Amsterdam, Holland: Basic Facts
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, also known as Holland.
This is considered as the greatest planned city in the world and is located in the province of North Holland, in the north-west of the country.
Amsterdam, Holland is a lively, vibrant and liberal city.
It also covers an area of about 207 square kilometers and is populated by around 1,730,000 inhabitants.
Today, it is known as the “Venice of the North” as it is built on 90 islands connected by 400 stone bridges across 100 kilometers of the canals.
With its strategic location, Amsterdam, Holland is relatively quiet with little traffic.
Arts and Events
Amsterdam, Holland is in the first place a place worthy of visit. It has more arts treasures per square kilometer than any other country on earth.
Also, it has a number of great museums, all serving as the home to the world’s richest and most comprehensive collection of art masterpieces, dating back from the 15th century up to the 20th century.
Aside from arts, Amsterdam, Holland is famous for its excellent performance halls that play host to music, dance and the widely acclaimed performing arts festivals.
Amsterdam Dining
A number of restaurants are now operating in Amsterdam, Holland. Their number is even more increasing with multinationals such as Sony, IBM and Xerox choosing Amsterdam as their base for European operations.
The restaurants in the city of Amsterdam, Holland offer great dining with international menus that have been dramatically increased, giving diners an extensive choice of cosmopolitan culinary options.
It is also interesting to know that local dishes are also served in the restaurants, and include stampot, a down to earth meal consisting of mashed potatoes with carrots, onions, bacon and smoked sausage.
The poffertjes, small hot pancakes covered in powdered sugar are also delicate and sold by vendors at fairs or similar events.
However, just note that in Amsterdam, Holland the restaurants will close earlier than you might expect as the Dutch tend to eat early in the evening.
The Tipping Service
In the city of Amsterdam, a service charge is generally included in restaurant prices and taxi fares.
However, this tipping service is usual to round the total up to the nearest euro, including a 10 percent for good service.
And, the room service and doormen in most of the Amsterdam hotels will generally expect a small tip for their services.
Transportation
Amsterdam, Holland has one of the finest and most reliable transportation networks in the whole continent of Europe.
It is this fact that makes Amsterdam, Holland a popular location for industry.
As you might notice in the city, fast and frequent trains and buses run throughout the country and are an excellent way to travel from the city of Amsterdam to other parts of the country.
What’s more, both bus and rail in Amsterdam provide effective connections to Central Station and the Schiphol International Airport.
Weather
The climate in Amsterdam, like the rest of Holland, is generally mild.
It is characterized by rarely dropping below freezing in the winter or becoming too hot in the summer.
Also, like any other countries in the northern Europe, Amsterdam, Holland is very prone to occasional but unspectacular periods of rainfall.
Background to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. It is known throughout the world as one of the greatest small cities in the world.
It lies on the banks of two rivers, the Amstel and IJ, and from its canals to the world famous museums and historical sights, Amsterdam has long been considered as one of the most romantic and wonderful cities in the whole continent of Europe.
Established in the later 12th century as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel River, Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centers in Europe.
One of the focal point of interest in this city is the Golden Age of Netherlands that dates largely from the 17th century.
It was noted that at this time, a row of concentric, semi-circular canals were built around the older city center, but this establishment still defines the city’s layout and appearance today.
Amsterdam now has fine houses and mansions that are situated along the canals.
The City Government
Amsterdam, as all Dutch municipalities, is governed by a mayor, his wethouders (aldermen), and the municipal council.
Nevertheless, the city is subdivided into fifteen stadsdelen (boroughs), which is a system implemented in the 1980s to improve local governance.
The establishment of this system is what sets Amsterdam unique from other Dutch municipalities.
The stadsdelen are said to be responsible for a number of activities that previously had been governed and managed by the central city.
Fourteen of these have their respective council, which is chosen by a popular election.
Westerpoort, the fifteenth, covers the harbour of the city and has very few inhabitants. It is also governed by the central municipal council.
The Language
When it comes to language, many of the people in Amsterdam are proud of the fact that just about everyone speaks English.
Although many also speak German and French, it is worth noting that in this capital city of Netherlands, it is a tradition that if you are English speaking, then speak English, unless you speak Dutch too because you are more likely to offend than do anyone a favor by trying out your French or German.
There is a common misconception in the language of Amsterdam; one of those is that Dutch is very close to German.
The truth is, they are not mutually intelligible: Dutch people have to learn German at school, and in general they speak better English than German.
However, Dutch and German are similar in the same sort of way that French and Italian are similar.
The Weather
In Amsterdam, the typical weather ranges from a little around freezing in the depths of winter to typically pleasant sunny days of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius in the summer.
There is also a little snow during the winter season.
Furthermore, the spring and autumn are pleasant in Amsterdam; however these seasons can be wet, with 100+ mm of rain per month.
Safety and Health
Amsterdam is a safe city, thus there is nothing really to fear from walking in any part of the city.
It has been noted that even in the red-light district around the Oude Kerk, tourists are always spotted wandering around.
However, as in any large cities in other parts of the world, you should beware of pick pockets.
Amsterdam Vacation
Opting for a vacation in the greatly planned city of Amsterdam, Netherlands?
Before flying to Amsterdam for your Amsterdam vacation, it is interesting to know first the basic facts about the city.
It’s pretty good to get a background of Amsterdam before spending a vacation there, isn’t it?
Well, for those who are currently planning or thinking for an Amsterdam vacation, or those who wish to know more about Amsterdam, here are facts below.
Amsterdam is actually a compact and instantly likeable city in Europe.
As claimed by many of those who have been there for an Amsterdam vacation, the city is very appealing to look at and pleasing to walk around.
It is a city where the parochial and international behaviors meet, and it is where you will feel a welcoming attitude towards visitors.
This kind of behavior we know about Amsterdam was said to be shaped by the liberal counterculture it embraces since the last four decades.
Majority of the people of Amsterdam is able to speak English fluently.
The layout of the city of Amsterdam is generally determined by a web of canals radiating out from a historical core to loop right round the center.
As many of the Amsterdam vacation resources have noted, these planned, seventeenth century extensions to the medieval town make for a distinctly elegant urban environment.
This is further shown by the presence of tall gabled house that are reflected in the black green waters of the city.
It is then nice to know that many of the Amsterdam vacationers have deemed the city as the city at its most beguiling, that is, a world away from the traffic and noise of a number of many other European city centers.
It is these facts actually that made Amsterdam one of Europe’s most popular short-haul destinations.
Before your Amsterdam vacation, it is interesting to know that there is actually an apparent contradiction to the positive aspects of the city, and this embodies much of the spirit of Amsterdam.
Many of those Amsterdam vacationers who have strolled the city for a long time may know that Amsterdam is worldly known as a place where the possession and sale of cannabis are effectively legal, or at least decriminalized.
For the most part, people of Amsterdam themselves can’t really be bothered with this stuff.
Also, while the city is renowned throughout the world for its tolerance towards all styles of behavior and dress, a primmer with a more mainstream dress sense would be hard to find.
And, as many of the Amsterdam vacationers have known, behind the cozy cafes and dreamy canals lurks the suspicion that the Amsterdammers’ hearts lie squarely in their wallets, and while the new Amsterdam vacationers see the city as a liberal haven, locals can seem just as indifferent to this as well.
Amsterdam Travel: Getting Around
So you are thinking for a travel to Amsterdam. Well, before you opt for a travel, I guess it is nice for you to know first some of the basic facts about Amsterdam, especially the mode of transportation. It is best that you know how to get there and how to get around for an ultimate Amsterdam travel.
Getting There
Amsterdam is actually accessible by air, by bus or by train, depending on your exact location.
By Air:
Note that when you go for your Amsterdam travel by air, the flights to the city usually arrive in the Schiphol Airportm, which is approximately 18 kilometers away, southwest of the city center. From the Schiphol airport, the trains typically leave for Central Station every 20 minutes and so the journey takes 20 minutes. Then, from the Central Station, you’ll get to have a taxi ride to town which takes approximately 15 minutes and the journey will cost you approximately €30. However, the cost actually depends on which part of the town you are going to.
Also important to consider when you prefer to take your Amsterdam travel by air is that some budget airlines are starting to fly to Rotterdam Airport, which is approximately one hour from the city via bus.
By Train:
As mentioned earlier, you can take your Amsterdam travel by train as there are domestic and international trains that travel going to Amsterdam. They typically arrive in the Centraal Station, which is located in the heart Amsterdam’s city center.
By Bus:
The buses arriving and leaving from the city of Amsterdam do so from Amstel Station. This station is actually linked to Centraal Station by metro. And, the buses leaving for London, Brussels, and Amsterdam’s other cities depart from the Amstel Station.
Getting Around
On your Amsterdam travel, note that you can stroll around the city on foot, by bike, by tram, or by bus or metro, as these are the usual mode of transportation around the city.
On Foot:
Actually, the central part of Amsterdam city is just easy to get around. However, most of what is within apart from the Red Light District and Dam Square, most of what there is to see is a short tram or bike ride away.
By Bike:
Here is a great tip for your Amsterdam travel: the best way to see the entire city of Amsterdam is to travel by bike. Today, there are more than 500,000 bikes in the city. As such, you can hire one of them for a small fee per day. Perhaps the most important thing to consider is to lock your bike, as bike theft is a huge problem in Amsterdam.
By Bus/Metro:
Both the tram and metro are useful for your ultimate Amsterdam travel. These are highly useful if you are traveling outskirts, but otherwise you probably won’t need to use them. In Amsterdam, there are two metro stations, at the Nieuwmarkt and Waterlooplein, while the bus stops are not as sparse.
By Tram:
Finally, you can take your Amsterdam travel by tram, the most important mode of public transport in the Dutch capital. In the city, there are 15 different lines and they are the backbone of the city’s public transport network. Just note that the best tram for your Amsterdam travel is No.20, which stops close to most of the tourist attractions.
Amsterdam Tour
When we talk about Amsterdam, Netherlands, it is very hard not to imagine misty cafes and scantily clothed women moving provocatively in windows with red lights. Many of the travelers from across the world return to this ultimate city of “sin” because of these sights alone. Most of them are busting with tales of the unexpected and if you get chances to visit the place, I’m sure that you will also create your own tales to tell.
Well, Amsterdam is not just about sex and drugs; it has all the great things that Mother Earth has to offer. The Netherlands has in fact that most amount of great museums per square foot than anywhere else in the world. If you take a tram ride 10 minutes from the heart of the city, you can overwhelm yourself with those narrow streets occupied with nothing else other than the cyclist and a car every now and then. The city is in fact so quite, but interesting.
Things to See in Amsterdam
The greatly planned city of Amsterdam is one of the few cities in the world where the people, the streets and the atmosphere are an attraction in themselves. It is in fact well-known throughout the world as the sole city where marijuana and hashish are sold legally. And, the worldly known Red Light District is just as much an attraction as a favorite hub for young men full of testosterone to go at night.
But as mentioned earlier, there is far much more to the city than drugs and prostitutes or sex. The city has long been considered as the “Venice of the North” because it was built on a cobweb of canals. You can greatly see most of the city from a canal boat, and from there you’ll surely appreciate the unique architecture that Amsterdam has long been proud to offer.
Furthermore, Amsterdam is heaving with a culture. It has a lot of great museums and libraries. Of all the interesting museums in the city of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum and Van Gogh Museums are names not to be missed.
Where to Eat
When you stroll around in the city of Amsterdam, you’ll surely find a high volume of restaurants. As commonly noted, you can see sandwich boards in front of the many restaurants advertising their daily specials and from a minute walk down the Damrak, the street facing Central Station, there are some neon lights saying “pizza”.
If you delver further into the city, you can find the Damstraat, the street on Dam Square, also peppered with eateries. Further down again towards Leidseplen, the Leidsekruisstraat and Leidsetraat have their good share of restaurants too. It is necessary to note however that the streets mentioned earlier are located in some of the city’s most touristy areas. So, if you wish to steer clear of such commercial centers, you have the chance to visit the Jordaan as some of the city’s coolest restaurants are found there.
In case you prefer to eat out in a restaurant beyond your budget during your tour, there are also some fast food outlets all over Amsterdam where you can get pizzas, chips or kebabs. However, just be careful when asking for mayonnaise on your French fries for they will be completely drowned.
Amsterdam Hotels
Called by many as Holland, the city of Amsterdam is the most visited center in the Netherlands. Recent statistics have shown that more than 3.5 million tourists are coming to visit Amsterdam per year. This popularity stemmed from its being a city of tolerance and diversity with all the advantages of a big city, be it culture, entertainment, international restaurants, good transport, and great hotels.
Speaking of hotels, many of the Amsterdam hotels offer the best accommodation, dining and entertainment. Many of the Amsterdam hotels offers discounts for those who wish to spend their holidays in the city. They usually feature up to 75 percent discount in their standard rates. However, it is important to note that Amsterdam is a busy place during weekends, especially during the high season. Thus, it is best that you book your Amsterdam hotel well in advance.
Here is a short list of the most preferred hotels in Amsterdam.
Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam – This hub currently has the most media coverage of all the Amsterdam hotels. It is very well situated, being nearer to the center of the city, with direct public transport connections. The place also has an easy access from the ring-road and from the rooms, lovely views over the fashionable Docklands areas are to be had.
In addition, Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam has parking facilities of its own in a parking garage. It also has restaurants, a bar, a soundproof music room, a library and even a “corner” shop. It offers 116 rooms, ranging from one to five stars, and it is these rooms which offer a different experience to its visitors. What’s more, the rooms in this Amsterdam hotel are beautifully finished with the most exciting Dutch designs in the interior of the rooms. All guests can also enjoy a free high speed internet access, other than satellite television with a unique selection of channels.
Piet Hein Hotel Amsterdam – Unlike Lloyd Hotel, the hotel Piet Hein offers you a pleasant nautical atmosphere. It is situated at the Vondelpark in the heart of Amsterdam, only steps away from the Van Gogh museum, Rijksmuseum, the Modern Art museum, and the lively Leidseplein with casino. As you may have noticed, this Amsterdam hotel is actually located at a beautiful spot in the Museum Quarter. You can also enjoy and relax at the open air concerts in the summer, as the Concertgebouw is just within walking distance from this Amsterdam hotel.
The Quentin Hotel Amsterdam – Located in the core of Amsterdam nightlife, The Quentin is known for her unique atmosphere. It hosts throughout the year a number of the city’s young music bands on a regular basis. It is also five minutes walk away from the beautiful Musuemplein, the home of the Rijksmuseum, with the most important collection of Dutch old masters, sculptures, prints and antique furniture. The Quentin Amsterdam hotel is also steps away from the Van Gogh Museum that hosts shows with more than 200 of the artist prime works as well as contemporary artists.
The colorful Flowers Market, as well as the Waterlooplein flea market are all within a walking distance and can be easily reached from the hotel.
Amsterdam Live Music Hotspots
Amsterdam is not only well-known throughout the world for their unique way of accepting pornography, soft drugs and prostitution, but also for their music and entertainment. There is actually a number of Amsterdam live music and entertainment centers today; all of them cater to the personal needs of every customer. Now, if you want to know them by name, by location or by service, then this is the right page for you to consider.
Below is a list of the most acclaimed Amsterdam live music hot spots worthy of visit:
Paradiso
Paradiso has long been considered by many as the great place to go if you want to dance the night away or to catch a live act. Actually, this place used to be a church and is not a great club. It features great dance nights where you can see a lot of great performers, although in a much smaller venue. Outside of Amsterdam live music, Paradiso hosts a number of different multimedia events.
Jazz Cafee Alto
Do you love jazz? If so, then the Jazz Cafee Alto is the ultimate place to go for Amsterdam live music. This center is actually the oldest Jazz Cafees in the great planned city of Amsterdam, and for many, this is probably the best among the bests. Just like Paradiso, this Amsterdam live music hot spot is not too large, but very popular. As a place for Amsterdam live music, Jazz Cafee Alto hosts great live jam sessions every week. Hans Dulfer and band of PAtric Sedoc are typically live here. And, perhaps what is nice about this venue is that there is no entrance fee, so you just go there and check their live music out.
Boom Chicago
As commonly noted, Boom Chicago is an Amsterdam institution that performs all over the world. They are acclaimed for their comedy shows with a mixture of good writing, quick thinking and high production values. What’s more, this center for Amsterdam live music creates tailored performances for corporate events as well as special events. And, if not in Boom Chicago itself, the band is often present at the 300-seat Leidseplein Theater where they perform almost every night. If you really want to enjoy their music and jokes, then come early and enjoy their music while enjoying with shaken cocktails.
Bimhuis
Here is another great Amsterdam live music center for jazz junkies – the Bimhuis. This spot has long been considered by many as the greatest jazz house in town. It caters live performances regularly, and there is no dress code here. Just come as you are and feel like any jazz lover.
Kashmir Lounge
Although a local coffee shop, Kashmir Lounge had drawn hundreds of tourists and locals alike. Many have discovered this Amsterdam live music hot spot and come back to this place for its laid back atmosphere, full bar and large seating spaces. This is known as another great place to visit for Amsterdam live music as Kashmir Lounge provides a DJ every night from 9pm until closing. Every Sunday, the party starts at 4pm with a DJ and free snacks. The accepted dress code here is casual.
