Introduction
Home to 17th-century canals, legendary architecture and picturesque windmills, Amsterdam is one of the few capitals in the world that still cherishes a village vibe. Its creative spread is as alive today as it was in the days of Rembrandt, Breitner and Mondrian. And although the city is known as a liberal-minded paradise there's a lot more to the real Amsterdam that warrants exploration.
More from Amsterdam PDF VersionEssentials
- The Dutch are quite direct. Some call it honest; others call it blunt. Either way, don’t take it personally.
- Rent a bicycle: it’s fun, fast and eco-friendly.
- See Amsterdam from the water in a private saloon boat. At night the canal bridges are lit, providing a perfect setting for a romantic proposal. [nauticadam.nl](http://nauticadam.nl)
- Leave your car outside the city: parking is expensive.
Two-hour tour
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Noordermarkt — Saturdays mean Dutch farmers' produce and bric-a-brac, plus a choice of great apple pies from various cafés.
1015 MV Amsterdam
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Foam Photography Museum — Images from leading photographers and special-edition prints.
609 Keizersgracht
+31 20 551 6500
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KNSM-island — Explore Amsterdam’s modern architecture by bike.
Hotels
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Lloyd Hotel
34 Oostelijke, Handelskade
+31 20 561 3636
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Hilton Amsterdam
138 Apollolaan
+31 20 710 6000
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The Dylan
384 Keizersgracht
+31 20 530 2010
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Dining
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Vlaamsch Broodhuys
108 Haarlemmerstraat
+31 20 528 6430
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Café American
97 Leidsekade
+31 20 556 3230
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De Koffie Salon
130 Utrechtsestraat
+31 20 330 4312
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Stacey's Pennywell Brasserie
558 Herengracht
+31 20 624 4111
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Incanto
2 Amstel
+31 20 423 3681
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Buffet van Odette
598 Prinsengracht
+31 20 423 6034
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De Bakkerswinkel
37 Zeedijk
+31 20 489 8000
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Café Bern
9 Nieuwmarkt
+31 20 622 0034
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Le Garage
54-56 Ruysdaelstraat
+31 20 679 7176
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Ron Blaauw
55 Sophialaan
+31 20 496 1943
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Restaurant de Kas
3 Kamerlingh Onneslaan
+31 20 462 4562
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Vyne
411 Prinsengracht
+31 20 344 6408
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Bitterzoet
2 Spuistraat
+31 20 421 2318
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Brasserie Bark
120 Van Baerlestraat
+31 20 675 0210
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Paradiso
6-8 Weteringschans
+31 20 626 4521
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Brasserie Bark
120 Van Baerlestraat
+31 20 675 0210
Reading
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Mendo
11 Berenstraat
+31 20 612 1216
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Athenaeum
14 Spui
+31 20 514 1460
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Shopping
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Pompon — Flowers
8-10 Prinsengracht
+31 20 622 5137
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Imps & Elfs — Organic cotton shirts
41-44 Sloterkade
+31 20 346 0180
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Marlies Dekkers — Lingerie
18 Berenstraat
+31 20 421 1900
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Luuks — Shoes
12 Jacob Obrechtstraat
+31 20 670 4538
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Tenue de Nîmes
60 Elandsgracht
+31 20 320 4012
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Alternative diversion
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Rijksmuseum — See the old masters at the Rijksmuseum or take a tour through the Beurs van Berlage.
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Transport
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Mac Bike — Four locations around the city.
+31 20 620 6985
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Public transport — Get an OV-chipcard to get around easily by bus, metro and tram.
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Mister Green
+ 31 20 771 9026
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Fitness
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Personal Health Club
4 Breitnerstraat
+ 31 20 470 2067
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Yoga Garden
10 Rozendwarsstraat
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Running route — Jog in Vondelpark, west of the Leidseplein, where you can enjoy the rose gardens and lakes.
Museumkwartier