amsterdam exclusive issue 25 by dan gheorghiu

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Welcome

about us

Amsterdam Exclusive Magazine has been serving leisure and business visitors to the Dutch capital for almost six years. In that time, we have widely become accepted as the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top information publication for four and five star hotels in and around Amsterdam, and also at Schiphol Airport. All in all, we can be found in the bedrooms and lobbies of more than 100 of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest hotels. Amsterdam Exclusive is published quarterly.

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Amsterdam Exclusive Magazine, Erich Salomonstraat 84, 1087 DB, Amsterdam Tel.: 020-2601760; M.: 06-46380082 www.amsterdam-exclusive.com; E. info@amsterdam-exclusive.com; E. amsterdam.exclusive@gmail.com

staff

Design: Expression Graphic Studio Contributors: Fergal Lynch, Mark Melia, Johan Strobbe, David Keogh, Peter Driver

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80 18 14

40 7

Spring

2013

lifestyle people 26 Shopping Spring shopping in the city 07 Golden Concierge Robin Van Kooten on a special guild 54 Business Useful info for business people 44 Amsterdam Artist Feature on local artist Mark Raven 66 Eating out A guide to some of the best restaurants 80 Nightlife The hotspots of the city places 12 Key Areas A look at Amsterdam’s most popular districts events 40 Keukenhof Spring bursts into life 14 Queen’s Day A special year for Queen & Future King 46 Museums The city’s most popular museums 16 Amsterdam 2013 A year of celebration 51 Hidden Gems Off The Beaten Track 20 What’s On Spring events in the city 18 Holland Festival The annual arts extravaganza sights 38 Seeing & Doing Amsterdam’s best winter attractions. facts & info 36 Canals Venice of the North 8 Essential Info What you need to know 37 Picture Book Houses The famous canal-side buildings 78 Map A useful city map 41 Sparkling Diamonds The beauty of Coster Diamonds

Welcome

Welcome to Amsterdam V

enice of the North. City Of Museums. Party Capital Of Europe. Sin City. The list of names is endless and everchanging, but one thing remains constant. This is Amsterdam and this is the absolute best city on the continent. Why call it the best? There are many reasons, which many of you will no doubt discover during your time here. For us, it’s the diversity, freedom, culture, mentality and good old-fashioned fun that ensures it tops our league of European cities. The strange thing is that it is extremely tiny in comparison to most other capitals. Indeed, you can walk north to south from one end of the city centre to the other end in less than 45 minutes and from east to west of the center in even less time. Weatherwise, it was a very chilly winter with temperatures dipping below zero on several occasions, so here’s hoping for some pleasant spring temperatures. In recent years the spring weather has been magnificent and sun-bathing in late April and early May has been quite common. Whatever the weather, all the indications are that spring will be hugely enjoyable, thanks to an array of top events and some extra special treats. Inside this issue of Amsterdam Exclusive, we will inform you about the best events you can witness during spring. As usual, we will also bring you all the essential information you require to get the most out of your trip whether your

visit is for business or pleasure. With around 2 million visitors per year, it is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and it’s understandable when you consider attractions such as the art, museums, historical buildings, canals, nightlife and the restaurantscene. And of course, an added bonus is that its inhabitants boast an even better knowledge of the English language than some Brits, Aussies and Yanks. Springtime is of course the season for Queen’s Day on April 30th and we have covered the annual celebration in more detail in our What’s On section. Other top events such as Holland Festival and Amsterdam’s ‘2013 Ambition Festival’ will also be popular with tourists and locals alike and more information on these events can also be viewed in our What’s On section. In this publication, we will try to inform you about absolutely all you could ever need to know about Amsterdam. If something inside our magazine assists, surprises, raises an eyebrow, or creates a smile, then our job has been done. So, ladies & gentlemen, without further ado, we welcome you to Amsterdam. Amsterdam Exclusive Staff

Letter To The Editor Dear Sir/Madam, I visited Amsterdam last summer and kept a copy of your magazine with me. I am returning to the city for the Queen’s Day party on April 30. This will be the first time that I have ever experienced this annual event and I was wondering if you have any tips on where to go and what to do. Three other friends and myself will be making the trip. Jane, Bristol, England..

Reply: Thanks for your letter Jane. You have certainly chosen the right time to visit. Get ready for the surprise of your life, because Queen’s Day in Amsterdam is one of the biggest street parties in the world. My advice would be to go everywhere in the city centre. Make it your business to stroll through the entire city centre stopping off from time to time at the various outdoor bars and eateries which can be found on every corner, as well as taking time to witness the stage and street performances which take place throughout the city. Make sure you wear something orange, because if you don’t, you will most definitely look out of place.

The Unlocking Of The Golden Keys Friendship, Solidarity and Helpfulness. To become a member country and also a member of this society, we have created strict rules. Committees are formed to ballot the aspirant members and only after approval by the board can they become members of this guild. As our International President Mr. Roger Bastoni from the Hotel Majestic Barriere in Cannes is saying; “There are two types of men: free men and….the others. I believe that Hotel Concierges, the real ones those who are worthy of the title, because it is a title – are the most free of all men.

The International Union Of Hotel Concierges, known as “Les Clefs d’Or” (The Golden Keys) plays an essential role in hospitality and tourism sectors throughout Europe. Netherlands President Robin Van Kooten explains a little bit about the origins and functions of this very essential organisation.

he name stands for a guild which was formed in April 1951 in Rouen, France by Mr. Ferdinand Gillet, with the help of some other hoteliers there. It rapidly became an international organisation with the help of the airlines Sabena, KLM, and SAS, who at that time started there overnight service “Moon Line.” When that line was inaugurated, Mr. Gillet was able to visit Brussels, Amsterdam and Copenhagen to explain the meaning of the guild to his colleagues in these countries. After that they went to Spain, Italy,

Austria, Germany, Switzerland and some other countries and these nations became the first to enter the society. In 1957 the Dutch section was officially founded and accepted as a member country; in 1960 they organized the international congress together with Belgium for this international guild. At present and 50 years later we are proud to say that 41 countries are part of this international guild of Hotel Concierges with a network of about 4000 members.

“It is not a paradox. It’s better, it’s more: it’s a reality. And here’s why: a Concierge who places himself at the disposal of a client, who appears to depend on him, is in fact the opposite, a man who guides him, serves him (in the most noble sense of the term) He is a little bit his friend, his confidant, In all circumstances, he is the one to whom “the other” refers; and when late at night, both client and Concierge go to bed, the one who can most honestly say. “I earned my living today” is not the Concierge; it’s the client, whereas the Concierge could more accurately say. “I earned my rest today.” To serve and guide our clients which is our profession, we use our network the national and international “Les Clefs d ‘Or. In order to do so we use our credo through Friendship, Solidarity and Helpfulness. To contact our guild you can go to our website www.hotelconcierge.nl which informs you about the persons behind this guild in Holland.

Robin van Kooten President of “Les Clefs d’ Or” “De Gouden Sleutels Holland”

Feature

Essential Information

What You Need To Know Essential Amsterdam Information and Useful Tips averaging around 750 mm of precipitation annually.

Language The official language is of course Dutch (Nederlands) but almost everyone speaks fluent English and they are proud to do so. It’s almost unheard of for a country to speak a foreign language so perfectly. The Dutch language itself sounds at times close to German, but in truth, they are very different.

Tipping The general consensus and indeed it has also been our strategy since we have been here is to leave a 10 – 15 % tip. However, never be afraid to abandon a tip if the service is not as it should be.

Time

Coat Of Arms

Amsterdam is one hour ahead of GMT. The sun is at its highest point at around 2pm and during summer, darkness does not set in until close to 11pm.

The official motto for the city is Valor, Resolution, and Mercy and these are represented by the three X's (St Andrew's crosses) which you find almost everywhere, though the X's are older than the motto. A popular tradition also links the X's to the three threats to the city: Water, Fire and Pestilence.

Credit Cards Most places will accept credit cards, but there are some which don’t, so

the currency, with two Dutch Guilders coming close to the value of one Euro. The guilder was badly missed by Amsterdammers when the Euro was introduced, but they are now starting to get used to the Euro and as a consequence are starting to spend again.

Weather Amsterdam enjoys a moderate temperate climate which is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Winters are mild and average above zero degrees. Summers are comfortably warm but seldom hot (although last year was very hot at times). Amsterdam does not have an overly wet climate,

Parking One of the biggest eye sores in the city. Suffice to say that parking can be a nightmare in Amsterdam and it is also quite expensive. If you are parking along the canals, be sure to pay at one of the nearby meters, because wardens are always on the look-out and are quick to issue fines. There was one piece of good news recently as a new law was introduced to sanction the end of wheel clamping in the city, so drivers no longer have to worry about this.

always enquire first if you intend to pay with plastic. You can also use Cirrus and Maestro cards to withdraw cash from ATM’s.

Money As with almost all EU countries, the currency in Holland is the Euro. Before that, the Dutch Guilder was

Parking can often be dangerous along Amsterdam’s canals.

Changing Money There are several different outlets where you can change money in Amsterdam. The best rates are usually offered by post-offices and

number you find in our magazine or website with +31 and then 20 for Amsterdam. All public telephones in Amsterdam use a ‘call card’ system and these can be purchased from post offices and almost all newsagents. Reduced rates calling cards are also available in these outlets.

Car Rental

the various GWK offices are also good. Changing money at your hotel is normally more expensive.

Amsterdammertjes An Amsterdammertje is the typical red-brown steel bollard that is used to separate the sidewalk from the street in Amsterdam. The bollards have the three Saint Andrew's Crosses from the coat of arms of Amsterdam. During the 2000s, the sidewalks in Amsterdam are being slightly elevated from the streets, meaning that the Amsterdammertjes are no longer needed to separate the sidewalk from the street. Yearly, around 2,000 Amsterdammertjes will be removed until they are all gone. New and used Amsterdammertjes are sold online by the city government of Amsterdam.

Opening Hours Shops are open from 9am until 6pm daily, although many do not open until midday on Sundays and Mondays. Thursday is late shopping night with stores staying open until 9pm. However, many will offer late opening on the run up to Christmas.

Telephoning When dialing from abroad, prefix any

There are various different car rental companies available in Amsterdam City Centre and of course you can also find car rental at Schiphol Airport. The following companies are recommended in Amsterdam: Adams Rent a Car, Nassaukade 345346. Tel.: 020-6850111 Hertz, Overtoom 33. Tel.: 020-6122441

I Amsterdam Card Explore everything Amsterdam has to offer with the I amsterdam City Card. Visit world-class museums, take a cruise through the charming canals and sample the local delicacies. All for free or with a significant discount! On top of being your ticket to Amsterdam's hottest attractions, the I amsterdam City Card also gives you unlimited access to the city's public transportation system. See more, save more and discover the convenience of the I amsterdam City Card - your key to Amsterdam. You can buy your card online, or also purchase your card directly at several shops and newsagents across Amsterdam, or at one of the Amsterdam Tourist Offices. Prices are as follows: 24-hour card = 39 Euro; 48-hour card = 49 Euro; 72hour card = 59 Euro.

Amsterdam Facts & Figures Inhabitants:

739.977

Inhabitants Greater Amsterdam:

1.514.050

Nationalities:

173

Mayor:

Bicycles:

600.000

Trees:

220.000

Parks:

City trams:

232

Ferryboats:

Markets:

Flower Market:

Shops:

10.334

Diamond polishing factories:

Canals:

165

Bridges:

1.281

Wooden drawbridges:

Houseboats:

2.500

16th, 17th, 18th century buildings:

6.800

Statues and sculptures:

302

Windmills:

Museums:

Art galeries:

141

Wax statues at Madame Tussaud's: 140 Animals at the Artis Zoo:

6.100

Theatrical performances per year:

16.000

Theatrical performances per day:

Theaters and concert halls:

Cinemas:

Cafés and bars:

1.402

Discotheques:

Restaurants:

755

Hotelbeds:

37.763

Bednights by foreign visitors yearly 7.611.000 Day visitors per year:

15.749.000

Essential Information

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.

helpful service – so go on guys – treat your lady the right way.

Pharmacy Hopefully, this will not be necessary during your stay in Amsterdam, but if your last choice is a pill or a cream, then we recommend that you make your way to the DA shop on Leidsestraat. At the back of the shop, they have a pharmacy which should be able to provide you with the necessary substance to ease the pain. The pharmacy is open from 9am until 9.50pm.

Embassies

Airport Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, is less than 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central Station. It is the biggest airport in the Netherlands, the fourth largest in Europe and the tenth largest in the world. It handles about 42 million passengers a year and is one of the most modern airports you will find anywhere.

Internet Many of the city’s coffeeshops provide access and you can also get on line at the various tele-communication outlets in the city centre. WiFi is also available at many cafes and bars, while “Hotspot Amsterdam” allows

you to get online at various locations with a wireless enabled laptop.

Shopping The shopping possibilities in Amsterdam are endless. The main tourist areas for shopping tend to be Leidsestraat and Kalverstraat which provide all the different outlets you would expect to see in any big city high street as well as some large indoor malls. However, for that special something, the place to go is PC Hooftstraat, Beethovenstraat or Van Baerlestraat where you will find all the latest designer styles. PC Hooftstraat is Amsterdam’s equivalent of Rodeo Drive, but the Dutch version offers much friendlier and more

Expect to see busy shopping streets during the festive season.

Australia Carnegielaan 4, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3108200 Canada Sophialaan 7, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3111600 China W. Lodewijklaan 10, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3065060 France Smidsplein 1, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3125800 Germany Gr. Hertoginneln 18-20, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3420600 Great Britain Lange Voorhout 10, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-4270427 Ireland Dr. Kuyperstraat 9, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3630993 Italy Alexanderstraat 12, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3021030 Japan T. Asserlaan 2, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3469544 South Africa Wassenaarsweg 40, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3924501 Spain Lange Voorhout 50, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3024999 Sweden J.W. Frisolaan 3, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-4120200 USA Lange Voorhout 102, Den Haag. Tel.: 070-3102209

Getting Around Trams Trams are operated by the Dutch

undergoing modernization reconstruction. The service provided by the Dutch Railway Board is exceptional and all trains will leave at regular intervals on time.

Taxi

Transport Service (The GVB) and operate at regular intervals throughout the entire city center and the outskirts from 6.0am until midnight.

Train Central Station itself is an impressive building which is currently

The Government made a bizarre decision a few years ago to liberalise taxis and this has led to an increased number of drivers on the street who charge to much, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak good English and often do not know where they are going. If possible, always try to take a TCA taxi. They are the best in the city and can be contacted at 020-7777777.

Bicycle Taxi

possible. They can be contacted at 0628247550.

Horse Taxi This seems to be the latest transport craze in Amsterdam and if you fancy a journey through the city by horse and cart, make your way to Dam Square and jump on one of the many horse taxis.

Bicycles You'll notice almost immediately, that there are an incredible number of bicycles in Amsterdam. Renting a bike is a great way to see the city and the bicycle-taxis also provide a novel way of traveling.

Wielertaxi is the bike taxi service which has become a unique part of the Amsterdam experience. Seven days a week these electrically assisted, eye catching vehicles can be seen all over the city. Both taxi rides and tourist tours through town are

Useful Numbers & Addresses Station (on platform two), at Leidesplein and in Schipol Airport.

Banks Banks are open on weekdays from 9.0am to 5.0pm. Some smaller branches close on Monday mornings while some of the bigger ones stay open later on Thursday nights.

Internet Access Police The central number for the police is 0900-8844. Call this number and they will put you in touch with the nearest police station.

Amsterdam Tourist Board Tel.: 0900-4004040. Known in Amsterdam as the 'VVV', the Tourist Board is hugely efficient and the staff are extremely helpful. Their main office can be found directly opposite Central Station and they also have offices inside Central

Kinko's copies on Overtoom (No.1 tram) provide a 24-hour internet and copying service.

Post Office The main Post Office is located at Singel 250 and is open from 8.30am to 6.0pm and like everything else in the city, it stays open later on Thursday nights. Contact 0205563311.

Emergency In the UK its 999, in America its 911

and in AMSTERDAM its 112. When you get through, state your location and the kind of help you require (police, ambulance or fire brigade). You will then be transferred to the appropriate department.

Doctors Cambridge Medical Centre, cares for all needs of the English-speaking community and tourists. Rapenburg 30. Tel. 020-4275011. You can also contact the Central Doctor's Service at 020-5923434 or 0900-503204.

Lost Luggage Aeroplane: Aero Ground Services 020-6033222 or KLM Lost Luggage dept. - 0800-0226400. On the boat: Dutchport - 020-4059400. On the train: 0900-1558. On public transport (trams and busses): 020-4605858. Airport: For flight reservations at Schipol call: Tel.: 020-4747747.

Essential Information

Key Areas

Key Areas of The City A view of the War Memorial and The Royal Palace on Dam Square

Dam Square The Dam covers 17,000 square metres and is the national square of the Netherlands. It is also the oldest part of Amsterdam and almost 1,000 years ago fishermen, shipbuilders and craft workers settled in the area. Visual highlights around the square include the National War Monument and the Royal Palace. The neoclassical Royal Palace served as the city hall from 1655 until its conversion to a royal residence in 1808. The opposite side of the square is dominated by National Monument, a white stone pillar erected in 1956 to memorialize the victims of World War II. Nowadays Dam Square is a hive of activity and entertainment and it is one of the best places to go to view the Queen’s day celebrations on April 30.

Almost every area of Amsterdam has a building, attraction or monument to make it special, but its hard to get away from the history, popularity and intrigue which surround the areas of Dam Square, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, Museumplein and The Jordaan and an extra degree of beauty is added to all of them during springtime, as the fine weather reruns and the trees turn green. skating rink and Christmas market and it’s one of the best attended areas Queen’s Day (April 30).

Leidseplein Another vibrant nightlife area, which is illuminated by neon lights, while the countless bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants ensure an energetic atmosphere. Venture onto the side streets of the square to find yet more examples of Amsterdam's electric nightlife or take a walk up Leidsestraat to find some of the city's best shopping outlets. Translated into English, Leidseplein means Leiden Square. It owes its name to the Leiden Gate, which stood in the area until the end of the 19th century. During the winter months, Leidseplein plays host to a

Spring signals the return of the famous Leidseplein terraces.

17th century it was regarded as one of the city’s main shopping streets. The poet Joost van den Vondel sold silk stockings here.Today, the busy Warmoesstraat has a variety of shops, bars, restaurants, cheap hotels, souvenir shops, coffee shops and a few sex boutiques. It is located adjacent to the Red light district and perhaps that is one of the reasons why the street is always so busy and vibrant. It will be even busier on April 29th and 30th, as Warmoesstraat is one of the top areas for Queen’s day revellers.

Museumplein

The park at Rembrandtplein is the perfect place to unwind.

Rembrandtplein One of the top going-out areas of the city, the famous Rembrandt Square is amass with bars, cafes, clubs restaurants and bright lights and the area has become even more vibrant and popular thanks to some huge refurbishments which led to the construction of a new park-area in the centre of the square. In the 18th Century, Rembrandtplein was known as De Botermarkt (The Butter Market) and the name only changed when Van Rijn’s statue was erected. As Amsterdam’s canal system improved, Rembrandtplein grew in rank and status. As the square became more popular, entrepreneurs and Government officials realised major Horeca possibilities and after the war, the area received a tonic thanks to the influx of outsiders and the huge amount of American soldiers who came from Germany to Amsterdam.

Warmoesstraat Warmoesstraat is one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam, running parallel to the river Amstel from Amsterdam Central Station to Dam Square. Its origins date back to the 13th century. In the 16th and

Visually one of the most beautiful areas of the city. As the name would suggest, Museumplein is the area where you will find most of Amsterdam’s top museums including The Rijksmuseum and The Van Gogh Museum. It is also home to some of the city’s best diamond factories. A huge parkland dominates the area and offers the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll. During sunny days, the space is thronged with people seeking tranquility and relaxation. Museumplein is the main area for celebrations during Queen’s Day (April 30), as thousands gather to view live concerts and DJs. If you plan on going there on this day, make sure you wear something orange.

A stroll through Museumplein is thoroughly recommended.

Key Areas

Feature

The Last Queen’s Day

& The Crowning Of The King

his year, the Queen’s Day party is extra special, as the inauguration of Willem-Alexander will also take place on Tuesday April 30th.

Outgoing Queen Beatrix decided to renounce the throne earlier this year and it will be taken by her son, the much loved Willem-Alexander. The inauguration ceremonies will take place on Dam Square and the New Church during the morning and will culminate in the new King giving a speech on the balcony of the Royal Palace on Dam Square. The crowning of the new King will ensure locals are in even better spirits than they usually are, and the last Queen’s Day promises to be one to remember. Every street and canal in the city will turn into a sea of orange as Amsterdammers and visitors assemble in their thousands to celebrate the Birthday of the Netherlands Monarch and it’s one of the biggest parties you will find anywhere on the planet. However, April 30th is not actually the birthday of Queen Beatrix.The holiday is celebrated on this date because it was the birthday of previous monarch Queen Juliana. When Beatrix succeeded Juliana on 30 April1980, she

decided to keep the holiday on April 30, as the weather on her own birthday, January 31st, tended to prohibit the traditional outdoor festivities. Once Willem-Alexander takes over, the party will be held on his birthday which is April 27th. The holiday festivities start the night before (Monday 29th) when you can expect to see live music, outdoor bars, carnivals, street entertainers and boat parties among other things. No matter where you are in the city, you will feel the energy and witness the vibrant colour. However, areas such as Dam Square, Leidseplein, The Nieuwmarkt, The Jordaan, Vondel Park and Rembrandtplein tend to be the busiest and most entertaining. The party continues on the Tuesday, as almost every street and byway in the city centre is thronged with mass crowds of orange-clad revellers. Be warned, a normal 10minute walking trip could be trebled in time as a result of the huge crowds. Also be aware that the public transport schedule is much different. Trams and busses still run, but they run to different destinations, as none can operate in the city centre, so check out the transport website at www.gvb.nl for more information. Huge stages are erected on Dam Square, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein and Museumplein and musicians, DJs,

Feature

comedians and various other acts will take to these stages and entertain the thousands, both on Queen’s Night and the big day itself. Many cafes and bars also provide outdoor alternatives, so you are never far away from a beer or a burger! For many people it is a 24-hour celebration and a lot of bars will stay open non-stop throughout Queen’s Day and Queen’s Night. Consequently, it could become a little irritating and messy as Friday draws to a close. Afterall, there is only so much alcohol and partying the body can take. Our advise is to enjoy Queen’s Night on April 29th, but don’t go too wild because you don’t want to end up missing the big day itself as a result of a hangover. Queen’s Day is also the one day of the year when locals are allowed to set up stalls and trade their goods outside their front doors. The so-called 'vrijmarkt' ('freemarket') is similar to a nationwide car boot sale or flea market. Owing to a holiday dispensation from the Dutch government, people do not need to pay taxes on their sales. Many people set up stalls or blankets in parks, on sidewalks and even on the roads themselves (cars are banned on some streets). The items sold are traditionally secondhand discards, but for commercial traders this is also an extremely profitable day. Typically, many children sell their cast-off toys and clothes while entrepreneurs sell food, beverages and a wide range of items. Prices tend to be negotiable and

drop as the day progresses. By the end of the festivities, much of the unsold merchandise is left on the streets to be picked over until it is removed by local municipalities shortly after. Summing up, Queen’s Day is an unforgettable experience and one which is thoroughly enjoyable. And please take our word for it - If you are not wearing something orange, you most definitely will look out of place.

City Of Canals

A Special Year for Amsterdam 2013 promises to be one of Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most special years, as various anniversaries and re-openings are celebrated. 2013 marks 400 years of canals, 125 years of Concertgebouw and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, 175 years of the Artis Royal Zoo, the reopening of the Rijksmuseum and many other unique events.

Four Centuries of Canals As mentioned, Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famed Canal Ring will celebrate its 400th birthday, and this anniversary plays a key part in the Amsterdam 2013 celebrations. The canal ring area of Amsterdam is renowned in the world for its mesmerizing beauty and was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Stately houses with their delightful gardens straddle the canals. This unique urban expansion of Amsterdam dates from the seventeenth century. The spacious canal-side

houses were inhabited by merchants, mayors and bankers. During excavations for the construction of the Noord/Zuidlijn, about 700,000 ancient objects surfaced.

The enormous number of weapons, shoes, jewellery and ceramics provide an intriguing image of Amsterdam’s economic, social and cultural history. A temporary exhibition of a selection of found objects will be held in Rokin station. Keep an eye out for special celebrations which take place during your stay. The city’s top tourism website: www.iamsterdam.com will keep you informed.

Rijksmuseum Reopens

Felix Meritis – 225 Years Of Enlightenment In 1788, citizens established Felix Meritis as a centre for the promotion of international art, culture, trade and science, at its current location. In 2013, the ‘Temple of Enlightenment’, as the founding fathers referred to it, will celebrate its 225th anniversary. This will be celebrated with special activities such as lectures, exhibitions, educational programmes and guided tours. Especially for this jubilee year, the observatory of Felix Meritis will be reopened to the public after 200 years. Artist joseph Semah, who created two works of art for Felix Meritis, was asked to complete his triptych in conjunction with the Observatory project. In the context of ‘Connecting Cultures’, he will create a special installation. The work of art will be opened in April

125 Years of Concertgebouw

The long awaited reopening of one of the world’s most famous museums, Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum is finally upon us, as the renowned building will open its doors again in mid-April. Only parts of the museum have been opened to the public in the past years, as major reconstruction was taking place and the changes have proved to be hugely successful and will ensure that Rijksmuseum retakes its place as one of Europe’s leading tourist attractions. The museum now boasts a new layout, a fully renovated building, new public facilities, a newly landscaped garden, and Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ returning to its original gallery. Overall, 80 halls will display 8,000 pieces of art and history.

175 years of Artis Artis will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2013. Stories about Artis have been told since 1838 and are renewed daily. There are the stories about new-born animals, such as Mumba the elephant and Yavi the anteater. There are stories about the old days, such the individuals who hid in the Apenrots during the Second World War. And there are stories about visitors who experience nature, culture and heritage. Various special events will be held throughout the year to celebrate the milestone of this world-famous zoo.

On 11 April 1888, 421 coaches caused a massive queue between the Van Baerlestraat and the Van Woustraat when the brand new Concertgebouw opened its doors. The huge attendance was rewarded with an opening concert by an orchestra consisting of 120 musicians and a choir with 500 singers. Since that first night, the Concertgebouw has attracted countless great soloists, conductors and orchestras to Amsterdam. Every year, over 700,000 music lovers visit the hall. In 2013 there will be birthday celebrations all year round. One of the year´s highlights will be the jubilee series of twelve concerts, each highlighting a different decade in the past 125 years, in music as well as in images, text and exhibitions. On 10 April, the eve of the official anniversary, a festive gala concert will take place

Canal Houses

What’s on

Spring events in the city No matter what your taste, you are certain to find an event, exhibition, production or spectacle to tickle your fantasy in Amsterdam. Tickets for almost every event of any consequence are available at Amsterdam Uitburo or the information offices of Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board. Tickets for many events can also be obtained at the many Free Record Shop outlets in the city or via ticketbox.nl. The following pages offer a summary of some of the big events which will take place this season in the Dutch capital. For further information on a specific event, check out the event website or the website of the event location.

HOLLAND FESTIVAL 2013 The Holland Festival is the trend-setting performing arts festival in the Netherlands since 1947, annually presenting exceptional work at an international level. It offers a ‘kaleidoscopic window on the world’ with a mix of all the performing arts, big names and daring experiments. Please find a description of selected performances below. L.A. Dance Project Benjamin Millepied, Merce Cunningham, William Forsythe Benjamin Millepied, choreographer of the Oscar winning thriller Black Swan, is looking with his L.A. Dance Project to collaborate with other art forms to move into new frontiers of dance. He presents a programme with Merce Cunningham’s radical piece Winterbranch, William Forsythe’s Quintett, which is seldom performed, and Reflections, a new piece by Millepied himself. Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam 2-3 June, 8.30 p.m.

brotherhood. Through dance he examines the scope of freedom of the individual physical body within culturally diverse societies. Male and female performers dance to the live vocals of Houria Aïchi and the subtle musical arrangements of composer Olivier Innocenti. Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam 9-11 June, 8.30 p.m. Christian Marclay Everyday / The Bell and The Glass & Screen Play The Swiss-American video artist/composer/musician Marclay has produced captivating work exploring the relationships between image and sound. Just as in his masterpiece The Clock (Golden Lion Venice Biennale), he has constructed a montage of hundreds of film clips for Everyday, which serves as a visual score for a five-piece ensemble with Marclay himself on turntables and electronics. At the EYE film institute the MAZE ensemble plays two early ‘video scores: The Bell and The Glass and Screen Play.

Dieudonné Niangouna

Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ

In Shéda the Congolese director Niangouna employs his expressive, hybrid and vivid language to create a place of refuge after an ‘apocalypse’. The characters gathering there embody fallen gods, who have returned as ghosts or in dreamlike apparitions. They try to redeem their humanity, while sharing their personal histories and their memories.

20 June, 8.30 p.m. Hans was Heiri Zimmermann & de Perrot You hold your breath as you watch seven performers dance, climb and tumble in a fully rotating house on stage. With a mix of acrobatics, dance and music the Swiss ensemble Zimmermann & de Perrot presents virtuoso physical theatre for everyone 10 years old and over.

El Djoudour (The Roots) Abou Lagraa, Compagnie La Baraka French-Algerian choreographer Lagraa shares his view on the essence of Islamic culture: generosity and

East-Tyrolean outfit Franui make Mahler sound like never before. With their unusual, brass-dominated instrumentation this ‘Musicabanda’ developed their unique sound by combining folk with classical music and jazz. Mahler’s late romantic songs undergo a fascinating metamorphosis, taking them back to their folk roots. Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ 22 June, 8.30 p.m. Brooklyn Babylon Danijel Zezelj, Darcy James Argue The performance combines the haunting animations and live painting by graphic and comic artist Danijel Zezelj with the exciting, cosmopolitan polyphony of Secret Society, an 18piece bigband led by Darcy James Argue – regarded as one of the great North American jazz musicians of the new generation. Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ

EYE 19 June, 8.30 p.m.

6-7 June, 8.30 p.m.

Franui

24 June, 8.30 p.m.

Shéda

Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam

Mahlerlieder

When the mountain changed its clothing Heiner Goebbels, Vocal Theatre Carmina Slovenica Goebbels has created a collage of texts and music to explore the development of children into adults. Forty girls and young women from the world famous Vocal Theatre Carmina Slovenica aged between 10 and 20 constantly sway between childish innocence and the unpredictability of adolescence.

Westergasfabriek, Zuiveringshal West 25-26 June, 8.30 p.m. HOLLAND FESTIVAL

Royal Theatre Carré

1 – 26 June 2013

13-15 June, 8 p.m.

For full programme and ticket sales: www.hollandfestival.nl

What’s on

FESTIVALS

JENEVER FESTIVAL

Amsterdam 2013

A staple tipple in the Netherlands, it may come as no surprise that jenever

March 16 and 17 at Posthoornkerk

2013 is a very special year for Amsterdam. In celebration of several incredible milestones such as the opening of the renovated Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum and 400 years of the Canal Ring, the year will be chock-full of exciting events. Please check out our special feature on Page 16, or for more info, check out the wonderful website: www.iamsterdam.com.

QUEEN'S DAY

EASTER IN AMSTERDAM With tulips in bloom and spring in the air, there is no better place to be than in Amsterdam during the long Easter weekend (29 March to 1 April 2013). Enjoy an exquisite brunch in one of Amsterdam’s finest hotels,

From sci-fi to cult, anime to fantasy and horror to experimental: the Imagine Film Festival, formerly known as the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival (AFFF), will celebrate its 29th edition in April 2013 at a new home, the EYE Film Institute Netherlands. Over the years, this popular event has evolved and matured into what it is today: an international film festival screening an all-encompassing selection of films. A full programme listing and screening times is available on the Imagine website at: ww.imaginefilmfestival.nl.

April 30 (sometimes known as Dutch gin) has its own festival! Head to the Posthoornkerk on 16 & 17 March 2013 to see what all the fuss is about. With a huge array of workshops, masterclasses and tastings, the fourth edition of the festival aims to show the various faces of the drink. More info at: www.jeneverfestival.nl

FOOD FILM FESTIVAL March 22 – 24 At Amsterdam's Studio/K The Food Film Festival hits Amsterdam's Studio/K for three scrumptious days of films about food. Yummy. For tickets and information visit http://www.foodfilmfestival.nl

Queen's Day is known all over the world. For details about the 2013 event, please check out pur special fearture at the start of the magazine.events calendar suitable for everyone.

PACHA FESTIVAL Saturday 18 May At Java Island The summer festival season is kickstarted on Saturday, 18 May as the Pacha Festival comes to town! After a

IMAGINE FILM FESTIVAL April 8-17 At EYE Film Institute

hunt for eggs in a historical zoo, visit one of the city’s museums or simply come to admire the flowers – there’s plenty to do from Friday to Monday for a fun and relaxing weekend break. The city’s Easter markets are always an extra-special treat.,

successful inaugural outing last year, the renowned club brand is back with the second edition of the dance music festival on Amsterdam’s Java Island.

EXHIBITIONS THE MASTERPIECES Until March 31 At the Rijksmuseum

During the rebuilding and renovation of the Rijksmuseum, more than 400 of the finest works from the 17th century will continue to be on show in the redesigned Philips Wing. The greatest hits from the Golden Age: The Masterpieces exhibition offers the unique opportunity to view all the highlights of the Golden Age in one place.

RIJKSMUSEUM OPENS April 13 At the Rijksmuseum The Cobra Museum of Modern Art presents a homage to Dutch-Belgian artist Bram Bogart, a renowned figure in 20th-century post war painting whose artistic development was heavily influenced by the exciting transition taking place at the time from figurative to abstract art.

THE AMERICAN INDIAN: ART AND CULTURE BETWEEN MYTH AND REALITY Until April 14 At De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam In their latest temporary exhibition, Amsterdam's Nieuwe Kerk explores the artistic traditions of the American Indians, the indigenous peoples of North America. The American Indian: Art and Culture between Myth and Reality runs until 14 April 2013.

AMSTERDAM FROM ABOVE – AMSTERDAM FROM BELOW APRIL 18 At the Observatory of Felix Meritis As Felix Meritis celebrates its 225th anniversary and plays a major role in the Amsterdam 2013 jubilee celebrations, this iconic building on the Keizersgracht unveils one of its forgotten treasures. The Observatory of Felix Meritis is the oldest scientific observatory in the Netherlands, but this secret spot on the building’s roof hasn’t been open to the public in more than 200 years. That changes in 2013. More info at: http://www.felix.meritis.nl/n

BARBED WIRE Until April 21 At the Dutch Resistance Museum ’An exhibition focusing on the plight of Dutch conscripts who were called up in 1943 by occupying Nazi forces to serve as prisoners of war or to do forced labour.

VAN GOGH MUSEUM OPENING May 1 At Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of pieces by Vincent van Gogh in the world. The Van Gogh Museum is one of the key milestones of the Amsterdam 2013 celebrations. Reopening on 1 May 2013, it will mark 40 years of the museum on Museumplein, as well as the 160th anniversary of Vincent van Gogh’s birth. In the process, the extensive exhibition Van Gogh at Work presents paintings, drawings and letters that bring to life his artistic development.

What’s on

ARMANDO VS ARMANDO Until June 2 At Cobra Museum

TYPICALLY DUTCH Until May 1 At the Rijksmuseum Schiphol Visitors can enjoy paintings selected for their typically Dutch themes such as the flat, water filled landscape, the monarchy, the cities, the citizens and their families in this exhibition at the Schiphol branch of the Rijksmuseum.

Amstelveen’s Cobra Museum of Modern Art presents an overview of recent work by Dutch painter and author Armando (aka Herman Dirk van Dodeweerd). Armando is renowned for his animated, expressive works and the Cobra Museum devoted an exhibition to the artist back in 2006 covering works produced between 1952 and 2005.

TUTANKHAMUN, HIS TOMB AND HIS TREASURES Until May 5 At Amsterdam EXPO Exactly ninety years after the undisturbed burial tomb of the young Egyptian Tutankhamun was discovered by archaeologist Howard Carter, this international exhibition arrives in the new Amsterdam EXPO exhibition space. Tutankhamun, his Tomb and his Treasures runs from 29 November 2012 to 5 May 2013.

PETER THE GREAT Until September 13 At Hermitage Amsterdam A highlight of the Netherlands – Russia 2013 celebrations, The

FRANS HALS: EYE TO EYE WITH REMBRANDT, RUBENS AND TITIAN Until July 28 At Frans Hals Museum

JOHAN & ME Until May 12 At the Amsterdam Museum The Amsterdam Museum hosts an exhibition bursting with pictures and stories of people who had an encounter with Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff.

Celebrating its centenary year during 2013, the Frans Hals Museum is staging a landmark exhibition about its namesake: Golden Age painter Frans Hals. For the very first time, key works by Hals will be displayed alongside those by such famous peers as Titian, Rembrandt, Van Dyke, Jordaens and Rubens – with many of these works on loan from some of the world’s greatest museums. More info at: www.franshalsmuseum.nl

Hermitage Amsterdam presents a major exhibition devoted to Peter the Great. Featuring art, priceless exhibits and the Tsar’s personal effects. More info www.hermitage.nl

BURLESQUE FREAKOUT March 16 At Amsterdam’s Club 8 Burlesque Freakout originally brought burlesque to the Netherlands with its signature mix of theatre, humour, satire, magic, performance art, vaudeville, live music, acrobatics, dancing, cabaret and variety and is set to once again dazzle its audience on Saturday, 16 March at Amsterdam’s Club 8. At Amsterdam’s Club 8

STAR JUBILEE CONCERT April10 At the Main Hall and the Recital Hall Throughout 2013 the Concertgebouw is celebrating its 125th anniversary, marked by various events, multimedia collections and

What’s on

Music

performances by world-renowned special guests. One of the most spectacular concerts takes place on 10 April, when the Concertgebouw plays host to the magnificent Star Jubilee Concert. More info: www.concertgebouw.nl

125 YEARS OF CONCERTGEBOUW JUBILEE CONCERTS March to June At several locations With the Concertgebouw blowing out a mighty 125 birthday candles in 2013, music fans in Amsterdam are in for a real treat. The city’s oldest and biggest classical music venue has announced that international stars such as Angela Gheorghiu, Valery Gergiev, Bernard Haitink, Mariss Jansons, Leonidas Kavakos, and EvaMaria Westbroek will return to participate in its Jubilee Concerts series, showcasing the amazing musical heritage of this building.

SARAH BLASKO April 14 At Amsterdam’s People’s Place A massive star in her native Australia, Sarah Blasko has evolved from a shy folk songstress with an acoustic guitar into an award-winning performer. More info: www.peoplesplaceamsterdam.nl

What’s on

Theatre

vowed to 'find some other line of work.'

Do you love the theatre but don't speak Dutch? Fear not! In addition to the many international theatre and dance productions on offer in Amsterdam, there are an increasing number of possibilities to experience first-class Dutch theatre with English surtitles at Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam.

HUSBANDS

CHILDREN OF THE SUN March 14 and 21 At Stadsschouwburg Maxim Gorky portrays a group of intellectuals, who, detached from society, turn to science, art and love only to realize too late that their ideas do not rhyme with the harsh reality.

ALL MY SONS March 28, May , 2 and 9 At Stadsschouwburg Arthur Miller wrote All My Sons as a final attempt at writing a commercially successful play – if it failed to find an audience Miller had

April 11 and 18 April At Stadsschouwburg Based on John Cassavetes' film of the same title, Husbands tells the story of three 'men in menopause'.

Comedy EDDIE IZZARD - FORCE MAJEURE April 18-20 At Heineken Music Hall Head to Amsterdam’s Heineken Music Hall this spring for a raucous evening in the company of the one and only Eddie Izzard! The internationally-renowned stand-up comedian and actor brings his

What’s on

unique brand of witty banter to town as part of his Force Majeure World Tour.

Miscellaneous NATIONAL SPORT WEEK April 21 – 28 At various locations

The National Sport Week is a nationwide sporting celebration that encourages participation in sports of all kinds and at every level. Taking place in the last week of April, hundreds of sports clubs, businesses and organisations encourage you to strip down to shorts and t-shirts and get a sweat going by hosting special tournaments, introductory clinics and demonstrations. More info at: www.nationalesportweek.nl

EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL 2013

KEUKENHOF GARDENS

May 15 At Amsterdam Arena

March 21 - May 20

With Ajax at its helm, Amsterdam is renowned throughout Europe as a great footballing city. Likewise, the Amsterdam ArenA, the team’s home stadium, is an instantly recognisable icon.

Come tip-toe through the tulips, admire the amaryllis and cruise past the crocuses at the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, the world’s largest flower gardens. From 21 March to 20 May 2013, the Keukenhof Gardens will burst into a kaleidoscope of colours as the gently rolling grounds are carpeted with blooming flowers.

The latest honour to be bestowed upon the stadium and the city is to host the UEFA Europa League Final 2013.

Shopping

With more than 10,000 shops, almost 150 galleries, more than 150 antique shops and 26 markets, Amsterdam could justifiably be described as a shopping heaven. Designer labels, bargains, jewellery, diamonds, books, antiquesâ&#x20AC;Ś.You name it and you will most likely find it in Amsterdam. The main pedestrianised shopping streets are Leidsestraat, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk where you will find most of the regular high street stores. Amsterdam also plays host to exclusive shopping areas like PC Hooftstraat, Spiegelstraat, Van Baerlestraat and The Nine Streets where you will come across countless designer boutiques, interior design shops, art galleries and other specialist shops. Most stores open at around 10am (later on Monday mornings) and close at 6pm (5pm on Saturdays). Thursday is late night shopping in Amsterdam, with most shops staying open until 9pm. Most of the Shopping Malls stay open until 7pm daily (Thursdays 9pm). In the pages which follow, we will offer an in-depth look at exactly what you can buy and where you can buy it in Amsterdam.

Shop Until You Drop!

Department Stores and Malls in Amsterdam In some ways it’s difficult to believe that Amsterdam could have so many huge and excellent department stores, such is the demand for space in the city. All the department stores are centrally located and within short walking distance of each other on the main shopping thoroughfares. Magna Plaza Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182. Tel.: 020-6269199

The Magna Plaza Shopping Center will be a hive of activity during the spring season.

Housed inside one of Amsterdam’s most stunning buildings, the Magna Plaza Shopping Mall is always popular among tourists and locals alike. In many ways, it’s a shopping experience with a touch of history. The Gothic-style building which is located directly behind the Royal Palace on Dam Square was built in the late 1800s and served at that time as a Post Office. The décor inside boasts a large dome-shaped top, beautiful colonnades and decorated sculptures. There are more than forty exclusive shops inside, many of which store the latest and best designer labels. The venue also plays host to some fine eateries and all in all it’s a relaxed and efficient means of shopping. Most shops close at 6pm, but Magana Plaza stays open until 7pm for those of you who still haven’t had enough!

De Bijenkorf Dam 1. Tel.: 0900-0919 Translated into English, the name means ‘The Beehive’ and its quite apt as throngs of people gather to this impressive shopping venue, which is probably Amsterdam’s equivalent of London’s Harrods. It’s the biggest and probably the most famous Amsterdam department store in De Bijenkorf, which can be found on Dam Square (adjacent to the War Memorial Statue). De Bijenkorf is a chic and up-market, luxury mall where hours can go by like minutes. A large variety of goods are on offer, including quality clothing by international designer labels, cosmetics, furniture, toys, jewellery, shoes, CDs, books, delicatessen goods, gifts, kitchen appliances and more.

De Kalvertoren

Maison de Bonneterie

Singel 457. Tel.: 020-4273901

Kalverstraat 203. Tel.: 020-5313400

The address is on Singel, but you can also enter De Kalvertoren Department Store from the top end of shopping street Kalverstraat. The department store was honoured in the late 90s when it won a prestigious European Shopping Center award and since then, it has continued to improve and impress. Inside you will find shops dealing in fashion, cosmetics, jewellery, music, stationary and interior decoration. Names like H&M, Diesel, Mango and Swatch can be found and there is also a general goods store (HEMA) in the basement.

De Bonneterie as it’s known, is an oldfashioned luxury department store, which combines the long tradition of good service with the most modern selection of products. It is a wonderful building which combined the look of a luxurious Parisian Store with a chic and classy atmosphere. Many major designers’ brands and labels are represented in a department store which boasts quality goods and clothing for men, women and children. The building also houses an impressive Grand Café and can be found on the large Rokin Street, close to Muntplein. There is also an entrance from Kalverstraat.

Shopping

Spring Shopping Our Favourites For This Season Any time of year, Amsterdam is a shopping paradise, but there is something extra special about the spring shopping scene as most places introduce their new collections. The following are some of our favourite shopping outlets for this season.

G&G Special Sizes The best things really do come in big pacakages! Getting tired of regular stores which don’t stock sizes which are big enough to fit your needs – Then the Amsterdam branch of G&G Special Sizes is the place for you. Located on Prinsengracht, one of the city’s main canals, the staff at G&G Special Sizes realise that appropriate clothing and self-image are important, and they will go out of their way to ensure you get the outfit which best suits your style and your needs whether you are young, old, tall or broad. Established in 1932, G&G have built an excellent reputation throughout the years and the same staff will display all the necessary patience and courtesy to ensure that customers leave with the perfect product. Visitors to the store can choose from renowned brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Paul & Shark, Camel Active, Bugatti, Pierre Cardin, Alberto, Gardeur, M.E.N.S., Dressler and Ferkinghoff. The store is located around the middle of the Prinsengracht Canal which means you can also take a break from the shopping and enjoy some of the best cafes and bars in the city. For more information and to check out whats new in their store, check out the website at: www.ggspecialsizes.com.

Senza Rokin 82. Tel.: 020-5305030 Those who love their genuine brand names at reduced prices will be in for a real treat if they visit the Senza International luxury fashion outlet, which in recent times has moved address to Rokin Street Nr.82. Labels such as Gucci, Prada, Versace, Burberry, Armani, Iceberg and D&G can be found inside. As well as clothing, the outlet also specialises in handbags, belts and other accesories.An added bonus is the friendly service, as staff go out of their way to ensure your every need is catered for. Definigtely worth visiting.

DESIGNER FASHION

BIG SIZES

Prinsengracht 514. Tel.: 020-6226339

Tommy Hilfiger TOMMY TIME

PC Hooftstraat 101. Tel.: 020-6756750 Hilfiger on PC Hooftstraat presents the classic sportswear that combines contemporary details for a modern lifestyle, showcasing men’s and women’s sportswear and the Tommy Hilfiger Denim Collection for him and her. Fragrance and body products, watches, socks, handbags, underwear, accessories and men’s and women’s footwear are also available. Tommy Hilfiger’s Junior Store can be found further down the street at PC Hooftstraat 125.

Topskins Topskins on Kinkerstraat is the place to go for those who are looking for some trendy designer fashion. Brands such as Replay, La Coste, Pall Mall and Cast Iron can be found at extremely competitive prices. This is also one of the most customer-friendly stores you will find in Amsterdam, as staff go out of their way to ensure that your every need is catered for. The store is also renowned for its excellent spring sales, so there could be plenty of bargains. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted with a cup of coffee when you visit.

Hoogstins Luxury Gift Store Kinkerstraat 117. Tel.: 020-6854600 Do you crave something a little bit extra special? Something a little bit more lavish and extravagant than the others? Then a visit to Hoogstins Luxury Gift Store on Kinkerstraat is an absolute must. Hoogstins is a traditional shop with a modern vision. They simply love beautiful items which are made from the classiest materials. And they also love displaying and describing these items to the public. There is an appropriate gift for everyone, with an appropriate price for everyone. Maybe you are tempted by a key ring from Cartier or a button case from Mont Blanc, or perhaps it’s an item from the excellent range of writing equipment and cigarette lighters that will tickle your fancy. Our personal favourites are the stunning leather folders which are available in various sizes, and which can assemble any kind of document or paper. The leather is of the highest quality and the look is excellent. Many of them are exclusive to the Hoogstins shop. For literary lovers, there is also much to admire about Hoogstins as they stock a large amount of exclusive reading material, as well as various publications in the fields of art, architecture, film and lifestyle. There is simply so much to see and admire at Hoogstins and one of the biggest perks is that the specialist staff will inform you on everything you need to know about the product you desire. An absolute must-see store for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

TOP BRANDS

Kinkerstraat 120. Tel.: 020-6122256

LUXURY GOODS

Shopping

Zisety When it comes to fashion for the big or tall man, Zisety is not just the best store in Amsterdam, but one of the best in Europe. Located on the famous Singel Street, on the other side of the canal from the Floating Flower Market, Zisety (formerly known as Mooxx) stands for his High quality for the Mighty man. Their collections are stunning and the service is as good as you will find anywhere. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter where you come from, but it does matter where you are going â&#x20AC;&#x201C; And the people at Zisety will make sure you go in style. An absolute must-go place for Plus-Size men. Open daily (except Sunday) from 9am until 6pm (until 5pm on Saturday; until 9pm on Thursday; open from 1pm on Monday; also open from 9am until 5pm on the first Sunday of every month.)

G-Star PC Hooftstraat 24-28 Fans of G-Star Raw will be highly impressed with the new flagship store which opened recently on PC Hooftstraat and the corner of Hobbemastraat. The 3-storey store is one of the biggest G-Star monostores in the world. The clothing company, which was actually formed in Amsterdam in the late 80s has become hugely popular in recent years and fans of the brand will be intrigued by this new flagship store. For instance, the Eye Catcher is an enormous denim wall that spreads out all the way from the basement to the mezzanine floor. GStar have also provided 'hidden' changing rooms where the customer has complete privacy to try on products.

RAW FASHION

PLUS-SIZES

Singel 465. Tel.: 020-6221436.

Shopping

Cream A hidden treasure for all the young ladies who like to keep up with the times and be seen in the latest designs from the likes of Ed Hardy, Phard, Indian Rose and many more. The Cream boutique can be found in the heart of the city on the shopping thoroughfare of Leidsestraat, just a few minutes walk from the famous Leidseplein. The store is also renowned for its great sales and no doubt there will be some stunning bargains to be found during the spring season.

LADY BRANDS

Leidsestraat 56. Tel.: 020-4203094

Kalverstraat 43, Amsterdam, 020 6387830 The recently opened PRO 020 store at Kalverstraat is proving to be a huge hit and is a must-go venue for those who love trendy sneakers. The PRO concept has grown rapidly in Holland in recent times and the Amsterdam outlet really impresses. They stock a fab choice of sneakers from makers such as Adidas, Nike, Vans and Converse. With striking graffiti designs by Lucky Dubz and Leyp on the walls, the PROstore really does deliver everything that lovers of urban art and fashion require.

Robin Ruth Accessories/Souvenirs Robin-Ruth was formed in Amsterdam in 1998, when they started selling souvenir ties to stores in the city. Since then, the company has become the largest supplier of souvenir articles and fashion accessories, as they offer products to more than 40 countries. The range of products has been extended and consists of socks, scarves, hats, caps, umbrellas and different models of bags. RobinRuth has its own representatives in the USA, the UK, Spain, France, The United Arab Emirates, Dominican Republic, Russia, Portugal and many more. All the products are made with careful consideration to modern color, style, fashion flows and trends. Tourists all over the world appreciate the excellent design and superb quality of the articles, which also underline their individuality. One of the most famous products nowadays is the shopping bag. This bag with the city name written all over is interesting for every tourist. You can collect them during your trip around the world. Show your friends where you have been. Show them your style, your class and your feeling for fashion. In Amsterdam you will find Robin-Ruth wherever you go. Big and small souvenir store have Robin-Ruth products available. If for any reason you can not find the product you wanted or you forgot to buy it, you can always visit their website www.robin-ruth.com and buy your Robin-Ruth item online.

TRENDY SOUVENIRS

SUPER SNEAKERS

PRO 020

Hope Special Sizes Prinsengracht 182 Tel.: 020-6274913. www.hopespecialsizes.nl

BIG OR TALL

Shopping

When it comes to fashion for the big or tall man, the aptly named Hope Special Sizes store is right up there with Europe’s best. Located on Prinsengracht, close to the Anne Frank House in the Jordaan area of the city, Hope Special Sizes stands for High quality for the Mighty man. Their trendy collections are intended for both the long and the broad man, and the service is as good as you will find anywhere. The management have more than 20 years experience in the fashion industry for specific sizes, so they knows exactly what their customers are after and exactly how to treat them when they enter the store. It doesn’t matter where you come from, but it does matter where you are going – And the people at Hope Special Sizes will make sure you go in style. The only place to go for Plus-Size men. The store is open on Monday: 12.00-18.00; Tuesday to Friday: 10.00-18.00; Saturday: 10:00-17.00. It is closed on Sundays.

rt lovers can enjoy themselves until their heart's content in Amsterdam's Spiegelkwartier. Here you can find every sort and size of art imaginable at a large number of antique shops, art galleries and art dealers. The number of works on offer is enormous: from old to modern, from porcelain to picture. The area is centered around Nieuwe Spiegelstraat and its continuation, Spiegelgracht. One of the most popular ways to get there used to be under the passageway of the Rijksmuseum, but that route is now closed because of ongoing works at the museum, so visitors will have to find another way to get to the Spiegelkwartier, but they should not let that turn them off visiting, because it truly is a remarkable area. More than 70 art-dealers sell their merchandise in the area which came to be many years ago, as craftsmen such

as watchmakers and furniture repair experts settled in the neighbourhood. They sold their merchandise mostly to the rich citizens of Amsterdam. When the Rijksmuseum was established here in 1885 they started buying jewellery, earthenware and glass objects and this proved to be a big boost for the craftsmen’s trade.

Because more and more art-traders settled in the neighbourhood, the Spiegelkwartier could become the specialized shopping area it is today. Believe it or not, curators of the Rijksmuseum still buy art and antiquities in the Spiegelkwartier. Definitely a must see area for lovers of the ever-growing arts and antiques industry.

Miscellaneous Shopping location at Spui 12 and is a book-lovers paradise as it offers four floors of wonderful reading material. This place may well be the largest source of English books on the Continent and whatever the subject, you can rest assured that they most likely have it at the American Bookstore. The staff are very clued up and you can also give them a call at 020-6255537 to check if the title you are looking for is on stock.

Schiphol Airport offers some great shopping outlets.

See, Buy & Fly! Airport Shopping The new-look Shopping Experience at Schiphol Airport begins before you even go past passport control and many people choose a day out at the airport during their trip to Amsterdam. Perfumes, cosmetics, designer clothing, ,lingerie, gifts, jewellery, sunglasses, watches, chocolates, tobacco, liquor and electronic goods can all be found

in a modern and attractive setting. The shopping scene was enhanced recently with the opening of several new stores at arrivals halls 3 and 4. Tax Free Shopping is also available for all passengers, irrespective of their destination, with the exception of alcohol and tobacco.

Read All About It! Amsterdam Bookshops

The American Book Center has a new

Shopping

Old Is Beautiful – Amsterdam’s Spiegelkwartier

City Of Canals

Venice of the North

Because there is so much to do, sometimes it’s easy to miss the fact that Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the biggest reasons for this are the majestic canals which separate Amsterdam from so many other capital cities. Thus the nickname – Venice Of The North. Prinsengracht and there are also several wonderful sites alongside it.

The Prinsengracht Canal will be the scene for many celebrations during 2013.

he city is famed the world over for its ‘grachten’ (Dutch for canals) and the seventeenth century girdle of canals make for breathtaking viewing and are also an early example of excellent town planning. During the course of the 17th century the famous crescent shape of the Amsterdam’s city centre was designed and resulted in the unique ring of canals, which are the location for approx. 2,200 buildings, 1,550 of which are listed as historic buildings.

The Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal) is the third of the major canals. Most of the canal houses along it were built during the Dutch Golden Age and interesting sights along the Prinsengracht include the Noorderkerk (Northern Church), the Noordermarkt (Northern Market), the Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk (Western Church, Amsterdam's tallest church). If you fancy a more up-close-and-personal view, why not take a canal tour. We at Amsterdam Exclusive recommend that you take advantage of the many wonderful tours operated by the Canal Company. For more details on what they offer, check out or Attractions section or see their advertisement on Page 1.

The three main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht and Keizersgracht, although The Singel Canal is also up there with the big boys. In total, the city consists of approx. 90 islands, separated by some 100 kilometres of canals which are linked by about 400 stone bridges. The Herengracht (Lord’s Canal) is the first of the three major canals in the city centre of Amsterdam. Alongside the canal are several monumental buildings which are worth a look, so be sure to bring your camera. The Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal) is the second of the three major canals in the city centre of Amsterdam. It is sandwiched between the Herengracht and the

The beautiful Amsterdam Canal Ring celebrates its 400th anniversary this year.

Picture book houses deep with the narrow side facing the canal. As such, the ridges of the saddle roofs were at right angles to the facades and the ornamental gable tops were introduced as way to hide the saddle roofs from view and make the houses more attractive.

A springtime view of Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous canal-side houses

mong the most eye-catching and appealing architectural features of Amsterdam are the old and extremely beautiful canal houses, which can make the city centre look akin to a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pop-up picture book. At one stage, it was actually rumoured that the beauty of the houses had persuaded the powers that be to make the entire city centre of Amsterdam a world heritage site.

The city has one of the largest historic city centres in Europe, dating largely from the 17th century. At that time, a series of concentric, semi-circular canals (grachten) were dug around the old city centre. Along the canals, houses and warehouses were built. Many of the houses were built as residences for wealthy citizens and most beautiful ones can be found alongside the major canals of Prinsengracht, Herengracht and Keizersgracht, where most wealthy Amsterdammers lived and where many still live. The buildings are characterised by narrow, relatively tall facades, often crowned by richly ornamented gable tops. The reason behind the characteristic shape of the Amsterdam facades is that the plots were narrow and

Another thing to bear in mind is that some of the narrow brick houses are gradually sinking and if you look closely, you will also see that many of them are slanting. This is because they are built on wooden piles to cope with the marshy subsoil.

Some Amsterdam houses truly are on the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge!

Canal Houses

Attractions

ith so much to see and do, visitors to Amsterdam should never have an excuse for boredom. We have highlighted the superb museums, the electric nightlife, the wonderful restaurants and much more in other sections of the magazine. However, the action does not stop there as the city also plays host to a number of exciting and enjoyable attractions. In this section we explore the best attractions on offer this spring, including the dazzling Coster Diamond Factory, The Diamant Museum, the wonderful theatre scene, classic windmills, colourful tulips and many of the other attractions which help to make this great city what it is.

Stadsschouwburg Leidseplein 26. Tel.: 020-6242311 As well as being one of the top venues for drama and theatre productions, the Stadsschouwburg also lays claim to being one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful buildings. The theatre frequently shows English language theatre productions and dance performances and most of the acts are outstanding. Information about what’s on can be gained via their website at www.stadsschouwburgamsterdam.nl.

The Amsterdam Concertgebouw Concertgebouwplein 2-6. Tel.: 020-6718345

All year round, every night of the week, you can find quality, Englishlanguage performances and productions in Amsterdam. The easiest way is to drop by the theatres' box offices, where you can browse programmes, ticket prices and availability. An alternative is to visit the Uitburo on the corner of Leidseplein where you can purchase tickets for almost all performances. The Uitburo can be reached at 0900-0191 or you can check out their website at www.aub.nl. Royal Theatre Carre

Het Muziektheater/Opera House

Amstel 115-125. Tel.: 020-5249452

Waterlooplein 22. Tel.: 020-5518117

More than a century ago, in 1887, circus master Oscar Carré opened his circus theatre on the banks of the Amstel River. The family Carré first performed in the Netherlands in September 1863 and their circustheatre was a big hit from the beginning. Slowly the theatre changed from circus to variety shows and it was renamed ‘Royal Theatre Carre’ following its 100th anniversary. After this, the theatre began to concentrate on musical, cabaret, stage plays, international performances and other spectacles. Check out the website at www.theatercarre.nl.

Het Muziektheater (The Music Theatre) is the theatre of residence for The Netherlands Opera and the Dutch National Ballet and also home to the Holland Symphony Orchestra. Since its opening in September 1986, it has attracted crowds from Amsterdam and beyond in their droves and all agree it is among the best of its type in the world. The venue hosts top class productions of some of the world’s most famous operas and ballets and musicals, so check out their website at www.hetmuziektheater.nl.

Constructed in the late 1800s to accommodate the need for a top concert venue in Amsterdam, The Concertgebouw is internationally renowned for its fabulous acoustics and as home of the famous Concertgebouw Orchestra. The Concertgebouw Foundation now organises around 400 concerts per year in the Main Hall and the Recital Hall, consisting of an alternating programme involving both Dutch and international musicians. Before the ‘Sunday Morning Concert’ starts, you can take ‘a peek behind the scenes, as they offer guided tours, which begin at 9.30am and have to be reserved separately. Tickets for concerts which are due to be held within the next three months can be purchased online (www.concertgebouw.nl), at the box office, by telephone.

Muziekgebouw Piet Heinkade 1. Tel.: 020-7882010 The opening of the Muziekgebouw close to the IJ Tunnel marked a special moment in Dutch music history. The venue offers composers and makers of music and theatre with their own work place. Festivals, thematic projects and multimedia concerts are held regularly. For more information, check out their website at www.muziekgebouw.nl.

Attractions

Amsterdam Theatres

Attractions

Cruising The Canals There’s no better way to discover Amsterdam than by boat and the cruises offered by the Blue Boat Company provide the ideal way to see the city from the many wonderful canals. Their deluxe boats will give you a remarkable opportunity to experience and see the beautiful traditional merchant houses, the numerous bridges, the typical houseboats and to feel the unique vibe of Amsterdam. All the boats are equipped with a computerised audio system, informing you on all of the highlights you pass on the way. This information can be listened to in no less than 13 languages. Blue Boat Company owns 9 party vessels with flexible interiors in several different sizes.

Unrivalled Beauty! Keukenhof Stationsweg 166a, Lisse, Tel.: 0252-465555

In the past 64 years, over 50 million visitors from every corner of the globe have discovered the delights of Keukenhof and have witnessed Spring burst out in all of its colourful majesty. It is the world’s largest flower garden and is always proclaimed as one of the most popular destinations in the world. Walk through the park and discover the special beauty spots, visit the various flower shows and marvel at the sheer beauty of nature or let yourself be surprised by the inspirational gardens. In total, there are over 32 hectares of flowers, 30 inspiring flower shows, seven amazing inspirational gardens and more than 100 wonderful works of art. In addition to the millions of blooming flower bulbs and fantastic flower shows, Keukenhof has the largest sculpture garden in the Netherlands and is the most photographed spot in the world. As usual, the Keikenhof extravaganza takes place in the town of Lisse and this year’s event runs from March 21st until May 20th.

They have also created several complete package deals which take much of the stress away from those who are trying to organise the perfect day on the canals. These packages range from a sailing bar package to a complete dinner on board and Blue Boat Company is certain to have at least one package which will cater to your needs. For more information or help with organizing a special event, do not hesitate to contact them by phone at: +31 (20) 6791370 or by email to: info@blueboat.nl. You can also check out their website at: www.blueboat.nl.

Coster Diamonds

Sparkling Beauty From Within Amsterdam and diamonds belong together since the sixteenth century. Over the centuries many famous earlier mentioned diamonds were cut in Amsterdam. Four centuries of craftsmanship brought Amsterdam the worldwide fame as a centre of diamond trade and industry. With this historical background, Amsterdam is the select city for a Diamond Museum, and Coster Diamonds, proudly presents the Diamond Museum Amsterdam.

oster Diamonds is one of the leading diamond factories in Europe. Located in Amsterdam since 1840, Coster proudly contributes to Amsterdam’s reputation as "City of Diamonds". Over the centuries many famous diamonds were cut in Amsterdam, such as the Cullinan, the largest diamond ever found and the Koh-INoor. This fabulous Koh-I-Noor or "Mountain of Light", a blue-white diamond, which is part of Britain’s crown jewels, was re-polished by Coster Diamonds, so was the Dresden diamond, an apple green beauty and part of the crown jewel of Saxony. A replica of the crown of queen Mary, set with the Koh-I-Noor, is on display in Coster Diamonds. About 340.000 visitors yearly come to see the unique craftsmanship and beauty of Coster handmade products during a free-guided tour. These tours are conducted in all major languages, including many Asian ones. The sparkling tours will show visitors the process of transforming a rough diamond into a creation of beauty that will last for centuries. After the tour, visitors have the opportunity to browse around in our spacious showrooms. When you are

looking for the perfect gift, we have an extensive collection of both loose and set diamonds and one of the biggest collections of diamond jewelry in Amsterdam. A certificate accompanies the diamonds sold at Coster Diamonds and they also sell diamonds accompanied by a certificate of the Gemological Institute of America or of the High Council. They also sell taxfree to non-EU residents. They also have a Gift shop with a considerable collection of souvenirs and watches. After the tour one can relax in the café where you can buy a coffee, tea or a soft drink. Besides all its other advantages, Coster Diamonds has the most ideal location between the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.Their opening hours are from 09.00 till 17.00 hrs. 7 days a week. (Monday – Sunday).

Diamant Museum Coster Diamonds is very proud of its unique Diamond Museum in Amsterdam. Because of the rich history as "City of Diamonds",

The Diamond Museum Amsterdam takes you on a journey that began 3 billion years ago, 200 kilometers under the surface of the earth and which ends in the ring on your finger. A fascinating story that should not be missed. Along the way you will penetrate as far as the carbon atom, be surrounded by many famous glittering diamonds and see the smallest diamond in the world under a microscope, polished by a Coster Diamonds expert. Learn the history of Amsterdam "City of Diamonds", distinguish between a real and an imitation diamond for yourself and finally enter the "Diamond Experience". There is a temporary exhibition devoted to the crown, the symbol or royal power and worldly glory. The museum is located next to Coster Diamonds at the Paulus Potterstraat 8, 1071 CZ Amsterdam. See their websites: www.costerdiamonds.com and www.diamantmuseumamsterdam.nl Coster Diamonds Diamant Museum Amsterdam Paulus Potterstraat 2-6 Paulus Potterstraat 8 1071 CZ Amsterdam 1071 CZ Amsterdam The Netherlands The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)20 305 5555 Tel: +31(0)20 305 5300 Fax: +31(0)20 305 5556 Fax:+31(0)20 305 5301 info@costerdiamonds.com info@diamantmuseumamsterdam.nl

Attractions

More Attractions Tel.: 020-5233400

BEAUTIFUL GAME Ajax Experience

One of Amsterdam’s newest attractions is the Ajax Experience which can be found on Rembrandtplein and it’s a must-see exhibition for lovers of the beautiful game. You can learn everything about Amsterdam’s favourite football club through fun and interactive displays and various other concepts. You’ll discover the philosophy, rich

location overlooking the IJ river, Lovers Powerzone is fun for all ages. In the laser game, you’ll come under attack in mysterious surroundings, crawling through crevices and hiding behind oil drums. You can also challenge your pals to a game of bowling on one of the six glow-in-thedark bowling alleys with breathtaking views of the harbour. When you’re ready to relax, you can enjoy a drink, snack or complete dinner at the modern on-site restaurant. history and the team highlights of this legendary football club. In addition to their trophies, you can see pictures of the best goals that contributed to the club’s fame and success. Visitors will also learn more straight from the mouths of Ajax heroes like Johan Cruijff, Marco van Basten and Wesley Sneijder. A truly welcome addition to Amsterdam’s attractions.

LOVERS POWERZONE De Ruyterkade 153. Tel.: 020-760 76 00. www.loverspowerzone.nl Lovers Powerzone is one of Amsterdam’s newest attractions, located just a short walk from Central Station. Featuring laser gaming and bowling in a unique

Animal Instinct Artis Amsterdam Zoo Plantage Kerklaan 38-40.

When you look at how space is such a premium in Amsterdam, its hard to believe that there is enough room for a top zoo, but there is and its provided by Artis Zoo at Plantage Kerklaan. Said to be the oldest zoo on the continent, Artis was founded in 1838 to promote the knowledge of natural history and is an oasis of peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The zoo which was founded in 1838 is set in an area of 14 hectares and with 700 species of animals to see, it provides a magnificent overview of the entire animal kingdom of Amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, mammals and insects. Around the zoo you'll find many more Dutch and European animal and plant species, as well as more exotic ones. You can also quench your thirst for knowledge at the zoo’s Planetarium, or by visiting its many museums and smaller exhibitions. The concept of Artis is split into five elements: 1. Artis as a Zoo and Aquarium; 2. As a Botanical Gardens; 3. As a Zoological Museum;4. As a Geological Museum; 5. As a Planetarium. This unique combination meets Artis's primary objective of offering educational material to broad segments of the population. The zoo is open every day of the year from 9am until 5pm and its central location makes it easy to reach by all forms of public transport.

thanks to it's size, shape and location at the edge of one of the city's main canals. Things are just as impressive inside as almost every gambling game known to man can be played. The basement is the ideal spot for those who want to have a bet for fun while upstairs, you will find the main floor of the casino. where the big spenders gather for roulette, blackjack etc. The first floor is also home to the casino's magnificent restaurant.

DRINKS ACADEMY House Of Bols Paulus Potterstraat 14 One of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest attractions, The House Of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience is a must-see place where visitors can discover everything about the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest distilled spirit brand Bols, in Amsterdam since 1575. The House Of Bols offer visitors a chance to experience a spectacular adventure in taste, smell, image and sound and also

visit starts with a recreation of scenes from Holland's Golden Age before advancing to more present times. Madonna, Bono, Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Mel Gibson, they are all there, so why not take a snapshot alongside your favourite star. Sports lovers will enjoy visiting the top floor where many of the world's top sports-stars are on display and at present there is also a very enjoyable Pirates of The Caribbean exhibition. In a new concept, the venue also offers visitors the opportunity to try out as a model or popstar. learn more about the glamorous side of Bartending and cocktail-making. Learn about the rich history of Lucas Bols, visit the The Hall of Taste for a surprising taste experiment as you taste with your eyes, hands and even your nose!

WONDERS OF WAX

BEAUTIFUL GAME The World Of Ajax ArenA Boulevard 3. Tel.: 020-3111336

Sampling The World Of Ajax exhibition and stadium tour is an absolute must for football lovers. The

TAKE A CHANCE Holland Casino Max Euweplein 62. Tel.: 020-5211111

Holland Casino, which is situated just off Leidseplein is housed in a huge building which stands out among almost all others in the city,

Madame Tussauds Dam Square 20. Tel.: 020-5221010

Rub shoulders with stars from the world of music, cinema, politics, sport and art. OK, they don't breathe and talk back to you, but the likeness is incredible as the wax workers at Madame Tussaud's continue to excel and baffle with their uncannily realistic wax figures. The Madame Tussauds gallery is situated on one of the corners of Dam Square. The

exhibition charts the history of Holland's most famous club. Tour the Stadium, visit the official Ajax fan shop and be mesmerised at the magnificent Ajax Museum. All in all, a real treat for those who follow the beautiful game. Also take a look in our Sports & Leisure section for further information and to find out if Ajax are in action during your stay in Amsterdam.

Attractions

Artist Mark Raven’s Reflections On His Home Town’s Atmosphere Amsterdam’s impressive history and typical atmosphere have always exerted a great attraction on artists, and over the past centuries many of them have attempted to capture the city’s beauty in their work.

he same holds true for the Amsterdam artist Mark Raven. On two of the city’s most pretty locations, behind the Royal Palace in the heart of the city, and between the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, Mark succeeds in attracting a growing audience with his striking modern impressions of Amsterdam. Over the past twenty years, he has developed a style by which he depicts the city in a refreshingly unusual way. “My passion for this city is obviously related to the fact that I was born here. But the city’s atmosphere with its canals, its decorative gables and its culture also contributes to its inspirational character”, Stated Mark.

In his work Mark complements traditional graphic techniques, such as etching, with the possibilities of digital image manipulation, thus balancing the contrast between traditional and modern. By translating the characteristics of the Dutch capital into almost calligraphic symbols, he is able to capture the city in a simple, suggestive lines. As it has always been his aim to make his work more visible and accessible, Mark presents his work not only

different from day to day. The light, the movement, its entire coloration. Amsterdam changes every moment of the day.’ When asked whether he has now finally found his own style, he answers laughingly: ´I am not sure. The basic style and technique are there, but within this style things are still changing all the time. More and more I am beginning to find out that it is just as important what you leave out.´ Unfortunately for Mark, the growth of his businesses mean he has less and less time for painting and by his own admission he wants and needs to find a way to sketch and paint more. Spring is always a special time for an artist and particularly an Amsterdam artist, as the city’s famed flowers blossom and the leaves come back onto the trees. No doubt Mark will have his hands full running the shops and creating the masterpieces! TWO LOCATIONS Mark Raven’s work can be seen in his shop at the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 174, just behind the Royal Palace, in his kiosk on the Museumplein or on his website www.markraven.nl. Both venues are definitely worth a visit and offer visitors the chance to take something extra special home from their trip to the Dutch capital.

as original prints, but also produced on t-shirts, posters and postcards, which are available for purchase at the two above-mentioned shops. UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE After having studied journalism at the beginning of the 1980s Mark decided to turn to the more universal language of the image. He started out making detailed figurative drawings in black and white, selling these works on the streets of his hometown. Eager to get in touch with other cultures, Mark then began travelling around the world to broaden his vision, supporting himself by selling his impressions of the cities he visited. During these journeys he learned to present his work his own way, not solely depending on the art gallery circuit. DEVELOPMENT It was from his detailed, figurative style that Mark later developed the unique play of lines, by which he not only evokes an immediately recognizable Amsterdam, but also captures the city’s typical movement, light and atmosphere. Signature elements are, of course, the bridges and canal houses, but also for example bicycles, or one of the famous towers. Speaking about Amsterdam, Mark states: ‘The city is

Attractions

Museums

City of Museums

Discover the Enchantment, Charm & Fascination When you measure per square metre, Amsterdam boasts more museums than any other city in the world. It seems like there is a museum around every corner of this fascinating city. The Dutch capital is home to more than 40 museums and galleries and the layout of the city makes sightseeing on foot quite easy, with most of the museums situated close together on the area known as ‘Museumplein’. This area is close to Leidseplein and is easily accessible. Have a look at our What’s On section to check out what events and exhibitions are taking place.

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.

The Amsterdam Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. Today, there are more than 6,000 plants (around 4,000 species) growing in the garden and greenhouses. Originally, the Botanic Garden was a medicinal herb garden, founded in 1638 by the Amsterdam City Council. At that time, herbs were of vital importance as medicines

he following is a list of some of the cities most revered and most popular museums. No doubt you will be enthralled before during and after your visit to them. The list is alphabetical.

Allard Pierson Museum Oude Turfmarkt 127. Tel.: 020-5252556 Allard Pierson Museum is the archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam. The ancient civilisations of ancient Egypt, the Near East, the Greek World, Etruria and the

Amsterdam Botanic Garden Plantage Middenlaan 2a. Tel.: 020-6259021

striking exhibitions highlighting religion and contemporary art.

Amsterdam Museum Kalverstraat 92. Tel.: 020-5231822 The museum tells the compelling story of the growth and heyday of Amsterdam. Discover seven centuries of the city's history, through the intimate rooms and courtyards of this former Civic Orphanage, where Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orphans once lived. A lively, international city like Amsterdam deserves an exciting museum, so the most modern forms of multimedia are used as visitors are invited to discover the surprising objects that make the past seem real. Guided tours are available, as are quick-tours for those with limited time.

Anne Frank House Prinsengracht 267. Tel.: 020-5567105 Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite normal for hairs to stand on your neck as you visit the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her diary during the Second World War. For more than two years, she lived secretly with

because the city had just experienced a plague epidemic.

Amstelkring Museum, 'Our Lord in the Attic' Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40. Tel.: 020-6246604 Our Lord in the Attic is one of the oldest and most remarkable museums in Amsterdam. Behind the characteristic facade of the house by the canal lies a largely original 17thcentury home and a complete hidden church. This hidden church 'in the attic' was built during the Reformation, when Catholics were forbidden to hold public services. Today, the church and the house form the backdrop to a succession of

The Anne Frank Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Amsterdam.

family members and friends in the back part of her father's office building at No. 263 Prinsengracht. The Secret Annex has been preserved in its authentic state. The front part of the building and the offices where the helpers worked have been restored to the style and ambiance of the war years. Quotations from the diary, photographs, films and original objects - belonging to the people in hiding and those who helped them - all serve to illustrate the events that occurred at this location. Anne's original diary is on display in the museum along with some of her other notebooks.

Biblical Museum Amsterdam Herengracht 366-368. Tel.: 020-6242436 Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum about the bible can be found in the heart of the old city center along the Hernegracht Canal. The museum examines the history of the bible and the influence it has had and also offers some very interesting objects and artifacts and some specially constructed models. The collection of old bibles on display also includes the oldest bible in the Netherlands which was printed in 1477

Museums

photographers, Foam also exhibits emerging young talent in smaller shortterm shows. Foam also holds lively discussions about photography, while providing an opportunity for concentration and study.

Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum Oudezijds Achterburgwal 148. Tel.: 020-6235961 The Energetica Museum is a must-see for technology lovers.

Energetica Museum Hoogte Kadijk 400. Tel.: 020-4221227 Located in a quiet neighborhood, an old brick electricity power plant has been transformed into a museum and information center about the human use of energy. Some of the objects are both beautiful and intriguing and you could be forgiven for thinking you had arrived at the set of a Sci-Fi flick., Among other things, Energetica shows an experimental car running on sun panels. A must-see place for those interested in the the world of energy and the machines and instruments used to provide energy.

Coffee and Tea Museum Warmoesstraat 67. Tel.: 020-6240683 Situated on the famous Warmoesstraat Street, close to the Red Light District, The Coffee & Tea Museum showcases coffee trade machinery, roasters, mills, grinders, pots, packaging, old tins, cups and various other objects. . Upon entering, you will be taken aback by the rick coffee aroma and you will see the shop. In the large attic overlooking the Geels & Co. shop, you can find the museum and you will no doubt discover something you did not know about coffee or tea.

transformed into a museum and information center about the human use of energy. Some of the objects are both beautiful and intriguing and you could be forgiven for thinking you had arrived at the set of a Sci-Fi flick., Among other things, Energetica shows an experimental car running on sun panels. A must-see place for those interested in the the world of energy and the machines and instruments used to provide energy.

Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam Keizersgracht 609. Tel.: 020-5516500 Foam Photography Museum is a museum with an international allure and is the place for photography in all forms such as independent, documentary, applied, historical and contemporary. Along with the large exhibitions of renowned world famous

Anyone who comes to Amsterdam, whether they be lovers of all things green or not, should consider taking the opportunity to visit the famous Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum in the heart of The Red Light District. The museum provides everything you could even want to know about the cannabis plant and its uses through the ages. The museum opened in 1985 and since then.

Hermitage Amsterdam Amstel 51. Tel.: 020-5308755 In the early 1990s Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, director of the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg was considering the possibility of having satellites of the museum in the West and he choose as Amsterdam as the destination. Housed in a beautiful building on Herengracht, The Hermitage Amsterdam Museum is currently supporting a small temporary exhibition drawn from the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. nd courtyards of this former Civic Orphanage, where

Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orphans once lived.

Energetica Museum Hoogte Kadijk 400. Tel.: 020-4221227 Located in a quiet neighborhood, an old brick electricity power plant has been

The Amstel Canal is home to Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hermitage Museum.

The unique NEMO Scienece Centre at Oosterdok.

much talked-about exhibitions attract thousands of visitors every year. In fact, the church is one of the most attended exhibition locations in the Netherlands. The large-scale exhibitions feature treasures from other countries, cultures and religions and are fascinating.

The Old Church ‘Oude Kerk’ Oudekerksplein 23. Tel.: 020-6258284 www.oudekerk.nl

this exhibition introduces four of these collectors, each with their own preference for a particular school, country or period. They collected 'old masters', paintings from the 16th to the 18th century, or concentrated on contemporary art from the mid-19th century.

Nemo Oosterdok 2. Tel.: 020-5313233 www.e-nemo.nl Science center NEMO is the biggest science center in The Netherlands. Here you can discover the wonderful world of science and technology in a playful and entertaining way. The Amsterdam-based NEMO covers a wide range of scientific and technological subjects and is hugely enjoyable for both adults and kids. After a visit, you will return home with a feeling of satisfaction and you will most likely hold an even greater fascination for science and technology. Nemo achieves this by creating interactive exhibitions which fire the imagination, by developing educational products, projects and games, and by making programmes such as lectures, demo's, workshops and science theatre. Nemo provides an extra treat during the early autumn as the upper deck of the boat-shaped building transforms into a temporary beach which offer

relaxation and great view on a sunny day.

De Nieuwe Kerk Dam Square. Tel.: 020-6386909 www.nieuwekerk.nl De Nieuwe Kerk is a late Gothic building where art exhibitions and organ concerts are held. It is also the place where Dutch monarchs are officially inaugurated. In 1980, Queen Beatrix was officially inaugurated in De Nieuwe Kerk. On 2 February 2002 the wedding between the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima took place. The

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is one of the city’s oldest buildings.

As the name would suggest, this is Amsterdam’s oldest church and is now a centre of cultural activity in the heart of the old town centre. The beautiful light through the high windows, the medieval church furnishings, gravestones (such as Rembrandt’s first wife - Saskia van Uylenburgh) and the magnificent painted wooden vaults, create a unique atmosphere and reveal the buildings' unique history. The Old Church has been built in different phases and ages and has a total area of 4000 square meters. There are two organs: a transept organ (1658) and the well-known Vater-Müller organ (1724/1738). Nowadays both are used for concerts. Besides cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, dinner parties, receptions, presentations and meetings, the monument is also open to visitors and well worth a look.

Museums

organ concerts are held. It is also the place where Dutch monarchs are officially inaugurated. In 1980, Queen Beatrix was officially inaugurated in De Nieuwe Kerk. On 2 February 2002 the wedding between the Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima took place. The much talked-about exhibitions attract thousands of visitors every year. In fact, the church is one of the most attended exhibition locations in the Netherlands. The large-scale exhibitions feature treasures from other countries, cultures and religions and are fascinating.

Tulip Museum Prinsengracht 112. Tel.: 020-4210095 www.amsterdamtulipmuseum.com Visitors are invited to learn the story of the world’s most dangerous flower

Het Scheepvaartmuseum Kattenburgerplein 1. Tel.: 020-5232222 www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl After four years of closure, Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The Netherlands Maritime Museum) opened its doors to the public on Sunday 2nd October 2011. The museum houses one of the world's biggest collections of nautical art and artefacts, including globes, paintings, ship models, and more. The museum is a true Amsterdam landmark. Just a short walk from the central railway station, it stands in one of the city’s biggest 17th century buildings, a storehouse for the Dutch war fleet dating from 1656The collection is the backbone of fascinating exhibitions about the Netherlands and the country's elemental connection with the sea. And these exhibits do not neglect to show the darker side of the romance and adventure, like the Netherlands’ role as coloniser and oppressor. They also make the connection between the past and the present, and can illuminate current issues like globalisation and the environment in the light of a historical perspective. Visitors to Het Scheepvaartmuseum can experience the sea stories of

yesterday and today. The museum also offers special exhibits for parents and children.

De Nieuwe Kerk Dam Square. Tel.: 020-6386909 www.nieuwekerk.nl De Nieuwe Kerk is a late Gothic building where art exhibitions and

at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum on Prinsengracht. In days gone by, the tulip drove the rich and the poor to ecstasy and bankruptcy. Founded in 2004, the museum seeks to fill a void in the history of the tulip. The exhibits include several interactive video displays that trace tulip bulbs from their ancient origins to modern 21st century cultivation. The museum also features a special gift shop.

modern and traditional visual arts and photographic work. The permanent exhibitions are Southeast Asia, Oceania, Western Asia and North Africa, Africa, Latin America, Man and Environment and Music, Dance and Theater. There is an audio tour available in Dutch, English, French and German.

Van Gogh Museum Paulus Potterstraat 7. Tel.: 020-5705243 www.vangoghmuseum.nl The beautiful gardens at the Van Loon Museum.

Van Loon Museum

Tropenmuseum

Keizersgracht 672. Tel.: 020-6245255 www.museumvanloon.nl

Linnaeusstraat 2. Tel.: 020-5688200 www.tropenmuseum.nl

Museum Van Loon is situated at Keizersgracht 672 and the doublesized canal house dates from 1672. The first resident was the painter Ferdinand Bol, one of Rembrandt's most famous pupils. In the nineteenth century, the Van Loon family came to live in the house and in the years the followed several of them held high positions in Amsterdam. Throughout time, the interior and exterior have remained practically intact. Today they form a fascinating historical monument which is definitely worth seeing.

In the Tropenmuseum you can take a trip through the world and through time. Thousands of stories, splendid works of art and amazing objects bring a wide variety of cultures to life. The Tropenmuseum is one of Europe’s leading ethnographic museums, renowned for its collection. The permanent and temporary exhibitions display art objects, photographs and music and film from non-western cultures. The beautiful and historic building in which the Tropenmuseum is housed provides space for eight permanent exhibitions and an ongoing series of temporary exhibitions, including both

One of Amsterdam’s most popular museums, The Van Gogh Museum holds the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh in the world. Nowhere else can you see so many of Van Gogh's paintings in one place. Here, you can follow the development of the artist's work through all its stages and compare it with pictures by other 19th-century painters in the collection. In addition, the museum offers a wide variety of temporary exhibitions on a large number of subjects from the history of 19thcentury art. The building which houses the Museum is easy to find as it stands out among the others due to its modern look and resemblance to some kind of space craft. Check out their website for details of the stunning exhibitions which are currently taking place.

Stedelijk Museum Paulus Potterstraat 13 Tel.: 020-5732911.

The new Stedelijk Museum has opened its doors to the public on Sunday 23 September 2012. The museum’s permanent collection is on display in the beautifully restored historical building, with fixed spots for highlights like the paintings by Malevich, The Beanery by Edward Kienholz and works by Willem de Kooning and Andy Warhol. Half of the ground floor is reserved for the best pieces from the design collection, to demonstrate the Stedelijk’s importance in the design realm. The new addition by Benthem Crouwel Architekten offers plenty of space for exhibitions.

Inside the famous Van Gogh Museum.

Museums

Museums – Hidden Treasures As well as all the well-known museums, Amsterdam also offers various lesser known museums which can be equally enlightening and just as entertaining. The following are some of our favourites. Cat Cabinet Herengracht 497 Tel.: 020-6269040. www.kattenkabinet.nl

De Appel Arts Centre Prins Hendrikkade 142 Tel.: 020-6255651 De Appel arts centre is an internationally-oriented arts centre based in Amsterdam. Since 1975 it has served as a leading platform for the research and presentation of contemporary art.. At the new location on Prins Hendrikade, you can also visit Moes - a café featuring local, seasonal ingredients. De Appel offers a varied programme of exhibitions and performances by visual artists, choreographers and theatre directors as well as presentations and debates to bring the latest developments in the arts to a wide audience.

Museum Of Canals Herengracht 386 www.hetgrachtenhuis.com A visit to Het Grachtenhuis (the

Canal House) is the perfect way to learn more about the history of Amsterdam’s canal ring. The museum looks at the 17th-century city expansion projects that led to Amsterdam’s ring of canals which received UNESCO world heritage status in 2010. After seeing the interactive displays, you’ll look at Amsterdam in a whole new light when wandering through the city’s streets or taking a canal cruise The Kattenkabinet (Cat Cabinet) is located in a lovely canal house in Amsterdam. This museum is dedicated entirely to the role of cats in art and culture throughout history. Paintings, sculptures, posters and other cat-related objects are on display, watched over by some friendly felines. This felinerelated collection was founded in memory of a frisky tomcat, John Pierpont Morgan, a long-time companion of the museum's founder.

Olympic Experience Olympisch Stadion 2 Tel.: 020–6711115. www.olympischstadion.nl The Olympic Experience is an interactive visitor’s centre that presents the past, present and future of Dutch sports through an innovative multimedia exhibition. It is housed inside Amsterdam’s monumental Olympisch Stadion (Olympic Stadium) that hosted the

Greenbox Museum Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 12 Tel.: 06-24282884. www.greenboxmuseum.com

Tramway Museum Amstelveenseweg 264 Tel.: 020-6737538. www.museumtramlijn.org

The Greenbox Museum is one of Amsterdam’s smallest art museums, located in the heart of the city near Leidseplein. The museum is the first of its kind in the world, focusing solely on contemporary art from Saudi Arabia. This private collection of avant garde works from Saudi Arabia often has a special link to the Muslim world, as Saudi Arabia is the home to Mecca.

The Tramway Museum (Elektrische Museumtramlijn) of Amsterdam revives the past with a unique collection of historic trams. The trams are restored to full working order, and you can even ride in them. You can also look in the depot to see on-going restoration work on several historic trams. The Tramway Museum is run primarily by enthusiastic volunteers and is a great spot to see historic trams that have been lovingly restored to their former glory.

Summer Games in 1928. Honouring the sporting tradition, The Olympic Experience is a permanent homage to Dutch sports champions and is a unique attraction for all sports lovers. Visitors can explore the catacombs of the Olympic Stadium and see what it takes for athletes to become world-class professionals. The centre focuses primarily on speed skating, track & field, football, judo, rowing, cycling, hockey, tennis and swimming.

Museums

Business

msterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historical charm is just one face of this dynamic modern city. Because amidst the splendour of the canals and picturesque buildings breathes a sophisticated business environment. These are troubled times for the business sector with the current global economic problems digging holes into economies all over the world, but as of yet, the virus has not spread so dramatically into the Netherlands as it has to other countries. In the following pages we take a brief look at doing business in Amsterdam.

Business In Amsterdam A

msterdam remains almost as as bustling and economically productive as it was during its golden age when its ships sailed to all corners of the Dutch Empire. The Dutch capital lies at the heart of Europe, as its location gives easy access to a number of major European markets. Indeed, the Dutch capital has been recognized by many as one of the top five business locations in Europe. The Dutch economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hollandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self sustainability which protects it from the current crisis. Germany is the Netherlands' biggest trading partner, with 25% of import and export trade, while other major players include Belgium, Luxembourg, France and the UK. On average, approximately 70-100 foreign companies set up in the Netherlands every year. They are attracted by Amsterdam's prime position within Europe, with excellent international connections from the ever-expanding Schiphol airport and Amsterdam port, a strong infrastructure, a multilingual workforce, a stable political and economic climate and businessfriendly policies. Major companies in Amsterdam include ABN Amro Bank, Philips and Shell, while IBM, Sony and Canon all having their European headquarters in the city. It is fitting in a city that was home to the world's first ever public stock exchange that finance is a major part of the business world, with the financial sector employing approximately 8% of Amsterdam's workforce and some 70 banks having a presence in the city. After finance, fashion and flowers are key sectors. Of all Amsterdam's exports, tulips are probably the most famous. In terms of exports, fresh flowers are a large market and Heineken is the largest export brewery in the world, with sales to 150 countries. Over the last 20 years, Amsterdam has also emerged as a strong base in

advanced technological industries, computing, telecommunications and biotechnology. The facilities provided for businesses in Amsterdam are extensive. The Amsterdam RAI International Exhibition Center is one of the country's largest and one of the world's leading convention centres. As with all major cities, Amsterdam's business hours vary from one industry and sector to another but in general, most office environments operate between 09:00 and 17:30, Monday to Friday. The majority of banks are open between 09:00 and 16:00, Monday to Friday. Some of the larger banks will probably also be open on Saturday mornings. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange The Amsterdam Stock Exchange is considered the oldest in the world. It was established in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, or "VOC") for dealings in its printed stocks and bonds. It was subsequently renamed the Amsterdam Bourse and was the first to formally begin trading in securities. The European Option Exchange (EOE) was founded in 1978 in Amsterdam as a futures and options exchange. In 1983 it started a stock market index, called the EOE index, consisting of the 25 largest companies that trade on the stock exchange. It merged on September 22, 2000 with the Brussels Stock Exchange and the Paris Stock Exchange to form Euronext, and is now known as Euronext Amsterdam. The former Stock Exchange building was the Beurs van Berlage.

The Amsterdam Stock Exchange The Amsterdam Stock Exchange is considered the oldest in the world. It was established in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, or "VOC") for dealings in its printed stocks and bonds. It was subsequently renamed the Amsterdam Bourse and was the first to formally begin trading in securities. The European Option Exchange (EOE) was founded in 1978 in Amsterdam as a futures and options exchange. In 1983 it started a stock market index, called the EOE index, consisting of the 25 largest companies that trade on the stock exchange. It merged on September 22, 2000 with the Brussels Stock Exchange and the Paris Stock Exchange to form Euronext, and is now known as Euronext Amsterdam. The former Stock Exchange building was the Beurs van Berlage.

Business

Business Info USEFUL CONTACTS & NUMBERS ACCOUNTING AND TAX SERVICES Adams Management Service Kabelweg 42a. Tel.: 020-6262535

Orange Tax Service Keizersgracht 62-64. Tel.: 020-5539665

BANKS ABN Amro In the Netherlands, call 0900 00 24 for more information. Choose option ‘4’ for an English-language menu. From outside the Netherlands, call 0031-10-2411720

ING Bank Tel.: 0800-7011, from 7.30 to 21.00 on weekdays and from 9am until 5 pm on Saturday.

Fortis

BUSINESS SERVICES

ESTATE AGENTS

Euro Business Center

Perfect Housing BV

Keizersgracht 62-64. Tel.: 020-5207500

Prins Hendrikade 139. Tel.: 020-5251100

Taking care of your business and your office, they offer full service office rental with all facilities, secretarial services, meetings facilities, translations and much more. Website: www.eurobc.nl.

Tel.: 020-7778899

BUSINESS MEETINGS & CONGRESSES

BUSINES DEVELOPMENT Headstart BV Droogbak 6a. Tel.: 020-6383734

Further details about Amsterdam RAI can be found in a separate story in our business section. Website: www.rai.nl.

Language Solution Vinkenstraat 79. Tel.: 020-4223122

For European business support. Website: www.euroheadstart.com

LAWYERS Sites for Dutch news in English

Sunter Advocaten

http://www.nisnews.nl. & www.bignewsnetwork.com

G. Van Der Veenstraat 106. Tel.: 020-6794535

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

REMOVALS

Known in Dutch as the Kamer Van Koophandel. De Ruyterkade 5. Tel.: 020-5314000

Atlas International Movers B.V Bennebroekerweg 281 Rijsenhout, Amsterdam-Airport. Tel.: 020-6530202

Customs Info Tel.: 0900-0143

DUTCH NEWS SITES www.nisnews.nl www.bignewsnetwork.nl

TRAVEL AGENTS ACO Travel BV Rynstraat 186. Tel.: 020-6612557

FACTS & FIGURES

Amsterdam RAI Europaplein 2-22. Tel.: 020-5491212

Elycio Entrada 151. Tel.: 020-4160788

Tel.: 0900-8172

Rabobank

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES Undutchables Singel 80. Tel.: 020-6231300

Telephones: Main lines in use: approx 7.7 million Mobile/cellular: approx 16,000 Television broadcast stations: 21 Internet country code: .nl Internet hosts: Approx 7 million. Internet users: Aprox 11 million.

Travel In Style With Wheels Unlimited

ime and creativity are two essential skills for those who operate efficiently in the business market, but too often, these skills are wasted due to the loss of valuable time worrying about transportation. Thankfully, visitors to Amsterdam or any other part of Holland have a ready-made-solution thanks to the service offered by the Wheels Unlimited Company. Wheels Unlimited provide impeccable services for companies and their clients, courtesy of their high standards of professionalism and their knowledge in their chosen field. Included among their services are airport transfers, road shows, private guided tours, business tours/transfers and

chauffeur driven services. Anyone who wishes for another form of private and classy transportation should contact them, as they are always willing to meet customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; demands. Comfort is also an essential ingredient of their service and clients will be more than content with their fleet of Mercedes S-Class and V-Class vehicles. Wheels Unlimited distinguish themselves by offering customized and flawless services at affordable rates and their highly experienced drivers will go out of their way to make sure your day is a successful one. For more information, you can contact them at: +31(0)297-36-35-69 or +31(0)654-76-24-16 and for more information you can check out their website at www.wheels-unlimited.com.

Business

Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shopping Scene

ith so much to see and do, and so many routes to walk, Amsterdam is a city that can be draining both physically and mentally, so its fitting that the Dutch capital has an excellent health and wellness scene.

everything from a head or foot massage to a complete Thai Massage can be found. Most of the bigger hotels also offer excellent massage swervices, so ask your concierge or receptionist for more details if you need to lose your aches and pains.

The health and wellness industry has boomed during the past decade, as more and more people place added importance on the way they look and feel, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no different in Amsterdam, where you can expect to see all the latest equipment and mod-cons.

The city also offers various health spas where can guests can comfort themselves with jacuzzi-whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas and various other devices.

The ladies may also be interested in manicures and pedicures. Unfortunately, with this branch of health and wellness, quantity does not always equaly quality. However, one of the best you will find in this city or any other city is the Senses Studio which can be found on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal (See the next page).

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a city which is big on fitness. Dozens of gyms opened since the turn of the Millennium. However, many cater for only long term members and it can be difficult to get access if you are here for a short-term stay. If your

For those eager to top up their tan, Amsterdam has no shortage of solariums. There is a large number of Sundays outlets scattered throughout the city. Check their website for addresses and contact details.

You will no doubt notice the huge number of Massage parlours in the city centre. Most of them are operated by professionals and

hotel does not have fitness facilities, then ask at reception for gyms which are tourist-friendly.

Amsterdam Parks

Amsterdam Parks The perfect way to relax during a sunny dayâ&#x20AC;Ś The official list states that there are around 30 parks in Amsterdam ranging from Wertheimpark (which covers one acre and is the smallest) to the famous and fabulous Vondel Park which covers 48 hectares and is the biggest.

any of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks offer the perfect opportunity to get away from a bustling city centre which seldom sleeps and on a sunny autumn day, locals flock in their hundreds to find the perfect spot for peace, tranquility and relacation. The following is a summary of some of the more famous and most enjoyable parks.

Vondel Park The largest park in Amsterdam pictured above) and probably the most famous one in all of The Netherlands, the splendid Vondel Park welcomes around 8 million visitors every year and is particularly busy during the summer period. Amsterdammers love Vondel Park as you will no doubt notice as

they jog past or walk through with their dogs. During late spring, the park also hosts a free open-air theater which attracts talented musicians, magicians, comedians and actors and can be extremely enjoyable. Visitors can also avail of several cafes and bars which are scattered throughout the area. The main entrance to the park can be found directly opposite the large Holland Casino building close to Leidseplein.

Amsterdamse Bos Created in the 1930s to reduce unemployment, The Amsterdamse Bos is the largest recreational area in Amsterdam and incredibly, it lies four metres below sea-level. A stretch of water called The Bosbaan flows through the area and as well as adding

something to the beauty of the park, this waterway also hosts a number of important rowing regattas. At the west end of the Bosbaan you can find the Bosmuseum which displays the natural and social history of the park and also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions. The splendid area include almost 150 variations of foreign and native trees and is also paradise for bird-watching enthusiasts. Other attractions include some shallow

Amsterdam Parks

swimming pools, a pancake house, a goat farm and pedal boat rental. The park can be found close to the Amstelveenseweg Street.

Sarphatipark A small but extremely beautiful park which can be found close to the famous Albert Cuyp Market in the area known as De Pijp, Sarphatipark offers the perfect opportunity for relaxation. Named after Samuel Sarphati, a Dutch physician, Sarphatipark was founded in 1885, the park lies amidst the 19th century homes and among other

The beautiful Frankendael Park covers seven hectares.

Frankendael Frankendael is a rare public park which covers seven hectares and can be found close to the Plantage Middelaan area of the city. The area was used by rich Amsterdammers during the 18th century to build country retreats where they would spend their summer and autumn vacations and Frankendael is the last of them that survived. The ornamented facade adds an extra degree of beauty as does the large Botancial Garden which covers one part of the park and boasts around 500 varieties of wild plants and trees, some of which are unique. The park can be entered by the Middenweg Street.

Westerpark features, it includes a fountain, wonderful grassy lawns and a superb monument.

As, the name suggests, the park can be found to the west of the city. It has always been a beautiful area and that beauty has been extended to new levels recently thanks to a refurbishment plan which is just about complete and has

Amstelpark This park can be found in the south west of the city and is an absolute treat for kids thanks to the large number of attractions which include a playground, a mini-golf course, a mini-football pitch, pony riding and miniature train tours. Visitors can also enjoy the rose garden, the rhododendron walk and a model garden and nursery, The Rieker Windmill can be found at the south end of the park, while art exhibitions are often held in the Glazen Huis and Papillon Gallery. The park can be found in the suberb of Buitenveldert.

A view across the beautiful Amstelpark

made the park even more attractive. Westerpark is a popular area for the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artists to relax and gain inspiration and its not surprising why

they choose this area. A farm can also be found within the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundaries and visitors will also be impressed by some of the impressive cafes and bars The park can be entered by the Haarlemmerweg Street.

Prague

Next Stop Prague ?

any visitors to Amsterdam also avail of the opportunity to visit other nearby European cities and we know many people who visit the Dutch capital, who also make the short journey to Prague and it’s very understandable why they do so, because Prague is a very special city. The Heart Of Europe. The City Of 100 Spires. The Golden City - Just some of the nicknames the Czech capital has acquired over the ages, but one thing remains constant - This truly is one of the world’s unique cities and very few other destinations provide such beauty and diversity. First-time visitors often find it hard to believe that it is, in fact a functioning metropolis, and not an expensive backdrop to a boxoffice movie, or a section from a renowned children’s picturebook. While many European cities have become increasingly modern, Prague has managed to keep its authentic appearance, ensuring a visual feast. Trust us, this as sweet as eye-candy gets! Some of the world’s most treasured and varied collections of

architecture can be found in the Czech capital. This creative brilliance is evident through the spires, towers, castles, palaces, churches, bridges and historical buildings, and much of it will leave you speechless. The following are some of the key areas and major landmarks of the city:

Old Town Square (Staroměstské Náměstí) Prague’s Old Town Square is a historic square in the Old Town quarter of the city and boasts various architectural styles including the gothic Týn Cathedral and baroque St. Nicholas Church. The famous Astronomical Clock can also be found on this square. The centre of the square is highlighted by the statue of religious reformer Jan Hus, who for his beliefs was burned at the stake.

Lesser Town (Mala Strana) The Lesser Town is a district of the city and one of its most historic regions. Baroque architecture predominates, but the history of the district dates to far before the Baroque era.

1893 and 1913 as part of an initiative to model the city on Paris. The area is unique due to its well-preserved historical synagogues.

Charles Bridge Wenceslas Square (Václavské Náměstí) Wenceslas Square is one of the main city squares and is a traditional setting for demonstrations, celebrations, and public gatherings. The square is named after Saint Wenceslas, patron saint of Bohemia. At the south-east side, it is dominated by the grand neoclassical Czech National Museum.

Prague Castle Perched on the hills adjacent to Charles Bridge, you find the magnificent Prague Castle, the most visited attraction in the city and the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m².

Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is a famous, historic and beautiful bridge that crosses the Vltava River. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished at the beginning of the 15th century.

Astronomical Clock The Astronomical Clock (Pražský Orloj) can be found on the southern wall of Old Town City Hall in the Old Town Square. e Clock is made up of three main components: ‘The Astronomical Dial’, The Walk of the Apostles’ and a ‘Calendar Dial’ with medallions representing the months.

Banco Casino Jewish Quarter (Josefov) The Jewish Quarter is a town quarter was formerly the Jewish ghetto of the town. Most of the quarter was demolished between

Banco Casino offers something for everyone - whether you have travelled to the city for pleasure and are looking for a place to relax and enjoy some of the more traditional table games, or wish to impress your clients and business associates with a taste of extravagance and luxury.

Prague

AUTHENTIC

Four Seasons Hotel Veleslavínova 2a, Prague 1, Tel.: +420 221 427 000. www.fourseasons.com Four Seasons Hotel Prague interweaves centuries of remarkable history and architecture with all the conveniences of modern technology. In the middle of vibrant Old Town, the Hotel encompasses three historic structures – from the baroque, classical and Renaissance periods – united by a new, modern building with interior décor inspired by historical Czech eras. The 161 luxury hotel guest rooms, including 20 suites, are among Prague’s largest. The hotel also welcomes you to CottoCrudo, a modern Italian restaurant, bar and lounge, which showcases traditional and authentic Italian dishes with a modern touch. The 24-hour Health Club boasts the latest in fitness equipment. Personal trainers are available upon request.

Nebovidská 1, Prague 1, Tel.: +420 233 088 888. www.mandarinoriental.com/prague Combining a beautiful, contemporary design with period architectural features, Mandarin Oriental, Prague, is both a luxury hotel and a wonderfully preserved piece of history. With 99 rooms and suites, acclaimed dining and a wonderful spa, they offer a peaceful retreat infused with centuries of character. Five minutes walk from the 14th century Charles Bridge and also within walking distance to Old Town Square. The 99 rooms and suites exude a sense of elegant style. Contemporary Czech and Asian cuisine can be enjoyed at Essensia Restaurant; Cocktails, beers and light bites at Barego Bar. Other facilities include a Spa & Wellness Centre, a Grand Ballroom and conference rooms.

CONTEMPORARY

Mandarin Oriental

InterContinental Praha

Located on Prague's most famous and luxurious shopping boulevard 'Pařížská Street', connecting the historical Old Town Square with the banks of the Vltava River, the InterContinental Prague is a truly exceptional hotel. Their exclusive accommodations provide the perfect base to explore the shops, restaurants, and architectural treasures that give this region its distinctive character. Enjoy majestic skyline and romantic river views at every turn, or admire the city from their unique rooftop, gourmet restaurant, Zlatá Praha. Other facilities include: 372 spacious guest rooms and suites recently renovated, three unique restaurants , a State-Of-The-Art Health Club & Spa, 12 meeting rooms accommodating up to 700 people, and a 549 square-metre ballroom.

Kempinski Hotel HYBERNSKÁ Hybernská 12, Prague 1, Tel.: +420 226 226 111. www.kempinski.com Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, the wonderful ambience, first-class service and superb facilities of the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Hybernská guarantee you an exceptional stay in Prague. Offering a combination of historical architecture and a contemporary interior, guests are invited to ensconce themselves in one of the hotel's stunning guestrooms, relax on its private balcony, and admire the beautiful views and sounds of magical Prague. Enjoy the finest examples of Kaminski’s renowned cuisine, coupled with attentive and refined service, or get in shape and maintain your form in the "World Class Health Academy".

CONTEMPORARY

MAJESTIC

Pařížská 30, Prague 1, Tel.: +420 296 631 111. prague.intercontinental.com

Prague

Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa BAROQUE

Tržiště 19, Prague 1, Tel.: +420 257 286 011. www.alchymisthotel.com Just a few steps away from Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, amidst the picturesque streets of Prague Lesser Town, nestles this luxury hotel. The 5-star boutique hotel is all one could wish for: a downtown Prague hotel with fairy tale charm, with exquisitely furnished deluxe rooms and suites reflecting the historical character of the building, a luxury restaurant serving mouth-watering dishes, a wellness spa to help you relax and rejuvenate, and above all, staff who really do care about their guests. The Hotel is housed in a magnificent Baroque house “Dům u Ježíška”, dating from the 16th century, and it takes its name from the time of Rudolf II, whose court teemed with alchemists, seeking to turn base metal into gold. The hotel has been sensitively restored to provide modern comforts and yet, at the same time, it has retained its historical charm.

Buddha Bar Hotel

Award-winning 5-star boutique hotel offering accommodation in 36 luxury rooms and 3 suites. The hotel is located in the vibrant heart of Prague just a few steps from Old Town Square. Inspired by the legendary and international Buddha-Bar theme, this unique hotel concept goes beyond expectations thanks to the captivating atmosphere, its own branded design, a highly personal approach, high technology and original fusion of exquisite culinary flavours in two "eatmosphere" restaurants - Buddha-Bar and Siddharta Café. They also offer modern spa facilities, including care in the privacy of your room. A truly memorable experience.

EXQUISITE

Jakubská 8, Prague 1, Tel.: +420 221 776 300. www.buddhabarhotelprague.com

Hilton Prague Hilton Prague is a perfect base to discover the beauties of the city and is located within walking distance of the city centre. As well as 791 rooms for guests, this contemporary purpose-built building boasts a total meeting space of almost 5,000 m2. With a Congress Hall that can hold up to 1,500 guests. The Hilton Grand Ballroom that can host 650 people, while there are also 37 individual conference and meeting rooms. The Cloud 9 Sky Bar is located 40 meters above the ground on the rooftop of the building and offers stunning views of the picturesque city. The CzecHouse Restaurant serves modern European and classic Czech cuisine, and guests can also take advantage of the Cybex Health Club & Spa, a state of the art gym with indoor swimming pool.

Aria Hotel Tržiště 9, Prague 1, Tel.: +420 225 334 111. www.ariahotel.net Experience the award-winning Aria Boutique Hotel – a luxury Prague hotel just steps from Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. A virtuoso hotel could only be inspired by music. Composed of 51 luxurious Prague suites and rooms dedicated to a specific style of music or particular artist or composer. The Aria Hotel harmonises the unique musical concept with luxurious accommodations, exceptional service and surprising amenities to offer its guests a symphonic experience. Nestled in enchanting Malá Strana, it provides the perfect accompaniment to your stay in Prague, whether it is for business, a magical holiday, or a romantic getaway. The hotel also features the wonderful Restaurace Coda and an excellent Fitness & Relaxation Centre.

ENCHANTING

MODERN

Pobřežní 1, Prague 8, Tel.: +420 224 841 111. www.hiltonprague.com

Restaurants

any would say that Amsterdam isn't the first name that springs to mind when you think about culinary excellence. However, the Dutch capital attracts crowds of food lovers with the unique quality of local cuisine and the fact that portions are larger and cheaper than almost anywhere else in northern Europe. Regardless of whether you're on holiday or a business trip, many Amsterdam's restaurants are certain to tantalise your taste buds and invoke a genuine flavour of the city.

Restaurants

ontemporary Dutch cuisine has been shaped by the Netherlands' cultural and agricultural history. Interestingly, it's based primarily on vegetables, with various types of meat serving only as an occasional addition. The Dutch cooking tradition might not be as diverse and sophisticated as other nations, but it's certainly healthy. The exclusive

use of organic products and a wide range of exotic spices makes the final result well worth trying.Dutch classics include hutspot, which is a vegetable and potato mash garnished with fried chops or sausage and served with gravy. Excellent Dutch cheese and fresh fish from the North Sea also make up the core of the country's cuisine. No doubt, you will notice the large number of herring kiosks which are scattered throughout the city and serving raw herring with onion and pickle, either unaccompanied or as a sandwich. It’s an acquired taste, but should be tried while you are in Amsterdam.However, it is not just about “Going Dutch” in Amsterdam, because the vast number of cultures and nationalities of the city have ensured a

wide range of international restaurants with quality eating establishments from all over the world. There are countless eateries specialising in specific international cuisines and all clearly mark their presence on the culinary scene of the city, which boasts over 1,000 venues. As you’d expect from a city high in tourism, there are more bad restaurants than there are good ones, but the good ones tend to be very very good.

Spring The spring season signals the return of Amsterdam’s famous outdoor terraces, meaning that when the weather is fine, you can enjoy your meal while watching the world pass by. There’s nothing quite like dining by the canals or at one of the city’s vibrant squares.In the pages that follow, we will take you on a journey through the restaurants and cuisines which we recommend you try during your stay.

Hudson's Terrace & Restaurant Hudson's Terrace & Restaurant is located in the bright and airy lobby on the ground floor of the famous NH Barbizon Palace Hotel. The modern restaurant offers a fresh day´s start with an extensive breakfast buffet. In the afternoon and evening the restaurant becomes the perfect setting to enjoy lunch or dinner à la carte, light snacks or Spanish tapas. The cuisine offers a savoury selection of typical regional specialties as well as international cuisine. Hudson´s Terrace & Restaurant also serves as the meeting point, as its open all day.

Restaurant Vermeer Prins Hendrikkade 59. Tel.: 020 556 4885 Housed inside the famous NH Barbizon Palace Hotel, a dish from the kitchen of Chef de Cuisine Chris Naylor reflects a particular moment with a mosaic of pure colours, aromas and tastes which unexpectedly merge into a rich, culinary sensation. Their experienced sommelier can recommend a wine from the remarkable wine menu with a selection from around the world. Haute cuisine combined with superlative service creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Highly recommended.

La Boca Paleisstraat 15. Tel.: 020-4235200 There are countless Argentinean steakhouses throughout the city, but unfortunately quantity does not equal quality and many fall short of what a steakhouse actually should be. One exception is Restaurant La Boca, which can be found close to the Royal Palace on Paleisstraat. La Boca offer their customers an excellent range of freshly grilled Argentinean meats from the charcoal grill. The spare ribs and the fillet steak have tickled our taste buds on many occasions and they will do so again in the near future, and the same can be said for the grilled chicken. As well as the wonderful meaty treats, La Boca also offers some excellent fish dishes and their tapas courses are also a delight. Add in an excellent dessert menu and a great wine list and you have all you could hope for from a traditional steakhouse. The service inside the restaurant is also top class as the friendly staff go out of their way to make sure your every need is catered for. The Latin music adds that South-American touch to the place and they have also been known to hold some Karaoke sessions when the eating is finished and the party is getting started. La Boca opens daily from midday to midnight and is a definite must for steak-lovers. Prices are also extremely competitive compared to many other places. Definitely worth trying for lunch or dinner. Check out their ad on page 67 of the magazine.

FRENCH/MEDITERRANEAN

INTERNATIONAL

Prins Hendrikkade 59. Tel.: 020 5564975

ARGENTINIAN

Restaurants

La Vaca Thorbeckeplein 11-13. Tel.: 020-6253999

MEAT & MORE

Restaurants

One of the most recent additions to the Amsterdam restaurant scene, La Vaca has been gaining rave reviews from locals and tourists alike, and the management’s policy of never resting on their laurels, ensures it continues to go from strength to strength. Located on Thorbeckeplein, a small square which is adjoined to the famous Rembrandt Square, La Vaca is the only Argentinean restaurant in the area and meat-lovers won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer. They use only the freshest ingredients and the finest meat to create a menu which is extremely varied and is certain to offer something to please your taste buds. The management also put a huge effort into the interior of the restaurant and their work has proven to be worthwhile, as the combination of brand new materials and a vibrant colour scheme ensure La Vaca is both stylish and comfortable and exudes the perfect atmosphere. The service is also professional and friendly, as the staff will go out of their way to make sure your experience is a pleasant one. Show the ad on the next page of the magazine and you can receive a 10% discount on your bill. No doubt La Vaca will be a popular place to dine during the spring season, as it boasts one of the city’s biggest and best outdoor terraces, ensuring great views onto Thorbeckeplein and the adjoining Rembrandtplein.

Isola Bella For many years, Isola Bella Italian Restaurant has been outing a smile on the faces of Amsterdam diners and nothing has changed, as it continues to serve up excellent Italian cuisine in the perfect setting. The restaurant can be found just off the famous Rembrandtplein on neighbouring Thorbeckeplein and offers all you would expect and more from an Italian eatery. The chefs use only the best and freshest ingredients to concoct a menu of Italian delights which is certain to agree with your palate. We have tried the penne arabiata and the carbonara on many occasions on the past and will do so again in the near future. Their pizzas are also among the best you will find in the city. The interior of the restaurant is also impressive, as the Latin style pillars and some stunning pictures almost make you feel like you are dining in ancient Rome. The service is also excellent, as the staff go out of their way to ensure that your visit is a memorable one. If you show the ad on the previous page of the magazine, you can receive a 10% discount on your bill. Isola Bellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location near Rembrandtplein means that weather permitting, it is the perfect place to sit outside and enjoy your meal enjoy all the nearby activities on Thorbecke Square and Rembrandt Square.

FRENCH

Thorbeckeplein 7. Tel.: 020-6269582

Restaurants

KOBE House JAPANESE

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 77. Tel.: 020-6226458 If a touch of the Orient is what you are looking for or Japanese cuisine pleases your palate, then a visit to KOBE House on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal is an absolute must. After entering the restaurant, you will immediately realise that Kobe takes sushi very seriously. In a spotlessly clean, attractive and well lit surrounding, the friendly and efficient staff will be pleased to serve you a wide variety of excellent sushi and sashimi. You can choose between a number of set menu's but if you prefer you can assemble your meal a la carte. Kobe House uses only the freshest and best ingredients to ensure that visitors enjoy a taste of Japan every time you visit us. Once you have chosen the meal you desire, sit back, relax and enjoy. The decor is best described as: East meets West, while the warm and cosy atmosphere helps set the right mood for your evening out. Not only does Kobe House serve excellent sushi and sashimi, but you can also enjoy a number of fine tepan menus. Here the fish as well as the meat lover are catered for as well. Seated at the tepan you will be served and entertained by your personal chef whose skills and artistry will have you bemused and make your mouth water with every different course he concocts. In summing up, Kobe house is more than just a meal at a restaurant. It is a complete experience. The restaurant can be found on the famous Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal Street, just a short walking distance down the road from the famous Magna Plaza Shopping Centre. Highly recommended.

Restaurant As Located in an old church right near the business district Zuid-As. Upstairs is an exhibition space devoted to the revolutionary Platform 21, and downstairs you can enjoy delicious authentic dishes on long tables. This place has no fixed menu, but rather an ever-changing array of dishes prepared with fresh ingredients such as free-range meat, organic veggies, locally brewed beer and homemade bread. You can dine in the marvellous homey interior or outside on the patio surrounded by the garden.

De Kas Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3 Tel.: 020-4624562. www.restaurantdekas.nl Situated in Frankendael Park, between the Rembrandt Tower and the nineteenth century facades of Watergraafsmeer, De Kas is an oasis of calm for the fifty-thousand guests who dine there each year; either in the breathtaking dining room designed by Piet Boon, or - if weather permits - outside in the herb garden. A kitchen surrounded by fertile soil where vegetables and herbs thrive â&#x20AC;Ś Where daylight shines in from all sides and where the chefs are free to express their creativity daily using the best the season has to offer.

LOCAL

Prinses Irenestraat 19 Tel.: 020-6440100

DuTCH CuISINE

Restaurants

Sumo Restaurant JAPANESE

Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 51. Tel.: 020-4235131 Lovers of Japanese cuisine are in for a real treat at the wonderful Sumo Restaurant, which opened on Leidseplein less than two years ago. The Sumo concept has been hugely successful in other Dutch cities such as Rotterdam and The Hague, and the Amsterdam branch has been gaining rave reviews since its doors opened. It truly is a welcome addition to the city’s restaurant scene. Diners will get more than they bargained for at Sumo, courtesy of their ‘All You Can Eat’ concept, meaning there is absolutely no chance of leaving the place with an unfulfilled appetite. They offer a daily limitless lunch for just 16,80 Euro (12.00 to 17.00) and two ‘all you can eat’ dinner options for only 21,50 Euro or 24,50 Euro. Dinner is served from 17.00 until 22.00 from Monday to Wednesday and until 23.00 from Thursday to Sunday. And believe us when we tell you that you may not stop eating, such is the quality of the cuisine on offer. Their selection of delicious sushis has to be seen to be believed, and the warm dishes are equally impressive. The beef Teriyaki and chicken curry have tickled our taste buds on several occasions in the past and will do again in the near future. The restaurant itself also oozes class, as the chic Oriental interior is extremely pleasing on the eye and enhances an already pleasing atmosphere. As mentioned, Sumo has added an extra feather to Amsterdam’s restaurant cap and here’s hoping that they will continue to delight their diners in the future. Definitely worth a visit.

Razmataz Hugo de Grootplein 7-11 Tel.:020-4868408. www.razmataz.nl Classic French cuisine. Head chef Stéphane Bertet and his two sons Kailash and Kyle Bertet form the basis of this majestic kitchen team. Visitors are invited to taste old family recipes from Marseilles with influences from Italy. All their meat comes from the organic butcher, their fish is brought in fresh every day and everything on the menu is homemade. The restaurant also boasts a wonderful wine selection from France and Italy and they also like to surprise their guests with an unknown or forgotten aperitif. A special place for special people.

New King Zeedijk 115-117. Tel.: 020-6252180, www.newking.nl. There are several Chinese/Mandarin restaurants in the city, but this one is extra-special and believe us when we tell you that the queue often runs out the door of this Amsterdam institution. Portions are generous, and you're bound to order more than you can eat, so building up an appetite is advised. Service can be quite abrupt but that’s just the way it is, Among their specialties are roasted duck, dim sum and the aubergine stuffed with peppery minced pork. They also serve a number of excellent vegetarian dishes.

CHINESE

FRENCH

Restaurants

The Colour Kitchen INTERNATIONAL

Jan Evertsenstraat 747, Tel.: 020-4486611 The Colour Kitchen is a restaurant with a mission. They want their guests to enjoy the diversity of people and food from around the world. The Colour Kitchen has a modern Global Cuisine which was created and inspired by the combination of different cooking cultures in the Netherlands. In this place, you share your food with your guests in what really can be described as ‘dining with a difference’.

Restaurant Odessa Restaurant Odessa in Amsterdam is located in a replica of a Russian merchant ship. Whether you're looking for a drink in a unique location, a scrumptious dinner or a great party: everyone is welcome at Odessa. You can choose to dine on our beautiful lower deck or the mid-level ship-come-conservatory. Even in winter this conservatory is a spectacular place to dine. Unique, relaxing, wonderful – that’s the best way to sum up this venue.

SEAFOOD

Veemkade 259, Tel.: 020-4193010. www.de-odessa.nl

Restaurant Antoine Kerkstraat 377, Tel.: 020-4222766. An evening at Restaurant Antoine means relaxation and enjoyment. The staff will be more than happy to provide you with the necessary advice to ensure that your experience is a memorable one. They offer a weekly-changing menu, and for those who are in a rush, there is a surprise three-course menu. The restaurant is situated near the crossing of Kerkstraat and Utrechtsestraat. Open from Monday until Saturday from 18.00 to 01.00.

Bo Cinq Prinsengracht 494. Tel.: 020-6220682 At the end of October 2009, Bo Cinq opened its doors in the heart of Amsterdam’s nightlife district. Bo Cinq keeps it’s best secrets for friends and explorers. Here. You will find a refined eatery and two spacious lounges one of which is dedicated to the old-fashioned joy of smoking a cigarette. The essence of Bo Cinq’s philosophy lies in the fusion between French and Arabic cuisine, which come together in an adventurous and elegant menu.

FuSION

SEAFOOD

Restaurants

ITALIAN & MORE

Ristorante Sogno Stadhouderskade 7. 1054 ES Amsterdam Tel. +31 (0)20 589 88 70. www.ristorante-sogno.nl If classy Italian cuisine with some extra added perks sounds attractive, then make your way to Restaurant Sogno which is housed inside the NH Amsterdam Center hotel close to Leidseplein at Stadhouderskade 7. The Italian waiters will pamper you with flourishing gestures at tables which are laid in classical style. The menu will mesmerise you, as will the wine list and the ambience. If you are lucky enough, you may find a window table which offers wonderful views onto one of the busiest parts of the city. Highly recommended.

Dam Plaza Situated on the big Damrak Street beside the famous Swishotel, Dam Plaza is a modern styled restaurant which rarely disappoints. Dam Plaza is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late supper, and no matter what time of the day you visit, they are certain to have something on offer which will tickle your fancy. They specialize in international cuisine and some of the steaks, pastas and fish dishes are an absolute treat. The interior of the restaurant is modern and refreshing and one other advantage is that they stay open until midnight. A special word also has to be said about the service which is extremely friendly, as the staff go out of their way to ensure your every need is catered for.

MEAT & MORE

Damrak 98. Tel.: 020-6262200

Sea Palace Europe’s first floating restaurant is also one of the most visually stunning buildings that you will find anywhere in the world as it looks like a huge Oriental Temple which has been placed on the Amstel River and is a sight to behold at night-time. Founded in 1984, the restaurant is also one of the biggest in the city as it caters for up to 700 people and is divided over three floors. It’s not just the building that is impressive, because the food is also top class as visitors can choose from a varying Chinese menu which offers Cantonese, Peking, Sichuan and North China specialties. The restaurant opens daily from midday. Situated close to Central Station, it is unmissable and very much recommended. Reservations may be necessary.

Het Tuynhuys Reguliersdwarsstraat 28. Tel.: 020-6276603 Roomy restaurant on two levels with a tasteful Mediterranean interior, and an exceptionally beautiful garden, which makes it an enchanting venue during fine summer days or evenings. The restaurant serves up French cuisine with original dishes and is always popular for business engagements, especially at lunchtime. It is lodged in a former coach house belonging to a merchant house in the 'Golden Bend' of the Herengracht. The service matches the quality of the food, as the helpful servers go out of their way to ensure your visit is a memorable one. Reservations recommended.

FRENCH

CHINESE

Oosterdokskade 8. Tel.: 020-6264777

Amsterdam Map

Nightlife

Amsterdam Nights See the colour - Feel the vibe

Famed throughout Europe and the world, Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nightlife scene will dazzle and delight you, provided you go to the right places. The Dutch capital has long held a status for being one of the most dynamic, entertaining and cosmopolitan world cities and whether it be winter, spring, summer or autumn, there is always a buzz around the place. The main going-out areas tend to be on or around Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein and Dam Square. In this section, we will fill you in on some of the places which are worth a visit.

Night Life

Beer Temple TRENDY & CHIC

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250 Tel.:06-53812807. www.beertemple.nl Beer Temple opened in September 2009 and is an absolute must for those who like it brewed. Located on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, the venue serves 30 different beers on draft. Included among the brands they have on offer are: Anchor, Flying Dog, Anderson Valley, Left Hand, Dark Horse, Southern Tier and Three Floyds. Beer Temple also serves up more than 60 different types of bottled American beer. Prices are extremely competitive and the friendly staff will go out of their way to make sure your visit is a memorable one. Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 2:00 pm - 1:00 am; Friday - Saturday: 2:00 pm 3:00; Sunday: 2:00 pm - 1:00 am.

Mulligan’s Irish Pub Mulligan’s Irish Music Bar looks out on the river Amstel. Over the years it’s easy location, casual friendly atmosphere, and the blend of quirky characters who call it home, have somehow made Mulligan’s into a legendary meeting place for musicians, writers and thousands of curious visitors from abroad. Noteworthy modern songwriters and traditional players from Ireland make regular appearances. Every Sunday there is an open Irish session and on the second Monday of each month the Mc Sweeney Dancers hold a set dancing session Mulligan’s is also famed for its great Guinness and its sporting coverage.

IRISH PUBS

Amstel 100. Tel.: 020-6221330

St. James Gate Irish Pub Named after the famous Dublin brewery where Guinness is brewed, St. James's Gate is a spacious venue, which prides itself on quality beverages, good food, an excellent atmosphere and most importantly, friendly service. The venue offers culinary delights which are as good as you will find in any restaurant. Sky Sports television is available and other perks include a pool table, a full range of English newspapers and a smoking room. St. James Gate is widely regarded as having one of the best outdoor terraces in the city and offers the perfect opportunity to sip your drink or eat your meal while keeping an eye on the vibrant Rembrandtplein.

The Grasshopper Oudebrugsteeg 16. Tel.: 020-6261259 You can’t help but notice the huge Grasshopper building on Oudebrugsteeg, particularly at night when it’s green illuminated lights brighten the area. The Grasshopper venue offers three-in-one entertainment and is definitely worth a visit. On the first two floors, you will find their sports bar and Grand Cafe and on the third floor, you can find the Evita Steakhouse. In fact, you could say it’s four-inone because the coffeeshop is located at basement level. All this under one roof – no risk of getting bored here!

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

IRISH PUBS

Rembrandtplein 8-10. Tel.: 020-4226886

SPORTS & MORE

Players Sports Cafe Warmoesstraat 170 Everything you could ever ask from a bar, plus a whole lot more. Innovative and effective management – That’s the secret to the success of Players, as the owners constantly strive to ensure that the venue stays on the fast lane of Amsterdam’s rapidly changing nightlife scene. Their state of the art screens, together with an excellent satellite TV system ensure that the bar can broadcast more sports than you can imagine When there is no sporting action (or when it finishes), Players transforms into one of the finest late night party venues you will find anywhere.

Hard Rock Cafe In the centre of Amsterdam you'll find great American classic dining and a museum's worth of rock memorabilia at Hard Rock Cafe. Located near Leidseplein on the Max Euweplein, the restaurant is split into three levels to offer you the best gaze upon our canals, offering a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals. At Hard Rock Amsterdam you can enjoy a signature Hard Rock cocktail on our canalside terrace or tuck into one of our 10 oz. Legendary burgers. With our friendly service and rock 'n' roll atmosphere, Hard Rock Cafe will offer you such a great time, you'll be surprised it's legal.

ROCKING FOOD

Max Euweplein 57-61. T. 020 5237625

Vesper Bar Vinkenstraat 57 www.vesperbar.nl Boutique Bar Vesper is located in the middle of the Jordaan area in Amsterdam, between the trendy Haarlemmerdijk shopping district and the Brouwersgracht. Vesper has a large variety of great wines, beers and an extensive cocktail list. Due to the intimate character of the bar, Vesper is a great location for small get -togethers, cocktail parties or just a nice drink after work. Their award winning bar team create some really memorable cocktail concoctions. Open: Tuesday – Thursday from 20.00 - 01.00; Friday – Saturday from 17.00 - 03.00; Sunday Closed.

Players Cafe Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 25. Tel.: 020-4204069 One of the newest additions to Amsterdam’s nightlife scene and it certainly is a welcome addition as it offers top class food and drinks in a superb venue close to the famous Leidseplein Square. The decor is extremely pleasing on the eye, the tunes are pleasing on the ears and the service is extremely friendly. Players opens from midday until 1.0am during the week and until 3am at weekends. An added perk is the quality service, as the staff at Players go out of their way to make sure your every need is catered for. An added perk is that the venue boasts one of the most modern and funky lounge terraces in the city. Definitely worth a visit.

TRENDY & CHIC

THEME BARS

Night Life

Cafe de Kroon No visit to Amsterdam is complete without visiting Café Restaurant De Kroon, one of the finest Grand Cafés in Amsterdam. Whether it’s for morning coffee, an afternoon lunch, a graceful evening dinner or just drinks, this venue never disappoints and as well as being an ideal place for relaxation, it’s also perfect for doing business. De Kroon transforms into a dancing venue on Friday and Saturday evening where resident dj’s play soulfull house music. Lunch and dinner menus are impressive and as you would expect, the service is also exceptional. With an excellent elevated view over the Rembrandtplein, you can enjoy an atmosphere you will not forget very easily. Ran by the same people who own the famous Escape Club, no wonder it’s so good.

Caffe Escape Rembrandtplein 11. T.: 020 6221111 Top class. That’s the best way to describe the all-new Caffe Escape on Rembrandtplein. The interior, the atmosphere, the service, the food, the drinks – they all belong in the premier league of going-out establishments. Visitors can sip their beverage or enjoy their meal while taking in the views of vibrant Rembrandtplein and those views are even better from the outdoor terrace on fine days. The food menu is very good with the chef’s using only the freshest ingredients to create a mouth-watering ensemble of dishes. Summer is in the air, so guests can also enjoy the outdoor terrace which offers great views onto Rembrandtplein. Caffe Escape offers fantastic views of the Winter Wonderland spectacles which takes place on Rembrandtplein during the festive season.Caffe Escape’s outdoor terrace reopens during the spring season and offers excellent views onto the lively and vibrant Rembrandtplein.

TRENDY &CHIC

TRENDY & CHIC

Rembrandtplein 17. T.: 020-6252011 - www.dekroon.nl

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Paradiso Weteringschans 6-8. Tel.: 020-6264521 Paradiso can be found just off Leidseplein and is one of the biggest and best modern music venues. The building is a refurbished church which boasts stunning acoustics and an excellent atmosphere. It regularly attracts top performers who may have just finished touring and chose Paradiso as their venue for closing. More information can be found on their website at www.paradiso.nl. Paradiso is also renowned for its Christmas and New Year parties and more details about these events can also be found on their website.

Marnixstraat 164-166 Tel.: 020-6202853. www.cafesoundgarden.nl Established in 1993 on the corner of the crossing where the Rozengracht meets the Marnixstraat, Café Sound Garden continues to go from strength to strength. Depending on the night, there are DJs and live acoustic sessions otherwise the bar staff play great music. The Soundgarden’s terrace is a must for anybody who loves to sit next to the water with an eclectic bunch of people with discerning music tastes in rock. People with two things in common; A love of rock music in all it’s genres and a desire to hang out in an alternative and open environment. The Soundgarden has become infamous for it’s international clientele, so when sitting on the terrace you can quite easily hear more than half a dozen languages.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Café Soundgarden

Melkweg Lijnbaansgracht 234. T.: 020-5318181 The Melkweg (Milky Way in English) is Amsterdam's biggest multifunctional entertainment venue. Housed in a former dairy, Melkweg attracts some top class performers. The venue mainly concentrates on live performances, but at weekends it hosts a variety of dance events which are also worth checking out. During the day and before performances, visitors can enjoy a drink at their impressive café. Melkweg’s New Year party is always memorable and more details about this year’s event can be found on their website.

Bourbon Street Blues Club Leidsekruisstraat 6-8. T.: 020-6233440 Situated close to the famous Leidseplein, Bourbon Street offers live music nightly. World famous acts such as Sting, Jeff Healey, The Rolling Stones Crew and Joss Stone have performed here and no doubt more stars will be belting out their tunes in the future. It’s intimate, the atmosphere is always vibrant and the lay-out ensures that no matter where you are positioned inside, a good view of the stage is guaranteed. The club can be found near Leidseplein and is virtually unmissable – just look for the two Blues Brothers on top of the roof.

ROCK & BLUES

CONCERTS

Night Life

Le Pub The latest addition to Amsterdam’s Going Out scene, Cafe Le Pub on Leidseplein looks certain to become one of the city’s best hotspots. Le Pub boasts a fantastic selection of Belgian beers and French wines and cocktails. They also offer a French-style bistro menu for breakfast and lunch, while at dinner-time you can visit their fantastic third-floor steakhouse with breath-taking views over Leidseplein. Le Pub also boasts one of the city’s biggest and best outdoor terraces and is the perfect place to soak up the sun while watching the vibrant activities on the famous Leidseplein.

Blinq Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 5 The newest addition to Amsterdam’s nightlife scene, Blinq opened its doors at the end of last year and what an impact the place has made. Believe us when we tell you that this truly is one of the jewels in Amsterdam’s crown. The bar-restaurant-club can be found on the famous Leidseplein and offers simple dishes based on the finest ingredients and inspired by the many cultures of Amsterdam. At weekends Blinq offers much more than your regular evening out as their resident DJs and live musicians will enthral and excite. Blinq also boasts an comfortable outdoor terrace for drinking and dining.

NEW & EXCITING

Leidseplein 2. T.: 020-6209077

Night Life

Cantinero

SALSA

Marie Heinekenplein 4. T. 020-6706921 Currently the most popular salsa venue in Amsterdam, Cantinero can be found on the famous Marie Heinekenplein. The restaurant/club calls itself a 'salon de baile' and they have several Latin-oriented parties here every week. The club is popular with dancers as well as non-dancers and is also the home of dance school Extremos, who teach here five days a week. The food is also extremely good. It’s a must-go venue for lovers of Latin music and dance. More information can be found on their website.

Jazz Café Alto The oldest and most famous jazz café in Amsterdam is located just off Leidseplein and caters for a broad audience. There is no cover charge and live jazz is on the menu every evening and sometimes the organizers also surprise visitors with a little bit of Blues. The bar opens from 9pm until 3am during the week and until 4am at weekends. The service is extremely friendly and prices are also very fair – a must for Jazz lovers.

JAZZ

Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115. T. 020-6263249

Bulldog Karaoke The Bulldog Palace on Leidseplein is the scene for the city’s best Karaoke nights. Karaoke takes place at the Bulldog on Monday and Tuesday night each week and a great atmosphere is always guaranteed as a string of talented and not-so-talented singers take to the stage under the guidance of resident host Saskia. It’s always a funnight out and if you do take the plunge and get on stage, they will also take your photo and place it on facebook.

Bimhuis Piet Heinkade 3. Tel.: 020-7882150 The centre spot for the Dutch jazz scene is the world famous Bimhuis. Great names in Jazz have played the Bimhuis over the years and last year it moved from it’s classic location in Amsterdam’s historic quarters to the Muziekgebouw complex behind Central Station. The new Bimhuis is a state of the art music venue, with cutting edge technical and acoustical facilities. More details at www.bimhuis.nl.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

KARAOKE

Leidseplein 15

Night Life

Club JV DISCO-BARS

Reguliersdwarsstraat 108-114, Tel: 020-6272710 At Club JV, every night is a party night. It's one of the biggest of the many party bars in the area and can be found on one of the corners of Rembrandt Square. At weekends, Club JV comes to life and keep an eye out for their special theme nights and after parties, which are always electrifying and entertaining. To find out exactly what party tickles your fancy, it is worth checking the exterior of the building as they always advertise their upcoming events there. Don’t be surprised if the staff also get in on the party-act and also don’t be surprised to see an array of Dutch beauties frequenting the place..

Marnixstraat 429. Tel.: 020-5237850

Odeon Singel 460. Tel.: 020-5218555 This monumental building was a former beer brewery built in 1662, but the present-day Odeon combines historical features with modern Dutch Design. The patrician’s house offers a brasserie with open kitchen, a cocktail bar, a large concert hall and various characteristic rooms to host all sorts of gatherings. Odeon is a cosmopolitan centre for entertainment and cultural and commercial activities. Opening hours:Brasserie: 11.00-01.00 hrs, every day; Club: 23.00-05.00 hrs, weekends only. www.odeonamsterdam.nl

Hotel Arena s’Gravesandstraat 51. Tel.: 020-8502400 Over the course of 15 years, the former Sint Elisabeth Gasthuis, built in 1890 overlooking Oosterpark, has evolved from a youth hostel and breeding ground for musical talent to a place where Amsterdammers, tourists and the business world meet. Hotel Arena offers an inspiring mix of 116 hotel rooms TOSTAY, café TODRINK, restaurant TODINE, conference rooms TOMEET and a club TONIGHT.Opening hours: TODRINK 07.00-02.00 hrs, every day; TODINE 18.30-01:00 hrs, every day; TONIGHT 23.00-04.00 hrs, weekends only. www.hotelarena.nl

CLUBBING

CLUB-BAR-RESTAURANT

Since time immemorial, Café Cox is where people come to readjust their world to a new perspective following a theatre performance. The café-restaurant is located in a side-wing of the Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam, just a stone’s throw from Leidseplein. Café Cox is renowned for its fine food and high level of hospitality, combined with a jazzy, funky and soulful musical program. Every Friday evening the DJ is spinning Dance tunes. The bar opens daily from 5pm to 1am and until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. www.cafecox.nl

TRENDY & CHIC

Café Cox

Prime Rembrandtplein 22. The newest disco-bar in the city, Club Prime opened its doors in early August and in the short space of time since then, it has gained an excellent reputation. The tunes are rocking, the atmosphere is vibrant and the service is very good. The club boasts a spacious dance floor and also a spacious smoking area. Another perk is the VIP Area which offers a great view onto the dance floor and offers guests the chance to sip champagne in more privacy. Prime is also open during the day and the venue boasts a spacious and comfortable smoking room. Keep an eye out for the parties and after-parties they will organise during the winter season, because a Prime party is always a memorable party. Keep an eye out for the parties and after-parties they will organise during the spring season, particularly around Queen’s Day, because a Prime party is always a memorable party. Check out their website at: www.clubprime.nl for more info.

Club Escape Rembrandtplein 11. Tel.: 020-6221111 - www.escape.nl Escape is a multi-spaced venue for a total clubbing experience. With special Club dinner arrangements you can enjoy a 4 course menu at Escape Caffé and get VIP access to Escape Club afterwards. Escape was founded in 1986, which means that this year is the 25th Anniversary! Since its formation,. Escape has been hugely popular with domestic and foreign visitors. Its cutting edge design and technical facilities as well as a tremendously good sound system form the ingredients for a wonderful clubbing experience. Escape hosts clubnights like Framebusters with lots of national and international talented DJ’s and entertainment. Be sure to check the website, because Club Escape always produce some memorable party & club nights during spring and they are renowned for their Queen’s Night and Queen’s Day parties.

CLUBBING

Night Life

Coffeeshops Stone’s Café Warmoesstraat 91. Tel.: 020-6241406

Further up the Warmoesstraat road, you will find a second Stone’s Café, which is equally enjoyable and it is the place to buy your smoking materials and if you want, you can take them back to the more spacious shop at Warmoesstraat 91.

Abraxas An extremely popular venue among English speaking tourists and it’s easy to understand why as Stone’s Café is a coffeeshop where you will never get bored. The spacious venue is located in the heart of the famous Warmoesstraat in the Red Light District and among other things, boasts an extensive menu and very reasonable prices. Other attractions inside the shop include two pool tables. They also serve some excellent pub grub and it’s a great place to go for your typical English breakfast.

Jonge Roelensteeg 12-14 & Spuistraat 51 Tel.: 020-6255763 Abraxas has long been regarded as one of Amsterdam's finest coffeeshops and the praise is well justified. The shop on Jonge Roelensteeg offers a varied and quality menu as well as other goodies. Abraxas recently added another feather to their cap when they introduced Abraxas Too, an all new coffeeshop which can be found at Spuistraat 51 (close to Dam Square) and looks certain to cause

excitement thanks to its beauty, comfort and intrigue. As with the shop on Jonge Roelensteeg, the staff are professional and will give the necessary advice for clients. They are also very friendly.

The Rookies Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 147. Tel.: 020-4283125 Their name may suggest differently, but at Rookies Coffeeshop on Korte Leidsedwarsstraat you will find a highly professional and impressive establishment and equally professional and friendly service. The first thing you will notice upon entering the shop is their state of the art Smoking area, which is as big as you will find anywhere in the city and can seat up to 80 people – so there’s no need to worry about the No-smoking ban. During Springtime, the coffeeshop will also reopen their small outdoor terrace.

Night Life

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Biblos Lijnbaansgracht 243 The new-look Biblos Bar-Bodega has been earning race reviews in recent months and the plaudits are justified, as it is rapidly becoming one of the most entertaining venues in the city. At Biblos, it’s your music your way, as customers are invited to choose their own tunes courtesy of the wonderful jukebox which offers more than 20.000 songs. It’s also a great place to go if you want to try out your singing skills as Biblos hosts some great Karaoke nights. Biblos is also a renowned hotspot for cocktails and you will no doubt be impressed by some of the creations from the talented bar staff.

Café Amsterdamned Located directly beside the famous Leidseplein on Korte Leidsedwarsstraat, Amsterdamned Café has been one of the most popular dance/party bars in the city for many years and its popularity shows no signs of decreasing. In fact, things at Amsterdamned have just improved even further thanks to some new renovations. The atmosphere is always hot and the service is always friendly and helpful. And few other bars give as many special offers. Every night there is something different going on and you can always be guaranteed a vibrant and energetic atmosphere no matter what day of the week it is. The service from the exuberant staff is great and the door policy is very relaxed. And guys please note that this place always fills up with some of Amsterdam’s finest looking females.

PARTY PALACE

Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 24a. T.:020-4213353

Cafe Royalty Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 28-32. Tel.: 020-6260128 One of our absolute favourite places for a night on the town. Café Royalty on Korte Leidsedwarsstraat has become one of the finest clubs in the city, thanks to a refreshing new management strategy, which has made the venue trendier and more appealing. Top DJs will have you strutting your stuff until the early hours and the friendly bar staff enhance the experience. Royalty is open seven days a week and they offer some of the latest opening hours in Amsterdam with the club staying open until 4am during the week and 5am at weekends. The venue also boasts a separate smoking area, and look out for their special Christmas and New Year parties.

La Vie Bethlehemsteeg (close to Warmoesstraat). Tel.: 06-53380798 or 06-53305127 Thankfully the striptease scene in Amsterdam has been revived thanks to the new look La Vie Club in the heart of the Red Light District. The club has recently come under new management and the changes have been wonderful as La Vie now boasts an array of friendly beauties who bare all on an elongated bar. They are also available for lap dances (at a great price) and you if you want to get up close and personal, you can offer them a drink. The atmosphere is always great and the service has improved dramatically since the new management took over. Keep it up guys because this was much needed in Amsterdam.

STRIPTEASE

CLUBBING & MORE

Night Life

The Red Light District The most famous X-rated venue on the planet. Even the Pope is aware of what goes on at this place. Located in the area known as 'Wallen', it dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest parts of the city, but many things have changed recently as the Government undertakes major reforms. Prostitution has always been rife in the Red Light District, but it wasn't until the 18th century that the window ladies appeared. At that time, Amsterdam's port was extremely busy and sailors would walk to the area seeking intoxication and the ladies of the night. Much has changed

since then and contrary to many reports, it isn't as sleazy or unsafe as most people imagine. A string of canals bisect the main thoroughfares of the district, which are linked to several narrow alleyways. The area is quite busy during the day, and when darkness falls, the atmosphere becomes vibrant and busy. The district has just about everything a sex haven requires. Live sex shows, peep shows, sexual theme bars, sex shops, pornographic video booths, fetish parlours, lap dancing clubs, a sex museum and of course the infamous girls behind the windows.

The Red Light Ladies The majority of the Red Light Ladies are extremely beautiful and hail from all corners of the world. They offer oral sex and sexual intercourse for an average price of 50 Euro. All the prostitutes are legal and most undergo regular health checks. The girls pay between 100 and 150 Euro for daily rent of the window. In The Red Light District, it's true to say that the world's oldest profession has undergone major modernization work. However, certain rules must be adhered to and its worth taking a look at our 'Better Safe Than Sorry' article below.

The Casa Rosso Experience Theatre Casa Rosso is one of the many erotic establishments in the Red Light area which is managed by the Janot Entertainment Group. Casa Rosso is the world renowned live-sex theater which was instrumental in the modernization of the Red Light District. The main theatre is situated near the center of O.Z. Achterburgwal (the main canal of the Red Light District).

Adult Entertainment Attractions

Night Life

Banana Bar If you like your drinks to be poured by a group of topless barmaids, then a visit to Banana Bar could be for you. For an additional fee of around 50 Euro, the same waitresses will perform a series of sexy acts.

Private Clubs If you fancy something a little bit more up-market and intimate than the Window Ladies, you could visit one of Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many private clubs (sex clubs). Most clubs are quite extravagant and include excellent bar facilities. We recommend Club LV (020-6636662) on Middenweg 144.

Escort Agencies Most of the time, picking an escort in Amsterdam is a bit of a lucky dip, but there are some companies which provide what they say they will. Veronicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secret(0031-6-15258383), Secret Pleasure (0031-6-55952020) and 90 Minutes Escort (0031-6-31347347) are recommended. Massage companies have also become extremely popular in

recent times and one of the best is Massage Service Amsterdam (0031-6-27274383).

IMPORTANT!!! Did you know that from February 2008, all Amsterdam-based escort agencies are required to be licensed? This is one of many measures that the city council has taken to fight human trafficking and improve the working conditions for prostitutes. All agencies must for example have a health & safety plan for their workers and a solid financial base. Be sure to check if the company that you use is licensed and be aware that by doing business with an unlicensed agency, you might be maintaining abuse. Moreover, under the new law you are actionable.