More videos
Amsterdam
Interesting places in Amsterdam:Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centres in Europe, dating largely from the 17th century. At this time, a series of concentric, semi-circular canals ("grachten") were dug around the old city centre. Along the canals houses and warehouses were built. The canals still define Amsterdam's layout and appearance today. Many fine houses and mansions are situated along the canals. Some of the narrow brick houses are gradually sinking because they are built on wooden piles to cope with the marshy subsoil.
Architectural heritage
Amsterdam has one of the largest historic city centres in Europe, with about 7 000 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century - there was no major bombing during World War II. The centre consists of 90 islands, linked by 400 bridges. Its most prominent feature is the concentric canal ring begun in the 17th century. The city office for architectural heritage (BMA) has an excellent online introduction to the architectural history, and the types of historical buildings. The website includes a along important examples.
The oldest parts of the city are Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk. Two mediaeval wooden houses survive, at Begijnhof 34 and Zeedijk 1. Other old houses are Warmoesstraat 83 (built circa 1400), Warmoesstraat 5 (circa 1500) and Begijnhof 2-3 (circa. 1425).
The Begijnhof is a late-mediaeval enclosed courtyard with the houses of beguines, women living in a semi-religious community. Beguinages are found in northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and north-western Germany.
There are several large warehouses for more specific uses. The biggest is the Admiralty Arsenal (1656-1657), now the Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum) at Kattenburgerplein. Others include the former turf warehouses (1550) along the Nes, now the municipal pawn office; a similar warehouse at Waterlooplein 69-75 (Arsenaal, 1610), now an architectural academy, and the warehouse of the West India Company (1642) at the corner of Prins Hendrikkade and s-Gravenhekje. The 19th-century warehouses, along the Oostelijke Handelskade, are surrounded by new office buildings.
The trading city of Amsterdam was ruled by a merchant-based oligarchy, who built canal houses and mansions in the most prestigious locations, especially along the main canals. The BMA website has a chronological list of the most important:
- Singel 140-142, De Dolphijn (circa 1600)
- Oudezijds Voorburgwal 14, Wapen van Riga (1605)
- Oudezijds Voorburgwal 57, De Gecroonde Raep (1615), in Baroque Amsterdam Renaissance style
- Herengracht 170-172, Bartolotti House (circa 1617)
- Keizersgracht 123, House with the Heads (1622)
- Herengracht 168 (1638)
- Rokin 145 (1643)
- Kloveniersburgwal 29, Trip House (1662)
- Oudezijds Voorburgwal 187 (1663)
- Singel 104-106 (1743)
- Singel 36, Zeevrugt (1763)
The Jordaan was built around 1650 along with the canal ring, but not for the wealthy merchants. For a long time it was considered the typical working-class area of Amsterdam, and included some notorious slums. It was probably the first example of gentrification in the Netherlands, even before the word was used. The name probably drives from the nickname 'Jordan' for the Prinsengracht. Apart from a few wider canals, the streets are narrow, in an incomplete grid pattern.
19th-century architecture is under-represented in Amsterdam. Immediately outside the Singelgracht (former city moat) is a ring of 19th-century housing. The most prominent buildings from this period are Centraal Station (1889) and the Rijksmuseum (1885), both by P. J. H. Cuypers.
Churches
There are five main churches in the historic centre. The oldest is the Oude Kerk (1306) on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, in the red-light district. It was followed by the Nieuwe Kerk (15th century) on the Dam. The late-mediaeval city also had smaller chapels such as the Sint Olofskapel (circa 1440) on Zeedijk, and convent chapels such as the Agnietenkapel on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal 231 (originally 1470), now the University of Amsterdam museum. Around 1600, three new Protestant churches were built:
- Zuiderkerk (1603) at Zuiderkerkhof, now an information centre on housing and planning.
- Noorderkerk (1620/230) at Noordermarkt on the Prinsengracht.
- Westerkerk (1620/31) on Westermarkt is the largest of the three. The church is open (free) for visitors from Monday to Friday, 11.00 -15.00, from April to September. You can also climb the tower, only with guide, every half-hour, € 6. In good weather you can see all of Amsterdam, and as far as the coast.
Later churches included the Oosterkerk (1669) in the eastern islands, and the heavily restored Lutheran Church on the Singel (1671), now used by a hotel as a conference centre. Catholic churches were long forbidden, and only built again in the 19th-century: the most prominent is the Neo-Baroque Church of St. Nicholas (1887) opposite Central Station.
The most prominent synagogue is the Portugese-Israelite Synagogue (1675) at Mr. Visserplein, in an austere Classicist style.
Modern architecture
Since there was little large-scale demolition in the historic centre, most 20th-century and recent architecture is outside it. The most prominent in architectural history are the residential complexes by architects of the Amsterdam School, for instance at Zaanstraat / Oostzaanstraat.
- Museum of the Amsterdam School , located in the best-known example of their architecture. Open Wednesday to Sunday 13.00 to 17.00, entrance € 2.50.
- The largest concentration of new residential buildings is in the Eastern Docklands. The zone includes three artificial islands: Borneo, Sporenburg, and Java/KNSM, together with the quayside along Piet Heinkade, and some adjoining projects. Accessible by tram 10, tram 26 to Rietlandpark, or best of all by bicycle.
- The largest concentration of box-like office buildings is in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost (South-East) around Bijlmer station (train and metro), but the area does have some spectacular buildings, such as the Amsterdam ArenA stadium and the new Bijlmer ArenA station (nearing completion and already in use).
- Amsterdam is replacing older sewage plants by a single modern plant, in the port zone. Connecting existing sewers to the new plant requires long main sewers, and the use of sewage booster pumps - a new technique at this scale. The new booster pump stations are a unique type of building, designed by separate architects. The three complete pumps are located at Klaprozenweg in the north, on Spaklerweg (just east of the A10 motorway), and beside and under Postjesweg, in the Rembrandtpark.
Windmills
Windmills were not built in urban areas, since the building obstructed the wind. The Amsterdam windmills were all originally outside the city walls. Nearest to the centre are De Gooyer and De Otter:
- De Gooyer (1814, restored) on Funenkade currently holds a microbrewery
- De Otter (1631), a restored and functioning sawmill, opposite Buyskade, west of the Jordaan.
- De Bloem (1878) on the Haarlemmerweg 465 at Nieuwpoortkade,
- De 1200 Roe, Haarlemmerweg 701 near Seineweg
- De 100 Roe (1674), in the Ookmeer sports fields along Ma Braunpad
- D'Admiraal (1792), Noordhollandschkanaaldijk 21, on the bank of the Noordhollands Kanaal in the north, ferry from Central Station.
- Riekermolen (1636) on the bank of the Amstel river at Kalfjeslaan
- De Jonge Dikkert in Amstelveen (corner of Molenweg and Amsterdamseweg) is now a restaurant .
Only the Molen van Sloten and De Gooyer are open for visitors. The Molen van Sloten at Akersluis 10, about 10 minutes walk from the terminus of tram line 2, open daily from 10.00 to 16.00. De Gooyer at Funenkade, Bus 22, Tram 7, open Wednesday to Sunday from 15.00 to 19.00.
Museums
An English-language list at the GVB (public transport) website includes the tram and bus routes for each museum: .
The Museumkaart (museum card) costs €34.95 (or €19.95 for those under 25 years old). It gives discount admission (typically 40% or 50%) in over 400 museums across the Netherlands, and sometimes free admission. You can buy it at most major museums. It is valid for an entire year, and you will need to write your name, birthday, and gender on it. If you are going to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, those are €10 each, so this card can quickly pay for itself.
- Rijksmuseum - masterpieces exhibition. The largest and most prestigious museum for art and history in the Netherlands: works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Dutch masters. The museum is being completely renovated, but the major masterpieces are still on show. Open 09.00 to 18.00, open until 22.00 on Fridays. Admission € 10 for adults, under 18 free. In the garden is a small temporary exhibition on the renovation plans.
- Sexmuseum, The largest and most prestigious museum for sex art and sex history in the Netherlands. Open daily 09.00 to 22.00.
- NEMO. NEMO is the biggest science centre in the Netherlands; an educational attraction where you can discover a world of science and technology in an entertaining way. NEMO takes you on a voyage of discovery between fantasy and reality. You will discover how scientific phenomena influence your daily life. You will learn about technology and engineering, ICT and bio- and behavioural sciences. This is a great place to take kids.
- van Gogh Museum. This museum is dedicated to this late 19th century Dutch painter. Do not expect to see all of Van Gogh's works however as they only have a portion at this museum, others are at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and elsewhere. Still worth the visit though as there are many famous examples of his work. Consider the audio tour at only € 4,00, in the language of your choice, will give you a much better understanding of Van Gogh's life and his paintings. Entry is 10 Euros for adults, no student nor group rates. Open late on Fridays.
- Diamond Museum. This brand new exhibition about the history of diamond trade in Amsterdam is located opposite the van Gogh Museum.
- Stedelijk Museum. The Amsterdam municipal museum of modern art. Temporarily located east of Central Station, 10 minutes walk from there.
- Amsterdams Historisch Museum. The city’s historical museum. Two entrances, at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 357 and Kalverstraat 92. Open 10.00-17.00, opens one hour later on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Entrance € 6 adults, € 3 children.
- Anne Frank House. The house where the Jewish girl Anne Frank wrote her diary while hiding with her family from the Nazis. Don't let the long line discourage you; it moves quickly and the experience inside the hiding places on the top floors is moving. The museum lacks any exhibits to explain the historical context at the time of Anne's diary, however. Go in the early evening around 17:00 to avoid any lines. The Anne Frank House is open later during the summer.
- Katten Kabinet. A cat museum. Housed in a beautiful restored palatial home in an upscale area street - very Masterpiece Theater. It was opened by the homeowner after his favourite cat died... and he still lives in the home. Lots of cat-related art, and real felines.
- Filmmuseum. A non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of contemporary and historical films. Multiple screenings daily. The Filmmuseum is located in the Vondelpark, between park entrances Roemer Visscherstraat and Vondelstraat. Despite the name the "Filmmuseum" this is not a museum, rather just an alternative cinema funded by the government.
- Museum Amstelkring. Most locals don't recognize the official name, but will know what you mean if you say "Our Lord in the Attic." This is a Catholic church stuffed into the upper stories of a house built in 1663, when Catholics were persecuted and had to disguise their churches. It's a beautiful place to visit, and amazing to see how they fit worshippers, an organ, and an altar into such a narrow place. Now a museum, open Monday-Saturday 10.00 - 17.00 , Sunday 13.00-17.00, admission € 7, under 18 € 1. Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40, in the red-light district.
- Tropenmuseum. Ethnographic / cultural museum about Africa, Asia, and South America.
- Royal Palace. This former City Hall (built in 1651) is currently closed for renovation. (It is mainly used for diplomatic receptions and to welcome visiting heads of state, not as a royal residence).
- Allard Pierson Museum. The Allard Pierson Museum is the archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam . The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Cyprus, the Greek World, Etruria and the Roman Empire are revived in this museum. Art-objects and utensils, dating from 4000 B.C. till 500 A.D. give a good impression of everyday-life, mythology and religion in Antiquity.
- Schutters Gallery. Located between Kalverstraat and Begijnhof, shows 17th-century portraits, free.
- Scheepvaart Museum. The Netherlands Maritime Museum is closed until 2009, for complete renovation.
- Pianola Museum
- Handbag Museum
Zoo and botanical garden
- Hortus Botanicus. The 'Hortus' as it is called by locals, was formerly the Botanical Garden of the University of Amsterdam. Monday to Friday 9.00 - 17.00, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 17.00, open until 21.00 in July and August, admission € 6.
- Artis Zoo. An entry ticket for Artis also provides admission to the Planetarium, the Geological Museum, the Aquarium and the Zoological Museum. Artis is also a botanical garden, with plants and trees gathered from all over the world, just like the animal species.
Parks and countryside
The nearest open countryside is north of the city, about 20 minutes by bike. Cross the IJ by ferry behind Central Station, and follow the cycle signs for the villages of Ransdorp, Zunderdorp, Schellingwoude or Durgerdam. Cycling along the Amstel river for about 30 to 40 minutes will also take you into open countryside, and the village of Oudekerk.
- Vondelpark. The only large park in the older part of the city. Especially in the summer it's lively and crowded. Meet the locals there.
- Rembrandtpark. Not too far west of the Vondelpark, but much bigger and quieter.
- Museumplein. Not exactly a park, but a large grassed open space. Around its edges are the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Concertgebouw, and the temporarily closed Stedelijk Museum.
- Wertheimpark. A small park opposite the botanical gardens. Has a second world war memorial and lies on one of the nicest canals in Amsterdam.
- Westerpark. Newly expanded park, at the western edge of the centre, with cultural activities in a former gas factory. Access from Haarlemmerweg.
- Oosterpark, Behind the tropical museum, at the eastern edge of the centre, holds several multicultural festivals throughout the year.
- Sarphatipark, at the southern edge of the centre, is a place where people sunbathe and have picknicks in the summer.
- Amsterdamse Bos. A much larger forest-type park on the outskirts of the city. Access from Amstelveenseweg. Horse rental, canoo rental and an open air theatre are part of the attractions.
Beach
The whole coast west of Amsterdam is a single long beach. The nearest stretch is at Zandvoort - 27 minutes by train from Central Station, every 30 minutes. In summer there are extra trains, change trains at Haarlem. Zandvoort is very crowded on warm days in summer: parts of the beach attract the incrowd, others the somewhat less so. The long beaches continue north of IJmuiden, they are more family oriented. For the most accessible of these, take the train to Castricum, and then bus (or minibus) 267. Or, you can take the hydrofoil from behind the Central Station to IJmuiden, and then take a bus to the beach.
There is a temporary artificial beach , surrounded by construction sites, in the new suburb of IJburg. Tram 26 to the last stop, then a few minutes walk, follow the signs.
Attractions and tours
- Former Heineken Brewery (Heineken Experience), Stadhouderskade 78. Not a functioning brewery any more. Tuesdays to Sundays 10.00 - 18.00. Shameless promotion for Holland's leading export beer, but they charge tourists € 11 to get in. That includes three drink coupons and a take home a souvenir bottle opener inside a fake Heinken bottle. They no longer offer the souvenir beer mug.
- Organised city tours. Several operators offer tours, visits to diamond factories, other guided visits, and canal cruises. Unless you really need a guide - for instance if you speak only Chinese - it is cheaper to visit everything yourself.
- New Amsterdam Tours offers a free three-hour guided tour (tips accepted at the end of the tour) of the major Amsterdam sites and history twice a day at 11:00AM and 3:00PM. Meet in front of the tourist information office across from Amsterdam Centraal Station, near the tour guide in a red "Free Tour" shirt. The company also offers a two-hour guided tour through the Red Light District at 7:00PM that meets at the same location for 10 euros per person (8 euros for students).
- Amsterdam Insider is a tour company offering bike, boat and walking tours. Their guides are artists, musicians and writers. Tours are € 15 per person. E-mail AmsterdamInsider@yahoo.com for more information.
- Amsterdam Canal Cruises and Sightseeing Tours Viator - the Latin word for traveler - offers travelers a one-stop shop to plan, research and book their vacation with a wide selection of Amsterdam activities and helpful resources like customer reviews, star ratings, suggested itineraries and the Viator Travel Blog</do>
Red Light District
The Red Light District consists of several canals, and the side streets between them, south of Central Station and east of Damrak. Known as 'De Wallen' (the walls) in Dutch, because the canals were once part of the city defences (walls and moats). Prostitution itself is limited to certain streets, mainly side streets and alleys, but the district is considered to include the canals, and some adjoining streets (such as Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk). The whole area has a heavy police presence, and many security cameras. Nevertheless it is still a residential district, has many bars and restaurants, and also includes historic buildings and museums - this is the oldest part of the city. The oldest church in Amsterdam, the Netherlands-gothic Oude Kerk on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal at Oudekerksplein, is now surrounded by window prostitution. The area has many sexshops and peep show bars. Note: Don't try to take photos of prostitutes even from the streets, or you might lose your camera without any warning.
Top photos chosen by u all:
View from the Westertoren
Made by Bēn
The Westerkerk (western church) is a Protestant church in Amsterdam, built in 1620-1631 after a design by Hendrick de Keyser. The church is in Amsterdam's Jordaan district, at the bank of the Prinsengracht canal. The spire is the highest church tower in Amsterdam, at 85 meters (279 feet). The crown topping the spire is the Emperor's Crown of Maximilian I. Rembrandt van Rijn was buried in the Westerkerk on October 8, 1669. The Westerkerk is located close to the Achterhuis (now Anne Frank House) where diarist Anne Frank, her family and others hid from Nazi persecution for two years during World War II. The Westerkerk is mentioned frequently in her diary - its clock tower could be seen from the attic of the Achterhuis and Anne Frank described the chiming of the clock as a source of comfort. A memorial statue of Frank is located outside the church. Near the Westerkerk is the Homomonument, a memorial for men and women persecuted for their homosexuality. On March 10, 1969 Queen Beatrix (then Princess Beatrix) married Prince Claus in the Westerkerk. Photo taken from the Westertoren on the Prinsengracht - Bloemgracht, where my parents used to live. De toren van de Westerkerk is beroemder dan de kerk zelf. Allereerst omdat de Westertoren goed vanuit de omgeving is te zien, en daarom veel is bezongen en beschreven (bijvoorbeeld in het dagboek van Anne Frank, die het carillon van de toren vaak hoorde vanuit haar onderduikadres vlakbij aan de Prinsengracht). De toren staat vlak naast de Jordaan, de bekende volkswijk in de binnenstad van Amsterdam. Vanaf de toren heeft men een mooi uitzicht over de wijk. De bijnaam van de Westertoren is Lange Jan of De ouwe Wester.
Home sweet home!
Made by Bēn
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. The name is a derivative from Amstel dam pointing to the city's origin: a dam in the river Amstel. The city is known for its historic port, the Rijksmuseum, the red-light district (de Wallen), the liberal coffeeshops, and the canals which have led to Amsterdam being termed the Venice of the North. Finally back home after visiting Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Monaco, Italy and Luxembourg. De belangrijkste toeristische trekpleisters van Nederland zijn in Amsterdam te vinden. Zo was in 2006 een tocht per rondvaartboot door de Amsterdamse grachtengordel met 3,1 miljoen bezoekers de meest bezochte attractie van Nederland (de Efteling was de tweede met 3,0 miljoen), het Van Gogh Museum is met 1,7 miljoen derde op deze lijst. Ook het Rijksmuseum en het Anne Frankhuis behoren tot de drukstbezochte attracties. Onder de toeristen zijn voorts de vele andere musea, de coffeeshops, de restaurants en de raamprostitutie op de Wallen ('Red Light District') populair.
Born by the River
Made by Philip Schade
Finally found the perfect title, Sam Cooke will live forever in my ears. The Amstel River, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Using Nokia N95. I'm reposting the new version of this photo for two reason: - I'de like to show everyone what I've been up to. This is for my upcoming portfolio. I retouched fourtyfive photo's for this very reason (see the set). - To thank all those who have helped me through the proces, including a lot of flickrfriends. Some who really went out of their way for support. They know who you are.
Flickr sunset
Made by ronet
on the beautiful Leidsegracht in Amsterdam Fly to this location (Requires Google Earth)
Purple Buildings, WTC Amsterdam
Made by Joep R.
See the latest shots in darckr
Amsterdam: The Bicycling Capitol of Europe
Amsterdam has created a bicycle friendly city that promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle for its residents. With people meeting face to face instead of bumper to bumper
Amsterdam
Visit to Amsterdam...Amsterdam Netherlands Holland
Amsterdam Information Video Tour
All the lovely things about Amsterdam =). An Amsterdam Informative Travel Tourist Video Tour....Weed legal Amsterdam Holland Coffeshop Red Light District Nederland Netherlands Canal
Amsterdam
feat. Red Light District & Van Gogh Museum...Amsterdam Van Gogh Potato Eaters
Amsterdam: May 2005
and compilation of video and photos of my short trip to Amsterdam, The Netherlands in May 2005. Amsterdam was the third stop on my May 2005 trip to
Emission Impossible | Amsterdam Dakar
Amsterdam Dakar 2007 Belgisch team Door de woestijn op plantenolie...Bio Fuel plantenolie dakar amsterdam rally woestijn co2 global warming
Vueling Amsterdam
Vídeo de presentación de Amsterdam por Vueling Airlines...Vueling Amsterdam
Green House Amsterdam High Times Cannabis Cup Crop 2006
For the first time in history witness how the Green House Seed Co. in Amsterdam cultivates the ultimate 'high time cannabis cup' crop entry 2006. Winner
The Mevlana Rumi derwishes of Damascus
The Whirling Derwishes of Damascus in Amsterdam...Rumi Mevlana mokumtv Dewishes Sufi Sufism
Amsterdam 4/20 Part 1/5
great 'Dam 4/20 video. This is for the folks at the Amsterdam Coffeeshop Directory, http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com
Amsterdam Silence
. Video: Vermeer, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Music: Delerium feat. Sarah mclachlan - Silence (Club Mix)...amsterdam holland the netherlands nl europe
coffeeshop Amsterdam Red light district
coffee shop process...amsterdam netherlands red light district SJPTV SP5187 spring break 2007 northeastern university smithfield rhode island
Slow man in Amsterdam
Music: Peter Bjorn and John - Amsterdam...amsterdam bjorn john peter music man funny
Amsterdam party boat
Canal boat crusing through amsterdam...2006 Amsterdam
Queen's Day 2007, Amsterdam (Party boats on Prinsengracht!)
Queen's Day 2007, Amsterdam (Party boats on Prinsengracht!)...Queen's Day Amsterdam party boats Prinsengracht
Amsterdam Coffeeshop Montage 2005 Pt. 1
Clips from the 2005 excursion to Amsterdam focusing on Coffeeshops and the tolerance that IS "Amsterdam"!...amsterdam coffeeshop holland hash weed marijuana mokum netherlands lctricity
Nearest places of interest:
| egg mercantile RIPE NCC offices Otro Diseno Magna Plaza | Montesorie school .. NDSM werf Noordermarkt Noorderkerk |
Popular places:
|
Zaanstad Netherlands The Hague Rotterdam |
Utrecht Eindhoven Haarlem Amstelveen |
