Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM

Whenever we go on holiday we do the guidebooks, we look at all the websites, but when we actually get there we have to do all the finding-out that many people have done before. We don't want you to have to duplicate our work. So while this page isn't everything about Amsterdam, it's the things that might save you a bit of time.

Getting to Town

The train from Schipol Airport is quick and frequent, and is better value than either a bus or taxi.

Once you're there, think about getting an Amsterdam Pass, with free public transport, free entry to most museums (not Anne Frank Huis) and discounts on other attractions and food. Available at all Tourist Offices.

We always seek out hotels with distinctive names, and a real find was 't hotel (short for Het Hotel, i.e. the hotel). This tiny 7 room canalside haven is very easy to get to, and lives above an antique shop. The breakfast bar is in the basement, but light and nicely decorated (if you like IKEA!). Individual care is evident in each of the rooms, some of which look out onto the canal. Leliegracht 18, 1015 DE Amsterdam, 020 422 2741, www.thotel.nl.

What could be more Dutch than pancakes, and where better to eat them than the historic Pancake Bakery? A canalside treat at Prinsengracht 191, phone 020 625 1333
If you fancy something more exotic, the Ethiopian restaurant Semhar has excellent decor and atmosphere, and gigantic meat dishes to keep you satisfied. There's plenty of vegetarian options too! At the edge of the Jordaan, at Marnix-straat 259, 020 638 1634
For a reliable and tasty lunch or dinner, Wagamama noodle bar can be trusted for fast service. Max Euweplein 10, 020 528 7778, www.wagamama.com.

Magna Plaza has cool design and interior shops, including Harry Land. You'll find it in the Dam area of town.
Kitsch Kitchen, Rozengracht 8-12, has great gifts and homewares.

All over town you can pick up little pocketcards for the tourist atractions, that offer free souvenirs or discounts. Look out for them!
Amsterdam Historical Museum, Kalverstraat 92, 020 523 1822, www.ahm.nl.
Anne Frank Huis, Prinsengracht 267, 020 556 7100, www.annefrank.org.
Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 7, 020 570 5200, www.vangoghmuseum.nl.
Rijksmuseum, Stadhouderskade 42, 020 674 7047, www.rijksmuseum.nl.
Jewish Historical Museum, Jonas Daniel, Meijerplein 2-4, 020 626 9945, www.jhm.nl.
Don't be the first visitor of the day with a large-denomination note - we had to go and find change to pay for admission!

It's got to be taking a canalboat trip. There are three lines, Red, Blue and Green, all of which can be joined at Central Station. Red is an outer loop, Green is an inner loop, and Blue goes to the East side of town near the Maritime Museum and Zoo. You can buy a day ticket and then hop on and off as you wish, visiting attractions in between stops.

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