Great Cities of Europe

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ Great Cities of Europe / Great Cities of Europe - Disc 1.iso / cwrsrc / amsterds.txt < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1995-11-30 | 22KB | 637 lines

<F16>Amsterdam</F> <L7><F14>Basic Information</F> Documents Required: For citizens of the EC, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, a valid passport is all you need if your stay is less than three months. Currency: The Netherlands's unit of currency is the guilder (fl.). There are no limits on the amount of currency that may be imported or exported. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and stores. Banks: Amsterdam banks are open weekdays 9a.m.- 4 p.m. Customs: Travelers between EC countries have no allowance restrictions. Visitors from outside the EC must declare any items above customs allowances for that country ($10,000 in the Netherlands). Prohibited and restricted goods include drugs, weapons, meat products, fruit, plants, and protected animals. Climate: Amsterdam has a mild maritime climate with cool summers (average 55F) and temperate winters (average 41F). The driest months are in the spring, but visitors at all times of the year should expect some wind and rain. Tipping: Service charges and sales tax are almost always automatically added to your restaurant or hotel bill. Taxi fares include service and taxes, but drivers still expect a 10 percent tip. Tourist Information: Before leaving the United States, contact the Netherlands Board of Tourism, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 326, Chicago, IL 60601; 312/ 819-0300. In Amsterdam, visit the VVV opposite Centraal Station at 10 Stationsplein; 20/ 626-6444 or 20/625-2869. American Consulate: 19 Museumplein; 20/ 664-5661. Airports: Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is a major international hub. Express trains leave Schiphol for central rail stations in the city 24 hours a day. KLM Road Transport runs shuttle buses between the airport and major Amsterdam hotels. Or, call a taxi. Getting Around: Driving in the Netherlands can be frustrating, and parking in cities is never easy. Use public transportation, or even a bicycle. By Car: To drive a vehicle in the Netherlands, you must carry a valid national driver's license. In urban areas, the speed limit is usually 50kph (31mph). Main roads outside cities have a limit of 100kph (62mph) and superhighways 120kph (74mph). Most major international car rental firms have branches in Amsterdam. Payment by credit card is usually required, and the minimum rental age is 18. By Air: The KLM Cityhopper (20/ 474-7747) operates domestic flights out of Schiphol. By Taxi: Taxis can rarely be hailed in the street. Order one by telephone (20/ 677-7777) and it will appear almost immediately. You can also go to a taxi stand. By Bus: Amsterdam's small outer villages can be reached by yellow regional buses called streekbussen, which operate from Centraal Station. Call 06/ 899-1177. By Bike: Rent bicycles at Centraal Station (20/ 624-8391), Amstel Station (20/ 692-3584) and at bike shops around the city. In Amsterdam: The city has extensive tram and metro networks, and the same tickets are used on these and the maroon-colored city buses. Buy one-way tickets from the driver, or save money and buy the 15-trip strippenkaart at post offices, rail stations, tourist offices, newsagents, and tobacconists. Trams and metros usually run until midnight, while night buses run on certain routes until morning. For more information, the public transport information office is opposite Centraal Station. Postal and Telephone Service: Post offices are marked PTT and are normally open weekdays from 8:30a.m.-5:30p.m. Public telephones are green and labeled PTT Telecom. International calls should be preceded by (09) and then the country code (1 for the United States). To call the Netherlands from the United States, dial 011-31, then the city code (Amsterdam is 20) and number. Public Holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Queen's Birthday (April 30), Ascension Day (sixth Thursday after Easter), Whit Monday (second Monday after Ascension), Christmas Day, and December 26. All banks are closed on these days. Electric Current: Electrical outlets accept plugs with two round prongs. The current is 220V. Laws and Enforcement: Visitors should be aware that there is a permissive attitude in Amsterdam and other large cities in the Netherlands towards victimless crimes. Soft drugs, prostitution, and pornography are readily available and largely decriminalized, but they are not legal. TIME LINE Beginnings of the City 1225 A small settlement of fisherman live on the Amstel River. 1270 The Amstel River is dammed. 1275 Count Floris V of Holland grants Amsterdam an exemption from tolls, resulting in the first historical record referring to the city. 1300 The Bishop of Utrecht grants Amsterdam a city charter. 1317 Amsterdam is annexed to Holland after years of fighting between the Count of Holland and the Bishop of Utrecht. 1345 The "miracle of Amsterdam," a communion wafer with healing powers, draws large numbers of pilgrims. Burgundian Rule 1428 Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, acquires Holland and restricts city privileges. 1452 Stone becomes the mandated building material after fires destroy wooden houses. 1477 City privileges are restored by Mary of Burgundy, Philip's granddaughter. 1535 Anabaptists seize city hall, beginning a period of Protestant repression. Spanish Rule 1555 Charles V abdicates the throne in favor of his son, Philip II. 1562 Amsterdam's population reaches 30,000. 1566 Political unrest (the Beeldenstorm) leads to the authorization of Protestant worship in public. 1568 William of Orange leads a revolt against Spain and begins the Eighty Years' War. 1578 In a bloodless revolution called "the alteration," Amsterdam switches loyalty from the Catholic (Spanish) side to the Protestants. 1585 Antwerp falls to the Spanish, creating a mass northern emigration to Amsterdam. Golden Age 1588 The defeat of the Spanish Armada marks the start of Holland's economic prosperity and artistic genius. 1602 The Dutch East India company is founded. 1609 Plans for Amsterdam's three canals are laid. 1620 The Speedwell leaves port bringing Pilgrims to the New World. 1626 Peter Minuit buys Manhattan from Indians and names the settlement Nieuwe Amsterdam (renamed New York in 1664 when the English oust the Dutch). 1648 The Treaty of Mƒnster ends the Eighty Years' War. Anglo-Dutch Wars 1652 The first war erupts as a result of the English Navigation Act. 1685 Louis XIV revokes the Edict of Nantes; Huguenot refugees flood Amsterdam. 1747 Civil unrest in Amsterdam as the French invade. 1780 The fourth Anglo-Dutch war begins when the Dutch help American rebels. Kingdom of the Netherlands 1813 The Netherlands are unified and Amsterdam is no longer a self-governing city. 1815 Amsterdam becomes the capital of Holland. Today 1928 Site of the Olympic Games. 1934 The city's population reaches 800,000. 1945 Canadian soldiers liberate Amsterdam on May 8. 1947 The Diary of Anne Frank is published. 1980 Rioting occurs on Queen Beatrix's Coronation Day (April 30). </L7> <L6><F14>Hotels</F> Pulitzer $$$ 315-33 Prinsengracht 20/ 523-5235, fax 20/ 627-6753 Created from a grouping of 17th-century canal houses, the Pulitzer is intimate and charming. Many of the rooms face the canal or a courtyard garden. De L'Europe $$$ 2-8 Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20/ 623-4836, fax 20/ 624-2962 Most rooms have balconies that overlook the Amstel River and the Munt Tower. Ambassade $$ 335-353 Herengracht 20/ 626-2333, fax 20/ 624-5321 As long as you won't miss direct-dial phones and minibars, the romantic Ambassade may suit you. Comprises a row of 17th- and 18th-century canal houses. Cok Business Class Hotel $$ 34-36 Koninginneweg 20/ 664-6111, fax 20/ 664-5304 Designed for the business traveler, this 182-room hotel offers guests extensive secretarial and communication services. Acro $ 44 Jan Luykenstraat 20/ 662-0526 Close to the major art museums, Acro is noted for friendly service and clean, modern facilities. One of the city's best deals. Seven Bridges $ 31 Reguliersgracht 20/ 623-1329 The 11 rooms in this 18th century canal-side house are bright and clean. Located near Rembrandtsplein. Restaurants Amsterdam's restaurants reflect the cultural diversity of the city's population, but you can also find traditional Dutch restaurants. Dynasty $$$ 30 Reguliersdwarsstraat 20/ 626-8400 Exceptional Thai and Cantonese dishes. In the summer there is dining on a terrace. Excelsior $$$ Hotel L'Europe, 2-8 Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20/ 623-4836 Overlooking the Arno River. Classic French combined with nouvelle cuisine. Extensive wine list. Lucius $$ 247 Spuistraat 20/ 624-1831 A chic austere seafood restaurant. Diners sit on long wooden benches while enjoying everything from Mediterranean bass to mussels. Sauvage $$ 17d Runstraat 20/ 627-0618 Innovative seasonal cooking and the option of a prix fixe menu with three, four, or five courses. Tempo Doeloe $ 75 Utrechtsestraat 20/ 625-6718 Spicy dishes from Java, Sumatra, and Bali. Tout Court $ 13 Runstraat 20/ 625-8637 A favorite in Amsterdam, Tout Court combines rich sauces with unconventional meat dishes. Sample the kidney, liver, or brain. </L6> <L1><F14>Sites</F> Anne Frank House 263 Prinsengracht 20/ 556-7100 Fourteen-year-old Anne Frank and her family hid from the Germans for more than two years during World War II in the small annex of this house. Today, the house is a museum. Artis (Zoo) 40 Plantage Kerklaan 20/ 623-1836 Children will love the petting zoo where they can play with farm animals. There is also a reptile house designed as a tropical forest, an aquarium, and a seal pool. Herengracht This inner canal stretches through Amsterdam for a mile and a half. Many of the best 17th-century town houses line the banks. For shorter walks, try the areas from Huidenstraat to Leidsestraat and from Leidsestraat to Vijzelstraat. Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) Dam 20/ 624-8698 The Royal Palace, which is still occasionally used by the royal family, was built as the town hall in the mid-17th century. It was first decorated as a palace by Emperor Louis Napoleon in 1808. Leidseplein The city's center of theaters, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs. Nieuwe Kirk Dam 20/ 626-8168 Now a spirited social and cultural center that is open to the public, this enormous Protestant church has a history dating back to the early 1400s. Oude Kirk 23 Odekerksplein 20/ 625-8284 Amsterdam's oldest church, it was built early in the 13th century. also see Museums and Culture </L1> <L2><F14>Museums And Culture</F> Most museums close on Sunday mornings and all day Monday. Allard Pierson Museum 127 Oude Turfmarkt 20/ 525-2556 The University of Amsterdam's vast archeological holdings are displayed in this neoclassical building. There is also an extensive collection of Greek relics and artifacts from Cyprus and Crete. Amsterdam Historisch Museum 92 Kalvrstraat 20/ 523-1822 Housed in an elegant 17th-century orphanage, the museum chronicles the city's rise to power. Joods Historisch Museum (Jewish Historical Museum) 24 Jonas Daniel Meijerplein 20/ 626-9945 or 20/ 624-1721 Situated in a group of four synagogues. For a kosher snack, visit the museum's cafe. Nederlands Scheepvaart Museum (Maritime Museum) 1 Kattenburgerplein 20/ 523-2222 Countless displays of maps, globes, and model ships that document Amsterdam's seafaring history. Rembrandthuis Museum 4-6 Jodenbreestraat 20/ 624-9486 Rembrandt's home from 1639-1658. As a museum, the house contains more than 250 pieces of the artist's work. Rijkmuseum 42 Strathouderskade 20/ 673-2121 Renowned for its 17th-century Dutch paintings, which include works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Ruisdael, and Hals. There is also an outstanding collection of Northern Renaissance work. Stedelijk Museum 13 Paulus Potterstraat 20/ 573-2911 An impressive array of post-WWII works, including Dubuffet and De Kooning. Van Gogh Museum Paulus Potterstraat 7 20/ 570-5200 Representing all periods of the painter's life, the museum has hundreds of paintings and drawings. Works by the artist's brother Theo are also featured. Music Beurs Van Berlage 243 Damrak 20/ 627-0466 A former stock exchange that is now home to the Nederlands Philharmonisch (Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra) and Nederlands Kamerorkest (Dutch Chamber Orchestra). Concertgebouw 2-6 Concertgebouwplein 20/ 671-8345 Holland's most prominent orchestra, the Concertgebouworkest, performs here. Check newspapers for weekly free lunchtime concerts. De Ijsbreker 23 Weesperzijde 20/ 668-1805 An arena for contemporary classical music. Muziektheater 22 Waterlooplein 20/ 625-5455 Home of the National Ballet and the Netherlands Opera. Free lunchtime concerts are held September to June. Theater and Dance Felix Meritis 324 Keizersgracht 20/ 623-3111 This center showcases experimental drama, film, and dance. Leidseplein 26 Leidseplein 20/ 624-2311 Traditional and modern theater and dance. </L2> <L5> <F14>Shopping</F> Stores are usually open on Monday from 1P.M.-6 P.M., Tuesday through Friday 9A.M.- 6 P.M., and Saturday 9 A.M.-5 P.M. When making purchases of more than Fl. 890 ($620), ask for a certificaat van uitvoer OB90 (export certificate) from the store, which you must present to the customs officer when you leave the country. Customs will return the slip to the store, which will then mail you a tax refund. With 20 percent sales tax, the amount saved can be considerable. Antiques The Rokin area is best for serious shoppers. Novice antiquers should try the less forbidding shops on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat. Amsterdam Antiques Gallery 34 Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 20/ 625-3371 There are 12 dealers in this one gallery, featuring fine and decorative arts. Couzijn Simons 578 Prinsengracht 20/ 623-2654 Antique dolls and toys. Art Galleries Most of Amsterdam's 150 art galleries are found around the Rijksmuseum and along the area running from Leidsestraat to Vijzelstraat. Auction Houses Viewing days are advertised in newspapers and at auction houses. Van Gendt 96-98 Keizersgracht 20/ 623-4107 Specializes in books, maps, and prints. Veilinghuis De Nieuwe Zon 197 Overtoom 20/ 616-8586 For antiques and household goods. Books and Newspapers Bookstores are clustered on the canal ring formed by Singel and Kloveniersburgwal. Architectura & Natura 44 Leliegracht 20/ 623-6186 As the name says, for nature-lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Athenaeum Nieuwscentrum 14-16 Spui 20/ 623-3933 The shop itself dates to 1904. Books in English, Dutch , French, Spanish, and Latin. Delftware This distinctive hand-painted porcelain is still created by De Porceleyne Fles in Delft. Focke & Meltzer 65-67 P.C. Hooftstraat and 176 Kalverstraat 20/ 664-2311 Dutch tiles, Scandinavian and German glassware, and classic Delftware. Department Stores De Bijenkorf 1 Dam 20/ 621-8080 The Harrods of Amsterdam. Metz & Co. 455 Keizersgracht 20/ 624-8810 Best for sophisticated souvenirs. Diamonds Bonebakker 86-9 Rokin 20/ 623-2294 Coster 2-4 Paulus Potterstraat 20/ 676-2222 Specialties Wout Arxhoek 23 Damstraat 20/ 622-9118 Dutch cheese is more than just Edam or Gouda. You'll find rarities like Frisian clove cheese. Hendrikse Le Confiseur 448-450 Overtoom 20/ 618-0260 A wealth of chocolate. 'T Klompenhuisje 9 Nieuwe Hoogstraat 20/ 622-8100 Wooden clogs, sold here, were originally worn in Holland's boggy regions. Now they're mostly seen as plant holders. Markets Albert Cuypmarkt Albert Cuypstraat Stalls sell everything from potatoes to champagne at this crowded street market held Monday through Saturday. Plantenmarkt Amstelveld A plant and seed market open early on Mondays from May through October. Waterlooplein Flea Market Waterlooplein For second-hand clothes, old books, and other oddities. Toys, Games, and Models Authentic Models Holland Nederlands Scheepvaart Museum Kattenburgerplein 1 20/ 624-6601 In the basement of the maritime museum is a large selection of finely crafted model wooden ships. Speelgoedzaak Intertoys Holland 26 Heiligeweg 20/ 622-1122 The city's largest toy store. Belltree 10 Spiegelgracht 20/ 625-8830 Made-in-Holland products including models of canal houses and teddy bears crafted from fabric remnants. Vliegertuig 8 Gasthuismolensteeg 20/ 623-3450 Kites. </L5> <L3> <F14>Children</F> Amstelpark Miniature trains, pony rides, a seal pool, and a farmyard make this park a winner. De Krakeling 1 Nieuwe Passeerdersstraat 20/ 624-5123 A children's theater-- most shows are in Dutch but they occasionally have a mime or music. Amsterdam Marionettentheater 8 Nieuwe Jonkerstraat 20/ 620-8027 Guided backstage tours on the art of puppetry. Reservations required. Elleboog 32 Passeerdersgracht 20/ 626-9370 A children's circus. Reservations required. Kinder Kookcafe 193 Oude Zijds Achterburgwal 20/ 625-3257 Meals are prepared under adult supervision by kids aged 6-12. Mirandabad Swimming pool with great slides and a wave machine. Jaap Edenbaan 64 Radioweg 20/ 694-9894 Amsterdam's year-round skating rink. When it's cold enough, you can also skate on the numerous canals and lakes in the city. <F14>Night Spots</F> Amsterdam is alive at night, with much of the activity taking place around the Leidseplein. Red Light District [Walletjes] This area of the city draws tourists and natives alike. Cafes sell an assortment of soft drugs, and prostitution is anything but hidden. Use caution when visiting at night. Music Bimhuis 73-77 Oude Schans 20/ 623-1361 This bright jazz club is on the east side of the city, not far from the Rembrandthuis. Concerts are in the amphitheater, and there are also informal jams with young musicians. Miles 163 Lijnbaansgracht 20/ 626-8910 Reggae, rock, and jazz are all at home in this dark dive. The String 98 Nes 20/ 625-9015 Acoustic guitars and jazz pianists in this intimate folk and blues cafe. Gambling Holland Casino Amsterdam 62 Max Euweplein Amsterdam's new and only casino. </L3> <L4> <F14>Excursions</F> These destinations are all a short journey from Amsterdam, and are accessible by train and bus. Aalsmeer Flower Market The Aalsmeer complex covers 47 acres and has a special visitors gallery from which you can watch the flower auction take place. Trains with heaps of cut flowers snake through the building on computerized tracks. You can't participate in the bidding, but information and tours are available in English. Zaanse Schans Northwest of Amsterdam near Zaandam, this quaint village is noted for its six windmills. Visit a cheese farm, a wooden shoe workshop, and a clock museum. There are also boat excursions on the Zaan river. Alkmaar Cheese Market Go on Friday mornings to visit the kaasmart, the town's cheese market. After inspection and weighing, the cannonball-sized cheeses are carried off on wide sleighs. Bidding is fast and unintelligible, but you'll get samples to nibble on. Zandvoort Swim in the North Sea at this coastal town. The enormous dunes behind the beach are ideal for walking and bicycling. </L4> (c) 1995 Leisure and Travel