amsterdam

AMSTERDAM
A city bursting with art, canals and zest for life
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Excursion tips
Welcome
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WELCOME TO
AMSTERDAM
“Welkom” to Amsterdam! This city, which was once
the largest trading metropolis in the world, is an ex­
citing holiday destination.
Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan metropolis and
discover architectural treasures and culinary deli­
cacies from every corner of the world – be enchanted
by the city and its people. There are famous attrac­
tions, canal trips and museums such as the worldfamous Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Or
do as the locals do and use a bicycle to discover the
city. With 400 kilometres of cycle paths, you can see
the city from a whole new perspective.
If you are looking for nature, there is the Vondelpark,
where you can jog, skate, or just take a walk. Wher­
ever you are in Amsterdam – home is never far away:
The Hapimag Resort is in a central location – right on
the Singel, the oldest canal in Amsterdam.
We look forward to welcoming you to Amsterdam
and hope you have an unforgettable stay.
Resort Manager Nimue A. van den Berk and Team
Nimue A. van den Berk
Resort Manager
Amsterdam
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Excursion tips
CONTENTS
Location 5
History 6
Reception 7
Important information 8
Activities 9
Area map 12
Families 14
Shopping 15
Events 16
Indulgence 17
Phrase book 18
Online 19
The Hapimag range 20
Important telephone numbers 22
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AMSTERDAM –
ART, CANALS,
A ZEST FOR LIFE
The Hapimag resort is on Amsterdam’s
oldest canal, the Singel. It is just a few
minutes’ walk to the shops and the main
train station.
The Singel canal is in the centre of Amsterdam. The
main train station is just around the corner. From here
you can take the train, bus or metro to any destination
in and around Amsterdam. In just 10 minutes, you can
walk to the artists’ quarter of Jordaan, the famous Dam
Square and the main and smaller shopping streets.
The museum quarter is just 15 minutes’ away by tram
and here you can find world-famous museums such
as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the
Stedelijk Museum.
In Holland, various excursion destinations are just a
short distance away by train or car: marvel at the wind­
mills in Zaandam, go on a shopping tour to Haarlem
or eat fish in Volendam, a typical Dutch fishing village.
A prime location
The Hapimag Resort is in
a prime location near the
artists’ quarter and the
shopping streets. It is also
close to public transport.
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History
HISTORY AND
CULTURE
The first documented mention of a town
with the name Amstelledammel was in
1275. A village which was built on a dam
in the Amstel. The city has always had a
varied history.
The name of the city is derived from a dam with
­locks built on the river Amstel in the 13th century.
This ­connected the two settlements Oude Zijde
and Nieuwe Zijde (old and new side), which still re­
tain these names today. In the Middle Ages, a
city square, which still carries the name Dam today,
was built on the ­Amstel Dam and this became the
centre of the city. Amsterdam became a centre for
world trade early on, which is why the city was
fought over again and again.
The city survived the First World War with relatively
­little damage. In 1928, Amsterdam held the Olympic
Games. However, the city suffered a set back during
the Second World War. Occupied by the Germans,
Amsterdam experienced dark times, which are still
­remembered today in many museums. After the war,
the city slowly became the cosmopolitan, lively and
multi-cultural metropolis that we know today.
The current Hapimag Resort was the warehouse of
the Dutch East India Company (VOC) until the end of
the 19th century. Goods from India were stored
here. In 1905 the house was converted into student
accommodation. In 1988 Hapimag purchased the
building. The colours of the house are identical to
those used in the 17th century.
Today the Hapimag resort is a protected
building. The following
words are still displayed
high on the façade:
“Vita Hominum Similis
Naviganti” (the life of a
person is like that of a
sailor).
Each of the 26 apartments is dedicated to
a Dutch painter.
Reception
WE’RE HERE
FOR YOU!
How can we help? Our reception staff
members are always happy to assist you.
If you have any questions, require information, or
need help with requests of any kind – reception
is just the place. You can always find someone there
to help you out during opening hours. Stop by and
visit!
Services
–– Sale of bread rolls and breakfast service
–– Booking city and boat tours and excursions
–– Sale of postcards, stamps, tickets for public
transport and also tickets for museums
–– Sale of Nespresso capsules
–– Free wireless LAN
–– Sale of dishwasher tablets
–– 24-hour emergency service
–– Cycle hire
Infocentre on 1st basement level
–– Sale of best-sellers, specialist books about
Amsterdam and Holland and games
–– Surf PC
–– Honesty Bar
–– Refuse disposal facilities are available in
the basement
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Important information
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
With some knowledge about Amster­
dam, you can score points at dinner or
entertain your loved ones while standing
in the queue for the museum.
Did you know that …
… Amsterdam has only approx. 800 000 residents
and they come from 180 different countries?
… there are more canals in Amsterdam than in
Venice? There are a total of 165 canals, 80 bridges
and 2500 houseboats.
… on Kings’ Day, Amsterdam transforms into a
city of orange and there is a street market on every
street?
… Amsterdam is the city with the most museums per
square kilometre in the world?
… there is parking facility just for bikes in Amsterdam?
This is at the main train station and offers 2500 park­
ing places over two levels.
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EXPERIENCE
HISTORY –
ENJOY ART
Immerse yourself in the past and under­
stand world events from centuries past
or gaze in wonder at works by Van Gogh
or other artists – Amsterdam has a large
selection of museums to offer.
The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the
Museum for Modern Art, the Stedelijk, are known
around the world. But there are also other interest­
ing museums in Amsterdam. For example, visit a
canal house museum; here you can see how these
buildings looked in the Golden Age. Or wander
through the Nemo Science Museum with your chil­
dren. The motto here: touch everything! You can
learn about science and technology with all your
senses.
Tickets and further information are available at
­reception.
Some interesting museums
in Amsterdam
––Rijksmuseum
––Van Gogh Museum
––Stedelijk Museum
––Maritime Museum
––Amsterdam Museum
––Tropical Museum
––Hermitage Amsterdam
––Van Loon Museum
––Willet-Holthuysen Museum
––Rembrandthuis
––Foam – Photography Muse­
um Amsterdam
––Eye Film Museum
––Ons’ Lieve Heer
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Activities
ACROSS THE
CANALS ON
TWO WHEELS
The bike in Amsterdam is like the Vespa
in Rome – the most important form of
transport for the locals. Do the same and
discover the city on two wheels.
The Dutch have a long tradition of love for the bicy­
cle. Even Queen Wilhelmina (1880 – 1962) used this
common means of transport.
There are 400 kilometres of cycle paths in and around
Amsterdam. This makes it quick and easy to get from
one attraction to the next.
You can hire bikes from us at the resort. Child seats
and helmets are also available. Prices and further in­
formation are available at reception.
In Amsterdam there are
more bikes than registered residents.
Each year between
12 000 and 15 000 bikes
are fished out of the
canals.
Activities
ON WATER OR
IN NATURE
A canal trip gives you an overview of
Amsterdam and in the park you can forget
that you are in a city – wonderful contrasts.
The history of Amsterdam is built on water. 165 canals
have been built over the centuries, which simplified
transport and thus boosted trade. They still define the
cityscape and have been a UNESCO World Heritage
site since 2010. A trip along Amsterdam’s canals is
probably the best way to get to know the city. Whether
a hop-on/hop-off tour, a traditional round trip or a
paddle boat – this is the perfect way to get your first
impression of the different canals.
Between trips, choose one of over 30 parks for a won­
derful place to relax. Sitting on the grass in the mid­
dle of the city, the loud activity of the city seems a
long way away. The Keukenhof is the largest garden
in the world. It is near the town of Lisse in the south
of Holland. It is particularly worthwhile visiting during
the tulip season.
The best parks
––Vondelpark
––Westerpark
––Sarphatipark
––Park Frankendael
––Oosterpark
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AMSTERDAM
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Hortus
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Magistra
Police
Metro
Tram
Bus
Attractions “Paleis op de Dam”
Hapimag Resort Amsterdam
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Families
TRAVELLING WITH
CHILDREN
Curious toddlers or demanding teenag­
ers – whatever the age of your children,
Amsterdam has something for the whole
family.
Visit a museum with no “Do not touch” signs, walk
among monkeys or take a selfie with world-famous
idols – the choice is varied.
Visitors can learn more about science and technology
through touch, taste and smell at the Nemo Science
Museum. At the Artis Royal Zoo, you can discover ani­
mals from Europe, from the rainforest or something
slippery from the canals of Amsterdam. And in the wax
museum, you are at eye level with the stars.
The best tips for young and old:
–– Petting zoo in the Amstelpark and The Pijp
–– Western Park Woest Westen
–– Amsterdam Museum
–– Groot Melkhuis in the Vondelpark
–– Windmill Museum Zaanse Schans
–– Microbe Zoo Micropia
Excursion tips
– Candlelight boat trip with
dinner
– Small boat trips
– 100 Highlights boat trip
– Grand Holland Tour
– Hop-on/hop-off city tour
– Anne Frank and Jewish
Amsterdam
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SHOPPING PARADISE
Good times for anyone who enjoys shop­
ping. Antiques, fancy designers and
second-hand items – in Amsterdam, you
can find everything your heart desires.
Shopping locally
The “Haarlemmerdijk”, a very long, popular and
lively shopping street, is practically outside the door.
Shopping in the city centre
In the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes), you can find
numerous speciality shops, restaurants, boutiques,
bars, cafés, tea shops and antique shops.
Shopping in department stores
“De Bijenkorf” is the most famous department store
in Amsterdam. It is inside a historical building behind
Dam Square.
Luxury shopping
P. C. Hooftstraat is Amsterdam’s most exclusive shop­
ping street. Here you can find all well-known luxury
­labels.
The best markets
––Albert Cuypmarkt
––Dappermarkt
––Nieuwmarkt
––Ten Katemarkt
––Noordermarkt
––Waterlooplein
More information on the
markets is available at
reception.
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Language course
AN EVENTFUL
HOLIDAY YEAR
There is a special event each month in
­Amsterdam – each one is worth a visit.
A night in a museum, classical music on the canals
or tulip flowers: entertainment is guaranteed, year in,
year out.
A short overview:
January: New Year, Amsterdam Light Festival
February: Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day
March: Keukenhof
April: Keukenhof, King’s Day
May: Keukenhof, Liberation Day
June: Holland Festival, Open Garden Days
July: Amsterdam Roots Festival, Fashion Week
August: Gay Pride, Canal Festival
September / October: Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
November: Museum Night
December: Sinterklaas, Amsterdam Light Festival
Indulgence
STAMPPOT AND
POFFERTJES
Try out Dutch cooking! But specialities
from around the world are also available
in the multicultural city of Amsterdam.
Dutch cooking is simple and hearty. Meat and pota­
toes are common ingredients. The most popular
dishes include “Erwtensoep” (pea soup with ham and
smoked sausage), “Stamppot” (mashed potato with
vegetables served with meat and sauce) and “Poffert­
jes” (small sweet pancakes).
In many restaurants, dishes are still cooked in a tradi­
tional manner. Thanks to Amsterdam’s proximity to
the sea, fresh fish such as plaice, mackerel, eel as well
as mussels and prawns are also often on the menu.
The colonial past of the Netherlands is reflected in
the numerous Indonesian and Surinamese restaurants
in Amsterdam. This is also demonstrated by the many
nationalities at home here – with a huge selection of
international restaurants.
Try a different snack:
So many visitors to
Amsterdam have already stood in wonder
before the Febo snack
bar. Insert a coin, open
the glass door and bite
into a fresh, warm
snack. It’s worth a try!
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Phrase book
DUTCH FOR
BEGINNERS
A little bit of Dutch – Een beejte
Nederlands.
Goodbye – Tot ziens
Good morning – Goedemorgen
Hello – Hallo
Good evening – Goedenavond
Goodnight – Welterusten
Thank you – Dankuwel
Please – Alstublieft
Sorry – Sorry
Morning – Morgen
Yesterday – Gisteren
Today – Vandaag
Yes – Ja
No – Nee
Online
HAPIMAG APP
Download our free Hapimag app for iPhone and
Android on your mobile phone. The app contains
the latest information and recommendations on
activities and opportunities at the Hapimag Resorts.
YOUR OPINION
MATTERS
Did you enjoy your stay?
Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
We look forward to receiving your feedback at
www.holidaycheck.com
Help us to better accommodate your needs.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Share your experiences with us and other guests on our
Facebook page. Post photos of your stay in Amsterdam
and find out what’s new.
www.facebook.com/hapimagamsterdam
We hope you have a memorable stay and enjoy
some special moments in Amsterdam.
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DISCOVER THE
HOLIDAY WORLD
OF HAPIMAG.
More Hapimag to suit your needs.
The Hapimag range
Unforgettable days with your loved ones, shopping
and sightseeing in the metropolises of Europe or
hiking and skiing in the mountains – Hapimag Resort
Amsterdam is just one of around 60 resorts for a
holiday that’s tailored entirely to your needs.
Did you enjoy your stay at the Hapimag
Resort Amsterdam and would you like to
experience more unforgettable days like
these?
Please ask at reception for more information.
Discover all that Hapimag has to offer.
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IMPORTANT
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
To use the telephone, please dial 0 before
the number. For calls from your mobile,
please dial the country code +31 before the
telephone number.
Fire brigade 112
Police 112
Netherlands emergency 112
Sint-Lucas-Andreas Hospital
+31 (20) 5 10 89 11
Hapimag Resort Amsterdam
+31 (20) 5 24 59 20
Emergency number for Hapimag Amsterdam
(outside of reception opening times)
+31 (6) 50 20 72 90
Emergency number for Hapimag Baar
+41 (79) 4 14 78 33
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Hapimag Resort Amsterdam | Singel 19 – 23 | 1012 VC Amsterdam | Nederland
T +31 (20) 5 24 59 20 | [email protected] | www.hapimag.com