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The Canal Ring of Amsterdam
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Amsterdam the capital of Netherlands comprises of a large number of canals. The canal ring or the canal district is an entirely artificial creation of a large-scale port city built at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries. The Singelgracht is the name of the medieval port that encircles the old town area around which the canal ring was constructed.
First class hydraulic system and excellent urban planning are characteristic of this area. It became extremely wealthy during the 17th century and it prosperity was evident in the beauteous facades of the middle-class dwellings present here.
The three main canals that constitute the canal ring are The Princes’ Canal (Prinsengracht), The Emporer’s Canal (Keizersgracht) and The Gentlemen’s Canal (Herengracht). This area marks the development that Amsterdam had achieved even in the 17th century.
In 17th century Amsterdam served as the centre of trade and exchange. Influence of other cultures when it comes to civil engineering, town planning, architecture or technical and maritime developments is thus, evident in this area’s infrastructure.
Today canal area attracts a large number of tourists. It features shopping, dining, museums and many other attractions. If you are interested in knowing this area’s story in greater detail, visit some of the museums present here. It is bound to fascinate you.
The Red Light District of Amsterdam
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One of the popular and famous areas of Amsterdam is the Red Light district which consists of several canals, and the side streets between them, south of Central Station and east of Damrak. The buildings in this area are tall, thin and crowd together, overlooking the tree lined canals. The whole area has a heavy police presence, and many security cameras.
The area has many sex shops and peep show bars, brothels, gay bars, cinemas, hotels and different kinds of museums. Though the area is infamous, yet it attracts millions of tourist each year who come to visit this part of Amsterdam which gets livelier as the night grows darker. One of the major attraction of this area are the famous windows (about 250) with sexy girls, dressed in eye-popping underwear. And window-shopping, performed by both sexes is a favorite activity in the Red Light District.
Apart from adult entertainment, the area has 300-year-old gabled buildings, expensive real estate houses doctors, lawyers and plenty of families, many bars and restaurants, and historic buildings and museums. The oldest church in Amsterdam, the Netherlands-gothic Oude Kerk on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal at Oudekerksplein, is now surrounded by window prostitution.
Parks And Gardens In Amsterdam
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Amidst the busy and bustling city life of Amsterdam, lie some 30 parks in Amsterdam which are a great spot for a break from the routine life, especially in summer months when these green spaces turn into outdoor living and dining rooms for us locals and visitors alike, while performers, musicians and kids turn these parks into recreational hubs. Some of the best known parks and gardens in Amsterdam are:
Amstelpark
The park stands in the suburb of Buitenveldert, southwest of Amsterdam and features a host of recreational facilities like playground, mini golf, mini football and pony rides for children and rose garden, rhododendron walk, and model garden with nursery for the nature lovers.
Amsterdamse Bos
This woodland park is the largest recreational area in Amsterdam and a stretch of water called the Bosbaan flowing through the park acts as a venue for rowing competitions in the season. The Amsterdamse Bos is a home to about 150 variants of foreign and native trees and colorful collection of birds.
Vondelpark
This is the largest city park in Amsterdam, and the most famous park in the Netherlands. The park has a film museum, an open air theatre, a playground, and several other facilities. Every Friday there is the Fridaynightskate that starts in front of the Film museum. Yearly events include the golf tournament Vondelpark Open and the running contest Vondelparkloop. From June until August there are music and dance performances in the open air theatre.
Museumplein
This happens to be the most versatile Park of Amsterdam with sports playgrounds, and wadding pool which offer the facility of ice skating in winter.
Oosterpark
Standing in East Amsterdam, just behind the Tropical Museum, the park features several big, monumental sculptures.
Westerpark
This is an extensive park near the city center. A former gas factory, situated in the middle of the park, has been converted into pleasant cafes and creative offices.
Exploring Amsterdam On A Bicycle
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Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands is the country’s largest city and its financial, cultural, and creative centre. Amsterdam attracts a lot of tourists because of its beauty, the grid of lovely canals that criss-cross the city, its impressive architecture and more than 1,500 bridges.
Amsterdam is a very bike-friendly city and tourists would love to explore the place on a rented bicycle. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets. Some of the best options for renting bikes in Amsterdam include:
- Star Bikes Rental which offer Classic and solid dutch bikes for those who want to fit in with the locals. Prices: 5€ (4 hr) – 7€ (full day) – 9€ (24 hr), 2 lockers included.
- MacBike Bicycle Rental, which offer red bicycles with a MacBike sign on the front. They offer online bicycle reservations at their website.
- Orangebike, Rentals & Tours which offer 3 hr historical city tour by bike for €19.50.
- Damstraat, which offer daily to weekly rentals and also offer repairs for your bike and new and used bike sales.
The Amsterdam people follow basic norms when on bicycle. Here we offer some tips for the visitors who want to explore Amsterdam on bicycle:
- Be very careful and watch out for other cyclists.
- If not indicated otherwise by signs, the right-before-left rule applies.
- Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails. Always cross tram rails at an angle.
- A good map for cycling (routes, repairs, rentals + also public transport) is Amsterdam op de fiets (a Cito-plan). When preparing a route, there’s a digital bicycle route-planner for Amsterdam.
- Make sure to get a good lock (or two), and to use it. Amsterdam has one of the highest bicycle theft rates in the world.
- Bicycles can be taken for free on all ferries across the IJ, and on all metros and some carriages of tram 26 using the bike supplement fee (€1.50 in 2010) on the OV chipcard.
Mozart Hotel Amsterdam
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Mozart Hotel Amsterdam
Overview of the Hotel: Mozart Hotel Amsterdam is located merely 500 meters from Leidseplein and 200 meters from tram stop Prinsengracht. It has a free Wi-Fi and a breakfast room that overlooks the canal. Every room at the hotel is furnished with an en suite bathroom and a TV while a selected few benefit from panoramic canal views. If you want to go for canal cruises or sightseeing mission then there is staff available to guide you. Rijks museum is close to the hotel and is 5 minutes walk away. The Kalverstraat shopping area and Vondelpark are only 10 minutes walking distance while dam square that includes the royal palace is about 1.5km away.
Amenities at the Hotel: There are vending machines for both snacks and drinks that you can find at Mozart Hotel Amsterdam with a 24 hour front desk and non-smoking rooms. On top of that, there is an elevator, photocopying and dry cleaning as well as free internet all day long. Private parking is possible at a location nearby and costs EUR 30 daily but you have to make reservations.
Hotel Rules: Checking in time is from 14:00 hours while checking out for all visitors is until 11:00 hours. Children under 2 years are allowed to stay free of charge for cots and every room has a maximum capacity of one baby cot. In case you want to come with an extra bed or baby cot, you have to request the hotel and wait for confirmation. Never carry your pets because they are never allowed into the hotel.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Double/Twin Room
Included in room price: 6% VAT, Continental breakfast
• Non refundable
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included: € 8 per person
Hotel Abba Amsterdam
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Hotel Abba Amsterdam
Overview of the Hotel: The Hotel Abba is one of the simple 1-star hotels in Amsterdam located at its center and is surrounded by great tourist sites such as the museums, shopping markets and streets. It also has a tram stop right in front of the hotel and a Vondelpark that is around the block. In addition, the hotel is quite close to some of the restaurants and small cafe’s and with a staff more than willing to give you the best experience while at the hotel where they can offer to book some trips and excursions for you.
Amenities for the Hotel: The hotel offers rooms with both shared and private facilities while other rooms remain convenient for both families as well friends in terms of providing 2 separate bedrooms and an adjoining bathroom. In addition, there are rooms with balcony which offer great views for the city. The hotel does have more amenities such as family rooms, a safety deposit box, a designated smoking area and luggage storage. There are also other facilities such as fax and photocopying services as well as Internet that’s charged 3£ per hour.
Hotel Rules: The check ins are from 15:00hours while the check outs are until 11:00 hours. In addition, there are cancellation and prepayments regulations and policies which will vary with the room type. Furthermore, children under 4 years are given free accommodation as long as they use existing beddings while children under 2 years are offered full accommodation for free. There are normally no extra rooms for extra beds or baby cots otherwise arrangements can be made upon request which will need verification from the hotel. Pets are allowed only on request and there are no charges. For payments, using credit cards like American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard and ATM cards is generally acceptable.
Hotel Room types and Rates:
Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
Included in room price: 6% VAT Buffet Breakfast
Free Cancellation
Breakfast included: € 75
Single Room with Shared Bathroom
Included in room price: 6% VAT Buffet Breakfast
Free Cancellation
Breakfast included: €50
Triple Room with Shared Bathroom
Included in Room price: 6% VAT Buffet Breakfast
Free Cancellation
Breakfast Included: € 105
Double or Twin room
Included in room price: 6% VAT Buffet breakfast
Free cancellation
Breakfast Included: € 85
Triple Room
Included in room price: 6% VAT Buffet Breakfast
Free Cancellation
Breakfast included: € 120
Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, 5 star hotel in Amsterdam
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Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, 5 star hotel in Amsterdam
• Overview of the Hotel: With respect to location of the hotel it is situated in and around the Amsterdam Central Station. The hotel is located about 10 minutes walk away from the Dam Square. From Renaissance you can easily even go to the city. Most shops, restaurants and sights are there in proximity. The hotel has renovated rooms having the spacious work desk and a seating area. There are total 402 rooms in the hotel and it is the chain of the Renaissance Hotels & Resorts.
• Amenities at the Hotel: With respect to general facilities in the hotel it included as restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, newspapers, terrace, non-smoking rooms, rooms/facilities for disabled guests, family rooms, elevator, express check-in/check-out, safe, heating, baggage storage, stores in hotel, allergy-free room available, all public and private spaces non-smoking and air conditioning. In services it includes as room service, meeting/banquet facilities, business center, babysitting/child services, laundry, dry cleaning, vip room facilities, breakfast in the room, ironing service, honeymoon suite, currency exchange, souvenirs/gift shop, bicycle rental, shoe shine, packed lunches, car rental, tour desk, fax/photocopying and ticket service.
• Hotel Rules: For hotel rules there are same rules at the common areas of the hotel whereas for the different areas there are various variable rules there too exist as well. The check in time into the hotel is 15:00 – 00:00 hours and the checkout time is 07:00 – 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies there even vary according to the room type. Pets are not allowed in the hotel. The hotel accepts credit card as American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club and JCB.
• Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Deluxe Room: € 398 (Per Night)
Best Western Dam Square Inn, Amsterdam hotels near Dam Square |
Best Western Dam Square Inn, Amsterdam hotels near Dam Square
Overview of the Hotel: Just steps from Dam Square and a 10 minute walk from Amsterdam Central train station, Best Western Dam Square Inn offers rooms with large beds, next to Amsterdam’s shopping district. Best Western Dam Square Inn is situated on a peaceful cobbled street in the heart of historic Amsterdam. This excellent location is within easy reach of the Red Light District and many bars and restaurants. You are also within walking distance of the floating Flower Market. There are plenty of trams just a short walk from the hotel, allowing you to easily access all sights in Amsterdam. Each of the rooms features extra-long beds, flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Tea and coffee-making facilities complete the room. Each morning a rich breakfast buffet is served.
The historic heart of the city, Amsterdam-Centrum impresses with world-famous attractions such as the Anne Frank House, Red Light District and Royal Palace. Enjoy a boat tour past traditional canal houses, old bridges and converted warehouses. Mornings can be spent browsing through the flea market on Waterlooplein, a square near the Jewish Museum. The Flower market is open 7 days a week and a must-see for every visitor. The picturesque Jordaan area radiates a unique atmosphere, thanks to its cosy cafés, art galleries and local boutiques. Hip clubs and trendy cocktails bars make up Amsterdam’s colourful nightlife.
Amenities at the Hotel: The hotel offers Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Safe, Soundproofed Rooms, Heating, Baggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking and Air Conditioning. Other services include Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Shoe Shine, Tour Desk, Fax/Photocopying and Vending Machine (drinks). Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and costs EUR 10 per hour. Parking Space is Not available.
Hotel Rules: The Check-in time for the hotel is from 14:00 hours and the Check-out time is until 11:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 6 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 35 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed/cot or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are not allowed. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, and ATM card. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.
Hotel Room Types and Rates:
Single Room: € 145
Included in room price: 6 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
Not included in room price: 5 % city tax.
Twin Room: € 175
Included in room price: 6 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
Not included in room price: 5 % city tax.
Double Room: € 175
Included in room price: 6 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
Not included in room price: 5 % city tax.
Triple Room: € 205
Included in room price: 6 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
Not included in room price: 5 % city tax.
Nightlife in Amsterdam, a depiction of a vibrant culture |
Amsterdam was always popular for its varied and vibrant cultural scene however for past few decades a new interest has developed into its culture and life pattern due to interest towards Dutch culture. And its music and clubs are a major part of its culture and nightlife. Below are mentioned some popular center for Nightlife in Amsterdam.
• Rain: Rain is a massive nightlife spot straight at the center of Rembrandtplein which is a hybrid bar/restaurant and nightclub and is much popular in Amsterdam for many good reasons and activities. here you can enjoy the all sort of music including hip-hop, funk, electro and house.
• Bimhuis: It is been known as jazz that once was the music lifeline of Amsterdam and even was immensely popular among locals. Many of the great jazz performers and artist has lived in the city involving the Chet Baker, who lived out his last days here. It is the city’s best top jazz spot and artists from entire Europe perform over here.
• De Stil: It is the spot for Whisky lovers it the city and it is said to boasting about hundreds of single malt whiskies as well as old whisky barrels that are served as tables. There owners are too friendly and offers whisky as in best friendly manner and aptitude.
• In De Wildeman: It is a former distillery that is quite famous for beer lovers in the city. Its tasting house serves the 17 beers on draught and round 200 bottled beers from the entire Europe and in meantime you also enjoy music too.
• Escape deluxe: It is one of the biggest clubs in the center of Amsterdam and provides an excellent location for dance and music in cool and intimate surroundings.
• Tuschinski: Amsterdam is also known for its arty cinemas. The art deco Tuschinski shows films from all over the world. Films are rarely dubbed into Dutch but are shown in the original language with subtitles.
• Melkweg: It is an old and popular club in Amsterdam that is aptly fit for a party and is attended by rock stars as for their alternative and precise acts and massive activities.
• Royal Theatre Carré: Koninklijk Theater Carré is known as Amsterdam’s most famous theatre, and earlier was home to a circus. Musicals and cabaret are generally organized at Theater Carré. It is a charming little theatre as old as going back in the past to year1786.
• Muziektheater (Opera House): Here Dutch National Ballet is being organized and it is considered as one of the best and most versatile dance companies in Western Europe, and the Netherlands Opera. Here is also organized the famous Netherlands Dance Theatre, that is Netherlands another world class and known ballet company. It is located on a curve of the Amstel in the heart of the city.
• Concertgebouw (Concert Hall): It is the home for the world- renowned Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Mariss Jansons. However, it also welcomes to the city visiting companies and international soloists. Here free concerts too also take place.
The best places to dine at Amsterdam
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This Amsterdam dining experience can put you across the comfortable food that is loved and liked into all the best international flavors. Below are mentioned some of the most popular restaurants and bars in Netherlands.
• Bazar: It is a spacious, airy and high-ceilinged restaurant. It is located within a former church building and its interior is provided with amazing ‘mosque makeover.’ There is an arrangement of comfortable seating in the restaurant that is spread over two floors. From its menu you can opt for North African, Iranian and Turkish food. The prominent menus at the restaurant are Algerian pancake with honey for breakfast, grilled chicken wings with a spicy harissa sauce for lunch, or “dolmé” for dinner. The food here offered is exuberating and here enough is on the platter even for Vegetarians
• De Bolhoed: This purely is a restaurant for Vegetarians as they here can have delicious food to consume. The charm and attraction of the spot can be evident from the fact as it has location of cozy interior, slightly bohemian ambiance, and outdoor, canalside terrace. Soups, salads, sandwiches and quiche are standard fare, and special menus are also offered at the restaurant.
• De Kas: Inspired from a circa-1926 greenhouse, this is a restaurant that provides airy, romantic and airy dinning. Its ambience is surrounded from garden from the outside. It is supplemented by local meats and seafood. Its vegetarian menu is a daily, prix-fixe event consisting of several appetizers, an entrée, and a sweet. Its lunch is consisted of two courses.
• Pont 13: Yet located away from the center of town this unique restaurant is worth the food it serves and is in operation since 1927 which ran back and forth across the harbor. It is beautifully renovated as with wooden floors and is in industrial ambience, diners there can enjoy magnificent French cuisine and fine wines within this huge boat.
• Bird: This is a very apt restaurant of your choice, if you are looking for some spicy food in the city’s Chinatown district and this one is authentic Thai restaurant that offers some of best of Chinese food on a very authentic and reasonable prices and rates. There you can witness queue here but grab a Singha beer at the bar and can wait there at a wooden bench precisely imported from Thailand. Here you will get Thai staff reasonably to be very cordial and friendly.
Night life Spots in Amsterdam
The night life spots are in abundance in Amsterdam and they are absolutely fit to match with your style. At these spots you can make best of your nightlife as you will have the opportunity to hang out with a beverage in hand and amidst enjoying live music in Amsterdam at places and spots like Club 8. There are many other places to enjoy at night in Amsterdam and the most famous are as following:
• Bimhuis: Serving clients since 1973, it is a premier center of jazz in Amsterdam and the great names like Charles Mingus, Art Blakey and Chet Baker had performed at its platform even in the past. It organizes around 300 concerts annually involving Dutch and International musicians and is considered as one of the best spot globally for jazz.
• ARC: This is a lively designer bar located at Amsterdam’s most stylish gay street. This is a city’s most stylish gay street famous for post work cocktails and dance floor to rock on DJ spin upbeat lounge and other dance music and the staff here you will get to be much cordial and helpful.
• Boom Chicago: If you desire to enjoy your night to fullest then there is no better place than a Boom Chicago performance. It is as created by American expatriates as to experiment and participate in a fast-paced world of wit, physical comedy and fun. It holds the great production values, terrific food and talented improved scenario characterizing the shows.
• Concertgebouw: It is being boasted as the busiest classical music spot globally and is situated within a neo classical building having massive interior designs. It organizes around 800 concerts annually. The crème de la crème of international orchestras and conductors are being organized in the main auditorium. It is renowned for its acoustics where chamber music is performed within the intimate confines of the small upstairs hall. There free entry is provided on Wednesdays from winter through spring.
• Paradiso: Before a music center it was a live music center and a beautiful church. Now it is a place for rather eclectic rhythms from welcome bands from around the world. Paradiso’s terrific acoustics appeal both to the audience as well as performers, which range from the up-and-coming to the well-known.
• Sugar Factory: It is situated in the center of the city and is the most inspired and eclectic programming of any of the city’s nightspots. There at early evening are organized various exhibitions, fashion shows, big band acts, performance art and cutting-edge multimedia events. The programs here are organized from Berlin cabaret to Barcelona house or women-only burlesque nights.