Amsterdam - Eurapart Guide

Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands, although it is not the capital, that honour belongs to The Hague. The cliché "Venice of the North" is applied to this city along with Brugge (Bruges) and even Birmingham. Amsterdam's claim is probably the strongest as it does have an extensive canal network where one would normally expect streets.
There were even more up until the start of the 20th Century. Then many canals were filled in for hygiene reasons.
Amsterdam canal

Amsterdam is an important port, however Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. Amsterdam's airport at Schipol is also one of Europe's most important and makes the city easily accessible to travellers from abroad. It is 4.5 metres below sea level to the South of the city.
Amsterdam has plenty of attractions to interest a traveller, including world renowned Arts Museums, canal cruises and an incredibly diverse Nightlife embracing Indonesian restaurants, Opera, Ballet through to "Coffee Shops" and the Red Light District.
A good starting point for any visit to Amsterdam is the Tourist Information Office. There are two in the city, they are identified by the "VVV" sign. The main one is by Centraal Station. Here you can get a city map and get more information on sight-seeing, transport and hotels. There is also an office at Schipol Airport.
Getting around the city can be achieved by foot, bicycle, canal boat, tram, bus or taxi. Information on public transport can be found at the Amsterdam Public Transport Information web site.
Amsterdam State Opera

Amsterdam Breaks
Amsterdam Breaks can be quite reasonable with prices for a 3 night stay starting at £50 per person including ferry and hotel. You can go to a Tour Operator or use the power of the Internet to put your own package together. For more information on accommodation of all types Budget, Mid Range, Luxury and Self Catering Apartments look up the Amsterdam tourist office
Eurapart Amsterdam Accommodation page.

Getting There
Getting to Amsterdam is easy. Schipol Airport is one of Europes best connected. A train connects Schipol with Centraal Station in 15 minutes. Amsterdam Train

Amsterdam is also well connected to the European rail network with Thalys services to Brussels. Finally it is well served by the European Autoroute system.

From my home in Wales, taking the Eurostar from London, changing at Brussels is one option. Good deals on Eurostar Plus fares can be found at RailEurope.
Air connections to Amsterdam are numerous with all of the major airlines serving the city. In addition many of the low cost carriers have Amsterdam on their timetables. My family normally travel by car, crossing the Channel to Calais and driving via the A16 to Belgium and onward to Holland. To save some driving you can get a ferry to Hook of Holland.

Food and Fuel
Amsterdam has a vary varied range of restaurants a legacy of the Dutch Empire. There are numerous restaurants in the city, catering for all tastes and budgets.
Indonesian restaurants offer the "Riz Tafle" (Rice table) as one of their specialities. This comprises about 20 - 24 separate dishes and is well worth a try.
The Albert Heijn Supermarket is one of Holland's most popular.

Where to stay
For information on Hotels and self catering apartments, look up this selection from Opodo -Amsterdam Hotels

Useful Links
Amsterdam tourist office
http//www.amsterdam.nl

Amsterdam tourist office
Visit Amsterdam

http://www.holland.com
Netherlands Tourist Board Web Site.
Guidebook
Amsterdam Guide Book

Eyewitne s ss Travel Guide: Amsterdam

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© Eurapart 1997 - 2006 Evolution 3 (11 March 2006)