Amsterdam Passport City Guide 2014 - 2015

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amsterdampassport.com

YOUR CITY GUIDE TO AMSTERDAM

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2014 | 2015


At Isola Bella we offer you the finest italian cuisine created from the freshest ingredients and served to you in our charming Italian style restaurant **Since 1960 we know exactly how to do our best for our guests** we are located by rembrandt square on the famous Thorbeckeplein we look forward to host you with our Pleasure

Thorbeckeplein 7 1017 CS Amsterdam T: 020-6269582 E: info@restaurantisolabella.nl www.restaurantisolabella.nl


One of the best Argentinian restaurants which is very easy from the charcoal grill Fish mixed grill and tapas. Come and taste the meat and hospitality from Argentina, We have a second floor available for group dining

Bienvenido

Open from 12 noon until midnight, seven days a week we have more than 120 Seats Paleisstraat 15 • 1012 RB Amsterdam Telefoon 020 42 35 200 · Fax 020 423 51 94 WWW.LABOCA-RESTAURANT.NL INFO@LABOCA-RESTAURANT.NL


W E L C O M E

Amsterdam’s rich heritage and culture, its spirit of commerce, innovative infrastructure, liveable human scale and creativity set it apart from other major European cities. It’s very much a downto-earth metropolis. Amsterdam has welcomed visitors from all walks of life since its 17th-century Golden Age when it was the wealthiest port in the world. The arts flourished and people of all backgrounds became Amsterdammers, adding to the city’s vibrant tapestry. The city’s pragmatic approach to trade has always been that if all parties are happy with a deal, the deal will flourish, and this also applies on a cultural and social level. To this day, trade and culture remain Amsterdam’s bread and butter, and will be for the foreseeable future.

T O A M S T E R D A M

As Mayor of Amsterdam, I would like to offer one important tip: keep your eye on the details. While other world cities may have remarkable and awe-inspiring monuments to their achievements, Amsterdam’s beauty lies in its subtleties. Once you make this connection, you will better understand the city’s wonderful slogan: I amsterdam. Once again, I bid you a warm welcome to Amsterdam. I wish you a pleasant, successful and inspiring stay.

E. van der Laan Mayor of Amsterdam Amsterdam Passport | 4


The Argentinian Steakhouse La Vaca has a typical South American cuisine. The specialty is of course the Argentinean grilled meat that will melt on your tongue. Therefore, we invite you to come over and visit La Vaca to enjoy the South American ambiance and the several dishes.

Thorbeckeplein 11-13 info@restaurantlavaca.nl 1017 CS Amsterdam www.restaurantlavaca.nl Tel: 020-6253999 Open 7 days a week from 12:00 - 24:00



Welcome to Amsterdam! Read this Amsterdam Passport for a taste of what this exciting and surprising city has in store for you. Whether it’s business or pleasure, we’re sure you’ll have a great time. And don’t forget to check www.amsterdampassport.com

Keizersgracht

Need to know 8 Amsterdam a treasure 10 To do 14 On the move 24 Sports 26 Business with the dutch 28 Shopping 34 Neighbourhoods 46 Churches 50 Parks 54 Where do I dine? 56 Nightlife 66 Events in Amsterdam 72

Amsterdam Passport is a publication of Amsterdam RAI MANAGING DIRECTOR: Nynke de Ruiter  EDITORIAL: Amsterdam RAI / Amsterdam Marketing SALES: Nathalie Melchers ARTWORK: Maaike van Dijk PRINTING: SDA Print + Media © 2014 Amsterdam RAI, The Netherlands, amsterdampassport@rai.nl • www.rai.nl

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C O N T E N T


N E E D T O K N O W

Amsterdam in numbers Inhabitants: 811,185 | Nationalities: 178 | Bicycles: 881,000 | Canals: 165 | Houseboats: 2,500 | Museums: 75 | Hotel beds: 54,857 Crime Crime levels are low in Amsterdam, at least in terms of violent crimes. However, beware of pickpockets, especially while taking the train to the city from the airport or travelling by tram. Drugs Although the Netherlands has a tolerant attitude towards softdrug use, and possession of small quantities of soft drugs for personal use is condoned, hard drugs are illegal. Buying any kind of drugs from dealers on the street is strictly forbidden. Embassy Most embassies are located in The Hague (Den Haag), but several consulates are located in Amsterdam. Emergency services Dial 112 for the police, ambulance or fire brigade. Internet Most cafĂŠs, hotels and other public buildings will offer Wi-Fi, often free of charge. Money matters The official currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (â‚Ź). Major credit cards are widely accepted, but it is best to check before sitting down for dinner. There are plenty of cash dispensers (ATMs) throughout the city. Smoking Smoking is prohibited in hotels (including rooms), public buildings, theatres, bars, clubs, cafĂŠs and restaurants. Amsterdam Passport | 8


Tax-free shopping Non-EU residents are eligible to get back the 21% Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases in the European Union (minimum amount spent is 50 Euros). To get a refund, visit Customs before leaving the EU to get a stamp. You can either send the stamped receipt back to the store for a full VAT refund or make use of the following services: • Shop at retailers affiliated with Global Blue, ask for a tax-free cheque and then reclaim the VAT at their desk at the airport. Visit www.global-blue.com for more information. • Shop wherever you want to shop, save your purchase receipt and then reclaim the VAT online or at the VAT Free service desk at Schiphol Airport, departures hall 2. Visit www.vatfree.com for more information. Tipping Tips are not obligatory, but they are always welcomed. The norm is 5 to 10% but for smaller bills in cafés and bars it is customary to round up to the nearest whole number. Tourist information The Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board (ATCB) is the official source of information for visitors of Amsterdam. For the best suggestions on how to make your stay a memorable one you can contact the following agencies: • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Holland Tourist Information • Noord-Zuid Hollandsch Koffiehuis, Stationsplein 10 • Amsterdam Canal Cruises, Stadhouderskade 550 • Het Muziektheater, Amstel 3 Shop opening and closing times Most shops typically open at 10:00 and close 18:00 (17:00 on Saturdays). Large supermarkets are open from 08:00 to 20:00 daily. On Mondays, most shops only open their doors at 13:00. On Sundays, most of the shops in the city centre are open.

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N E E D T O K N O W


A M S T E R D A M A T R E A S U R E

Amsterdam is a feast for the eyes, featuring everything from charming gabled houses to innovative contemporary architecture. The heart of the city known as the Grachtengordel (Canal Ring), constructed during the Dutch Golden Age, turned 400 in 2013. It remains a beautifully intact and vibrant part of the city, its lively and friendly energy generated by locals and visitors alike. Not surprisingly, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring was included in UNESCOs World Heritage List in 2010. With more canals than Venice, one of the many must-do activities in this beautiful city is a (guided) boat ride through the Amsterdam waterways. On the cultural front, Amsterdam’s many famed institutions include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. Amsterdam is also home to the globally acclaimed Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, which celebrated its 125-year anniversary in 2013, and the Dutch National Opera & Ballet. Amsterdam Passport | 10


From its humble beginnings as a 13th-century fishing village to its current role as a major hub for business, tourism and culture, Amsterdam has a strong tradition as a centre of culture and commerce. In the early 1200s a handful of adventurers came sailing down the Amstel River in hollowed-out logs. They settled in the marshlands and swamps surrounding the river and forged a structure of dams and dykes. These crafty ‘Aemstelledammers’ began extracting toll money from passing beer and herring traders. They quickly became expert boat builders and brewers, whose reputation attracted more inquisitive pioneers and entrepreneurs.

Bird’s eye view of Amsterdam

Golden Age In 1602 the Dutch East India Company (VOC) was founded. Amsterdam had a majority share in the company, which became the first multinational in the world. The result was a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity, resulting in the 17th century becoming known as Amsterdam Passport | 11

A M S T E R D A M A H I S T O R Y


A M S T E R D A M A H I S T O R Y

the Golden Age. During this period, the city underwent two substantial urban expansions: the foundation of the city’s canals and the building of the Jordaan neighbourhood. Thanks to trade with Indonesia (formerly the Dutch East Indies), Amsterdam acquired an important position in the world trade of spices. At the same time, the diamond trade with South Africa also began to thrive. The Dutch art scene also flourished at this time. In just 30 years, Amsterdam had become a thriving cultural city, bringing forth the legacies of Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Jan Steen. Industrialisation At the end of the 17th century, Amsterdam’s economy had come to a standstill, resulting in a period of decline and increasing poverty. But with the construction of the North Sea Canal in 1876, Amsterdam had a direct connection to the North Sea. From that moment on, steamships became part of everyday life in Amsterdam’s port. It was a turning point for the city. Amsterdam Passport | 12


Winter in Amsterdam

Last century The 20th century began on a high note. The Amsterdam School, an idealistic architecture movement, founded various districts, providing low-cost housing around the city. The city also expanded to include Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which remains the home of national carrier KLM, the oldest airline in the world. During World War I the Netherlands remained neutral. Compared to other European cities, World War II caused limited physical damage to Amsterdam’s buildings and infrastructure. However, as a result of the persecution of the Jews, the city lost 10 per cent of its inhabitants. Amsterdam today Now, in the 21st century, Amsterdam is a multicultural city home to over 800,000 residents from 180 different nationalities. Amsterdam’s visitor economy generates an estimated 5.7 billion annually and creates 50,400 full-time jobs. The city welcomed 6.9 million visitors in 2012, while the Netherlands in total welcomed 11.7 million foreign visitors. Amsterdam Passport | 13

A M S T E R D A M A H I S T O R Y


T O

Westergasfabriek

D O

Amsterdam is famous for its wonderful canals. It has more than one hundred kilometres of canals with 1,500 bridges. The canals, known as the Grachtengordel (canal rings) were recently included in UNESCOs World Heritage List. The three main canals Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht were dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. They form concentric belts around the city. The canal ring is lined with centuries-old gabled canal houses and 1,550 monumental buildings. There are many companies that offer boat tours through the canals. The boat can pick you up or drop you off at Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Rembrandt Square and at many more sights. A tip from the Amsterdam Passport team ‘Blue Boat Company’ offers a wide range of canal cruises in the city centre. Read more on page 16

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Gassan Diamonds, is located in a beautiful restored originally steam driven diamond factory. In 2013 more than 400,000 visitors had a tour through the magnificent diamond factory. Visitors can view the diamond polishers at their craft, while multilingual guides explain where diamonds are found and how rough diamonds turn into dazzling brilliants. Gassan Diamonds Nieuwe Uilenburgerstr. 173-175 T +31 (0)20 622 5333 www.gassan.com

At Cheese & More by Henri Willig you will find next to our variety of homemade cheeses, an extensive quality range of deliciously created matching products such as chutney, mustard, dry sausage and many other delicacies. It is easy to find a gift for someone who loves good food, or even to just indulge oneself with something delicious. Cheese & More by Henri Willig Different stores in Amsterdam www.cheeseandmore.com

T O D O A D V E R T O R I A L S


T O

Strand Zuid

D O

Citybeaches Beach West is located on the west side of Amsterdam and is one of the larger city beaches where you can swim. You can reach it by bike or bus 22 from Central Station to destination Spaarndammerbuurt at stop Spaarndammerstraat. Beach South is located at Amsterdam RAI harbour. You can relax on comfortable beach beds while sipping from a refreshing drink. On many summernights parties with DJs are organised here. There is no swimming allowed here. You can reach this beach by bike or tram 4 from Central Station, destination Station RAI and stop Europaplein. And last but not least, Blijburg aan Zee is a very popular citybeach that is open all year round. It is the only one that officially allows swimming and many beachparties are organised here. You can reach this beach by bike or tram 26 from Central Station, destination IJburg and stop IJburg Strand. Read more on page 18

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Coster Diamonds is one of the leading diamond factories in the world. Located at the heart of the Amsterdam since 1840, it has been the soul of our famous “city of diamonds”. Visitors see the unique craftsmanship of our handmade during free guided multilingual tours, where our experts explain the process from rough stones to creations of beauty for centuries. Coster Diamonds Paulus Potterstraat 2-8 T + 31 (0)20 305 5555 www.costerdiamonds.com

The Royal Concertgebouw was built in 1888 and has since become the musical heart of Amsterdam, home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The building is famous for its unique architecture and amazing acoustics. Last year already marked 125 years of performances by the world’s best musicians, orchestras and conductors. The Royal Concertgebouw Concertgebouwplein 10 T +31 0900 671 8345 www.concertgebouw.nl/en

T O D O A D V E R T O R I A L S


T O

Skating on the canals

D O

Skating As much as the Dutch enjoy the beach in the summertime, as soon as the ice is thick enough in winter, they head for the ice! You will be able to see children and grownups alike skating on the canals. If the weather is milder in winter, you can skate on specially built ice rinks throughout the city. If you prefer skating on a professional ice rink, you can visit Amsterdam’s most famous and largest: the Jaap Eden ice rink. You can reach it by bike or by taking tram 9 with destination Diemen, take stop Kruislaan. WesterGasfabriek At the end of the 19th century two coal gas complexes were built in Amsterdam. One of them is WesterGasfabriek. Originally the gas was used for street lighting. In 1967 the WesterGasfabriek ceased the production of gas as the city council started sourcing more and more of its gas from Hoogovens in IJmuiden and from Slochteren. Now, WesterGasfabriek is the city’s centre for creative buzz, with fairs, festivals and clubs that draw in visitors on a daily basis.

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At the Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room in the centre of old Amsterdam you can personally test and evaluate the flavour, the aroma and the qualities of the Reypenaer cheeses, all under the guidance of an expert cheese master. Each cheese tasting session lasts approximately one hour, and caters for a maximum of 20 people per tasting. Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room T +31 (0)20 320 6333 www.reypenaercheese.com

The Museum of Bags and Purses. With a collection of more than 5,000 bags, purses, trunks, pouches, cases and accessories dating from the late Middle Ages until today, the Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam is the largest of its kind in the world. The Museum is located in a stunning canal house built in 1666. Museum of Bags and Purses Herengracht 573 + 31 (0)20 524 64 52 www.museumofbagsandpurses.com

T O D O A D V E R T O R I A L S


M U S E U M S & Z O O

Van Gogh museum The Van Gogh museum houses the world’s largest collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh. The museum’s collection was originally in the possession of Theo van Gogh, Vincent’s younger brother. It consists of self-portraits, landscapes, drawings and still lifes. Artis Artis Royal Zoo is the Netherlands oldest zoo and located in the centre of Amsterdam. It is a place where nature and cultural heritage come together. Het Stedelijk museum The Stedelijk museum is one of the world’s most influential modern art museums. Its acclaimed collection includes work from Picasso, Appel, Mondriaan, Dubuffet, and Tinguely. Het Rijksmuseum The Rijksmuseum has been renovated and was reopened in April 2013 by former Queen Beatrix. Must-sees are Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Milkmaid. These are on permanent display. Amsterdam Passport | 20


Museumplein

Hermitage The Hermitage Amsterdam is the most significant subsidiary of the renowned museum outside of Saint Petersburg. The museum organises exhibitions on selected themes. The Rembrandt House Museum Rembrandt House Museum is the former home of Dutch painter and etcher Rembrandt van Rijn. His work and living spaces have been restored to the original state with many of his most famous etchings on display. Anne Frank House The Anne Frank House attracts many visitors who are inspired by the Jewish teenager’s diary, written while her family was in hiding here during WWII. The rooms of the Secret Annex, where the Frank family was hiding, have been kept in their authentic state. EYE The new national film museum is popular with those who love the wonders of cinema. EYE seems to rise like a gigantic white bird from its perch on the banks of the river IJ.

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M U S E U M S


O U T S I D E A M S T E R D A M

Volendam After only a 20 minute drive from Amsterdam, you will find the world famous fishermanvillage Volendam. As a result of its completely insulated location, this village preserved its character for over six centuries. The characteristic and picturesque small houses, narrow streets, fishing boats and canals are well worth the visit. Don’t forget to eat the Volendam fish specialties. Zaanse Schans The Zaanse Schans is an open-air like museum, just 20 minutes outside Amsterdam in Zaanstad. Take a walk through the wooden windmills, barns, houses and museums and see what life was like here in the 17th and 18th century. Enjoy seeing the typically Dutch wooden architectural style, relocated here piece by piece since 1961 and come and watch traditional crafts such as clog- and cheese-making. Take a boat trip, dine in one of the restaurants or explore the shops and boutiques. Admission to the Zaanse Schans is free of charge. Amsterdam Passport | 22


Tulip fields

Keukenhof Keukenhof (‘kitchen courtyard’) is one of Hollands’ largest flower gardens, with a special emphasis on flowering bulbs. Every spring (open 20-3-2015 until 17-5-2015), Keukenhof attracts thousands of visitors from across the world to look at the seas of flowers and to enjoy the fresh smells of the hundreds of different species of Hollands’ favorite flowers: tulips. The landscape architects who also designed Amsterdam’s Vondelpark redesigned the castle gardens in 1857. In 2015 the theme for Keukenhof will be Vincent van Gogh as it will be 125 years ago he passed away. Alkmaar Cheesemarket About 30 minutes from Amsterdam, you can visit the Alkmaar cheesemarket. Every Friday at 10:00 at Waagplein, special carriers will bring out Alkmaar cheese and fill the square with cheeses that are for sale. Volunteers will show you how the cheese was carried, weighed, tasted and sold in the 16th and 17th century.

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O U T S I D E A M S T E R D A M


O N

Transport by boat

T H E

Amsterdam is an accessible city and it’s easy to travel quickly from one part of the city to another. Busses, trams, metros, and taxis will take you wherever you need to go. Bike rental Some 881,000 bicycles populate the streets of Amsterdam, contributing to the city’s unique charm. You’ll see all types of people on bikes, from businessmen to grandmothers or musicians. Renting a bike in Amsterdam is easy and inexpensive, so if you get the urge to go Dutch, definitely give it a try. The city’s bike thieves are infamous, so it’s worth spending a little extra on (sometimes obligatory) insurance.

M O V E

A tip from the Amsterdam Passport team Bike rental company ‘Yellow Bike’ has multiple rental locations in the city for renting a bike or guided bike tour. Taxis Amsterdam’s main taxi company is Taxi Centrale Amsterdam. You can recognise official taxis Amsterdam Passport | 24


by their blue number plates. All taxis are required to issue receipts and to display their permit inside the car. Taxi stands are located throughout the city.

GVB tram

O N T H E

Public transport The OV-chipkaart is the nationwide public transport chip card for train, bus, tram and metro. The card is available from news agents, stations and supermarkets across the city. For information on public transport in Amsterdam such as prices and timetables go to en.gvb.nl

M O V E

Car rental If you are only intending to stay in Amsterdam’s city centre, a car is usually more of a bother than a blessing. With the frequency of trains within the Randstad (the area including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht), it’s often easier to stick to public transport when travelling outside the city’s borders as well. For longer journeys, all major international car rental companies have offices in Amsterdam and at Schiphol Airport.

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S P O R T S

Amsterdam Arena

One of the first things you will notice in Amsterdam is the huge amount of cyclists. For some of the Dutch, this is enough of a work out. If, during your visit, you would like to work out, the city offers a plethora of possibilities apart from renting a bike, iceskating or rollerskating as mentioned in previous chapters. Golf As soon as you leave the city borders, you will see green fields all around you. Many public and private golf courses are within minutes driving from the city. Golf Club Waterland-Amsterdam is located within the city borders in Amsterdam North. The 18-hole course is located in a varying park scenery with many water hazards that will challenge the beginner, but also the advanced golfer. Soccer – Amsterdam ArenA If you are a sports fanatic a visit to the Amsterdam ArenA (In the South East of Amsterdam) is a must. See the stadium or watch Amsterdam’s famous

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Wanna visit a home match in the Amsterdam ArenA?

Buy your match packages online at visitajax.com

soccer team Ajax play. The team plays from mid-August until May. It’s also possible to book a guided tour. Running Most parks are large enough for you to run or walk quite a few miles. Vondelpark and Amsterdamse Bos are particularly popular with runners and groups of runners that are drilled by personal trainers. Should you wish to run more than a few miles, put on your runningshoes and head for the Amstel canal. A large part of the course of the Amsterdam Marathon also takes you along the canal, and for good reason. You will never walk alone here, as you will see other runners and cyclists along the way. Swimming If you would like to swim, just take your pick from the many pools located all over the city. • Zuiderbad (City centre) • Mirandabad (South) • Sloterparkbad (West) • Bijlmer Sportcentrum (South East)

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S P O R T S


B U S I N E S S W I T H T H E D U T C H

The Dutch may have the reputation of being a very tolerant country but they do like to follow rules and procedures. Appropriate behaviour – private and in business – is greatly appreciated. The Dutch are known for their worldliness and language skills. Business lunches If you’re invited for a lunch don’t get your expectations up too high: it might just be a cheese sandwich at the office. The meeting will probably continue, with the papers brought to the lunch table. Exchanging gifts The Dutch do not normally exchange gifts during lunch or dinner. However, if presents are exchanged, they should be unwrapped straight away. Upfront and honest The Dutch are very upfront and known for their straightforward and direct communication style. They may openly disagree and expect you to tell them if you disagree with them. ‘Yes’ to a Dutch person means ‘yes’: they are not familiar with the idea of Amsterdam Passport | 28


saying ‘yes’ out of politeness and may be confused if you appear to change your mind later. Complaining and teasing The Dutch love to complain, particularly about the weather: it’s always too hot, too cold or too wet. The Dutch also enjoy teasing a bit. They’ll like it if you join in as long as remarks remain good-natured. Consensus The Dutch find consensus very important. In business this can lead to rather slow decision-making and lengthy negotiations, since input from everyone must be considered. Individuality and equality In Dutch society, the freedom of each and every citizen is highly prized and protected, just as tolerance for individual differences is highly regarded. Punctuality and efficiency The Dutch place great importance on the efficient use of time and punctuality. Lastminute changes are usually not appreciated. Zuidas: Business district Amsterdam Passport | 29

B U S I N E S S W I T H T H E D U T C H


B U S I N E S S

Commuting traffic

amsterdam inbusiness assists foreign companies with the establishment and expansion of their activities in the Netherlands. We can help you create a convincing business case for setting up in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area by offering practical advice and relevant information. And it’s all free, strictly confidential and without any hidden agenda. Considering setting up your business in the Amsterdam Area? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you in Amsterdam!

W I T H T H E D U T C H

The official foreign investment agency of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, amsterdam inbusiness provides free, active support and independent advice to organisations planning to invest or settle in the region.

Contact us info@amsterdaminbusiness.com www.amsterdaminbusiness.com T: +31 (0)20 552 2139

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Opened in 2008, Amsterdam’s Expatcenter cuts through the bureaucratic red tape for the Metropolitan Area’s growing number of international companies and their migrant employees.

Business never stops

The Expatcenter was one of the first Dutch schemes to cut the red tape for expats, drastically streamlining relocation procedures and helping them settle in. Five years later, the Expatcenter offers a comprehensive range of services. Together with its partners from the I amsterdam portal site, the Expatcenter continues to expand its digital support for Amsterdam’s international community, both practical and pleasurable. Firm partnerships – with banks and childcare providers, movers, lawyers, language schools and more – mean the Expatcenter has the tools to make an expat’s first few months a little smoother.

B U S I N E S S W I T H T H E

Contact us expatcenter@amsterdam.nl www.expatcenter.com T: +31 (0)20 254 7999 Amsterdam Passport | 31

D U T C H




L U X U R Y

Catwalk model

S H O P P I N G

With everything from multistorey department stores and exclusive boutiques, to antiques and contemporary Dutch design: Amsterdam inspires even the most discerning shopper. As the city itself is multicultural and diverse as can be, so are the shopping possibilities. P.C. Hoofstraat The P.C. Hooftstraat is Amsterdam’s most exclusive shopping street, featuring leading designer brands including Chanel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Mulberry, Hermès, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. This street houses the most expensive shops in The Netherlands. Every March, girl magazine Glamour organizes a Stiletto Run in the P.C. Hooftstraat where runners will compete for a € 10,000 cash prize to immediately spend in the shops at P.C. Hooftstraat. Van Baerlestraat At nearby Van Baerlestraat luxury shopping continues (don’t miss Dutch designer

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Luxury shopping at

de Bijenkorf Amsterdam

With five floors of fashion, de Bijenkorf offers the highest standard of quality and always presents the latest trends, the most spectacular events and outstanding premium service. To ensure the best shopping experience, de Bijenkorf offers multiple premium services including: Tax Free Shopping, Multilingual Hosts and Free Wifi.

de Bijenkorf Amsterdam Dam Square 1, 1012 JS, Amsterdam +31 (0) 88 245 33 33 find out more at deBijenkorf.nl/international Opening hours Mon 11.00-20.00 Tue 10.00-20.00 Wed 10.00-20.00 Thu 10.00-21.00

Fri 10.00-21.00 Sat 09.30-20.00 Sun 11.00-20.00

Mart Visser around the corner at Paulus Potterstraat, across the Stedelijk Museum). At Van Baerlestraat you will find designer Paul Noyen for shoes and bags, Pauw fashion for men and woman, but this street is also good to visit for beauty treatments at Soap and Dr. Fish. Cornelis Schuytstraat Famous Dutch designers, such as Sheila de Vries, have shops on the Cornelis Schuytstraat which is located very close to the city centre in the upscale Zuid district (South part) of Amsterdam only four tram stops from Leidseplein. Beethovenstraat The Beethovenstraat is a lot less crowded than other shopping areas. It is a wide street offering fashion, perfumeries and upscale patisseries. Located in Amsterdam’s affluent Zuid (South) district, it’s the perfect place to shop for luxury items at a more leisurely pace. Shopping near Dam Square De Bijenkorf, the Netherlands’ leading premium department store. De Bijenkorf offers the Amsterdam Passport | 35

L U X U R Y S H O P P I N G


L U X U R Y

Inside Magna Plaza

S H O P P I N G

world’s most exclusive brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès and Burberry, but also exciting events and premium services required for a firstclass shopping experience. The flagship store is located in a historical building at Dam Square in the heart of the city of Amsterdam. Magna plaza, a beautiful shopping centre in a stunning historical building, is located just behind the Dam Square. Utrechtsestraat The Utrechtsestraat is situated directly next to Rembrantplein and offers a large variety of unique shops regarding lifestyle, interior design, fashion, music and much more. You also might want to pay a visit if you’re hungry. Many delicacy stores are available to satisfy your needs. The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat The two main shopping streets in Amsterdam’s city centre are the Kalverstraat and the Leidsestraat. The both offer some exclusive shops like Filippa K, Karen Millen, Paul Warmer and Shoebaloo.

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Coster Diamonds Paulus Potterstraat 2-6, Amsterdam www.costerdiamonds.com Gassan Diamonds Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175, Amsterdam www.gassan.com


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The Nine Streets Located in the heart of the city’s historic canal district, this area of nine narrow streets called the Negen Straatjes, was constructed during the 17th century. The Nine Streets intersect the main canals between the Leidsestraat and the Jordaan district, and are dotted with great restaurants, cafés, art galleries, jewellers, boutiques and vintage shops. With an exceptional array of styles and trends for all budgets, this area is truly a shopper’s paradise. Art & antiques Following the construction of the Rijksmuseum in 1900, the Spiegel-kwartier emerged as Amsterdam’s centre for antiques and art. More than 70 antique shops and galleries in this area boast impressive collections of paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture and tribal and Asian collectibles. Whether centuries old or utterly modern, you’re bound to find something here that strikes your fancy. Another centre for antiques and art is the Amsterdam Antiques Centre located on the Amsterdam Passport | 42


Nieuwe Spiegelstraat

Elandsgracht. A unique location in the Jordaan neighbourhood, in the heart of Amsterdam. It’s the largest indoor antiques centre of the Netherlands with more than 1,750 square meters of antiques, art and collectables. Amsterdam’s street markets are alive with the smells and sights that define this multicultural city and offer a unique way to discover the city’s atmosphere. Waterloo Square Amsterdam’s largest daily flea market Waterloo Square is located in the city centre. It is open Monday - Saturday from 08.00 until 18.00. Tram stop Waterlooplein for tram 9 and 14. Albert Cuyp This all-round market is the most popular market with the city’s inhabitants as well as its visitors, and is located in the city centre. Open Monday - Saturday from 08.00 until 17.00. Tram stop Van Woustraat for tram 4. Tram stop Albert Cuyp for tram 16 and 24.

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S T R E E T M A R K E T S


S T R E E T M A R K E T S

IJhallen These halls in Amsterdam North are Hollands’ largest flea market with over 750 stalls, open one weekend every month. Take ferry 906 to NDSM-werf behind Central Station. Dappermarkt Dappermarket is a local neighbourhood market located in Amsterdam East. Open Monday – Saturday from 10.00 until 16.30. Take tram 1, 2 or 5 from Central station to Leidseplein and change to tram 7 or 10 to stop Wijttenbachstraat/ Dapperstraat. Nieuwmarkt On Nieuwmarkt you will find a food market on weekdays and a large organic food market on Saturdays. The square is located in the city centre. Open Monday – Saturday from 09.00 until 18.00. Metrostop Nieuwmarkt for metro line 51, 53, 54. Bloemenmarkt On the Singel canal between Koningsplein and Muntplein, you will find Amsterdam’s most beautiful flower market. The flowershops are located on Amsterdam Passport | 44


Noordermarkt

boats, and this makes the Singel Flower Market the only floating flower market in the world. You can look at, smell and of course buy flowers such as tulips, roses, geraniums as well as houseplants. From Central Station you can take tram 1, 2, 5 to Koningsplein. Noordermarkt On Monday mornings the Noordermarkt is home to a small but delightful flea market. Here you’ll find a mix of second-hand goods for sale, ranging from antiques and books to clothes and household kitsch. At the edge of the Noordermarkt flea market you’ll find a number of stalls selling fabric by the metre, leading you to the Monday ‘Lapjesmarkt’ (textile market) just around the corner on the Westerstraat.

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S T R E E T M A R K E T S


N E I G H B O U R H O O D S

Overview with the IJ in the background

There is so much more to Amsterdam than just the city centre, as wonderful as it is, the other areas of the city, and even the countryside right at the city borders, are well worth a visit. Each neighbourhood has its own characteristics and attractions. Amsterdam is divided into seven official districts: the City Centre, North, East, South-east, South, West and New-West. City Centre There are hundreds of sights in the city centre. Museums are located throughout the centre, but the most famous ones you will find at Museumkwartier. At Nieuwmarkt you will find many ethnic shops, cafĂŠs and a weekly biological farmers market. It is located close to De Wallen, where you can find the Red Light District and Zeedijk, where you will find an array of multicultural shops, bistros and restaurants.

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N E I G H B O U R H O O D S

Jordaan The Jordaan, located west of Central station is one of the most famous areas of Amsterdam. It is most definately the most sung about neighbourhood, at least by the Dutch singers. The Jordaan was built in 1612 as an area meant for the working class. Rembrandt lived here for some time, as did many other artists. Over 400 years later the area attracts an array of different artists, young professionals, students and of course many visitors. You can see the statues of famous Dutch singers such as Johnny Jordaan, visit Westerkerk, Anne Frank house, cafĂŠs, and the markets on saturdays and mondays. Museumkwartier The Museumquarter is so named because of the three large museums that are located in this neighbourhood. The Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum are all centered around Museumsquare. The nearby Concertgebouw, P.C. Hooftstraat and other streets known for their luxury shopping, make this area popular for both shoppers and window shoppers. Dutch singer statues AmsterdamPassport Passport| |47 47 Amsterdam


N E I G H B O U R H O O D S

De Pijp The cosy Pijp area is a must-see. During the daytime you can visit the famous Albert Cuyp market, and in the afternoons and evenings this part of the city is particularly known for the cozy restaurants, hip bars and the socalled brown cafés that are filled with locals and tourists, side by side. Nowhere else in the city can you find so many ethnic restaurants. West In the up-coming west part of Amsterdam, Modern Art is everywhere to be seen. Especially De Baarsjes and Bos en Lommer are becoming more and more popular amongst the young professionals. Westerpark and WesterGasFabriek are by far the most popular ‘places to be’ in this part of the city. East The East side of the city offers visitors many beautiful parks to visit, such as Oosterpark, Frankendael, and Sarphatipark. In May 2014 the monumental cemetery and memorial park De Nieuwe Ooster was nominated for a State Award. The park was Amsterdam Passport | 48


Zoutkeetsgracht

designed and built in the 1890’s. It is open for visitors all year round to see the many statues, flora and fauna, the funeral museum ‘Tot zover’, café and the state monumental buildings. North The Northern part of the city is connected with the city centre via ferries (free of charge) that are accessible for pedestrians (also with bikes and/or scooters). Of course you can also reach the North by bus and car but it’ll take you a few minutes longer to get there. The short ride by ferry is nice on its own. It’ll take you to IJplein, Buiksloterweg or NDSM-werf. The latter is a great place to visit. NDSM wharf is the historical remainder of the largest shipyard in Amsterdam. It has been developing itself into a creative city at the north bank of the IJ River, which lies opposite Central Station. The famous IJhallen flee market is organised here every month, and you can visit numerous festivals and theatre shows here.

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N E I G H B O U R H O O D S


C H U R C H E S

Nieuwe Kerk

While nowadays some 42% of the Dutch are non-religious, the Netherlands have a long history in religion itself. Therefore all throughout the country and also in Amsterdam, you will be able to find many churches and temples that are open for visitors. De Duif De Duif (The Pigeon) was built in 1857 and is located at Prinsengracht amidst large canal houses. On Sundays you can join the holy mass. These days, the location is mostly used for conferences and meetings, but it’s also a very popular weddinglocation. De Nieuwe Kerk De Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church) is located next to Dam Square in the heart of the city centre. In 2013 King WillemAlexander and Queen Måxima of Orange were crowned here, as all Kings and Queens have been since 1815. Since the middle ages De Nieuwe Kerk has been used for church services, but even at that time is was also used for exhibitions.

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Nowadays the church is mainly used for large exhibitions, organ concerts, and can be rented for meetings and conferences.

Westertoren

De Oude Kerk De Oude Kerk (The Old Church) is located at De Wallen in the city centre and was originally made out of wood and built in the 13th century. The church has a rich history that goes as far back as the year 1250. Inside the church you can visit over 2,500 graves including the grave of Saskia van Uylenburg, Rembrandt’s wife. Nowadays De Oude Kerk is predominently used for exhibitions and concerts. De Westerkerk Westerkerk (West Church), a Protestant church built during 1620-1631, is located at the corner of the Prinsengracht and the Rozengracht, next to the well-known Westermarkt and Anne Frank’s house. Some of the reasons to visit this 48 metres high monument are to listen to the carillon that plays several times a day, to visit the Burning Bush that stands for all the things that Christian, Jewish Amsterdam Passport | 51

C H U R C H E S


C H U R C H E S

and Islamic traditions have in common, to see and hear the large organ, and last but not least, to climb the Westertower during summertime. Portuguese Synagogue Close to Waterloo square in the city centre, you will find the Esnoga: The Portuguese Synagogue, built during the 17th century. The synagogue is part of a larger complex, and apart from the synagogue itself, a visit to the treasure chambers or attending a candlelit concert will be well worth your time. Visiting the historic complex is like walking through the past and present of a community that has been celebrating its religion and culture here for three centuries. De Papegaai A very surprising location for a church, is De Papegaai (The Parrot) officially called H.H. Petrus and Paulus Church. It is located in the busiest shoppingstreet in Amsterdam: Kalverstraat. The Parrot is the largest former port of rescue in Amsterdam that is still in use. The church used to be a normal Amsterdam Passport | 52


Oude Kerk

residence in which Catholic services were held in secret after the reformation (Catholics were not allowed to practise their religion freely during some time in the 1600’s). The famous sign on the church door ‘Fifteen minutes for God’ attracts the attention of many a visitor. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder Our Lord in the Attic, at Oudezijds Voorburgwal in the city centre, is one of the oldest church museums in Amsterdam. Behind the characteristic facade of the house, lies a 17th-century home and a completely hidden church. This hidden church ‘in the attic’ was built during the Reformation, just like The Parrot, when Catholics were not allowed to hold public services. Nowadays every first sunday of the month a Catholic Mass is held. The church also serves as a museum, exhibitions are held and one can book the museum for conferences and meetings.

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C H U R C H E S


P A R K S

The Dutch love to fill up a picnic basket on a warm day and take their bikes out to a park or lake. Amsterdam’s many green parks become full of life as soon as a few rays of sun warm the ground. Vondelpark Vondelpark is Amsterdams most famous and busiest park. It is always filled with cyclists, runners, skaters, people making music, drawing, walking or simply relaxing. During the spring and summertime, you can enjoy free theatre and music at the open air Vondelpark theatre. Westerpark Another park close to the city centre is the lively Westerpark (at the WesterGasFabriek area). Head to Westerpark and you’ll find trendy cafés, charming eateries, cutting-edge galleries, a cinema and an avant garde club. Beatrixpark (Behind the RAI) The beautiful green space directly behind Amsterdam RAI is called Beatrixpark, named after former Queen and now Amsterdam Passport | 54


princess Beatrix of Orange. The local park is nice, clean and quiet. The small pavilions around the park are there since the Floriade Exhibitions from 1972. Sarpahatipark Sarpahatipark is a great citypark in the middle of lively area the Pijp, surrounded by dozens of restaurants and cafés. It is a popular place for a picnic and drinks after work, or in the weekends during the summer. Amsterdamse Bos Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is a large 1,000 hectares man-made forest and landscape park. It is about three times the size of New York’s Central Park. There are plenty of things to do here such as canoeing, rowing, hiking, running on the half marathon running trail and horseback riding. Oosterpark With 5.3 million visitors each year, the park has been amongst the most popular in the city for the past 100 years. This park is also surrounded by many cozy restaurants and cafés. Vondelpark Amsterdam Passport | 55

P A R K S


W H E R E

Terraces

D O I D I N E ?

After a good day of meetings with business partners or a day of sightseeing, where do you go and eat? As Amsterdam has approximately 1,300 restaurants to choose from, it is understandably difficult to figure out where to go. Each of Amsterdams’ districts or neighbourhoods will undoubtedly have restaurants that will satisfy your hunger. Whether you prefer the Dutch, African or the Asian cuisine or you just want to eat a nice sandwich: all these options are within reach. Dutch food The Dutch are wellknown for many things: the famous painters, windmills, the many bikes, tulips and museums filled with art. When it comes to food the Dutch enjoy their cheese, (thin) pancakes, fresh herring and the famous bitterballen or kroket (a typical Dutch croquette or bitterball is made of meat ragout covered in breadcrumb, and deep fried until golden and crisp). Our culinary art is a tasty experience not to be missed.

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W H E R E

Where do I eat near RAI? During the exhibition season the streets surrounding Amsterdam RAI are lively during lunchtime and dinner. The streets Maasstraat & Scheldestraat are within walking distance from the RAI and offer a variety of restaurants.

D O

A tip from the Amsterdam Passport team Great restaurants near the RAI are: • Oldschool Amsterdam • Restaurant/Winebar La Vina • Restaurant Eau de Vie • Restaurant The Dutch Co

I D I N E ?

Late Night Dining Like New York, Amsterdam is also a city that never sleeps. You can almost take this literally as there are many night shops and several clubs are open 24/7. Though the Dutch may eat early (between 6-8 PM) and most restaurants close by 10 PM, late dining is becoming more and more popular amongst the Dutch.

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L V

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For more information about dining in Amsterdam and other great tips, visit amsterdampassport.com

Amsterdam has a lot to offer when it comes to quality and high-end dining. As of November 2013, at the annual announcement of the new Michelin guide, the city is proud to have a total number of 11 Michelin-starred restaurants. The Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam in 2014 are: &Samhoud Places, Bord’Eau, Bolenius, Bridges, Bordewijk, Halvemaan, La Rive, Vermeer, Vinkeles, Yamazato Restaurant, Ciel Bleu, Le Restaurant, RON Gastrobar and Lastage. Most of them offer both lunch and dinner and they are all within easy reach by taxi from anywhere in the city. Especially later in the week and on weekends, these restaurants tend to be booked up well in advance, so try to make a reservation as soon as you can. A tip from the Amsterdam Passport team The following restaurants have an original atmosphere: • Restaurant De Kersentuin • Pasta e Basta Amsterdam Passport | 61

W H E R E D O I D I N E ?


W H E R E D O I D I N E ?

Amsterdam is filled with places to drink and eat. Here are some examples of areas and streets that are famous for their many (or special) dining cafĂŠs and restaurants. Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt Great places to eat a good meal are Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt in the city centre. With over 100 restaurants in this area you will not go home hungry. The majority of the restaurants are Asian and most of them are very affordable. Should you be able to get a table next to a window overlooking Zeedijk you will not be bored by watching the hundreds of people walking by. Jordaan In colorful Jordaan you will find a large array of restaurants. Whether you wish to eat Tapas, have a quick dinner at a bistro, a romantic dinner or a high end dinner, you will have all these options here. The establishements are located in the heart of the city. And it feels like that too, as the restaurants are located in small streets in the original old Dutch architectural style buildings. Amsterdam Passport | 62


Bosbaan, Amsterdams Bos

Lange Leidsedwarsstraat If you are in a hurry, or simply tired from sightseeing or shopping and you want to sit down for a quick bite to eat, you will find dozens of restaurants in the Lange Leidsedwarsstraat. This street is located next to Leidseplein, close to the clubs, cinema and theaters. Most restaurants serve simple meals such as Burgers, Dutch satĂŠ (pork or chicken with peanut sauce and fries), but you will also find Greek, Asian and Argentinian restaurants here. Livingroom dining For a very special evening, you may want to book your dining seats in someone elses livingroom. Several locals have a small restaurant in their own home. After you book your seats, you will join several other guests (rarely more than 10) at the dining table, while your host cooks for you. There will not be a menu here, the host will surprise you with a (mostly three course) meal. Dietary wishes will of course be taken into account.

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W H E R E D O I D I N E ?


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N I G H T L I F E

The Night Mayor: Ambassador of Amsterdam Nightlife Culture Mirik Milan started his reign as Amsterdam’s Night Mayor with a dream. Now, almost through his two-year mayor ship (20122014), his ambitious plan is being realized. Following clubbing hotspots such as Berlin and Barcelona, the city gave out licenses allowing 10 establishments to be open 24/7. During the process, the Night Mayor was frequently consulted by the mayor and the city’s government, illustrating that the role of Night Mayor is becoming increasingly important.

“Allowing clubs to open 24/7 is a major breakthrough for Amsterdam creating many exciting opportunities.” Milan explains to us what sets Amsterdam apart from other cities. Amsterdam is a compact city making it easy to dine in one part of the city and then visit various venues in one evening. The city is famed for its tolerance, innovative character and great atmosphere, featuring multidisciplinary events with international acts and artistic ventures. One new concept is a club night that in fact starts Sunday afternoon at Trouw. The pragmatic Dutch love to party but don’t want to suffer the Mirik Milan consequences come Monday morning. In Milan’s role as Night Mayor originality and creativity play a key role and he explains that they are a driving force for economic growth: “a city with active and innovative nightlife attracts creative entrepreneurship and keeps our city centers young and lively.” The concept of Night Mayor in itself is an innovative conception. In the meantime, Paris, Nantes and Toulouse also elected a night mayor in november 2013. There are talks with Berlin, Cologne and Sao Paulo. Which city will follow in the footsteps of Amsterdam as well? The nightly future will tell.

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N I G H T L I F E

Fresh cocktails

Cocktail bar Who doesn’t enjoy a nice cocktail every once in a while? That’s what several entrepreneurs thought as during the past few years more and more cocktail bars have opened in Amsterdam. Most cocktail bars come with a small but surprising menu. Hotel bar The number of luxury hotel bars in Amsterdam increased again last year, and there’s a tremendous growth of stunning cocktail bars in the hotelbusiness. Hotel bars provide a good atmosphere for a business drink or meeting. Young professionals choose the hotel bars more and more often for their networking or business meetings. Almost every Friday you will find the popular VrijMiBo or vrijdagmiddagborrel (Friday afternoon drinks), the traditional start of the weekend in hotel and cocktail bars. In the city center you’ll also find a lot of bars that offer live music. For instance Bourbon Street Music Club and The Grasshopper.

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since 1974

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N I G H T L I F E

Oudezijds Achterburgwal

The famous Red Light District, also known as De Wallen or Rosse buurt (red neighbourhood), is located in the city centre. In the 1960’s window prostitution was legalized and it has enjoyed a long tradition of tolerance. Since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to legally ply their trade but regulation for prostitution has become much stricter in 2006 in order to restrict criminal activities. Women of all nationalities show off their curves in red lighted windows. The relatively safe neighbourhood (mind the pick pockets everywhere in the city) is filled with small groups of men, groups of women celebrating a hen night, couples holding hands and busloads of tourists. There is much to see here, and should you feel your eyes need a rest, on every corner of the many small streets you will find cafés that serve refreshing drinks. Don’t forget that taking photos of the working ladies is strictly forbidden!

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E V E N T S

15 t/m 19 october 2014 Amsterdam Dance Event The Amsterdam Dance Event, or ADE as it is also called, is one of the biggest club festivals in the world. During five days electronic music lovers can visit over 300 dance events that are held all over the city. The event attracts over 300,000 festival visitors from all over the world. 16 october 2014 Amsterdam Marathon For almost 40 years, thousands of international runners join eachother on the third Sunday in October to run through the city for a Kids’ Run, an 8K run, the half marathon or the marathon. As the marathon course is layed out throughout the city, please note that trams and buses will be diverted. 01 November 2014 Museumnight Every year, during a night in November dozens of museums are open from 7PM untill 2AM. With one ticket you can visit all of them (if only there was enough time!). Many museums offer free drinks, guided tours and workshops. Amsterdam Passport | 72


27 APRIL 2015 KINGSDAY During this festive day, the Dutch celebrate King WillemAlexanders’ birthday. In every city Kingsday, which is a public holiday, starts with drinks and music during Kingsnight on the 26th of April. On the 27th children and adults alike empty up their basements and attics and turn into salesmanagers for the day and try and sell their old belongings. There are music stages scattered throughout the city. 05 may 2015 liberation day Every year on May 5th, the Dutch celebrate their freedom. On this date in the year 1945, WWII came to an end in The Netherlands as the German army capitulated. To this day celebrations are held throughout the country. 31 july t/m 02 august 2015 Amsterdam Gay PridE Every first weekend of August the city is filled with music to create awareness and celebrate Gay Pride. For several days and Amsterdam Gay Pride Amsterdam Passport | 73

E V E N T S


E V E N T S

Kingsday

nights the streets and squares of the city are alive with the sound of the voices of musical divas. On Saturday the Canal Parade at Prinsengracht takes place. Make sure you find a good spot with a good view at the canal as crowds can get very large. 08 t/m 24 august 2015 Amsterdam Parade This summer, travelling theatre festival The Parade travels through the Netherlands for the 24th year. At The Parade there is something to experience for everyone. The festival, with her colorful tents, restaurants and terraces will show over 90 different theatre, music, and dance performances for all ages. 09 t/m 23 august 2015 SAIL Amsterdam Every five years the harbours of Amsterdam are filled with thousands of historical boats, ships and all sorts of other nautical heritidge. You’re welcome to board the boats and join in the activities that are organised for the young and old.

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Daily from: 12.00 - 00.00 Call: +31 (0)20 620 0153



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