Untitled - IFMSA-NL

National Social Programme
The Netherlands
Summer 2014
Table of contents
Introduction ................................................................................................ 3
What to do if you want to join a NSP? ................................................................. 4
What do I need to bring to a NSP?...................................................................... 4
Typical Dutch .............................................................................................. 5
National Social Programme 1: Leiden ................................................................. 7
National Social Programme 2: Maastricht ............................................................ 10
National Social Programme 3: Amsterdam ........................................................... 15
What to do during the other weekends? ............................................................. 21
Groningen ................................................................................................. 21
Nijmegen .................................................................................................. 28
Rotterdam ................................................................................................. 31
Utrecht .................................................................................................... 36
Optional Day Trips ....................................................................................... 39
Fun Parks in The Netherlands .......................................................................... 43
Travelling by Public Transport in the Netherlands ................................................. 44
Contact information ..................................................................................... 46
Introduction
During the summer, two local committees of IFMSA-NL will be hosting a National Social
Programme for the incoming students of SCOPE and SCORE. During two weekends you will
be introduced to the cities of Maastricht and Amsterdam! The city of Leiden might also
organise an one-day activity in July. More information about that will be sent by then!
Date
18-20 July
City
Maastricht
8-10 August
Amsterdam
This booklet intends to give you an overview of the programme for this summer and all the
practical information you may need when staying in one of the Dutch cities. There is also
information about the other IFMSA-cities which will not be hosting a National Social
Programme (NSP) and some information about other fun things to see or to do in the
Netherlands.
We hope you’ll enjoy your stay with us in The Netherlands. If you have any questions about
the National Social Programme 2014, do not hesitate to contact us!
Your NSP coordinators,
Iolani van Urk and Thanh Mai Bui
What to do if you want to join a NSP?
Two weekends before the start of a NSP weekend, you will receive an email with an online
subscription form, contact information and a deadline for joining. Fill in the form before
the deadline and you should be fine!
Regularly check the Facebook-group (NSP IFMSA-NL Summer 2014: > click <) to stay up to
date.
What do I need to bring to a NSP?
As you will be staying at dorms of local members of IFMSA, it is important that you bring
your own sleeping gear (camping mattress, pump for the mattress and a sleeping bag)
unless you have been informed otherwise. Not bringing sleeping gear may not guarantee
you having a proper sleeping place. Besides sleeping gear, you will of course need to bring
your toiletries and other stuff you use on a daily basis. Certain activities might require you
to bring specific items, this will be mentioned at the concerning NSP programme in this
booklet. Here is a little list that might help you while packing!
0
Sleeping gear (camping mattress, pump, sleeping bag)
0
Tooth brush
0
Tooth paste
0
Towels
0
Toiletries
0
Pyjama
0
Extra clothing
0
Phone charger
0
Camera, in case you want to take pictures ;)
National Emergency Numbers:
-
Police, fire department, ambulance: 112
National number of the police, no emergency: 0900 8844
Typical Dutch
Some useful words/phrases in Dutch
Hello
Hallo/Hoi
How are you?
Hoe gaat het? / Alles goed?
Fine, thanks. And you?
Goed, dank je. En met jou?
My name is …
Mijn naam is … / Ik heet …
I’m from …
Ik kom uit …
Good morning
Goedemorgen
Good afternoon
Goedemiddag
Good evening
Goedenavond
Have a nice day
Nog een prettige dag verder
Bye
Doei (‘doeidoei’ for extra Dutch effect)
Thank you
Dank u
I don’t understand you
Ik begrijp je niet
How much does this cost?
Hoeveel kost dit?
Can you help me?
Kan je me helpen?
Cheers!
Proost!
Do you speak Dutch?
Spreek je Nederlands?
Do you want to dance with me?
Wil je met mij dansen?
I love you
Ik houd van jou
IFMSA rocks!
IFMSA is te gek!
Some typically Dutch delights
Stroopwafel: two thin waffle-type wafers
with a very special caramel filling.
Pannenkoek: Dutch pancakes, with all sorts
of different toppings. Try the salty-sweet
combination of cheese, bacon and apple
topping!
Poffertjes: these resemble very small
pancakes and are traditionally served warm
with lots of powdered sugar sprinkled on
top.
Drop: a sweet (liquorice) that comes in a
very large number of different forms and
tastes, from salty and hard to soft and sweet.
Vla: a thick sweet milk pudding which is similar to English custard, made mainly from milk
and offered in a variety of flavours.
Haring: a typical Dutch delicacy is a raw herring (fish) with raw onions.
Stamppot: a very down-to-earth meal
consisting of mashed potatoes with varying
ingredients like carrot (wortel stamppot),
cabbage (boerenkool stampot) or endive
(andijvie stamppot) and usually served
with a delicious, smoked, juicy, mild
sausage (these so called ‘rookworsten’ are
sold at the store HEMA).
Erwtensoep: pea soup, another famous
Dutch delight.
Vlaai: this is a pastry or a sweet pie
typical of the southern regions of the
Netherlands (Limburg and Brabant) but
available all through the country. It
comes in many different varieties and
usually contains some kind of fruit
filling. On the picture you see a vlaai
with cherry filling!
National Social Programme 1: Leiden
When: July, more information
will be communicated by then.
How to get there: Take a train
to Leiden Central, the
University hospital LUMC is
located right next to the train
station.
What to bring: will be
communicated by July.
Costs: will be communicated
by July.
Programme
Will be communicated by July.
Contact persons of IFMSA-Leiden
Rand Alkaissy
Phone: +31643411723
Email: [email protected]
Information about Leiden
Leiden is a true student-city, the University of Leiden was founded in 1575! The daily life
of a student in Leiden mostly takes place in and around the enchanting centre, in which
you can reach everything by bicycle or on foot. There are many cosy cafes and well-priced
restaurants, and there are many places to enjoy and admire art and culture.
Places to eat
-
Oudt Leyden ‟t Pannekoekenhuysje, Steenstraat 49 - Very nice pancakes on
beautiful big Delft’s blue plates.
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Donatello‟s, Haarlemmerstraat 20 - A popular Italian restaurant among Leiden
students. Serves great Italian food at good prices! Always busy which gives a nice
buzz, however, do call beforehand to reserve your place!
La Cubanita, Noordeinde 19 - Unlimited tapas Monday-Thursday for €17,50 p.p.!
Italian Bar Bistro City Hall, Stadhuisplein 3 - Next to the town hall, a great
restaurant with drinks 'till 1:30 in the weekends too!
Noodl, Breestraat 88 - For the best noodles and Dim Sum.
De Bruine Boon, Stationsweg 1 - Great sandwiches and coffee.
Annie’s, Hoogstraat 1a. - Cosy café for lunch or drinks, beautiful location on the
canal. Tip for a sunny day!
Bagels and beans, Maarsmansteeg 8 - A nice place for lunch and coffee.
Dende, Nieuwe Rijn 5 - Nice for lunch.
Barrera, Rapenburg 56 - It‟s a more upscale place for lunch. Serves nice sandwiches
and has a lovely atmosphere, however there are cheaper places to eat.
Burgerzaken, Breestraat 123 - Lovely interior decoration! Nice to sit down, have a
drink or two and watch the people walk by in one of the busiest streets in Leiden.
(Little bit expensive!)
Places to drink
Along the canal of „Nieuwe Rijn‟ street there are a lot of nice bars to go out for drinks
-
Einstein, Nieuwe Rijn 19
Fandango, Noordeinde 49 - Cheap cocktails!
Roebels, Pieterskerk-Choorsteeg 24
Oloroso, Breestraat 49
Mas y mas, Hogewoerd 16
Koetjes & Kalfjes, Breestraat 18
Going out
-
Einstein, Nieuwe Rijn 19 - Wednesdays: Special night for international students!
Hifi, Breestraat 50 - Belongs to the corporal student association “Minerva”, nice to
go out at Tuesday nights.
Odessa, Hogewoerd 18
Next, Langebrug 6
Incasa, Lammermarkt 100
Museums
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Corpus, Willem Einthovenstraat 1 – Walk through the human body.
Naturalis, Natural Museum of Natural History, Darwinweg 2 - About evolution
Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, Steenstraat 1 - Learn about different cultures
-
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Rapenburg 28 - Ancient history
Boerhaave, St Agnietenstraat 10 - History of medicine
De Lakenhal, Oude Singel 28
De Valk Molenmuseum, 2e Binnenvestgracht 1 - Windmill museum
Parks
-
Hortus botanicus Leiden, Rapenburg 73 - Garden in the middle of Leiden.
Highlights
-
Canalcruise through Leiden, more info at http://leiden-info.com/rondvaartleiden/
Markets
Tuesday (morning) – Luifelbaan: 8.00-13.00
Wednesday – Centre (Botermarkt/Nieuwe Rijn): 8.00-17.00
Thursday – Stevensbloem: 9.00-16.00
Friday – Kopermolen: 10.00-17.00
Saturday – Centre (Botermarkt/Nieuwe Rijn): 8.00-17.00
National Social Programme 2: Maastricht
When: 18-20 July
How to get there: Take the
train to Maastricht Central
Station. There is an intercity
going to Maastricht directly
from Amsterdam Central,
Utrecht Central and
Eindhoven station. When you
sign up for the NSP in
Maastricht we will let you
know the exact time.
What to bring: sleeping bag,
camping mattress
Costs: 10 euros
Programme
Friday 18th July
20.00
Students arrive (Organising Committee brings luggage to accommodation)
21.00
City walk
22.30
Pubcrawl
Saturday 19th July
10.00
City tour
12.00-14.00
Picnic/lunch at the Sint Pietersberg
14.30-16.00
The caves (Kazematten)
16.30-19.00
Free time
19.30-22.00
BBQ at the StayOkay
22.00
Partying (Il Cavo, Muziekgieterij, D’n Hiemel, … etc.)
Sunday 20th July
13.30-15.30
Brunch at the Park
15.30
Free/chill time: frisbees, football, etc.
Contact persons of IFMSA-Maastricht
Ibrahim Al-Ghannam
Phone: +31646091707
Email: [email protected]
Obeid Ghafuri
Phone: +31681391355
Email: [email protected]
Jerremy Weerts
Phone: +31641863036
Email: [email protected]
Katerina Skarlatou
Phone: +31627555779
Email: [email protected]
Thanh Mai Bui
Phone: +31639895808
Email: [email protected]
Information about Maastricht
Maastricht is a Dutch city that is located in the very south of the Netherlands, also the
capital of the province Limburg. It is known as a city of history, culture, local folklore and
education, and has the second highest amount (numbering 1677) of national heritage sites.
Interestingly, it has become known, by way of the Maastricht Treaty, as the birthplace of
the European Union, European citizenship, and the single European currency, the euro.
Nowadays Maastricht is known as a place where life is really enjoyed and is great for
recreation and shopping. The ultimate holiday feeling comes naturally in Limburg, a unique
part of the Netherlands with an exotic atmosphere. Try a cool glass of beer from a local
family brewery. Or a cup of coffee and a slice of genuine Limburg pastry, fresh from the
oven! The city is therefore popular with tourists.
The history of Maastricht can be seen in the historic centre of the city with several
churches in Roman and other styles, and in the many squares. The best known is the
Vrijthof, which is close to the Servaaskerk, named after the holy Servatius. Servatius is the
patron of the traditionally Katholic Maastricht.
The tourist information office (VVV) is located in the Dinghuis, a 15th-century former town
hall and law courts building on the corner of Grote Staat and Kleine Staat. The main sights
include:
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-
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City Fortifications, including:
o Helpoort: a 13th-century town gate, the oldest in the Netherlands
o Fragments of the first and second medieval city walls
o Hoge Fronten (or Linie van Du Moulin): remnants of 17th- and 18th-century
fortifications with a number of well-preserved bastions and an early 19thcentury fortress, Fort Willem
Binnenstad: inner-city shopping district
Vrijthof, the best-known square in the city. Sights:
o Sint-Servaas Basiliek, the Romanesque church of Saint Servatius. The tomb
of Saint Servatius in the crypt is a favoured place of pilgrimage: Pope John
Paul II visited here in 1985.
Sint-Janskerk, a sandstone Gothic church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist with
a distinctive red tower.
Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, a picturesque tree-lined square with an abundance of
pavement cafes.
Markt; the Market Square was completely refurbished in 2006-2007 and is now
virtually traffic free. Sights include:
o The Town Hall, built in the 17th century by Pieter Post.
Mosae Forum, a brand new shopping center and civic building designed by Jo
Coenen and Bruno Albert.
Bassin, a restored early 19th-century inner harbor with restaurants and cafés. The
surroundings are currently being developed into a cultural hotspot.
-
-
Jekerkwartier, a picturesque neighbourhood with the small river Jeker popping up
between old houses and remnants of city walls.
Wyck: the old quarter on the right bank of the Meuse river. Rechtstraat is the main
shopping street in Wyck with a mix of specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants.
Céramique, a modern neighbourhood on the site of the former Céramique
potteries. Now a showcase of architectural highlights.
Parks: there are various parks in Maastricht including:
o Stadspark, the main public park on the west bank of the river.
o Monseigneur Nolenspark, an extension of Stadspark with remnants of the
medieval city walls.
o Aldenhofpark, another extension of Stadspark, with a statue of d'Artagnan.
o Charles Eykpark, a modern park between the public library and Bonnefanten
Museum on the east bank of the Meuse river
Griendpark, a modern park on the east bank of the river with an inline-skating and
skateboarding course.
Sint-Pietersberg: modest hill just south of the city, peaking at 171 metres (561 ft)
above sea level.
Sights
-
-
-
Bonnefanten Museum is the foremost museum for old masters and contemporary
fine art in the province of Limburg. The collection features medieval sculpture,
early Italian painting, Southern Netherlandish painting, and contemporary art.
Museum aan het Vrijthof: is a local history museum in the 16th-century Spanish
Government building, featuring period rooms with 17th- and 18th-century
furnishings, Maastricht silver, porcelain, glassware, Maastricht pistols, and a
collection of 17th- and 18th-century Dutch paintings and 20th-century paintings
from local artists.
The Treasury of the Basilica of Our Lady includes religious artifacts.
Derlon Museumkelder is a preserved archeological site in the basement of a hotel
with Roman and pre-Roman remains.
Natural History Museum exhibits collections relating to the geology, paleontology
and flora and fauna of Limburg. A highlight in the collection is the skeleton of a
Mosasaur.
Furthermore, the Maastricht Exposition and Congress Centre (MECC) hosts many events
throughout the year.
Cannabis
On 16 December 2010, the Court of Justice of the European Union upheld a local
Maastricht ban on the sale of cannabis to foreign tourists, restricting coffee shops to
residents of Maastricht. The ban did not affect scientific or medical usage.
Places to eat
Very cheap
-
Kiwi, Ezelmarkt 15 – World kitchen
Donatello’s Maastricht, Tongersestraat 30 - Italian
Wok to go, Markt 59 – Asian
Cheap
-
Café Zondag, Wycker Brugstraat 42 – Eatery
Tapa y Mas, Rechtstraat 83 - Spanish
Vrijthof 9, Vrijthof - Eatery
Middel class
-
Au mouton blanc, Kersenmarkt 10 – Eatery
De Preuverij, Kakeberg 6 – Eatery
De Comedie, Onze Lieve Vrouweplein 30a/b – Eatery
Pizzeria Napoli, Markt 73 – Italian
De Twee Heeren, Platielstraat 17/19 – Eatery
Livrei, Brusselsestraat 15 – French
Ginger, Tongersestraat 7 – Fusion
Places to drink
All the bars around the Platielstraat, for example
-
Take One, Rechtstraat 28
Take Five, Bredestraat 14
Grand Café EDD’s, Heggenstraat 3
BaRRock, Tongersestraat 27
Falstaff, Amorsplein 6
Café Cliniq, Platielstraat 9a
De Twee Heeren, Platielstraat 17/19
De Perroen, Vrijthof 34/35
Shamrock Irish Pub, Brusselsestraat 49
Matuchi, Kleine Gracht 34
D’n Hiemel (Make), St Bernardusstraat 24a
Ma van Sloun, Tongersestraat 3
De Boschpoort, Boschstraat 64
Studentencafe de Beurs, Spoorweglaan 6
De Alla for Students, Leliestraat 5-7
De Feesfebrik, Markt 25
National Social Programme 3: Amsterdam
When: 8-10 August
How to get there: Take the
train to Amsterdam Central
Station. When you sign up for
the NSP in Amsterdam we will
let you know the exact time.
What to bring: at least bring
a sleeping bag and a camping
mattress, without we can’t
guarantee you have a proper
bed to sleep on. You will be
staying with IFMSA-members
or participants of the NSP in
Amsterdam who are staying in
Amsterdam for their clinical
internship. When you sign up for the NSP in Amsterdam, we will send you an email with
extra information on what to bring exactly.
Costs: 5-10 euros
Programme
Friday 8th August
19.00-20.00
-
Arrival at Amsterdam Central Station
Meeting point: Starbucks, near the exit
20.00-21.00
Drop your stuff at your host’s room
21.00-23.00
Dutch Game Night
23.00-?
Vondelpark, near the exit to the Leidseplein
If it’s raining we will go to the Bridge-Chess café ‘2 Klaveren’ (De Clerqstraat 136).
We will let everyone know in advance if this is the case.
Party (optional)
Saturday 9th August
Morning
Breakfast at home
11.00-12.00
Canaltour
-
Meeting point: in front of the main entrance at the Central Station
12.30-13.30
-
If it’s raining we will go to ‘Basis’ (Tolstraat 182). We will let everyone know in
advance if this is the case.
13.30-17.30
-
Lunch at Museumplein
Crazy 88
The winner will get a prize!
17.30
Meeting point: in front of the main entrance at the Central Station
18.00-19.30
Dinner at Restaurant Toscana (Haarlemmerdijk 176)
19.30-21.30
Free time
-
Prepare for some partying!
21.30-22.30
-
Meeting point: in front of the Palace on Damsquare
22.30-?
-
Tour through the Red Light District
Party!
Coco’s Outback (Thorbeckeplein 8)
Sunday 10th August
Morning
Breakfast at home
11.30-12.30 Van Gogh Museum (Paulus Potterstraat 7)
OR 12.00-13.00
-
We will enter in two groups at separate times. We will let you know what time you
are expected to be at the museum
Contact persons of IFMSA-Amsterdam
Nina Gelineau
Phone: +31646118051
Email: [email protected]
Juul Rutten
Phone: +31650837710
Email: [email protected]
Information about Amsterdam
Although the seat of Netherlands government is in The Hague, Amsterdam is the nominal
capital. It is also the country's largest city, with a population of more than 750,000 people,
and with over 3,5 million foreign visitors a year.
The city is a true melting pot of cultures and nationalities. Nowadays the city is known for
its tolerant character, but Amsterdam has always been a well-known name in world history
and played a central role in the history of the Netherlands. In the 17th century Amsterdam
was the centre of world economy. If you are interested in a detailed report of the history
of Amsterdam, we refer to Wikipedia; History of Amsterdam.
Transportation
Most people in Amsterdam use a bike for transportation; there are 4 times as many bikes as
citizens! Amsterdam is known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. There
are bike paths and parking possibilities throughout the entire city and you can rent a bike.
However, many bicycles get stolen so lock your bike properly if you rent one! Another
warning: do not buy bicycles from junkies. They are cheap, but stolen and some are tagged
by the police. Receiving stolen goods is punishable and you will risk a police record for it.
Of course the public transportation is also a good way of traveling in Amsterdam. There are
numerous bus-, tram- and subway lines. A valid ticket for public transport is the OV-chip
card.
Rent a bike at MacBike: Stationsplein 5, 1012 AB Amsterdam
Places to eat
-
Bazar, Albert Cuypstraat 182 - Arabic kitchen, beautifully decorated restaurant
Restaurant Ibssa, Blassiusstraat 62 - North-African kitchen
Comedy café, Max Euweplein 43-45: every Monday and Tuesday, daily menu for €5,Bar spek, Zeedijk 4-8: Dutch student bar/restaurant, diner from €13,50
Crea Cafe, Nieuwe achtergracht 170 - cultural student cafe
Cafe de Groene vlinder, Albert Cuypstraat 130: typical Dutch cafe, daily meal for
€8,00
Vapiano, Amstelstraat 2-4: very affordable and delicious Italian kitchen, pizza or
pasta for €6,00
Festina Lente, Looiersgracht 40b: mix and match small bites, starting at €6,50
Places to drink
-
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Café Groene vlinder, Albert Cuypstraat 130
Café Blaffende Vis, Westerstraat 118
Bierproeflokaal De Zotte, Raamstraat 29: nice cafe near Leidseplein with lots of
different Belgium beers available
Coco‟s outback, Thorbeckeplein 8-12: Australian pub with happy hour twice a day,
between 17:00 - 18:00 and 22:00 - 23:00. And they have great cocktails!
Crea Café, Turfdraagsterpad 17: Crea is a cultural student centre of the University
of Amsterdam (UvA), where you can do workshop or have a drink. Every first
Thursday of the month it is ‘plug and play’, where three different amateur bands
get the opportunity to play for public - free entrance, starts at 20:30
Café Alto: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat. For live jazz music seven days a week!
Cupito’s: Zieseniskade 25 - if you like original liquor and shots
Shopping
-
The biggest and most famous shopping area is Kalverstraat, where you can find all
the big brands such as H&M, Bershka, River Island and so on.
Smaller and more original shops can be found at: Utrechtsestraat & 9 straatjes.
If you would like to visit a market in Amsterdam markets: Albert Cuyp,
Waterlooplein flea market, Dappermarkt and Lindengrachtmarkt, but there are
many more!
Museums
Amsterdam has more than 50 museums. Three of the most popular ones are situated at
Museumplein:
-
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh museum
Stedelijk museum
Other famous museums are:
-
Anne Frank House
Rembrandthuis
Heineken Experience
Photography museum: FOAM
Amsterdam Historical Museum
KIT tropenmuseum
Theatre and music
In Amsterdam there are many theaters some of them show plays performed in English.
‘Boom Chicago’ at Leidseplein has comedy performances in English or you could go to
‘Comedy theater’ at de Nes. If you like to watch a movie, you can go the Pathé Tuschinki
at regulaiersbreestraat or to one of the smaller cinema’s situated in the city centre, such
as ‘The Movies’ at Haarlemmerdijk 616 or ‘Kriterion’ at Roeterstraat 170.
For (classical) music you could go to Concertgebouw at Museumplein or the Muziektheater
at Waterlooplein. Stadsschouwburg is situated at Leidseplein and has a diversity of
performances.
Zoo
Artis is the oldest Zoo of the Netherlands, situated in the heart of the city
(Plantagekerklaan 40).
Coffee Shop
In the Netherlands it is not illegal to smoke hash or marihuana, so you can by this in a
coffee shop. Coffee shops are everywhere in Amsterdam, so you will not have a problem
finding one. Please don’t buy too heavy marihuana, if you have never smoked weed
before.
Red Light District
Also prostitution is legal in the Netherlands. The Red Light District or in Dutch ‘De Wallen’
is a prostitution area. Girls pose behind windows trying to seduce male tourists passing by.
The entire street is being led up by red fluorescent lights. It is worth seeing and a big
attraction for tourists. However, please do respect those women and do not take pictures
of them.
Partying in Amsterdam
The social life in Amsterdam is alive and vibrant! There are multiple restaurants, pubs and
clubs. The main entertainment areas are Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, offering a
fantastic night life, but there are many great day-time activities as well! There are many
clubs in Amsterdam, so you have to find out for yourself which one you like the best!
Clubs around Leidseplein:
-
Melkweg: has different music styles every evening
Sugar Factory: every sunday plays the band Wicked Jazz sounds
Paradiso: is an old church where they play pop music after 11 pm
Jimmy Woo
Club Up
Chicago Social club
Clubs around Rembrandtplein:
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Rain
Studio 80: mainly techno, minimal, deep-house
Escape: popular with tourists
Barkode
Other clubs:
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Hotel Arena, 's-Gravesandestraat 51
Canvas, Wibautstraat 150: this club is in the building of de Volkskrant (a Dutch
newspaper) at the 7th floor, which gives a terrific view!
Club 8, Admiraal de Ruijterweg 56 B: if you like to play pool, this is the place to be
Bitterzoet, Spuistraat 2a: diversity of music and events (not every evening)
Club Trouw, Wibautstraat 127: club where they play mainly techno, 24 hours open
on Saturdays
* In some of these clubs (especially Trouw, Chicago social club and studio 80) dresscode
and knowing which party you’re going to is important. You should dress not too classy
(especially guys) and you should know what the name of the party is or the names of de
DJ’s that are playing. If you have trouble finding this information visit: www.djguide.nl
and look at the agenda of that particular evening.
What to do during the other weekends?
Visit the other IFMSA-NL cities!
Groningen
Information about Groningen
Although Groningen is not a very large city, it does have an important role as the main
urban centre of this part of the country, particularly in the fields of music and other arts,
education and business. The large number of students living in Groningen also contributes
to a diverse cultural scene for a city of its size, and also has a huge impact on the
liveliness of the city.
Tourism in Groningen: http://toerisme.groningen.nl/english
Places to eat
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Bagels & Beans: a lovely bagelshop which has the best bagels, muffins, brownies.
o Openings hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 – 17:30, Saturday: 9:30 – 17:00
o www.bagelsbeans.nl
‘t Feithhuis, Martinikerkhof 10: located in the center of Groningen. You can go here
for breakfast, lunch, high tea or dinner.
o Phone: +3150313 5335
o www.restaurant-feithhuis.nl
‘t Pannekoekschip, Schuitendiep 1017: an old sailing ship is converted into a
pancake restaurant. The whole restaurant is in the style of ship from 1908. Come
inside and choose from one of the typical traditional Dutch pancake.
o Opening hours: every day from 12:00 to 21
o Phone: +3150312 0045
o www.pannekoekschip.nl
Zomers, Vismarkt 56: A nice place to go for lunch, or just to get a drink. At the
back of the building there is a large terrace.
o Opening hours: 12:00-24:00
Eetcafe de Eerste Kamer, Peperstraat 9: the “Eetcafe de Eerste Kamer” is located
close to all the bars. They give you the possibility for a cheap dinner, and later
their bar will be opened.
o Opening hours: Kitchen: daily 17:00 – 21:30, Bar: weekend 21:30 – 05:00
o www.eerstekamercafe.nl
De Drie Gezusters, Grote Markt: the Three Sisters, also called “The Three” as a
complex, is not only a great cafe, but it is also the heart of the city of Groningen.
At the pub you can have a drink or something to eat. Later in the evening it is even
possible to dance.
o Opening hours: Sunday – Monday from 11:00, Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00
Febo Groningen: a very typical Dutch snack bar, which has all kind of different
snacks. You can get the snacks inside, but also by pulling them out of “the wall”.
You should try one of the Dutch snacks as “kroket” or “frikandel”. Lots of students
get a snack here in the night, when they go out.
o www.febodelekkerste.nl
Places to drink
If you‘d like a coffee or some tea in the morning or afternoon there are quite a few nice
options in Groningen. In the Brugstraat, there‘s Doppio, a lounge style café which offers a
variety of coffees and teas, and even several kinds of hot chocolate. In the Herestraat (the
city‘s main shopping street) you can go to Coffee United; a small and cozy café where you
can sit and watch shopping people pass by. And lastly, at the Vismarkt, there‘s a Douwe
Egberts store and café, which serves lots and lots of different kinds of coffee and tea. All
the places mentioned serve snacks to go with your coffee such as muffins, pies and so on.
If you‘d like to go out for a drink in the evening you can go to the traditional ‘Drie
Gezusters’: an enormous complex on the Grote Markt. This building has different rooms,
with different decorations, and all kinds of people visit this place. If the weather is warm
and sunny, the terrace is open and people will sit here all evening. Another place to go to
is the News Café, also at the Grote Markt. This is a modern bar serving all kinds of drinks.
Attractions
Canoe or pedal boat/pedalo: An excellent way to get to know the city of Groningen in a
different way is by boat. Groningen has a lot of water and from there the city looks
completely different. Especially if the weather is fine, a boat trip would be very relaxing.
You can hire a pedal boat/pedalo or canoe by ‘t Peddeltje. It’s located under the Herebrug
bridge.
Opening: daily, 11.00-19.00
Phone: +31503130661 (9.00-16.00)
Price for 2 hours
 Pedal boat/pedalo €15,00
 Canoe (1 pers.) €8,00
 Canoe (2 pers.) €12,50
Boat excursion: If you prefer a more relaxing tour, a boat excursion might be
something for you. During the one-hour trip a guide will give information about the
city.
o Tours: Monday-Saturday: 11.15, 12.45, 14.00, 15.15 and 17.15; Sundays:
13.45, 15.15
o Location: Stationsweg 1012
o Price: €9,00
o Phone: +31503128379
Bowling
o Reservation is required!
o Opening: changes
o Location: Gedempte Kattendiep 4
o Phone: +3150-3120695
o Price for one hour
 Monday-Thursday €25,00
 Friday-Sunday €27,00
Bicycling: Although bicycling isn’t really considered a sport in Holland, it still is a
nice way to explore the city and the surroundings. Getting out of the city is quite
easy and there is plenty of farmland with cows and windmills for you to discover.
The route is marked on the map. If you want to get to know the city of Groningen a
bit better, don’t be afraid to use all the little small streets you see. They are a
great way to get away from the crowds (at least a bit..) and see another side of
Groningen.
o Opening: daily 7.30-20.30 (Saturdays 8.00-20.30)
o Price: €5,00
o Location: Oude Boteringestraat 16
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Museums and architecture
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Nederlands Strip Museum, Westerhaven 71: the Dutch Comic strip Museum is the
only museum in the Netherlands about Comic Strips. So, if you like comic strips, you
should really visit this. Besides all famous strip comic strip heroes, you can see how
comic strips are made and temporary exhibitions. And, if you’re really lucky, you
can see a strip cartoonist at work!
o Opening: Tuesday - Sunday 10.00-17.00
o Price: €8,50
Noordelijk scheepvaartmuseum, Brugstraat 4: the Nautic museum gives you an
idea of the history of shipbuilding and shipping in the northern part of The
Netherlands from the Middle Ages until today. The museum is situated in two
authentic houses of the Middle Ages. A special exhibition about the bicycle factory
of Groningen can be visited too.
o Opening: Tuesday through Saturday 10.00-17.00 (Sundays 13.00-17.00)
o Price: €6,00
Graphic Museum, Rabenhauptstraat 65: the Graphic Museum provides an overview
of the history of the art of printing from the earliest methods to modern –day, with
regularly changing exhibitions. Even an original bindery can be seen.
o Opening: Tuesday through Sunday 13.00-17.00
o Price: €4,00
University Museum, Oude Kijk in ‘t Jatstraat 7a: the University Museum has all
sorts of objects and instruments used at the university. The collection includes
material for medicine, biology, psychology and physics. Furthermore the museum
contains minerals and fossils, prints and costumes.
o Opening: Tuesday through Sunday 13.00-17.00
o Price: €3,50
Martini Tower: the most famous building in Groningen is the Martini tower. It’s the
fourth largest tower in The Netherlands and it’s more than five hundred years old.
Of course you can see just from the outside. But you can even be climbed until the
third gallery from which you have a wonderful view over the city.
o Opening: daily 11.00-17.00 (Sundays 11.00-16.00)
o Price: €3,00
Martini Church, Marinikerkhof 3: the Martini church is the largest church of
Groningen. The Church originates from approximately 1230 and contains frescos
from the 13th century. It also includes one of the largest Baroque organs of
northwest Europe. The church is named after St. Martin. According to the legend he
shared his coat with a beggar. On the paintings this St. Martin can be seen several
times sitting on a horse.
o Price: free
Entertainment
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Cinemas:
o Mustsee Euroborg, Boumaboulevard 53
 Phone: +31507504200
o Pathé Groningen, Gedempte Zuiderdiep 78
 Phone: 0900-1458
o Images film theatre & café, Poelestraat 30
 Phone: +31503120433
o Rkzbios, Emmastraat 15 S101
 Phone: +31505259388
Holland Casino Groningen, Gedempte Kattendiep 150
o Opening: 13.15-3.00
Music: there are a few music revenues scattered around the city. Check the
websites for upcoming events.
o Vera, Oosterstraat 44. www.vera-groningen.nl
o Simplon, Boterdiep 69. www.simplon.nl
o Oosterpoort, Trompsingel 27. www.de-oosterpoort.nl
Nature
There are some lovely parks in Groningen and people love to sit outside and have a pick
nick, read a book, play some ball or sunbathe. Basically every piece of green you see on
your map is a park, but we’ve selected some of the more interesting for you.
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Prinsentuin: close to the university you can find the Prinsentuin, on the corner of
the Turfsingel and the Kattehage. This intimate little garden is a nice getaway and
in summer tea is served in the teahouse.
Noorderplantsoen: the Noorderplantsoen is one of the big parks in the city. When
the summer is nice people take their books, balls and bbqs to relax for a bit in the
Noorderplantsoen. This is also a great park to just watch people going about their
things. The Noorderplantsoen is popular with students, so it’s quite a lively park.
Stadspark: the Stadspark, literally ‘citypark’, is the park of Groningen. It’s a nice
place for a relaxing walk or sunbathing. The Stadspark hosts a children’s petting
farm as well, where you can see and pet animals. There is also a horsetrack.
Hoornse Plas: this lake can be found on the outskirts of Groningen. As soon as the
weather starts to get better it seems as if the whole city goes out to enjoy the sun.
You can get there by bike or by bus nr. 6 or nr. 2 from the Central Station.
Going out
Groningen has a lot of bars where you can enjoy a drink or dance the night away with your
friends. These bars are mostly open until the last person leaves. They are all very close to
each other. The main streets for going out would be Poelestraat and Peperstraat which
connect to each other. But there are some clubs located in different places (about a 3
minute walk!). Most of them don’t have an entrance fee so the best advice to give is just
to visit these streets and go from one bar to another and see which one you enjoy best. For
some bars/clubs you need to be 21 and show an ID, but this is an exception.
Some popular places are:
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Peperstraat:
o ‘t Feest
o Shooters
Poelestraat:
o de Negende Cirkel
o Twister
o ‘t Golden Fust
o Rumba
o Enzo
Grote markt:
o Oceans
Gelkingestraat:
o Kokomo beach club
Schuitendiep:
o Pand 48
Places to sleep
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Eden City Hotel Groningen ***, Gedempte Kattendiep 25
o Phone: +31505886565
o www.edenhotelgroup.com
o Email: [email protected]
Hotel de Doelen ***, Grote markt 36
o Phone: +31503127041
o www.hotel-dedoelen.nl
o Email: [email protected]
Martini Hotel ***, Gedempte Zuiderdiep 8
o Phone: +31503129919
o www.martinihotel.nl
o Email: [email protected]
Simplon Youth Hostel, Boterdiep 73-2
o Phone: +31503135221
o www.simplonjongerenhotel.nl
o Email: [email protected]
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NH Hotel Groningen ****, Hanzeplein 132
o Phone: +31505848181
o www.nh-hotels.com
o Email: [email protected]
Pension Café Tivoli, Gedempte Zuiderdiep 67
o http://pensiontivoli.nl
o Email: [email protected]
University Guesthouse, Kleine Kromme Elleboog 7-b
o Phone: +31503113424
o Email: [email protected]
Nijmegen
Information about Nijmegen
Because of its favourable location, Nijmegen was founded by the Romans as a trade
settlement and a base for their army around 5 AD. This makes it the oldest city in the
Netherlands! During the rest of history it has had to endure multiple sieges, being a border
town close to Germany.
Still growing steadily, Nijmegen now is a true student city: approximately 1 out of 6
inhabitants is a student. Therefore, it is surprising that Nijmegen has a lot to offer when it
comes to social life. All over the city but mostly in the centre are different cafes where
you can grab a bite, drink something with your friends or just go dancing. Most people go
out on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from eleven on and most of the clubs close around
four or five o’clock in the morning. Below you can find a short description of some places
we recommend, but of course there is a whole lot more to Nijmegen than only those
places.
In the month of July Nijmegen is home to its annual ―Four Days Marches‖. To celebrate the
event there is an entire week of festivities planned in Nijmegen. This year it will take
place from the 15th till 18th of July. There are different celebrations in the entire city
such as free concerts at the Valkhof park/Waalkade and throughout the city, dance
parties, lounge/jazz music by the beach in Lent. If you are here during this time, go out
and enjoy the city at its best.
Places to eat
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Riva is a very modern restaurant and cocktail bar located at the “Waalkade” with a
nice view over the river Waal. Especially for students they offer a 3-course menu
including an appetizer, a main course and a dessert for about 14 Euro. If you are
interested you can also take part in a cocktail workshop they offer for different
kinds of groups. More information including photos can be found at www.riva.tv.
Café de Muis is a nice restaurant with a homely sphere where not only students can
get a full plate for a low price. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday students can
get a meal for 6,50 Euro and on Thursday it is cheese fondue night. So go and try it
out.
De Blaauwe Hand is the oldest café of Nijmegen. It originates in the 15th century
and offers till today a variety of beers and especially Genevers (juniper-flavoured
and strongly alcoholic liquor traditional for the Netherlands). Food that is offered
here is mostly in Tapas-form so that you can create your own dinner by ordering
several small dishes.
Pinoccio is an Italian restaurant in the heart of Nijmegen. Students can get special
offers on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Because the offers differ from time to
time the best way to find out is just go along and grab a bite.
’t Hoogstraatje is a pancake restaurant in Nijmegen. Designed in the famous old
dutch style, their specialty is pancakes. Pancakes with anything and everything on
it. A must visit when you are staying in Nijmegen.
Bagel & Beans is great for breakfast, a brunch or just for coffee. They serve bagels
and have free wifi in their restaurant. On shopping Sundays (every 1st Sunday of the
month) they have a live jazz-band between 13-16u.
Fujisan is a Japanese restaurant located in the centre of Nijmegen. Traditionally
made sushi is what they are known for. A must go for any sushi fanatic.
Places to drink
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Absolute Zero is a cocktail bar in the centre of Nijmegen where you can get great
cocktails for a good price. Every Wednesday there is an English language pub quiz
with questions from every field of daily life and great prices to win. But it has a lot
more to offer like Karaoke Nights, Speed Dating Nights or Live Music. If you want to
find out more just check www.absolute-zero.nl.
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Samson is one of the older and best cafes of Nijmegen. It is ranked 15th on the list
of 100 best cafes of the Netherlands. This is not only due to their great variety of
beers from several different countries but also to the old style café with waiters
like in the old days.
Sterre is a modern café which shows different art expositions and changes its
interior from time to time. So that it is always in movement. It offers a variety of
alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and on Wednesdays it is known for its cocktail
night when you can get different cocktails for a special price.
De blonde pater is a traditional café with lots of different coffees and coffee
specialties to offer. That is also why it is one of the most popular cafes in
Nijmegen. Besides its great variety of coffee specialties it also offers a wide range
of food especially for lunch. If you ever come to Nijmegen it is definitely worth a
visit. Not only because they have the best apple pie.
Demain Is a modern lounge/café, with an excellent selection of drinks and
cocktails. Sit and relax on their comfortable couches and enjoy their great cakes or
other finger foods.
Café Jos Voted one of the best café is Holland. This café serves over 100 different
kinds of beer. It’s not situated in the city centre. But it’s a must go for any beer
lover, or even just for the vibe.
Places to go out
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Ndrgrnd is a dance café which is located in the basement. They describe the music
they play as “popular alternative”. It is a great location to go out to dance.
Molenstraat is a street in the centre of Nijmegen. On that street most of the dance
cafes are located. El Sombrero, De Drie Gezusters, Van Buren, Boogie Wonderland,
De Compagnie, Stretto and Malle Babbe are located next to each other and form by
that a great complex where you can have a great night out during the week and in
the weekend.
Doornroosje/Merleyn, Doornroosje (located a bit out of a centre) and Merleyn
(located in centre) are two popular locations to go out in Nijmegen. They offer
many different events from concerts, over dj nights to parties of students
associations. So there is always something which will match your taste. Check it out
on www.doornroosje.nl for more information.
Billabong Billabong is a popular dance cafe with an Australian theme. They have 2
dj’s in different rooms that play different styles of music. So that there is always
something too dance to. Definitely a great place to go out and dance.
Rotterdam
Information about Rotterdam
Rotterdam is one of the greatest international ports in the world and has the biggest
medical centre of the Netherlands. With more than 600.000 inhabitants, it is also the
second biggest city (behind Amsterdam).
After the bombardments of the city centre in World War II, Rotterdam was rebuilt to a city
of modern architecture. For example, the Erasmus bridge, named after the famous
Rotterdam philosopher Erasmus, connects the Southern part of Rotterdam with the city
centre, the cube houses are known worldwide and the Euromast is one of the highest
buildings in the country. During the summer, Rotterdam hosts a lot of activities and
festivals, ranging from small jazz festivals to the international film festival. With the
beautiful Oude Haven (the docks) you can enjoy a great summer, sitting at the water while
enjoying a cool drink.
At your arrival in Rotterdam you can buy this card so you can explore Rotterdam. We have
two metro lines with which you can reach almost every spot in Rotterdam. The metro will
leave every few minutes and it is the easiest and quickest way of public transportation in
Rotterdam. But don‘t forget that the last metro will leave around 00:30 am! Of course you
can also take the tram or bus to move around our city. Especially if you are staying in the
centre the tram is a very easy way to travel as well. And the nice thing about the tram or
bus is that you will have a little bit of sightseeing as well! The trams and buses have
timetables and are very punctual. You can find more information about the public
transportation on the following websites:
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www.9292ov.nl / www.journeyplanner.9292.nl
www.ret.nl
Places to eat
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Witte de Withstraat: for eating and drinking. The artistic street of the city with art
galleries, fashion designers, bars and restaurants. We especially recommend the
saoto-soup from Warung Mini.
Bazaar: also situated at the Witte de Withstraat. The dishes on the menu are
mainly from North Africa and the Middle East and are all very reasonably priced.
Shabu Shabu/Sumo/Sushi Qube: a whole new concept in Rotterdam all-you-can-eat
sushi unlimited for around €20,Stalles, Nieuwe Binnnenweg 11: pizza for €5,- on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Boudewijn, Nieuwe Binnenweg 53. Burgundian Belgian beers and food.
Cambrinus, Blaak 4 (Oude Haven): the eating- and beer restaurant/cafe Cambrinus
has a Flemish kitchen, with here and there an influence from other places around
the world. The Bear restaurants: The Bear restaurants have a friendly and relaxed
atmosphere as well as quality food for a good price.
Seif, Oude Binnenweg 115: for drinking and eating.
Villa Kakelbont, Spaansepoort 73 (Oude Haven): this little restaurant is the ideal
place to enjoy a good glass of beer in the sun, or to enjoy a good meal for a
reasonable price.
Popocatepetl, Spaansepoort 71 (Oude Haven): a visit to Popo is an evening of
Mexico with an additional extravagant character.
Irish pubs:
o O’Sheas, Lijnbaan 37-39
o Paddy Murphy’s, Rodezand 15 (World Trade Centre)
Restaurant de Pijp, Gaffelstraat 90: over 110 years old, this is a popular place for
students and old members of students’ associations. Every hour, the (students)staff
performs crazy rituals.
Pannekoekstraat: nice street for shopping but also perfect for coffee, lunches and
dining. Almost fifty bars and restaurants such as the Urban Espresso bar, Level,
SoHo and many others.
Westelijk Handelsterrein, Van Vollenhovenstraat 15: stylish restored warehouse
complex with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and galleries.
Dizzy jazzcafé, ’s Gravendijkwal 127: fr drinking and dining. Feel the jazz.
Places to drink
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Oude haven: for eating and drinking. Make a pub crawl at the Oude Haven. In this
cosy old harbour area are many places where you can drink and dine outside. A lot
of students live in this part of town. Thursday is the traditional student night in
Rotterdam, so that means extra discount on beers and food in some places.
Stadhuisplein: square with lots of bars, pubs and clubs.
Tiki bar, Hartmanstraat 16: a Hawaiian surf bar at the heart of the city.
Wijnbar Janssen & van Dijk, Westewagenstraat 58: wine-bar.
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The Witte Aap, Witte de Withstraat 78: it is a place where students of the
University of Rotterdam come together for a nice evening with a lot of fun. And this
bar is voted ‘greatest bar of the world’ by Lonely Planet.
De Zondebok & Het Zwarte Schaap, Witte de Withstraat 96: new hotspot. Lots of
whiskey and wine.
Hotel New York, Koninginnehoofd 1: Hotel New York is a modern hotel and caférestaurant, situated in one of the most attractive spots in Rotterdam.
Euromast, Parkhaven 20: at the height of 100 meters you can dine or drink at the
Brasserie of the Euromast.
Architecture
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Groothandelsgebouw, Stationsplein 45: largest trade centre of the Netherlands. It
symbolises the post-war reconstruction in Rotterdam.
De Unie, Mauritsweg 35. this café has a façade in the primary colours and values
typical of The Style (De Stijl).
City hall, Coolsingel 40: designed in neo-renaissance style between 1912 and 1920.
Bijenkorf, Coolsingel 105: warehouse in Bauhaus style.
The White House, Wijnhaven 3-T: ‘The White House’ was built in 1898. This 43
metres high building in Art Nouveau style was once the highest building of Europe.
The architectural surprising cube houses, Overblaak 70: the ‘kubuswoningen’ are
striking structuralistic buildings, built in 1984. they represent a forest. Take a peek
in the Kijk-kubus, a completely furnished museum house.
Erasmusbrug: this bridge has become the image of Rotterdam. Because of the 139
metres high kinked pylon its name also goes by the nickname of ‘the Swan’.
Highlights
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Euromast, Parkhaven 20: another image of Rotterdam. Highest attraction tower
with dazzling views over the city. Also: sleep at 112 metres and wine and dine at 96
metres.
Spido, Willemsplein 85: a cruise on the water with sight on the biggest harbour of
Europe.
Walk of Fame Star Boulevard, Leuvehave: 200 national and international
celebrities have left their mark with handprints and footprints in concrete on the
boulevard along the Leuven haven.
Kop van Zuid, a lot of highlights in this area: the KPN building, the Maastoren
(tallest building in the Netherlands) and the famous Hotel New York. Considered as
one of the most beautiful locations in the city.
Diergaarde Blijdorp, Blijdorplaan 8: the famous zoo of Rotterdam.
Museum
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World Museum, Willemskade 25: the World Museum offers an outstanding
ethnographic collection with over 2000 art pieces from Asia, Oceania, America and
Africa.
Boymans van Beuningen, Museumpark 18-20: travel through the history of art.
Dutch and European pieces from the early Middle ages until now.
Photomuseum, Wilhelminakade 332: focuses on photography in the broadest sense
of the word.
Shopping
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West-Kruiskade and 1e Middellandsstraat: also called the international shopping
boulevard. Buy some unidentified food or cute gifts at a Chinese or tropical
supermarket, try on an Indian sari or enjoy Turkish sweets.
Parks
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Kralingse Plas: recreational area with forest and lake at the outskirts of the city.
Lots of different cultures go here to relax, swim or barbeque.
Park by the Euromast: almost every Sunday there will be SummerSunday, with
music and theatre in this park. So bring your picnic, wine and a plaid, and relax.
Going out
Rotterdam has a very rich social life. Most people go out on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Popular places to go to are The Old Harbor (Oude Haven) and Stadhuisplein. Especially in
the summer, the Old Harbour is a really beautiful place to stay and enjoy the view of an
old part of Rotterdam. The best time to go out and party is from around eleven o'clock,
most clubs close around four or five o'clock in the morning.
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Sorbonne, Rodezand 46: in daytime you can get a great lunch, but as soon as the
night falls expect to move those hips!
Cinema, Rodezand 36: cinema is a fancy place where you can enjoy a drink as well
as a night filled with modern music to show your moves on the dance floor. Every
Wednesday Mojito’s for €4,Club Bed, Meent 106: Tuesday-night = international-night!
Off_Corso, Kruiskade 22: Off Corso is a discotheque which loves to have theme
nights. The public is very colorful and you will find a lot of different types of people
in the club.
Stadhuisplein: Stadhuisplein is a place where you can go all day long. You can have
a drink there in the afternoon, have a nice dinner or have a party in the night. It
will offer you a lot of cafés with different kinds of music.
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De Beurs, Kruiskade 55: the ultimate student bar/club in Rotterdam is café the
Beurs. This place is always crowded with students because it is run by and for
students. Here you can party until deep in the night.
Plan C, Slepersvest 1: Plan C is a nice dance café. They play a large variety of
music. Specially for students: on Friday and Saturday the entrance and drinks are
very cheap.
Break away, Karel Doormanstraat 1: be surprised by the well trained bartenders
who will fix your cocktail or another drink in no time!
Rotown or Stalles, Nieuwe Binnenweg 17 + 11: Rotown is also a stage, so if you’re
lucky you can see the latest (inter)national bands.
Heidegger, Grotekerkplein 70: for live performances go to Heidegger.
Herr Zimmerman, Maashaven: this is the place to be if you like techno, electro and
crazy party, on the 10th floor of an old grain silo.
Festivals during Summer
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Wednesday Night Skate 30th July + 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th August: skating 16 km
through Rotterdam, afterwards après-skate with the Rollerdisco.
Metropolis Festival 6th July: music festival with national and international artists.
Rotterdam Sings 26th July: sing-a-long festival, let’s sing together!
Summer Carnival 18th, 19th, 20th July: the largest tropical party in Europe. At this
massive Caribbean street parade through the city centre at least a million people
dance on the Latin music and enjoy the colourful costumes every year.
Bavaria City Racing 31st August: formula 1 races and stunts in the heart of
Rotterdam. This racing event offers spectacular demonstrations of first class
(inter)national drivers.
Utrecht
Information about Utrecht
Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, with a population of 296.305. It is
located in the centre of the country at a cross section of several main roads, railways and
waterways. It has the second highest number of cultural events in the Netherlands, after
Amsterdam. Since Utrecht is the centre of the Dutch railroad network (Nederlandse
Spoorwegen), you can travel easily by train to any other parts of Holland, for example
Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Groningen in the North, with Amsterdam only being 20 minutes
by train. Utrecht's ancient city-centre features many buildings and structures from its
earliest origins onwards. It has been the religious centre of the Netherlands since the
eighth century CE. Currently it is the seat of the Archbishop of Utrecht, the most
important Dutch Roman Catholic leader. Utrecht is also the seat of an archbishop of the
Old Catholic church, and the location of the offices of the main protestant church. Up till
the golden age Utrecht was the city of most importance in the northern Netherlands (the
present-day country of the Netherlands, excluding Belgium and Luxembourg), until
Amsterdam became the cultural and populous centre of the Netherlands. Since World War
II, the city has grown considerably when new neighbourhoods such as Overvecht,
Kanaleneiland, Hoograven, Lunetten, and (recently) Leidsche Rijn were built. Additionally
the area surrounding the central station, and the station itself have been developed. This
lead to the construction of the large indoor shopping mall Hoog Catharijne (positioned
right next to the station) and music centre Vredenburg. This area is currently being
redeveloped.
Places to eat
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Stairway to Heaven: the only rock cafe in Utrecht. The walls are covered with all
kinds of rock memorabilia like golden records and Kurt Cobain‘s Fender guitar.
Every day from 17:00 you can enjoy the American and Australian dishes the
restaurant is known for. Every weekend there is great rock music by the Stairway
DJ‘s or many life bands. A great location for dinner of going out.
Oude Muntkelder: well-known pancake restaurant situated along the Oude Gracht
that has an outdoor terrace with 120 seats along the busiest and most famous canal
of Utrecht. There are more than 80 different pancakes and omelettes on the menu.
All of which are made from fresh ingredients and are prepared right on the spot.
Havana: Cuban style restaurant with a very colourful and fun atmosphere. First you
can enjoy good food, the restaurant is especially known for its tapas, and later
Havana transforms into a cocktail bar where you can dance to South American
music.
Mick O‘Connells: an Irish pub located near the Dom church. Often frequented by
English natives, especially on evenings when the English football matches are being
broadcasted live. Serving traditional Irish food and many different kinds of beer
make it a good place to spend the evening.
Places to drink
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Ledig Erf: situated at the end of the Oude Gracht. The cafe is one of the special
beer cafes and serves about 80 different kinds. It is no surprise that many people
come here to try out a more unique kind of beer. In the summer there is often live
music outside, which you can enjoy sitting on the large terrace sipping the beer of
the month.
Parks
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Wilhelminapark: opened in 1898 and located in the east of Utrecht. The park was
created in the style of the English countryside, surrounded by villa‘s. Many students
pass through here on their way to the Uithof.
Julianapark: designed in the style of a British garden. Known for chickens walking
around from the petting zoo in the park.
Griftpark: at the place of this park there was once a gas factory. The area used to
be very polluted because of the factory, which gave it the nickname of Gifpark
(Poison-park).
Highlights
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Utrecht‘s Canals: old Utrecht is surrounded by the Singel, the old defensive moat,
along which extend attractive promenades. The central area is traversed by the
Oude Gracht and the Nieuwe Gracht, the water level in which is so low that the
vaults in the embankment walls are used as store rooms; some of them have been
converted for use in summer as cafe-restaurants. A little outside the city centre,
you find a boat and canoe rental service, located at the old, slow river "de Kromme
Rijn" which runs through the city centre. You'll be able to paddle through the
"Maliesingel", a beautiful, wide and green canal that circles around the city walls,
or the "Oude Gracht" where you'll pass several terraces to see and be seen. And if
you look a little further you may find the entry to the "Nieuwe Gracht", a much
smaller canal, and see the funny sculptures in the stones supporting the old lantern
posts (among others the seven sins).
The Dom: the Dom tower is very old, and very beautiful. It was built in the
fourteenth century, and survived the storm that destroyed much of the rest of the
cathedral because it was built of better materials and because the open stonework
at the top allowed the storm to pass through the tower instead of pushing on the
stone. There are two sets of bells, the original medieval bells that are only used on
special occasions, the largest of which, the "saviour" bell, weighs over 8 metric
tons, and the lighter, slightly newer carillon that is used all the time. The view is
stunning and on a clear day you might see Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Centraal Museum: the Central Museum spans an unusually wide time span. From
the Roman Jerkin and ancient cargo ship in the basement to cutting edge video
installations. There are very few places where you turn your back on a bog oak
ship, walk up a flight of stairs, and into a one man show about the bleakness and
alienation experienced in hospitals in 2007. Depending on your personal
perspective, this is either dizzying or a Very Good Thing, especially as it is quite
hard to navigate the building. It isn't huge, but it seems to have a lot of corners.
Universiteitsmuseum (University museum): 360 years of university- and science
history. Some of the exhibits that you can visit all year round are the Freakshow
with objects from the 18th century, the Youthlab where young visitors can do their
own experiments and the Oude Hortus where you can walk through European
garden history.
Hoog Catharijne: northwest of Mariaplaats, extending to Vredenburg, is Hoog
Catharijne, one of the largest indoor shopping centres in Europe. In this luxurious
complex 180 shops with a total floor area of 250,000 sq.m/300,000 sq.yd offer
shoppers an immense and varied range of wares. The complex also includes
facilities for refreshment (restaurants, cafes, bars) and entertainment (four
cinemas).
Going out
Some of the nicest student clubs you should visit:
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Pakhuis, Janskerkhof
Fillemon, Janskerkhof
De Beurs, Neude
Optional Day Trips
In this section we give you a few options of day trips that you can do together with your
fellow exchange students. The day trips are the top tourist destinations in The
Netherlands, so don‘t go away before you‘ve visited them!
The Hague
The Hague is Holland’s royal capital. Its government and parliament are situated here. Also
King Willem-Alexander works and lives here. The miniature city of Madorudam offers the
highlights of the Netherlands on a scale 1:25.
Scheveningen
Scheveningen is a district of The Hague. This seaside resort has a long, sandy beach, a
boulevard and a pier. The beach is popular for sun-bathing and water sports as wind and
kite surfing. Take the train or RandstadRail to The Hague, then take a tram to
Scheveningen.
And to escape the crowds, you can always head to the quieter resort of Kijkduin.
Delft
Stroll along the canals of this picturesque small city with historical city centre. Delft is
known for the Delft pottery ceramic products. The painter Johannes Vermeer was born
here: he used the streets and home-interiors in his paintings.
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a neighbourhood of Zaandam, near Zaandijk in the municipality of
Zaanstad in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland.
The Zaanse Schans is a delightful village on the banks of the river Zaan with characteristic
green wooden houses, charming stylized gardens, small hump-backed bridges, tradesmen's
workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops.
This enchanting village has been lovingly established by relocating local houses, windmills,
storehouses and barns to form a remarkable replica of a typical Zaanse village of the
seventeenth and eighteenth century.
List of windmills:
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"The
"The
"The
"The
"The
"The
"The
"The
Houseman" - Mustardmill - De Huisman
Crowned Poelenburg" - Sawmill - De Gekroonde Poelenburg
Cat" - Dyemill - De Kat
Young Sheep" - Sawmill - Het Jonge Schaap
Ox" - Oilmill - De Os
Seeker" - Oilmill - De Zoeker
Cloverleaf" - Sawmill - Het Klaverblad
Motley Crew" - Oilmill - De Bonte Hen
Every year this small town attracts approximately 900,000 visitors.
Holland Cheese Markets
Holland is truly a 'land of cheese'. The names Gouda and Edam are more synonymous in the
rest of the world with cheese than with picturesque, typically Dutch cities. This 'cheese
culture' has clearly left its mark on a number of cities. The cheese market of Alkmaar, for
example, is world famous, and Gouda has a weighing house for cheese where visitors can
measure their weight in cheese. Many impressive cheese warehouses are still found in
Edam.
Alkmaar cheese market
Alkmaar is famous worldwide for its cheesemarket. Cheese has been weighed here since
1635. Cheese carriers can be seen in action on the Waagplein square every Friday between
10 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. on the Waagplein during the summer. Combine a visit to the
cheese market with a walking tour of Alkmaar.
Also, there is the Alkmaar Cheese museum. You can take a walking tour along the
almshouses, monuments and museums of Alkmaar. Naturally the walk also takes you to the
14th century weighing house. The Holland Cheese Museum is located on the second and
third floors of the building
Programme of the Alkmaar Cheese market:
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09.50: Welcoming the visitors
09.55: Introduction of the bell-ringer
10.00: The bell is rung and the market is opened
10.05 - 10.50: Verbal presentation to visitors, in Dutch, German, English and French
10.50 - 11.15: Performance by the carillon
11.20 - 12.05: Verbal presentation to visitors, in Dutch, German, English and French
12.15 - 12.45 : Performance by the carillon
12.30: Cheese Market closes
Edam cheese market
The popular round Edam cheeses have been exported to all corners of the world for
centuries. The handful of remaining cheese warehouses keep the memory of this aromatic
and colourful past alive.
Try to plan your visit to Edam on a Wednesday in July or August. This is when the
traditional cheese market is held. The cheese market takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. There is also an evening cheese market on the first Saturday in August.
Gouda cheese market
Gouda can be considered as the cheese capital of the world. In this old Dutch town local
farmers in traditional costume have been gathering over the last 300 years at the Market,
where they have their cheese weighed in the age old way and the price is bartered over.
There is a walking tour available through the VVV (Tourist Information Office) in Gouda
that takes you along the most picturesque spots in town, including the Markt, City Hall, the
St. Janskerk church and naturally the Cheese Weighing House, where they used to weigh
the cheese. Nowadays, visitors can have their weight measured in cheese, test their
knowledge of cheese and naturally sample some cheese. The Cheese Museum is also
located here. The tour takes around 2 hours. During the summer, it is definitely worth your
while to combine a walking tour with a visit to the farm cheese and trade market. This
market takes place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Thursday from mid-June to August.
The cheese is sold at the market in the traditional manner.
Fun Parks in The Netherlands
Efteling
The Efteling has been welcoming visitors to its World of Wonders for almost 60 years. Walk
through the Fairytale Forrest, listen to the Fairytale Tree, dream away in the Dreamflight,
or feel the adrenalin in the Bobsleigh, the flying Thai temple or Villa Volta.
The Efteling is a magical experience. In this park you will find a fairytale world full of
wondrous tales, delightful dreams and adventures at high speed. Forget everything else for
a while and take the leading role in the adventure. A day at the Efteling flies by.
More information at www.efteling.com
Duinrell
Amusement park Duinrell provides a splashing day out. From the Waterspin and the Splash
to indoor playground Rick’s Fun Factory and rollercoaster Falcon. Amusement park Duinrell
is an adventure for everyone. In the heart of the amusement park you’ll find the tropical
Tiki Pool. With its eleven slides, the Tiki Pool is the largest covered waterslide paradise in
Benelux. You can buy a combination ticket during the amusement park’s opening hours. At
night the Tiki Pool can be visited separately.
More information at www.duinrell.com
Walibi World
Several attractions:
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Crazy River: this water roller-coaster of no less than 524 metres in length takes you
on a wild trip in a tree-trunk.
Splash battle: This unique attraction takes you on a boat trip past geysers,
waterfalls and tunnels.
Goliath: The fastest, highest, longest and steepest roller coaster in Benelux!
Goliath is 46 metres high, and you will race along the sensational horizontal looping
and over the 1.2 km long ride at speeds up to 106 km/h.
Space shot: You'll feel like a real astronaut In the Space Shot. 3,2,1... take off into space! You are launched to a height of 60 metres, where you can enjoy a
breath taking view... And then ... the free-fall back to Earth.
Summer nights marvellous summer evenings at Walibi on 27 July, 3, 10 and 17
August 2011 with extra entertainment and summertime activities. During these
evening sessions, the park stays open until 11 p.m.
More information at www.walibi.com
Travelling by Public Transport in the Netherlands
Trainticket
To travel by train you can buy a yellow ticket in a vending machine at the train station.
You can also travel with an OV-chipcard, but you need to have at least 10 euro credit on
the card.
OV-chipcard
The OV-chipcard is the new means of payment for the public transport system in the
Netherlands. The OV-chipcard can be loaded with credit in euros with which you can travel
anywhere within the Netherlands. Without travel credit or a travel product you cannot
travel using the OV-chipcard. You can load travel credit or a travel product onto your card
at a vending machine at a station, or at your public transport company’s ticket office.
Some Local Committees will provide you an OV-chipcard, otherwise you can consider
buying one yourself at a train station for €7,50.
Types of cards
There are several types of cards: an anonymous and a disposable card.
- Anonymous card: when you use the public transport system every once in a while,
or when you want to use the public transport system more regularly but you are in
The Netherlands for a short while. You can get an anonymous OV-chipcard at the
ticket office and vending machines at the station.
- Disposable cards: if you travel by public transport only once in a while, or only for a
few days, there are several disposable cards you can buy. After usage, the card
cannot be reloaded and can be thrown away. The disposable card can be purchased
in much the same way as you used to buy a train ticket before: per journey or
combination journey, for example, 5 same-day return journeys or an OV day card.
Checking in and out
At the start of your journey, you check in at the gate by holding your OV-chipcard up to
the screen. The sound and light signal indicates your card has been read. If you do not
have a specific product on your card and, therefore, pay for your journey using the OVchipcard e-purse, a boarding rate will be deducted when you check in. At the end of your
journey, you check out by holding your card up to the gate screen. The sound and light
signal once again indicates that your card has been read. If you are traveling using the OVchipcard e-purse, the actual travel costs, based on the distance travelled, minus the
boarding rate is deducted from or added to the e-purse.
Transfer
Checking in and out is required when you transfer from any one form of transport to
another, except when you transfer from one train to another from the same company.
Rotterdam and Amsterdam
In Rotterdam and Amsterdam the OV-chipcard is the only way to travel in all the public
transportations. You will need the OV-chipcard to be able to use the metro, bus or tram.
When you are a student on exchange in Rotterdam, Nijmegen or Leiden you will get an
anonymous OV-chipcard from your LORE/LEO. In other cities you’ll have to ask your local
LORE/LEO.
More information
You can find more information about the public transportation on the following websites:
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www.ns.nl (choose option: English) for any information about trains
www.9292ov.nl for any information about the public transport
http://journeyplanner.9292.nl for any information about the public transport
www.ov-chipkaart.nl for any information about the ov-chipcard
But most people in The Netherlands use a bike for transportation, at least for shorter
distances. Amsterdam is known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world.
There are bike paths and parking possibilities throughout the entire city. However, many
bicycles get stolen so lock your bike properly! Another warning: do not buy bicycles from
junkies. They are cheap, but stolen. Receiving stolen goods is punishable and you will risk
a police record for it.
Contact information
If you would like some additional information on the NSP or if you have any questions, you
can send an email to [email protected] or use any of the following contact information.
NSP coordinators
Iolani van Urk
Phone: +31621867004
Email: [email protected]
Thanh Mai Bui
Phone: +31639895808
Email: [email protected]
NEO (National Exchange Officer)
Laura Kalkman
Phone: +31630189986
Email: [email protected]
NORE (National Officer on Research Exchange)
Willeke Ravensbergen
Phone: +31644093759
Email: [email protected]
We hope you enjoyed reading this booklet and that we’ve shown you what special things
the Netherlands has to offer. We’re looking forward to meeting you all at any of the NSP’s!
Your NSP coordinators,
Iolani van Urk and Thanh Mai Bui