Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +31 for Netherlands
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +31 (0)20 316 4190 from 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 9am-6pm Saturday.
Train :
There are seven trains an hour from Schiphol airport to Centraal station. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Tickets: €3.40 single; €6 return.
Taxi :
The journey to the centre should cost €40.
Bus :
Connexxion Interliner bus 370 goes to central locations, such as Museumplein and Leidseplein, every 30 minutes during the day. It takes about 30 minutes. Tickets: €3.30
(125 Browersgracht. Tel. 020 773 0913) In keeping with its name, this place serves all kinds of noodles with vegetables, meat or fish. Perfect to take away—or buy your meal cold, then heat and eat it later.
(175 Prins Bernhardplein. Tel. 020 462 1646) This stylish modern restaurant near Amstel station offers classic French brasserie food, including excellent seafood. The wine list is very extensive and reasonably priced.
(251 Govert Flinckstraat. Tel. 020 679 8240) Savour rustic French dining in a romantic atmosphere at A la Ferme, in the trendy district of De Pijp. This is an intimate restaurant, perfect for couples or small groups.
(21 Jonge Roelensteeg. Tel. 020 344 6400) This all-white, surreal restaurant is renowned for its adventurous approach, eclectic décor and atmosphere. It offers a five-course meal for €65 (€70 at the weekend). The menu is a surprise—so check first if you have any dietary restrictions.
(31 Pijlsteeg. Tel. 020 639 2695) There must be something here for everyone, with more than 50 Dutch liquors and 20 jenevers (Dutch gins) behind the bar. Note that no mobile phones are allowed.
(238 Lijnbaansgracht. Tel. ) Just off the lively Leidseplein. Live music is offered almost every night, including impromptu jam sessions (www.sugarfactory.nl).
(127 Warmoesstraat. Tel. 020 622 1111) A fabulous club in the heart of the red light district. Vegas plays great music to get you on the dance floor and also features live acts.
On the ground
Shop
Thinking of a dog lover back at home or maybe you're a canine owner? Then look no further than V.I.P. Hondenboetiek, only a 20-minute walk from Dam Square, for all of your pet pooch needs (11 De Clercqstraat).
Insider Tip
Feeling lost? Rent a hand-held GPS navigation system for only €16 the first day and €10 each day thereafter. Pick up the GPS at one of several participating hotels. See www.citynavigators.com more information.
Key Area
Dappermarkt's 250-odd stalls offer a diverse array of handcrafts and food from Amsterdam’s multicultural population, including Morocco, Turkey, Surinam, Egypt, Tunisia, Indonesia and the Antilles.
This month
Find out about Amsterdam and the House of Orange at the Amsterdamse Historisch Museum. It has a special exhibition that explores the occasionally fraught relationship between the city and Dutch royal family over the centuries (359 Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Tel. 020 523 1822).
Day Tripping
Rotterdam
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This city is home to Europoort, Europe's largest port which stretches for 37 kilometres. Go shopping at Rotterdam Beurstraverse, visit the zoo or one of the many museums on offer. It's about an hour away from Amsterdam.
No way!
Amsterdam is known for its houseboats. Did you know there are more than 2,500 of them?
