The river after which Amsterdam is named
Amsterdam 1012 WP
+31 (0)20 201 8800 (Toerist Bureau)
Review © 2007, Wcities
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The river after which Amsterdam is named |
Muntplein Amsterdam 1012 WP +31 (0)20 201 8800 (Toerist Bureau) |
Amstel is the river from which Amsterdam took its name. It became the heart of the city after the river was dammed. From the south the river runs into town up to the town hall, near Waterloo and Munt squares. Then it branches off into several different streams throughout the city canals. At night, the river banks of the Amstel are a delightful place to enjoy the city lights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: gezonkenbootje |
 Photo: Ivo van Doesburg |
 Photo: Gabrielle Marks  |
 Photo: Karl O'Brien |
 Photo: Ini Kim |
 Photo: Leo |
 Photo: Hans van der Kruijf |
 Photo: Edwin Wisse |
 Photo: Thomas Kalkbrenner |
 Photo: Chris Nixon |
 Photo: Martina (Tina) |
 Photo: Feije Riemersma |
 Photo: Cees Wouda |
 Photo: Joren Frielink |
 Photo: Paul Stringer |
Old secret Catholic church |
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40 Amsterdam 1012 GE +31 20 624 6604 http://www.museumamstelkring.n... info@museumamstelkring.nl |
The Amstelkring Museum, "Our Lord in the Attic," is housed in a 17th-century canal house. On the lower floors there are authentic living rooms that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Upstairs there is a perfectly preserved Roman Catholic Attic Church, built in 1663. A maze of rooms, halls and staircases with lots of peepholes remind you of Holland's Golden Age. Following the Alteration in 1578 (when Amsterdam became Protestant), Catholics were not permitted to practice their religion in public. Instead, this took place in all sorts of rooms in houses, and later in fully furnished clandestine churches: the conventicles. These were privately owned, and designed not to be recognizable as churches from the outside. The entrance to Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) was in the alley rather than on the more conspicuous canal side. It served as a parish church until 1887. The building now houses a museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob Bohan |
 Photo: koe2moe |
 Photo: Patella |
 Photo: Ayo Umali |
 Photo: Anna Tobias |
 Photo: Pieter66 |
 Photo: moava |
 Architecture, Exhibitions & Concerts |
Damrak 277 Amsterdam 1012 ZJ +31 (0)20 530 4141 http://www.beursvanberlage.nl/ info@beursvanberlage.nl |
H.P. Berlage (1856-1934), one of the most famous Dutch architects, built the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (nowadays called Beurs van Berlage) at the Damrak, near Centraal Station over a 5-year period (1898-1903). Berlage's intention was to produce a socialist building, in which all kinds of craftsmanship would come together to support the rise of the proletarian movements at the end of the 1800s in an architectural form. He is considered a forerunner of the Dutch architectural style, De Amsterdamse School (The Amsterdam School). The building isn't used as a Stock Exchange anymore; instead, all kinds of different exhibitions and concerts take place here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chana de Wolf |
 Photo: Jona A. Andersen |
 Photo: Chana de Wolf |
 Photo: Dave Yang |
 Photo: Poekie Adda |
 Photo: Christa |
 Photo: Ronald Carpentier |
 Photo: Lennaert Kapiteyn |
 Photo: Patrick |
 Photo: Sam Gelfand |
 Photo: MarkJW |
 Photo: Cédric Allier |
![Beurs van Berlage photo by ]V[orlock](pictures/23946_12.jpg) Photo: ]V[orlock |
An impressive place to use public transport |
Stationsplein Amsterdam 1012 AB +31 (0)20 201 8800 (Tourist Office) |
Amsterdam's Centraal Station dates from the year 1889, when it was first used for the transport of goods. It was designed by the architect P.J.H. Cuypers - well known in his time, who also designed the Rijksmuseum. The building's foundation consists of 8,687 wooden piles, because of the wetlands around 't IJ. The original construction has been rebuilt more than once, due to rapidly expanding traffic and rail transport. The Central Station terminal has recently been restored and can be admired in its original style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vicky Borchert |
 Photo: Daan van Exel |
 Photo: Paul B |
 Photo: Wong Yew Fung |
 Photo: Jonathan Long |
 Photo: Tanja van der Lelie |
 Photo: Mieke Kreunen |
 Photo: Jesse Muller |
 Photo: Adrian Sherrill |
 Photo: Patrick van den Hurk |
 Photo: DJ_Scamper |
 Photo: michelmitchell |
 Photo: Nancy Collins |
 Photo: Linda Uruchurtu |
 Photo: gozef |
 Photo: Kristiaan |
 Photo: Kismet Tai |
 Photo: pe7er |
University chapel and museum |
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 231 Amsterdam 1012 EZ +31 (0)20 525 3339 http://www.uva.nl/huisvesting/... universiteitsmuseum@uva.nl |
The Agnietenkapel (the Chapel of Holy Agnes) is the only medieval chapel in good condition in Amsterdam. It was built in 1397 and rebuilt after a fire in 1470. From the foundation of the Athenaeum Illustre - precursor of the University of Amsterdam—by Vossius and Barlaeus in 1632 the Agnietenkapel was the centre of scientific activities. It is now the University's history museum. Portraits of scholars and other famous men are located in the oldest lecture hall in their original settings. The series of portraits was a gift from the local merchant collector Gerardus van Papenbroeck in 1743. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
Virtual Tour |
Waterlooplein 17 Amsterdam 1011 NV +31 (0)20 422 2233 http://www.holland-experience.... info@holland-experience.nl |
Tour the Netherlands whilst sitting on a moving platform in the comfort of an aircraft-style captain's chair! One can smell the fields of budding bulbs, wave to Queen Beatrix and see some paintings of Holland's Golden Age, all with a group of musicians providing an appropriate soundtrack. The Holland Experience is located just next to Waterlooplein and the Rembrandt House. It's sure to entice folks enough to want to go out and experience the real thing! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
History and cultural museum |
Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1 Amsterdam 1011 PL +31 (0)20 531 0310 http://www.jhm.nl/ |
The original Jewish museum was set up in 1932 in a small room at Weigh House. During the 1940 German invasion, most of the artifacts were confiscated and destroyed. In 1955 the museum was re-opened with only one-fifth of the original collection. Private collectors and even the general public came forward with contributions to add to the collection. With this overwhelming response, the enlarged museum was shifted to the Ashkenazi synagogue complex, where it now showcases year-round the cultural and architectural contributions of the Jewish community through the ages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Leslie Veen |
 Museum in the old synagogue |
Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1 Amsterdam 1011 PL +31 20 531 0310 (Information) http://www.jhm.nl info@jhm.nl |
Originally this was the Old Synagogue of the German Jews, for Jewish people who sought refuge in Amsterdam from the terrors of The Thirty Years War. Today, the synagogue houses the Jewish Historical Museum. A permanent exhibition illustrates the many aspects of Judaism in The Netherlands, both past and present. The central motif is the religion, culture and history of Jews in this country. Every year, the museum organises several temporary exhibitions on specific aspects of Jewish history and culture. Often the themes have an international tone, like the story of the Jews in Russia, Vienna and Brazil. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jolanda Rovers |
 Photo: Jimmy Thomas |
 Photo: Daniel Sieradski |
 Photo: aVivaSedai |
Remarkable church on Waterlooplein |
Waterlooplein 205 Amsterdam 1011 PG +31 (0)20 622 1305 http://www.mozeshuis.nl/ mozeshuis@mozeshuis.nl |
Located on Waterloo square, opposite the town hall, is the Moses and Aäron church. Initially the property of a Jewish trader, the church was rebuilt between 1837-1841. In 1578 native tradesmen decided to form an alliance with the Prince of Orange, in his revolt against Spain's reign in Holland at that time. The reason for their decision was dissatisfaction with the Catholic rulers in town. They inadequately represented the city of Amsterdam economically and millitarily. This consequently meant the end of Catholic supremacy in Amsterdam. The Catholics had to give up many of their possessions and buildings. As a result conventicles (secret chapels of worship) were formed. They were able to practise their dissented religion here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Beautiful Tower Near Amstel River |
Muntplein 12 Amsterdam 1012 WR +31 (0)20 201 8800 (Tourist information) |
The western corner tower of the former Regulier's Gate was built around 1490. Regulier's Gate was part of the old town rampart. It became obsolete when the city expanded its borders southwards at the end of the sixteenth century. After the great fire of 1618, the lower part was left intact. The city allowed architect Hendrick de Keyser to reconstruct the wooden upper part. The brothers Hemony, famous for their bell-foundry, were commissioned to make the carillon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: .Heather. |
 Photo: Andrew Lament |
 Photo: Stephan |
 Photo: Guifré Miquel |
 Photo: ngi- |
 Photo: Cesar Reñones Dominguez |
Famous works of art |
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40 Amsterdam 1012 GE +31 (0)20 624 6604 http://www.museumamstelkring.nl/ info@opsolder.nl |
This structure is a 17th century canal house that presents the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands. The building has a church in the attic, and most of its rooms maintain the original decor. The museum presents art exhibitions in the hallway; some of the famous paintings exhibited are De Produndis, works of Vincent van Gogh on Amsterdam, and Athanasius Kircher. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stanley Gee |
 Photo: Stanley Gee |
Thinner inner |
Singel 7 Amsterdam 1012 VC +31 (0)20 551 2512 (Tourist Information) |
The Narrowest House in Amsterdam is also one of the narrowest houses in the world. At only one meter wide, this house is just barely wider than the front door. The houses in Amsterdam are built in this narrow fashion because of the soft soil that they are built on. All of the houses are actually leaning on each other to stay upright. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Shari Greenberg |
 Photo: Gary Marriott |
 Photo: camatina27 |
Authentic Piece of Amsterdam |
Nieuwmarkt Amsterdam 1012 CR |
Initially a lively fish and cloth market, this square upon which the castle-like De Waag building stands was the holding place for Jews arrested during WWII. In the 1970s, Chinese immigrants created a small Chinatown, and a decade later, locals protested the construction of a subway station here. Now the square is a cool gathering place surrounded by pubs and small restaurants where you can eat well for very little money. A delightful walk along the canals amid some of Amsterdam's oldest houses is highly recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Patella |
 Photo: Rico Tijsen |
 Photo: Caroline van Oosten |
 Photo: siebe |
 Photo: suzanne van tongeren |
 Photo: Alastair Dickson |
 Photo: elektronhjarnan |
 Photo: www.primabeeld.nl |
 Photo: Olivier Bruchez |
 Photo: suzanne van tongeren |
 Photo: ulalume3 |
 Photo: Helena |
 Photo: Duane Moore |
Build by Adriaan Dortsman |
Singel 411 Amsterdam 1012 +31 (0)20 642 2373 http://www.elgadam.nl/oudeluth... majbrouwer@planet.nl |
This round church, which has a dome and an ambulatory along half of its circumference, was burnt to the ground in 1822 in a fire caused by careless plumbers. It was rebuilt in 1823 by T.F. Suys and J. de Greef who gave it a coffered vault instead of the former smooth vault with ribs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Hecht |
 Photo: Charlie Mulholland |
House of Rembrandt |
Jodenbreestraat 4 Amsterdam 1011 NK +31 (0)20 520 0400 http://www.rembrandthuis.nl museum@rembrandthuis.nl |
One of the most famous inhabitants that ever graced Amsterdam is without doubt Rembrandt van Rijn. The painter was born in Leiden, but moved to Amsterdam to start his career. His house, nowadays called The Rembrandt House, dates from 1606 and the artist and his wife lived in it between 1639 and 1658. It was in this house that famous paintings such as 'De Nachtwacht' were painted. It exhibits 250 of the 300 etchings Rembrandt created. The museum also owns a number of sketches by Rembrandt and paintings by (among others) his teacher Pieter Lastman and some of Rembrandt's apprentices. See website for visitor information, exhibition schedule and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Giorgio Baresi |
 Photo: lanced5943 |
 Photo: John Nicol |
 Photo: E Rettenmaier |
 Photo: ilana shkolnik |
 Photo: Obliquepanic |
 Photo: wlonline |
 Photo: Sally Kernick |
 Photo: intricatecreative |
 Photo: Louisa Hibble |
Fantastic historical building |
Prins Hendrikkade 94-95 Amsterdam 1012 AE +31 20 428 8291 http://www.schreierstoren.nl info@schreierstoren.nl |
At the head of the Gelderse Kade and alongside the Prins Hendrikkade stands the Schreierstoren. This massive semicircular brick tower is a left-over from the medieval town ramparts. As the story goes, the bargees stood there weeping over their men sailing for the East, hence its name of the Tower of Weeping. A more rational explanation for the tower's name is the appearance of the words 't Scrayhoeck and Scrayhorn in old texts describing the location of the tower, which was almost in the waters of river IJ that always threatened the land. The Schreierstoren now functions as a maritime antiquarian bookshop and a gay bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: elusivephoto.com |
 Photo: Brett Morgan |
 Photo: akbar Simonse |
 Photo: Onno Heida |
 Photo: best_destinations |
Old Church |
Oudekerksplein 23 Amsterdam 1012 GX +31 (0)20 625 8284 http://www.oudekerk.nl info@oudekerk.nl |
Odd perhaps, but the Oude Kerk (Old Church) really is in the centre of the red-light district; all around the church, prostitutes appear in their windows. Surrounded by cobblestones on which you can slip and fall on a rainy day, the church has maintained its medieval appearance, despite being stripped of its decoration during the Reformation in the early decades of the 15th century. The story goes that in the mid-13th century a dying man regurgitated a host he had received at communion, which they then attempted to burn, but failed. The host was kept in another chapel, the chapel then burnt down but the host, once again, survived. Since then, pilgrimages have been organised to commemorate this miracle. The Stille Omgang is an annual event which still takes place today annually around March 15th. This nocturnal procession ends at the Oude Kerk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dave |
 Photo: Jace Krause |
 Photo: Meghan Testerman |
 Photo: Sherri Burns |
 Photo: Susan Crocenzi |
 Photo: Heather Sharp |
 Photo: Ulrich Krutzger |
 Photo: Dexter_sr |
 Photo: Anne M. Wolfe |
 Photo: Robin Flint |
 Photo: Alexandra Silva |
 Photo: Tony Jacobs |
 Photo: Second Life |
 Photo: stereo.gum |
 Photo: Leslie Stern |
Great harbour side building |
Prins Hendrikkade 108-114 Amsterdam 1012 TM +31 20 552 4888 (Information) http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/ad... bma@dab.amsterdam.nl |
East of Centraal Station is the Scheepvaarthuis (Shipping House), at the Prins Hendrikkade. The building was finished in 1916 by the architect J.M. van der Mey and others. Van der Mey and his co-architects were students of one of the leading Dutch architects, Cuypers (Centraal Station, Rijksmuseum). The Scheepvaarthuis, due to its grey image and pseudo-gothic construction, reminds the passer-by of Gotham, the city of Batman, which was inspired by New York at night. It was originally built for the big shipping companies. These days, the local passenger transport company is in residence. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Neil Bruder |
 Photo: Neil Bruder |
Information about the development of the city |
Zuiderkerkhof 72 Amsterdam 1011 WB +31 (0)20 552 7987 http://www.zuiderkerk.amsterda... zuiderkerk@dro.amsterdam.nl |
In the 17th Century Zuiderkerk, in the heart of the city centre, visitors get a chance to see a detailed picture of the city planning and housing in Amsterdam through the ages. The permanent section of the exhibition gives a complete view of the urban development of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day. Temporary exhibitions concerning new plans for the city are also staged. This is all illustrated by means of scale-models, drawings, photos and slides. Several architectural walks through Amsterdam are available here in a number of languages. Zuiderkerk was built in the early 17th Century as the first Protestant Church in Holland. The church, built in the Dutch Renaissance style, has a magnificent tower with a carillon. The carillon is played every Thursday between noon and 1p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Former monastery chapel |
Walenpleintje 159 Amsterdam 1012 JZ +31 20 623 2074 http://www.waalsekerk-amsterda... info@waalsekerk-amsterdam.nl |
The Waalse Kerk used to be the chapel of the monastery of the brothers of Paul, founded in 1409. The chapel was inaugurated in 1496. The Walloon Reformed community was permitted to organise French-speaking services in the chapel in 1586. From that moment on, the chapel was renamed Walenkerck, or Waalse Kerk (Walloon Church). Nowadays, the Waalse Kerk is a three-aisled church, covered with timber barrel vaults. The aisles are in a traditional neo-Gothic style. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
Flemish cultural centre |
Nes 45 Amsterdam 1012 KD +31 (0)20 622 9014 http://www.brakkegrond.nl/ info@brakkegrond.nl |
In 1981, this Flemish cultural centre was opened on the Nes. De Brakke Grond helps to integrate the culture of Flemish society into the Netherlands. Moreover, it greatly promotes Flanders. Lots of activities highlighting the Flemish element of Dutch culture take place here. This is done through tours, concerts and exhibitions, but also through literary nights and lectures. It provides a nice overview of all that Flanders has to offer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
Old weighing house |
Nieuwmarkt 4 Amsterdam 1012 CR +31 (0)20 557 9898 http://www.waag.org society@waag.org |
The Waag, located on the Nieuwmarkt square, was part of the old town ramparts. It was first named the Gate of St. Anthony, built in 1488, which explains the massive towers and the holes in it. In 1614, the gate was no longer part of the front line of defense and a new, wider rampart was built. It had a new function: a weighing house. This was the place where goods were weighed and the building where taxes were levied. In addition to guilds like the guild of surgeons or the bricklayers' guild, a guild of weighers existed. Nowadays, De Waag also functions as a restaurant and media centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Felipe Castro |
 Photo: i-globe |
 Photo: Rob Bohan |
 Photo: marion de man |
 Photo: Sonia Hermosín Suero |
 Photo: Bruce Sterling |
 Photo: ComùnicaTI |
 Photo: Ryan Policky |
 Photo: Geraint Johnes |
 Photo: Janelle Ward |
 Photo: Gadi Shimshon |
 Photo: Nicola Eaton |
 Photo: Jim Fruchterman |
 Photo: Gregorio Blanco |
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Discover the City on Foot |
Stationsplein 10 Amsterdam 1012 AB +31 20 201 8800 http://www.visitamsterdam.nl info@atcb.nl |
The best way to explore the (inner) city of Amsterdam is to walk around. Compared to other capitals, this is a small one; the compact inner city and its sights can be discovered within a few square kilometres. Walking tours are arranged by the VVV tourist office, some with pre-recorded audio guides and a city map. There are evening walks, mystery tours, walks around the Red Light District and there is a Journey through Jordaan among others. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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