Day Trips

Discover the Amsterdam Area

Find out more about day trips and the region on: iamsterdam. com/area

© HICHEM BRAIEK

Week of Industrial Culture

The region along the North Sea Canal, connecting IJmuiden, Beverwijk and the Zaan area, is a beguiling place where Dutch industrial heritage meets modern culture. Experience its unique atmosphere during the ‘Week van Industriecultuur’, an eclectic mix of music, dance, theatre and contemporary industrial activities. Visit the Verkade biscuit factory or discover how the glowing foundries of TataSteel help forge new materials. Elsewhere, unravel old IJmuiden mysteries on a special audio tour, discover the stories of Beverwijk harbour and sing along to Zaan workers’ songs.

Magnifi cent Beach

TEXT: ALEX HIBBERT

Windy Walks & Hot Chocolate

Although the colder season might not seem like the obvious time to hit the beach, there’s nothing like a day by the sea to blow away the cobwebs.

Just outside Amsterdam lies one of the most unspoilt coastlines in Northern Europe. Go here, as the Dutch do, to relax and get a breath of fresh air, away from the city. Beaches stretch from the north to the south, with typical wide plains of sand. Perfect for long windy walks. And it’s not just the coastal winds that will make their mark: you can discover magnifi cent landscapes and fascinating wildlife while walking in the nature reserves and Dutch dunes, discover the region’s raw industrial culture, spend some time perched on a pier by the sea watching rare seabirds, or relax in one of the area’s cosy cafes and grab some fresh stroopwafels and a warm hot chocolate to sip on.

CLASS 2

1DAY AMSTERDAM & REGION TRAVEL TICKET

Want to discover the Amsterdam area? Visit 9292.nl/en to plan your trip, and buy your Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket – valid on all public transport in the region.

Spot seabirds at IJmuiden

IJmuiden boasts vast sand dunes and a three-kilometre-long pier that stretches out into the North Sea. Braving the cold weather is worth the e ort because it’s one of the best places in the Netherlands to spot seabirds. From purple sandpipers to rock pipits and turnstones, there’s always an array of creatures gliding through the air and nestling down. After you’ve had your  ll of bird spotting you can  nd refuge in one of the nearby cafes and restaurants to order something warming.

Winter beach walks

Wander the unique Dutch landscape of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park or the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen to discover vast, spectacular dunes and wildlife retreats where deer, rabbits and Highland cattle roam. You can explore this protected dune landscape via designated walking routes and cycle paths and there are also opportunities for horse riding. Or, go ‘uitwaaien’ at the beach. Typically Dutch – there’s even a word for it, roughly translated as ‘to walk in the wind and get some fresh air’ – is visiting the beach on a windy, slightly cold

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Wild Zandvoort

In autumn, the dunes of the Waterleidingduinen are the backdrop to a fantastic spectacle: hundreds of fallow deer searching for a mate. The bucks battle to win the hearts of the hinds, sparring with their antlers and belling loudly across the sheltered inlets and windswept hilltops. To witness this unique event, the Zandvoort Tourist Information organises belling walks on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays throughout October.

ZANDVOORTGOESWILD.NL day and going for a long walk. Take the dog and the kids for an afternoon, or go on your own to give your mind a rest while the wind gives you rosy cheeks. You will come back feeling relaxed and completely refreshed.

NP-ZUIDKENNEMERLAND.NL

Beach hotspots

There are  ve beach restaurants that are open throughout the winter season along the Zandvoort coastline. Try Tijn Akersloot (tijnakersloot.nl) for a beach-club atmosphere, Club Nautique (clubnautique.nl) for modern Mediterranean food, Beachclub No5 (beachclub5.nl) for a hearty steak dinner, Thalassa (thalassa18.nl) for excellent  sh and seafood, or the welcoming atmosphere at De Haven van Zandvoort (dehavenvanzandvoort.nl). Keep in mind that due to corona, restaurants require you to leave your name and number and strictly adhere to social distancing.

Amsterdam Area

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Beyond the City

To truly experience Amsterdam, be sure to head out beyond the borders of the city centre and explore the wider Amsterdam Area with these top day trip ideas.

Het Hem

Whether you’re looking to snap up some festive gifts for friends and family or to hunt down discounts, Batavia Stad is the perfect place to shop: it o ers iconic brands, discounted goods and a range of options to stock up on delicious food and drinks when you need a break. With more than 250 fashion brands, cafés and restaurants, look out for discount deals on everything from Ralph Lauren to Nike. Visitors from outside the EU can bene t from even more savings by shopping tax-free. A former munitions factory and exceptional architectural space now transformed into a cultural centre, Het Hem is home to temporary art exhibitions (named ‘chapters’), museums, restaurants, bars and a house library. For  ne food dine at the Europa restaurant or LAB-44, then

HETHEM.NL

Shopping at Batavia Stad

grab a cocktail and enjoy the evening.

© LITA CABELLUT

De Zwarte Tulp

If you’re missing getting your  ower  x during the colder months of the year, then head to Museum De Zwarte Tulp. It’s latest exhibition features paintings by Lita Cabellut, a Spanish-Dutch multidisciplinary artist who lives and works in the Netherlands, the works are all based on the theme of the ‘black tulip’ and inspired by the great masters and thinkers of the Dutch Golden Age.

UNTIL 31 JANUARY, MUSEUMDEZWARTETULP.NL

© MIKE BINK

Muiderslot

Dubbed ‘Amsterdam Castle’ for its proximity to the Dutch capital, Muiden’s magical castle is more than seven hundred years old, making it one of the Netherlands’ oldest and best-preserved forts. Its beautiful gardens and scenic surroundings only add to its fairy-tale charm. As well as a guided tour that is included in the entrance fee, there are several walking routes around the grounds and special activities throughout the year.

Find out more about day trips and the region on: iamsterdam. com/area

© BRAM SCHILLING

In Lelystad, be sure to see Anthony Gormley’s Exposure, a 26-meter steel  gure crouched on the dam that gazes over lake Markermeer.

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Waterland

Head to this unique nature reserve located between Lelystad and Almere to catch a glimpse of birds, deer, foxes and hares. Nationaal Park Nieuw Land’s expansive  elds and wetlands feel almost otherworldly in the colder months, as the days grow darker and a stillness seeps into the landscape. Make sure to stop by De Oostvaarder, the o cial visitor centre: as well as a café with a panoramic view, there is an exhibition, video room and viewing areas with telescopes looking out across the park. NATIONAALPARKNIEUWLAND.NL

Architecture Tour

One of the Netherlands’ newest cities, in just a few decades Almere has established itself as a home to worldclass architecture. Tour some of its most eye-catching buildings and architectural gems on a walking or cycling tour. Along the way you will see the Rainbow District, a colourful residential neighbourhood; De Fantasie, which was built following a contest among architects; and the Rode Donders, a housing development comprising three large, red, silo-like buildings that tower over the water. In the colder months, Waterland’s  at polder landscape, expansive  elds and old-style stolpboerderijen – farmhouses with unmistakable pyramid roofs – feel more magical than ever. Its endless panoramas are punctuated with charming towns, villages and places that are truly spectacular, including UNESCO World Heritage Site De Beemster’s scenic waterways, dykes, restored mills and traditional farmhouses. Also, don’t forget to head to De Rijp, which has been dubbed ‘Holland’s most beautiful village’.

Nationaal Park Nieuw Land

LAAGHOLLAND.COM

© CRIS TOALA OLIVARES

© CRIS TOALA OLIVARES

Cruquius Museum

Built in 1849, Cruquius pumping station is a unique industrial monument. The steam-powered pumps were used to pump Lake Haarlemmermeer dry, marking the breakthrough of the Industrial Revolution in the Netherlands and leaving behind only the  at polder landscape. The pump was decommissioned in 1933 and is now on display in the recently redesigned museum where interactive exhibits explain the history of reclaimed land and Dutch water management.

HAARLEMMERMEERMUSEUM.NL

Amsterdam Area

48 | DISCOVER THE REGION

Find out more about day trips and the region on: iamsterdam. com/area

Christmas shopping in Haarlem Haarlem o ers everything from cool concept stores to traditional markets and so is the perfect destination to grab some gifts for the whole family during the festive season. Don’t miss the chance to explore the smaller streets with their unique shops and specialist stores.

Floriworld

For the ultimate  ower experience, Floriworld is a must. Discover how plants and  owers impact daily life, take a sel e among a backdrop of blossoming  owers and marvel at the amazing artistic creations handcrafted by expert  orists. If you want to take a memento home with you, make sure to bid on a bouquet in the auction hall at the end of the tour.

FLORIWORLD.NL

Marken

Dutch adventurers and tourists alike  ock to Marken to take in its scenic views and enjoy its rich cultural history. Marken is a peninsula and seaside getaway that o ers a chance to glimpse a perfectly preserved  shing culture, including the green wooden houses alongside the harbour that are built on stilts or poles, or clustered on the hills so provide protection from  uctuating tides. To grasp the old island’s history and people, head to the Marker Museum, or enjoy some freshly caught seafood at one of the local eateries.

Need to Know

Where to get your information, how to get around, and other helpful information to make sure your trip to Amsterdam runs smoothly.

I amsterdam City Card

With the I amsterdam City Card 49 you get free access to all major you get free access to all major highlights, museums and attrachighlights, museums and attractions, city-wide public transport, a tions, city-wide public transport, a canal cruise and bicycle rent. On top canal cruise and bicycle rent. On top of that, you will receive a 25% discount of that, you will receive a 25% discount at restaurants and concerts. Order your Order your City Card online or at the I amsterdam locaCity Card online or at the I amsterdam locaWith a selection of quality products from iconic local brands and designers, as well as daily tips and advice on the best events and attractions in the city, the I amsterdam locations are your key to unlocking the very best that Amsterdam has to off er.

• I amsterdam Store

Central Station, IJ-side

• I amsterdam Visitor Centre

Arrivals 2 at Schiphol Plaza Check iamsterdam.com for up to date opening hours. Good to know: everything and Store is also available in the I amsterdam webshop:

iamsterdam.com/webshop

Schools, city councils, post offi ces, and banks are closed on public holidays, but attractions and sites are sometimes open. Always check the website before your visit. • 25/26 December: Christmas is an offi cial public holiday • 1 January: New Year’s Day is an offi cial public holiday Amsterdam is well equipped with a public transport network of trams, buses and the metro, operated by GVB (gvb.nl). Public transport tickets – known as OV cards – are obligatory. To plan your journeys once in Amsterdam, visit 9292.nl/ en for information on all public transport routes. Or, hire a bike from one of the many bicycle rental stores. tions. Due to the corona regulations you are now required to book time slots before visiting

I amsterdam

more on off er in the I amsterdam more on off er in the I amsterdam

Public Holidays

Getting Around

any City Card location or activity.

Amsterdam is open again to discover, but stay safe and always adhere to the additional safety regulations. Want to safely enjoy the city? See page 9 for the rules and regulations in Amsterdam and the area during the corona outbreak.

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

Valid until 31-12-2018 Check in and out required with each carrier on every trip

1 DAY AMSTERDAM & REGION TRAVEL TICKET CLASS 2

Discover Amsterdam and the surrounding area with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket – a special public transport card valid on trains, metros, trams and buses operated by NS, GVB, Connexxion and EBS. Tickets can be purchased at the I amsterdam Visitor Centre and I amsterdam Store, as well as ticket counters of the participating public transport companies.

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In Case of Emergency

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If you are a victim of crime, report it to the police (politie.nl). In emergency ). In emergency situations or to report a crime in progress, call 112. For non-emergency situations requiring police assistance or to make an appoint ment to report a crime in person, call 0900-8844 (if using a mobile phone with an international SIM card, dial +31 343 578 844). For medical emergencies, contact the hotel reception or call the tourist doctor on +31 (0)20 427 5011 (expatmc.net).

On the Way Out

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‘To truly enjoy Amsterdam, you have to go running in Vondelpark at 6 in the morning. It’s so peaceful and spacious!’

Oleg Baranov (36), retail manager from Zaandam, the Netherlands, and Julia Davidenko (36), digital marketer from Nuremberg, Germany

‘This is my second time visiting Amsterdam and I’ll definitely be going shopping on the streets around Dam Square again, especially Kalverstraat.’

Annie Chopard (28), dental assistant from Tramelan, Switzerland

‘Our favourite museum is Moco and we are going back there today to see the Banksy exhibit.’

Elisa Signore (20), student in interior design, and Gabi Robert (21), student in graphic design, both from Paris, France

‘We love visiting the A’DAM Tower for the beautiful, wide views of the whole city.’

Silvanio Leter (43), small business owner, and Genevieve Leter (44), ground stewardess, both from

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

‘The 17th century Dutch Golden Age paintings at the Rijksmuseum are the finest in the world!’

Laura Eibel (19), student in photography, and Petra Eibel (55), art historian, both from Vienna, Austria

editor-in-chief Bart van Oosterhout art director & basic design Yke Bartels, Saskia Franken designer Martijn Blokland deputy editor Karin Thybaut proofreader Julia Gorodecky contributors Lauren Comiteau, Karin Engelbrecht, Lily Heaton, Dave Pelham, EdenFrost (David Wills, Alison McGarry, Alex Hibbert, Hallie Engel, Jayne Robinson, Steve Korver) advertising partner@iamsterdam.com or 020-7026180 want to become a distributor? partner@iamsterdam.com for individual subscriptions visit aboland.com didn’t receive your copy? klantenservice@aboland.nl publisher amsterdam&partners print Flyerman drukwerk ISSN 2589-6717