond processing and trade for more than four centuries, distinguish between a real and an imitation diamond for yourself an finally, enter the largest diamond in which stars from around the world encircle you.
The Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum
This museum offers visitors extensive documentation and historical facts about today's use of the cannabis plant as well as about its medicinal, religious and cultural applications. In addition, attention is given to the importance of cannabis to the environment, agriculture and industry. The museum shows that hemp has evolved to become one of Man's most valuable raw materials used in farming.
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Sightseeing
XtraCold Ice Café
Get those leg warmers on and head off to XtraCold Ice Café Amsterdam, which features over 60,000 kg of ice and ice sculptures. Styled by local interior guru Jan des Bouvrie, the cafe serves Smirnoff cocktails and Heineken extra cold beer. Once served, it’s time to chill in style.
Begijnhof
Just off Amsterdam's main shopping allee you'll find the Begijnhof, a secluded court of almshouses with a quiet innergarden and the English Reformed Church in their midst. Dating from the 14th century, the Begijnhof used to house devout lay-women who did religious work for the adjacent nunnery, mostly in education and nursing. Most of the houses were renovated during the 17th and 18th century and only one of the original medieval wooden houses remains (no 34, dated 1475). True to tradition the Begijnhof still houses the elderly poor, and this island of tranquillity is certainly worth a visit. The Begijnhof can be reached through a doorway on the Spui, or from within the Amsterdams Historisch Museum.
The canals of course are one of the major attractions of the 'Venice of the North'. By daytime already very charming, by night they become even more enchanting because a lot of the canal houses and bridges are beautifully illuminated. The four main city centre canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel, and of course there are numerous smaller canals, of which the Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant.
During the sixties flower power in the Netherlands was symbolized by the famous Damslapers, a 'bunch of hippies camping out on Dam square'. Nowadays the square has lost a lot of it's former easygoing charm but it's still one of the focal points of the city. Not surprising, as Dam square is the physical center of the city ever since the dam was built to keep the Zuiderzee (Southern Sea) out. In the midst of the square is the Nationaal Monument, dedicated to the Dutch soldiers and members of the resistance who died during World War Two.
During the sixties when Amsterdam was divided between Nozems (greasers) and Provos (hippies) the Leidseplein was the major Nozem hangout, and thus a very cool place. Nowadays the area has deteriorated a bit, with an abundance of fast food, travel agencies and money changers. Nonetheless, the Leidseplein itself is a pleasant enough small square, flanked on three sides by bars and with a large tree-shaded terrace in the middle. During summer the square comes alive with street performers; everything from jugglers and fire-eaters to percussionists, mime players and clowns.
The former Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam, a national monument and listed in the European Route of Industrial Heritage, offers some 3000 square metres of special exhibition space. Millions of hectolitres of Heineken beer have been brewed here until 1988, when the Heineken brewery in Zoeterwoude took over production from the Amsterdam brewer. In this unique environment, you'll experience Heineken's rich history and the tradition and craft of brewing.
At first sight the Royal Palace on Dam square doesn't seem very royal, and doesn't even look like a palace at all. All very understandable because Jacob van Campen designed this building as a city hall, which it was until 1808, when Napoleon's brother Louis Bonaparte ruled Holland for 5 years. He thought the building fit for a king, and ever since this has been the official palace for the reigning queen or king of the Netherlands.
Except for official receptions it is not used much. In summer you can take a guided tour of the palace, the highlights of its interior being the Empire furniture Bonaparte left behind, and paintings by Rembrandt's pupils Govert Flinck and Ferdinand Bol.
Oude Kerk (Old Church)
The oldest church of Amsterdam, it dates back to around 1250. The Old Church frequently hosts exhibitions and concerts.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. Today, there are more than 6,000 plants growing in the garden and greenhouses. The Hortus is located in the Plantage district on the edge of the hectic centre of Amsterdam. Originally, the Hortus was a medicinal herb garden, founded in 1638 by the Amsterdam City Council. At that time, herbs were of vital importance as the basis of medicines and the city had just experienced a plague epidemic. Doctors and pharmacists trained in the preparation of prescriptions at the Hortus.
De Nieuwe Kerk
De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam is famous for its much talked-about exhibitions. With hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, the church is one of the most attended exhibition locations in the Netherlands. The large-scale exhibitions on treasures from other countries, cultures and religions are a household term to many people. De Nieuwe Kerk is located in the middle of the city centre at Dam Square next to the Royal Palace.
The Sloten Windmill (Molen van Sloten)
The Sloten Windmill is a tower mill, with an octagon from 1847. It is the only mill in Amsterdam that is accessible to the public. The mill lies on the outskirts of Amsterdam, at the ring canal and sees to it that the water level in the lower lying surroundings remains below a specific level.
This area is famous for its window prostitution, which is legal in Holland. The windows are illuminated by red lights, hence the name. Though you might suspect otherwise this section of town isn't really that seedy, and it's a common sight to see a busload of tourists take an organized tour of the district. The best time to see the fluorescent red glow of the Red Light District is once the sun goes down.
This is the major 'entertainment' area for rowdy Amsterdammers and out-of-towners. Bars chock-a-block with people singing along to Dutch folk songs at the top of their voices, and a few large disco's with heavy security at the door. Because all bars and disco's close at the same moment, sometimes things get out of hand a bit. Strangely enough the square is surrounded by major gay spots and just off the square is the Halvemaansteeg, a small street packed with gay bars. No problems here, so maybe Amsterdam really is a tolerant city. Also nearby is Reguliersdwarsstraat, currently the hippest nightlife street of Amsterdam.
The Reguliersdwarsstraat is definitely the hippest street in Amsterdam, as far as nightlife is concerned. The street is a mixture of upmarket gay bars, restaurants serving expensive French cuisine, and assorted night clubs catering to a slightly older crowd of media buffs, businessmen and local celebrities.
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Coffeeshops
A 'coffeeshop' can best be described as a café which does not sell alcoholic beverages and in which, under certain circumstances, soft drugs may be sold.
Greenhouse
Tolstraat 91
One of the best in town, according to the jury of the Cannabis Cup. It has won several awards, so worth the detour from city centre. Greenhouse is a coffeeshop on two levels, with an upstairs pool room, and a colorful interior with beautiful mosaics throughout. Relaxed atmosphere and good food, for a coffeeshop at least.
The Bulldog Palace
Leidseplein 13-17
Amsterdam's oldest coffeeshop has gradually turned into a genuine chain of soft-drug selling tourist hangouts, including a full range of Bulldog souvenirs. This one on the Leidseplein is definitely the biggest and the loudest of them all. Ironically this building once was a police station! Though the interior frequently changes the main theme seems to be Carribean. Loud music and videos - what else would you expect?
De Dampkring
Handboogstraat 29
A must visit, this winner of several Hightimes Cannabis Cups. Though winning this prestigous award attracts a fair share of visitors from abroad, the Dampkring is all in all still very much a coffeeshop for locals, with a friendly staff which will answer any questions you might have.
Global Chillage
Kerkstraat 51
One of Amsterdam's coolest places to chill and smoke. The mix of ambient music, colorful murals, soft lighting and the low seating create just the right atmosphere. Laid-back feel and a friendly staff. Deejays on weekends.
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Casinos
www.hollandcasino.nl
In the Netherlands, gambling is largely state-controlled. Certain games of chance such as Black Jack, Poker and Roulette may only be played in government-controlled casinos. There are two in Amsterdam: Holland Casino at Max Euweplein (near Leidseplein) and another at Schiphol airport.
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Cinemas
Amsterdam has dozens of cinemas. So whatever your taste in films, you’re bound to find something that appeals to you. For Hollywood blockbusters, head for the cinemas of the Pathé chain. Near Munt square you’ll find two such cinemas with several halls: Pathé De Munt and Pathé Tuschinski. The Tuschinski cinema is worth visiting for its beautiful art-deco interior alone. There’s another mega-cinema complex near the Arena stadium: Pathé Arena. All cinemas and most cafés show a playlist of current movies.
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