Amsterdam Centrum Guide with 2pm Canal Trip

A MSTERDAM G UIDE
A Self-Guided walk to Amsterdam’s Centrum
including route maps to the pick-up point for the 2pm canal trip
Created for Visitors from Legend of the Seas - 30 April 2014
developed by Roy Smith ©2014
Contents
WELCOME TO AMSTERDAM
A������� A� T�� C����� T�������................................................................................................................1
T�� P���’� P���� I� H������........................................................................................................................1
T�� G����� ���...........................................................................................................................................1
T�� 20�� C������........................................................................................................................................1
SOME BASICS
T������ T������ S����..................................................................................................................................2
P�������� T������� �� D�����................................................................................................................4
AMSTERDAM CENTRUM
W������ ���� ��� C����� T�������...........................................................................................................4
Damrak....................................................................................................................................5
Dam Square.............................................................................................................................6
Koninklijk (Royal) Palace..........................................................................................................6
The Amsterdam National Monument.....................................................................................6
The Nieuwe Kerk.....................................................................................................................6
D�� S����� �� W����������.....................................................................................................................8
Re:mbrandt All his paintings....................................................................................................8
Westerkerk (West Church)......................................................................................................9
The Anne Frank House............................................................................................................9
Houseboat Museum..............................................................................................................10
Claes Claeszoon Hofje............................................................................................................10
A�������� S��� G����� T���
W ELCOME
TO
A��������’� C������
A MSTERDAM
Arriving At The Cruise Terminal
P
assenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) is the
city’s official port for cruise ships. The
structure is an eye-catching building on the IJ
River (pronounced Eye) and the PTA welcomes about
200,000 passengers annually. Just in front of the PTA
are the berths used by River Cruise Vessels and on
most days a number of these can be seen at the
moorings.
The Port of Amsterdam lies at the head of the
Ijsselmeer, a shallow freshwater lake in the ‘North
Holland’ province of The Netherlands.
While the seat of government for The
Netherlands is at The Hague, the Port of Amsterdam
is the country's official capital. The Port of
Amsterdam is the major centre for culture and
finance in The Netherlands.
In 2012 over 740,000 people lived in the city of
Amsterdam, and over 2.1million called the
metropolitan area home.
The PTA is located a few hundred metres from the
City’s Central Railway Station, which is the hub of
Amsterdam. All public transport, trams, metro, buses
and taxis meet here from where visitors may explore
the city or surrounding area with ease.
T�� P���’� P���� I� H������
As early as in 1275 Count Floris V granted the
people living near the man-made dam on the Amstel
River, freedom to navigate the waters of the Province
of Holland - without paying tolls.
By the 16th century a blooming economy helped
Amsterdam to grow into the biggest city in the
province of Holland, with some 30,000 inhabitants.
The IJ waterway was still an estuary; in it was a port
directly connected to Damrak. Ocean-going vessels
could sail right into the city, up to what is today Dam
Square.
Back then, the Dam was covered in small houses,
with a medieval, gothic city hall (replaced in the 17th
century). At this time the city limits were defined by
the Singel canal to the west, and the
Kloveniersburgwal (wall) to the east.
T�� G����� ���
The 17th century is considered Amsterdam's
‘Golden Age’, during which it became the wealthiest
city in the world. Ships sailed from Amsterdam to the
Baltic Sea, North America, and Africa, as well as
present-day Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Brazil.
Amsterdam’s merchants had the largest share in
both the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch
West India Company. These companies acquired
overseas possessions that later became Dutch
colonies.
During the 19th Century, Amsterdam entered
what some call its second ‘Golden Age’. The Industrial
Revolution arrived, and new civic buildings including
museums and train stations, and supporting services
appeared.
T�� 20�� C������
Before World War I began, the Port was growing
with new suburbs. While the country was neutral
during the war, the Amsterdam had shortages of food
and heating oil, causing riots in which people looted
stores and warehouses.
In 1940, Nazi Germany invaded and took control of
The Netherlands. They seated a civilian Nazi
government over the Port of Amsterdam that
cooperated in persecuting Jews.
Citizens of the Port of Amsterdam risked their own
freedom or lives by sheltering Jews; not all were
saved. Over 100,000 Dutch Jews were sent to
concentration camps; only 5,000 survived WW2.
1
A�������� S��� G����� T���
A��������’� C������
S OME B ASICS
Typical Tourist Stuff
T
he first essential thing to say about visiting
Amsterdam is that almost everyone you meet
will speak English, there will be few exceptions
whilst you are in the city itself. However, it may be
prudent to learn a few Dutch words which you may
hear as you travel around - these are mentioned a
little later in this guide.
Alcohol
Money
You must be at least 16 years old to drink beer or
wine and 18 to imbibe spirits. If you look too young
you’ll be carded, so always bring identification. This
holds true for supermarkets and off-licences, too.
Amsterdam is famous for
its cafés and restaurants so
you’re never far from a tasty
brew or a glass of wine.
Heineken, Amstel and Bavaria
are the nation’s biggest
Local Time
brewers but other large local
From 28 March to 31 October Amsterdam is in the brands include Grolsch and
Hertog Jan. A wide variety of
Central European Summer Time Zone, or GMT+2.
excellent Belgian brews are
However, remember that as cruise ship visitors you
also on offer at most bars, but
should always take the time from what the cruise
keep an eye out for cafés selling beer from
ship tells you; only in rare cases will this be different
Amsterdam’s own micro-breweries.
from the local time.
Since 2002, a large part of the European Union
has adopted the euro as its local currency and the
Netherlands is no exception. One euro contains 100
euro cents. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50
euro cents, and also of 1 and 2 euro. Banknotes are
available with the following values: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100,
200 and 500. However, it is common practice for
local shops NOT to accept €200 and €500 bills.
You can exchange and withdraw money at most
large banks; there are plenty in the centre of
Amsterdam. All banks accept Visa and MasterCard at
their cash dispensers, but bear in mind that ATMs are
ridiculously scarce in Amsterdam often leading to
huge queues.
At Amsterdam Centraal Station you can find a
GWK Travelex shop open from 8am. Many
restaurants, hotels and shops accept Visa and
MasterCard, but to avoid disappointment, be sure to
carry some money with you as some bars only accept
cash and others require a minimum purchase of €15 20 to use a card.
Tipping
Tipping in restaurants,
if deserved, is up to the
diner and both 10% or a
rounding up of the bill is
acceptable.
Brown Cafés
Bruine (Brown) cafes are to Amsterdam what
pubs are to London. That is, they are casual,
neighbourhood gathering spots located all around
the city, featuring dark wood and people looking for a
drink, a snack and friendly conversation. The term
‘brown’ comes from the dark wood and stained walls
that supposedly owe their hue to years of smoking
patrons.
Amsterdam's brown cafés are as much a part of
the city's charm as its canals and architecture. Most
of them epitomize the Dutch term gezelligheid
(pronounced "khuh ZEL ikh hide"), a word quite
difficult to translate into English; coziness or a feeling
of friendly welcome best describes it.
These should not, however, be confused with
Coffeeshops, although many fist time visitors do.
Coffeeshops & Drugs
It comes as no surprise that in many places in the
Netherlands coffeeshops sell marijuana and other socalled soft drugs to Dutch residents. And you may
have also heard that dealing or possessing hard drugs
is forbidden. You can be arrested for it and
punishments are no laughing matter.
Unfortunately, recent legislation on a national
level has made the legality issue a little hazy.
2
A�������� S��� G����� T���
A��������’� C������
Although it is technically forbidden to serve nonresidents, most coffeeshops in Amsterdam still sell
their wares to tourists.
Coffeeshops are alcohol-free establishments
where soft drugs
are sold and
consumed. A
driving principle
of coffeeshop
policy is that the
sale of alcohol
and the sale of
soft drugs is
separated.
Prostitution
It may surprise you to know that the profession
that has helped to make Amsterdam a household
word across the globe, only became legal in 2000.
travelling a lot you’re better off purchasing a 24-hour
ticket for €7.50. You have to touch the scanner near
the doors of the tram when entering and exiting the
vehicle.
Pickpockets
For years, the Dutch did what they always do
when confronted with a sticky social problem. The
police simply turned a blind eye to the practice and
tolerated it. The cops in the Red Light district only
rousted sex workers if they became too aggressive
with passers-by showing off body parts or tapping on
the glass.
Sadly, as with many other major cities pickpockets
are typically active in crowded places, during the
summer season. This can occur in a tram or while
watching a street artist. Mind your belongings
carefully, and leave your valuables onboard the ship.
Today, window shopping on the Oudezijds
Achterburgwal is a popular tourist attraction, but
please bear in mind that these ladies are there to
make a living and are not part of some open-air zoo.
Be respectful and, whatever you do, don't take any
photographs up close. Use a zoom lens from a
distance if you want some photographic evidence of
your visit.
If you are a victim of crime go to one of the police
stations. They will take a statement, cancel your
credit cards in case of theft and provide you with
useful telephone numbers and addresses (like
consulates, etc). Please try to avoid problems by not
carrying valuable items with you on the streets.
Cycling
It is estimated there are over 880,000 bicycles in a
city of 780,000 residents. There are cycle paths
everywhere in Amsterdam and .Cyclists in
Amsterdam have a reputation of being somewhat
anarchistic and are perhaps even proud of this
reputation. The fact that they often ignore the rules
of the road can cause problems.
Cyclists are not permitted to cycle through red
lights, although they often do.
Police
Some Useful Words?
Hello
Hallo
Good morning
Goedemorgen
Good afternoon
Goedemiddag
Goodbye
Dag
Excuse me
Pardon
Thank you
Dank u
Thank you very much
Dank u wel
Trams
pronounced (dank u vel)
Amsterdammers love their trams and you should,
too! They provide the best way of getting around the
city and run from 06:00 - 00:30.
Please
You shouldn't have to wait longer than 10 minutes
at any tram stop. One-hour tickets for journeys across
the city can be bought from newsagents or tram
drivers. In 2013 they cost €2.80, but if you plan on
Yes
Ja (Yar)
No
Nee (Nay)
Sorry
Sorry
Alstublieft
pronounced (alst-u-bleeft)
3
A�������� S��� G����� T���
A��������’� C������
A MSTERDAM C ENTRUM
Walking from the Cruise Terminal
T
his guide shows the route to and from the
passenger terminal where the cruise ship will
dock, into Amsterdam Centrum (city centre).
You will be able to visit a number of Amsterdam’s
main city centre sights, places to eat and the
departure point for the afternoon canal trip on the
Salonboot Hilda, for those with tickets.
P�������� T������� �� D�����
As you leave the passenger terminal you are
faced with a major road, across the other side
of which are the tram tracks. For the purposes
of this guide you can follow the red line on the
maps opposite. Stay on the footpath alongside the
road (de Ruijterkade), passing the river cruise berths
on your right, until you reach a pedestrian crossing;
Central Station is ahead and to your left.
Cross over the road to your left and walk under
the railway bridge towards Oosterdokskade and keep
going until you pass under the rail bridge, you are
now on the edge of Stationsplein. If you wish to head
to the station itself you will the Tourist Information
Centre. Also, if you are not booked onto one of the
private canal trips this is also a good place to join a
public tour; which leave from the Haven Front area.
Keep walking ahead, crossing the docks, until you
reach the main road - negotiate the various
pedestrian crossings an you will see, to your right
Schrierstoren (weeper’s tower) and to your left the
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
The suggestion is to cross the road and head to
the right of the Schrierstorenand continue until you
pass St Nicholas’ Basilica, the main Catholic Church in
Amsterdam.
Schrierstoren
Victoria Hotel
St Nicholas Basilica
Having past St Nicholas’ Basilica your next target is
to reach the the top of Damrak near the Park Plaza
Victoria Hotel, passing the Church of Saint Nicholas
on your left. As you reach the construction works
make your way safely around them and you will find
yourself on Damrak, the main thoroughfare which
leads past various public canal cruise docks and takes
you directly to towards Dam Square and the Royal
Palace.
Distance: 1.4km / 20mins
4
A�������� S��� G����� T���
A��������’� C������
The map below shows an overview of the city with the route down Damrak to Dam Square shown in
red. You will also see, on the left of the map the Lutherse Kerk (also known as the Copper Domed
Church) which is the meeting point for those on the afternoon private canal trip.
DAMRAK
This part of your walk takes you along Damrak
which is actually a partially filled in canal. Running
north-south it is the first sight that many visitors
get as they arrive at The Central Station.
Damrak is also one of the two tram routes that
run from the station into the city. An extension to
the metro is presently being built underneath
Damrak; the cause of many years disruption and
expense; over €3bn. The street was originally
located on a ‘rak’ (reach), a straight part of the
Amstel river near a dam; hence the name.
Because of the former stock exchange building,
the monumental Beurs van Berlage (right), and
several other buildings related to financial activities
erected there in the early 20th century, the term
‘Damrak’ has come to be a synonym for the
Amsterdam Stock Exchange in the same way ‘Wall
Street’ is synonymous with the New York Stock
Exchange. This leads you into Dam Square.
5
A�������� S��� G����� T���
DAM SQUARE
As you arrive in Dam Square you will be
greeted by three of the most famous historic sights
in the city; The Royal Palace, The National
Monument and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).
Dam Square itself was created in the 13th
century when a dam was built around the river
Amstel to prevent the Zuiderzee Sea from
flooding the city, causing damage and endangering
the citizens of Amsterdam.
Through the centuries, a number of buildings
sprung up around the Square, special events were
(and still are) held here, and street entertainers are
a common site. In addition to several restaurants,
cafés, and shops, there are many excellent
attractions to visit in Dam Square.
The Koninklijk (Royal) Palace
THE NIEUWE KERK
Adjacent to the palace stand the Nieuwe Kerk
(above). It was originally built about 1400 and
restored to its original grandeur in the mid-1600s
after a major fire. It was built in early Renaissance
style. Both inaugurations and royal weddings have
been held in this magnificent church. Guests enjoy
viewing the famous stained glass windows and
listening to concerts performed on the pipe organ.
A��������’� C������
THE AMSTERDAM NATIONAL MONUMENT
Erected in 1956 it honours the victims of
World War II. It was designed by Dutch architect
J.J.P. Oud, and the monument’s sculptures are by
John Rädecker and his sons Han and Jan Willem
Rädecker. The central element of the monument is
a concrete conical pillar 22 metres in height,
covered entirely by white travertine stone
KONINKLIJK (ROYAL) PALACE
Built as a city hall for the magistrates of
Amsterdam, it was the largest secular building in
Europe in the 17th century. The building has
served a number of different purposes since its
construction by Dutch architect Jacob van Campen.
Though it’s difficult to tell now, the entire building
was made of gleaming white stone. Originally built
to be the City Hall for the magistrates of
Amsterdam, its first section opened in 1655.
Through the centuries, the building has been
known not only for its size and beautiful exterior
but also for what’s inside the Royal Palace. After it
was built, famous sculptors and painters were
brought to Amsterdam to create masterpieces to
be exhibited there including Rembrandt.
The City Hall became the Royal Palace when
Louis Napoleon, brother of the famous emperor,
was appointed to rule over Holland as king in the
early 1800s. He decided to take over the building
and, in turn, converted it to a palace. He decorated
in Empire style and many of his furnishings can
still be viewed by tourists today.
When Napoleon Bonaparte’s empire fell the
structure was returned to the city, but not for long.
King Willem I (of Orange) liked it decided he’d
reside there. Royalty continued to use the palace
until 1936, when it again became a public building.
The building remains at the King’s disposal for
state functions and is used often for such
ceremonies.
6
A�������� S��� G����� T���
A��������’� C������
7
A�������� S��� G����� T���
A��������’� C������
The map on the previous page shows a route
7. Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Rooms where you can
through the city and includes a number of restaurants
test and evaluate the flavour, the aroma and the
and cafes, some of which have bee sampled or visited
qualities of the Reypenaer cheeses, all under the
by the author of this guide, these are:
guidance of an expert cheese taster. Tasting
sessions require advance booking.
1. Sara’s Pancake House, typical Dutch cafe, with
some outdoor seating. On a busy main road.
http://www.reypenaercheese.com
2. Located in Magna Plaza, two eateries, Grandcafe
Ovidius and The Views. Plus public toilets
requiring Euro coins to pay (change is given).
3. Two separate Argentinian Steak Houses offering
good value on steaks and other dishes.
4. The Cafe a the Nieuwekerk, tea, coffee and
refreshments together with light snacks.
5. Several tourist restaurants on Damrak offer a
range of full meals or snacks. You will also find
McDonalds and KFC.
6. Two separate restaurants both offering good food
and outdoor seating (weather permitting).
8. Greenwoods at Singel 103- without doubt the
very best English style cafe in Amsterdam offering
breakfasts, light snacks and fabulous English
Cream Teas.
This is Roy and Fiona’s favourite place to eat
during the day
http://www.greenwoods.eu
9. Koepelcafe - a bar offering Dutch style snacks and
light refreshments.
10. L-Amour Tapas Restaurant offering snacks and
refreshments alongside the afternoon canal trip
departure point.
D�� S����� �� W����������
The next leg of this walk takes you out of Dam
Square to the right-hand side of the Royal
Palace keeping the Nieuwe Kerk on your right.
As you leave Dam Square take care of the
trams that run through the gap between the two
historic buildings, the road is narrow.
There is a pedestrian crossing in front of you
leading over Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal towards the
doors of Magna Plaza, which is another high class
shopping centre - and worth a stop if you have time.
Once in front of Magna Plaza (top right) walk to
the left (as you face it) and turn right down
Radhiusstraat. Keep walking until you cross over the
first canal. This is called the Singel and forms the first
ring of major canals in the city.
The next canal you cross is the Herengracht or
Gentleman’s canal and enter a small shopping area;
here you will get four first sight of the Westerkerk in
the distance. The Westerkerk sits between the other
two mjaor canals, the Keizersgracht or Emperors
canal and the Prinsengracht or Princes canal.
These last three canals were constructed in 1613
during the city’s first major expansion and around the
old medieval city in semicircles. This band of canals
was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 2010.
Alongside the Westerkerk you will find The Anne
Frank House Museum and also the Homomonument.
Distance: 850m / 13mins
RE:MBRANDT ALL HIS PAINTINGS
Located at Magna Plaza this is a permanent
exhibition that gives a unique overview of
Rembrandt’s complete collection; 325 paintings
full size and displayed in chronological order. An
ode to the Dutch master.
The Rembrandt Research Project (RRP) was
launched in 1968 with the aim of identifying the
painter’s complete works.Paintings from private
collections, stolen and damaged works included.
Using the latest
techniques and the
inexhaustible knowledge
of Professor Ernst van de
Wetering, all working are
digitally restored to their
original condition as
they just left
Rembrandt’s studio.
Admission is €12.50.
Allow at least 1 hour to visit the Anne Frank House.
8
A�������� S��� G����� T���
WESTERKERK (WEST CHURCH)
The Westerkerk is a protestant church that has
been in use since 1631. It features a memorial
plaque to Rembrandt, and its impressive tower
contains a carillon with 48 bells, many of which
were crafted by the renowned Hemony brothers.
The architect was Hendrick de Keyser who built
the church in the Dutch Renaissance style, which
is characterized by a combination of brick and
stone.
The tower bears the symbol of the imperial
crown of Maximilian the First of Austria, which he
presented to the city in gratitude for its loyalty to
the Austro-Burgundian princes.
In 1669 Rembrandt van Rijn was buried here,
just as was his son Titus was a year earlier.
The Westertoren (West Tower) has inspired
many Dutch songs and poems and remains a wellknown symbol of Amsterdam. It is 85 meters high
and is the tallest tower in the city, Amsterdammers
call the tower soothingly the D'Oude Wester.
The tower owner is not the church community,
but the municipal government as were all 17th
century towers; they served particularly as
observation posts for the fire brigade.
A��������’� C������
The Westertoren - 85 metres tall
THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE
The Anne Frank House (left) is a museum
where visitors are given the opportunity to
personally envision what happened on this very
spot. The secret annex, where Anne and her
family hid from the Nazis is preserved for
posterity.
The front part of the house, the place where
the helpers worked and Otto Frank’s former
office, has been returned to the style and
atmosphere of the hiding period; visitors are
provided with the opportunity to feel personally
involved in what occurred at this location.
The old canal-side house at 265 Prinsengracht,
next to Otto Frank’s former office, has been
renovated. Here, information is given about the
diary and its significance. Anne Frank’s original
diaries and other writings are on display.
The story is told using quotes from Anne’s
diary as a reference. Original objects, documents,
and photographs that are on display in the
exhibition serve in strengthening the personal
account of the hiding period and of the
deportation to the camps. Three short films place
the personal story in a historical context.
9
A�������� S��� G����� T���
Claes Claeszoon Hofje
A��������’� C������
The map on the left offers some more options
for sightseeing around this area of the city
whilst staying with walking distance of Dam
Square; these include visiting he area known as The
Nine Streets which constitute a charming
neighbourhood full of unique shops, wonderful places
to have lunch and a great atmosphere.
as well as one of Amsterdam’s hidden gardens, the
Claes Claeszoon Hofje.
Also in this area you will find The Houseboat
Museum and Johnny Jordaanplen, where you will
find statues of the famous Jordaan Singers: Johnny
Jordaan, Tante Leen, Johnny Meijer and Manke Nelis.
Claes Claeszoon Hofje
Johnny Jordaanplein &
the Houseboat Museum
CLAES CLAESZOON HOFJE
The small Claes Claeszoon Hofje (below)
consists of three inner courtyards. The first garden
has a fountain with a lion’s head and above the
roof is a statue of Maria. These courtyards date to
1616 and incorporate the ‘Sword Sweeps’
almshouses (A sword sweeper was a blacksmith
who put an edge on weapons). Following 20 years
of restorations the hofje re-opened in 1979. The
courtyard is located at 1-5 Egelantiersdwarsstraat.
Admission is free.
HOUSEBOAT MUSEUM
The Houseboat Museum is located on the
Hendrika Maria, a former freighter, built in 1913.
Until the 1960s she primarily transported sand and
gravel, after which time she was converted into a
houseboat; whilst maintaining its outward historic
appearance. The Hendrika Maria has housed people
for more than twenty years now. Nowadays it looks
like the owners have just popped out to the shops.
The houseboat has very narrow steps into the
main cabin and as you might expect has, in places,
extremely low ceilings. Street noises fade away as
you enter and are replaced with nautical smells and
colours, and (sometimes) the light movement of the
By referring back to the map on page 7 of this
swell. Measuring 23m x 4.5m, this houseboat is
guide you will find the rout back to Dam Square
equal in size to the average Amsterdam apartment.
or to the Copper Domed Church; from where
Open from 11:00 to 17:00 - Entrance fee: € 3.75 the afternoon canal trip departs.
10
A�������� S��� G����� T���
A��������’� C������
Notes
Disclaimer: The contents of this guide are believed correct at the time of publication. Nevertheless the author cannot accept
responsibility for errors or omissions, or for changes in details given in this guide, or for the consequences of any reliance
on the information provided by the same. Assessments of distances, timings, restaurants, cafe’s, museums and other attractions
are based on the authors own experience, and therefore descriptions given in this guide necessarily contain an element of
subjective opinion which may not reflect that of the users.
Distances are assessed using Internet based mapping services. Timings, where given, are based on what a reasonable person,
in reasonable health may be able to achieve; an average of 4km (2.5miles) per hour is used to assess timing.
11