Amsterdams Little Italy

September 8th, 2010

la perla Amsterdams Little Italy
Italian Cuisine has taken Amsterdam somewhat by storm in the last few years. And the eye of this storm is found in The Jordaan on a street commonly referred to as ‘Little Italy’. Amsterdam has taken a noticeable liking to the simplicity and fine quality of Italian food transcending the association of Italian restaurants with pizzerias. Although not an official Italian district you will be struck by the large amount of Italian restaurants on this street. Buon appetito!

Café De Curtis

The food, the décor and the service is all Italian here: simple, honest and good. Only the name doesn’t fit the bill, but don’t let this deter you from experiencing a genuine Italian evening.

2e Anjeliersdwarsstraat 6hs, 1015 NT, Jordaan, Amsterdam

La Perla

The only pizzeria on this stretch prides itself in its fresh and superior ingredients imported largely from Italy. Their genuine ‘mozzarella di Bufala Campana D.O.P. is delivered twice a week directly from the Naples area.

Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 14A, 1015 RZ, Amsterdam

Assaggi

A high attention to detail epitomizes the food and interior of this fairly new restaurant . The prices are a bit higher than its neighbours, but not unjustly.

Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat 4/6, 1015 SC,  Amsterdam

Hostaria

The Italian temperent is convincingly represented in this small and popular restaurant. From the Ferrari’s on the wall to the loud shouting chef, everything breathes passion and authenticity.

2e Egelantiersdwarsstraat 9, 1015 SB, , Amsterdam

La Trattoria Di Donna Sofia

After a make-over and a new chef flown in directly from Naples, this small restaurant lives up to its expectations.

Anjeliersstraat 300, 1015 NK,  Amsterdam

La Oliva Pintxos y Vinos

Although Spanish we include this restaurant in this section for its fine selection of foods and wines that makes it fit right into the rest of the street. For a bit of translation from this Catalan title: Olives, tapas and wines.

Egelantiersstraat 122, 1015 PR, Amsterdam

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Taxi Service

September 8th, 2010

taxi amsterdam Taxi ServiceTaxi’s and service are concepts that do not go hand-in-hand in Amsterdam. Taxi’s in Holland and in Amsterdam in particular are rather notorious for their lack of service and for fraud. For years the city council has been trying to remedy this situation, and although there are signs of improvement, they are not out in the clear yet. Taxi drivers tend to be rude, reject rides that are too short, and can take you on an unsolicited scenic route from A to B. There are however taxi drivers that fit into an ‘A’-category that have been educated in service, wear a suit and tie, and are friendly. To avoid any disappointments here are some tips:

  • before taking a taxi find out approximately what the route should be
  • the meter starts at €7.50 and stays there for the first 2 km. There after the price is a maximum of €2.20 per km.
  • most of the better hotels in the city only allow ‘A-category’ taxi’s to transport their guests, so if looking for a good taxi, try stepping in at a good hotel. Prices are the same.
  • Take the tram, train, bus or metro
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The Gangs of Amsterdam

September 8th, 2010


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Amsterdam is divided into various districts, each with their own specific character. The fact that they are also often governed by their own city council further exemplifies their autonomous nature. Till not many years ago there were many inhabitants that never left their own district with each district being self-sufficient and a rivalry existing between the inhabitants of different city parts.

Centre

In the early 17th century the Holland experienced its heyday in the so-called Golden Age and, with Amsterdam as its economic centre, the city flourished and grew. This brought the necessity to expand and the rigorous structural change to the city is what can still be seen today in the form of the canals. Many stately homes were built to house the more affluent within the city and this is what has been put on the UNESCO World Heritage list since August 2010.

Jordaan

The expansion of the city called for many labourers who came from far and wide to turn this provincial city into a capital. These labourers found cramped housing in the marshy lands west of the city in the area today known as the Jordaan. Today the Jordaan is a sought-after area to live with a good mix of inhabitants. House prices have soared over the last number of years making it difficult for the original inhabitants to withstand this onslaught and many have moved into nearby Almere.

Pijp

The industrial revolution from 1870 brought a new spurt of economic and subsequently population growth to Amsterdam. This led to the need for further expansion of the city which was done in the form of the Pijp (South), the Dapperbuurt (East), the Kinkerbuurt (West) en de Staatsliedenbuurt (North West). The most well-known of these areas is the Pijp where the original lower middle-class inhabitants have made way for Young Urban Professionals, hip bars and restaurants and the rise to boutique shopping. It remains a lively area with the Albert Cuyp in its centre still attracting people from all distances.

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Shopping in Amsterdam

September 8th, 2010

Amsterdam is divided into various districts, each with their own autonomous structure. Hereby there are various streets that serve as central shopping areas, each with their own character and cluster of shops.

Kalverstraat

This busy street open only to pedestrians, is where one will find all the large global and local chain stores.

Utrechtsestraat

A busy street with lots of unique and eye-catching shops. Lifestyle, interiors, clothing, gifts, gourmet food, music and literature. In between the boutique-style stores you will find some very nice and laid-back cafés and restaurants.

Haarlemmerdijk

This bustling, lively street is a real street for strolling. There is a wide variety of shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment. Honest old-fashioned charm from the early morning until late in the evening.

De 9 Straatjes, the 9 Streets

The 9 Streets is the collective name for nine small, friendly streets between the Raadhuisstraat and Leidsestraat. Here you will find vintage second hand shops, alternative fashion boutiques and specialty shops. The streets also lend themselves very well for a delicious cup of coffee and a brief escape from the bustle of Amsterdam

Pieter Cornelis Hoofstraat (P.C. Hooftstraat)

This is the 5th Avenue of New York, the Bond Street of London. Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton. If these names get your heart racing, this is your street.


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Landmarks

September 8th, 2010

Rijksmuseum Landmarks

Rijksmuseum

Although we are not all Japanese and thereby don’t have the urge to tick-off every famous object, building or attraction a city has to offer, here nonetheless a list of landmarks in Amsterdam. Take your pick…

• Dam Square, easily recognizable by the National Monument – an enormous white stone pillar that was erected in 1956 to memorialize the victims of world war II. Furthermore recognisable by loads of pigeons, street artists and of shoppers as its the starting point of the Kalverstraat, the main shopping street of Amsterdam.

Dam 104, 1012NP, Amsterdam

• Madame Tussauds – famous wax museum located on Dam Square

Dam 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam

• Artis Zoo located just 15 minutes out of Central Station, this historical zoo holds over 8.000 animals and is a great outing with kids… or snake lovers, gorilla fans. Be sure not to miss the planetarium!

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ, Amsterdam

• Red Light District. Even though it’s quite a dodgy area, a visit is proof of Amsterdam being one of the most liberated cities in the world. A short impression: hookers behind the windows of historical houses, peep shows, bachelor parties, chinese restaurants, bars, coffeeshops

• Van Gogh Museum –  houses the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the world.

Paulus Potterstraat 7, 1071 CX, Amsterdam

• Rijksmuseum holds masterpieces (Nightwatch by Rembrandt!), furniture, jewelry and more stunning stuff from the rich Dutch history.

(next to Van Gogh Museum)

• Coffeeshops if you are into smoking or up for the experience, do not end up in the tourist traps but click here for our selection

Although we are not all Japanese and thereby don’t have the urge to tick-off every famous object, building or attraction a city has to offer, here nonetheless a list of landmarks in Amsterdam. Take your pick…

  • Dam Square/palace on the Dam Square

Dam 104, 1012NP, Amsterdam

  • Red Light District
  • Madame Tussauds

Dam 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam

  • Artis Zoo

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ, Amsterdam

  • Hortus Botanicus botanical gardens

Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD, Amsterdam

  • Van Gogh Museum

Paulus Potterstraat 7, 1071 CX, Amsterdam

  • Rijksmuseum

Stadhouderskade 42, 1071 ZD, Amsterdam

  • Hermitage

Amstel 51, 1018 EJ, Amsterdam

  • Heineken brewery

Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE, Amsterdam

  • Canals
  • Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuypstraat, Amsterdam

  • Carré Royal Theater

Amstel 115 -125, 1018 EM, Amsterdam

  • Vondelpark
  • Coffeeshops
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Parking in Amsterdam

August 20th, 2010

769113c2 e039 4d65 a734 1d75d4e4cd28 carpark400200 Parking in Amsterdam
Parking in the centre of Amsterdam is not as problematic as the small and crowded streets might suggest. Within a few minutes you should find a parking place, quite possibly because it’s so expensive. Rates are rising annually and in 2010 parking in the centre of Amsterdam will set you back € 5,- per hour in the centre (canal belt) or € 4,- in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Payment of parking in the centre can be done solely by chip, pin or credit card, while out of the centre only cash and chip cards are accepted, making it wise to have all forms on you. There are also day cards (9.00- 19.00 hours) that give a 40% discount, or evening cards (19.00-24.00 hours) that give a 20% discount.

Parking Garages

A number of (equally expensive) parking garages litter the city which were at one stage meant to substitute all parking in the streets in the centre of Amsterdam. Here some addresses:

P1 Parking Amsterdam centre‎

Location: Prins Hendrikkade 20a, 1012 TL Amsterdam‎ (close to central station)

Telephone:  020 6385330‎

P1 Parking Waterlooplein

Location:Valkenburgerstraat 238, 1011 ND Amsterdam

Telephone: 020 – 420 79 30

Q-Park Europarking

Location: Marnixstraat 250, 1016 TL Amsterdam (close to the Leidseplein and Jordaan)

Telephone: 020 6236694

Parking De Hoofdstad

Location: Prinsengracht 542, 1017 KK Amsterdam

Telephone: 020 4287522

Parking Heinekenplein

Location: Eerste van der Helststraat 6, 1072 NV Amsterdam

Telephone: 020 4700888

Alternatives:

P+ R Park for € 6 per day

Amsterdam offers four parking locations that charge € 6.00 per 24 hours. Once you have parked here, free public transport will take you into the heart of the city. Find here how it works and how to get to these locations.

Park for free in Amsterdam Noord:

Across the water, North of Central Station, parking is free. From here you can take the (free) ferry back to Central Station where you have access to all the forms of public transport. But bear in mind that car theft and break ins are not unusual here, so don’t park your car here if it’s too fancy and don’t leave anything in your car.

P.S. Parking Fine

The police in Amsterdam is quite active in giving parking fines (€ 53 each… and you can get several ones in a day or two.). If you’re really unlucky (or stubborn) your car may even be towed away by dienst Stadstoezicht (additional costs minimal € 150).

If you ignored our tips and get a fine, take a look here how to sort it.

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Basic facts about Amsterdam

August 20th, 2010

Grotere kaart weergeven

picture www.youropi.com

van Gogh Museum

Even though the Dutch government is seated in The Hague, Amsterdam is the capital. With over 767.700 inhabitants, of 178 different nationalities Amsterdam is also the largest city of the Netherlands. The city welcomes over 3,5 million foreign visitors per year. Its top-6 attractions include:

  1. Canal ride (3 million)
  2. Van Gogh Museum ( 1,6 million)
  3. Artis (Zoo)  (1,2 million)
  4. Rijksmuseum            (1,1 million)
  5. Diamond cutters (0,9 million
  6. Anne Frank House, Amsterdam (0,9 millon)

(But you are rightfully recommended to browse through this blog to find spots visited only by a handful of locals.)

Timing your visit

There is not really a best time to visit Amsterdam. The days through July and August– when the chance on sunny days is highest – are most popular making the city crowded. Any other time of the year is therefore also great for sightseeing. Winters can however be cold and slippery (November until March) with temperatures below zero Celsius but, on the other hand, the canals covered in snow are a highlight in itself.

It might be a good idea to schedule your stay around one of the numerous events the city hosts. For a comprehensive overview of the events take a look at the site of the  Amsterdam Tourist Board

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Storing Luggage

August 20th, 2010

AP Photo/Ed BetzArriving in the city you’ll want to get rid of your luggage as quickly as possible to get settled down. As the apartments are mostly only available from 14:00 PM it can occur that you won’t be able to get in upon arrival. You should be able to temporarily leave your luggage in the office of the apartment hiring agent. However, please contact the hiring agent beforehand if you would like to make use of this option. Other alternatives are to leave your luggage at Schiphol or at the Central Station in lockers.

Schiphol

You can store your luggage in a luggage locker for up to 168 hours (7 days).Charges for luggage lockers depend on the duration of use and the size of your luggage:

  • Small: € 5.00 per 24 hours; 43×34x80cm
  • Medium: € 6.00 per 24 hours; 58×34x80cm
  • Large: €8.00 per 24 hours; 90×51x80cm
  • Extra Large: € 10.00 per 24 hours; 120×50x80cm

These lockers can be found at the following locations in the Terminal:

  • Lounge 1
  • Lounge 2
  • Lounge 3
  • Lounge D-pier
  • Arrival 3
  • Kelderplein

For more information, phone: +31 (0)20 601 24 43.

Central Station: Open from 7:00am to 10:45pm

Two sized lockers can be rented for up to 72 hours.:

Small locker: € 3.30 for the first 24 hours; 90cm deep, 45cm high and 40cm wide.

Large locker: € 4.90 for the first 24 hours90cm deep, 60cm high and 40cm wide.

Payment to be made by bank or credit card.

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Car Rentals

August 20th, 2010

picture by Marijn de Wijs Photography
A car is often a great way to see a country and to get away from the beaten track. Holland is no exception. As unaccommodating Amsterdam is to cars, so much the more the rest of the country is with extremely well-maintained roads and clear signing. Hereunder a few car rentals close to the city centre and most of them conveniently close to each other.

Sixt

Location: Prins Hendrikkade 20a, 1012TL Amsterdam‎ (close to Central Station)

Telephone: +31 20 6242955‎

Adams

Location: Nassaukade 346, 1053 LW Amsterdam‎ (close to Leidseplein)

Telephone: +31 20 6850111‎

Avis

Location: Nassaukade 380, 1054 AD Amsterdam‎ (close to Leidseplein)

Telephone: +31 20 6836061‎

National Car Rental

Location: Overtoom 197, 1054 HT Amsterdam‎ (close to Leidseplein)

Telephone: +31 20 6832123‎

Europcar

Location: Overtoom 197, 1054 HT Amsterdam‎ (close to Leidseplein)

Telephone: +31 20 6832123‎

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Arriving in Amsterdam

August 20th, 2010
Station Arriving in Amsterdam

Central Station

The Dutch, proud of their command of foreign languages, will try to show off their English at every opportunity. This makes a visit to Holland, and more specifically to cosmopolitan Amsterdam, a relatively easy experience (for English-speaking travelers at least). Signs at the international airport Schiphol and the Central Station in Amsterdam have been bilingually translated to suit most travelers; finding your way to and within the city ceases to be a higher science.

Train

The train is then also the best, and easiest, way to enter Amsterdam. For less than 4 Euros you can travel from the airport to the centre of Amsterdam. Don’t be lured into taking the taxi as this 40 Euro ride is overpriced and under-serviced. Most visitors arrive at Central Station which is, like many other stations in capital cities, a bustling hub of all sorts of travelers. The station is well geared to the foreign visitor with a tourist information office (VVV) and numerous information points.

You’ll most likely want to leave on the centre side (South side) where all the tram, bus and taxi stops are (see the section: getting around). If heading to the North, free ferry rides will transport you 24 hours a day to the North side of the city, separated from the rest of the city by a body of water called the Ij (pronounced like the letter a in English).

Car

For those arriving in Amsterdam by car, A10 Ring Road will inevitably lead you into the city. This road is intersected by 18 S-routes, each offering a direct path into a separate district of the city. If you know which S-route to utilize, your journey is likely to be much more simple, for the city centre (including canal belt) you take S110. Be sure to learn about the motorways before you arrive to ease your entrance.

Having been built in the 17th century, the network of roads was not geared towards the 750.000 inhabitants living there today let alone the 5 million foreign visitors. Driving along the narrow canals alongside bicycles and parking in tight spots inches away from the canal takes some getting used to. The city’s inhabitants also tend to have very little patience for the automobiles polluting their city.

To keep the city livable a strict parking policy has been applied and the network of one-way streets in the centre form a maze for any unaccustomed driver. However, there are a number of (pricy) garages in the centre to accommodate for the drivers amoung us. For parking tips and info see: Parking in Amsterdam.

Click here for more tips on Amsterdam: getting around

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