Amsterdam City Breaks

Visit the Civic Guard’s Gallery

2011-02-28T11:52:00.002Z

It’s always nice to have a few places in hand to visit if you want to keep the budget down for your holiday. Any trip to Amsterdam should include the Civic Guard’s Gallery though, and not just because it is free to enter.

There are many notable portraits in here, and they all tell a story about those who took part in the Civic Guard. This is far from being an all day event – or even a half day event, since the gallery itself is definitely on the small side. But this does not make it any less worth seeing. If you appreciate good artwork you will appreciate the chance to walk through this corridor that links together two important places in Amsterdam. These places are Kalverstraat – close to where the Amsterdam Historical Museum lies – and the Begijnhof.

As such you can ideally fit in a quick visit to the Civic Guard’s Gallery when visiting either of the other two locations in Amsterdam. It is the perfect add on to another trip, somewhere you can go for a bonus look round without needing to pay anything for the privilege.

Make sure you don’t just rush through in a few minutes though. The paintings have stories to tell and they are of people who occupied higher positions in the Civic Guard. If you were in the Guard and you wanted to have your portrait painted, you had to pay a high fee for the privilege. This is why lower ranked members are never present in the paintings.

The Civic Guard’s Gallery may only show you a portion of the history of the Civic Guard’s, but it is a portion worth seeing nonetheless. It also delves back into history and shows you how people lived many years ago. It is, in its own way, a slice of Amsterdam history you may not get anywhere else.

The gallery is open from ten in the morning until five at night, so it is easy to pay a visit while you are nearby. Just slot it into one of your delightful days in Amsterdam.

Go to the Centre of Amsterdam – Kind Of

2011-01-27T11:02:00.000Z

In many ways the centre of any major place is somewhere worth seeing. But this is not exactly the case when it comes to Amsterdam. Here we have Dam Square as the true centre of the city, even though it is actually not in the centre at all. Instead it is in the northern reaches of the city, although many still think of it as the central part of the city.

So what do we have here to see? Well, this is obviously a square and it is quite a large one at that. However to call it a square is not something that should be taken in a literal sense. This will become obvious when you see the square for yourself, as it is roughly twice as long as it is wide. As you will see, this is just one of the surprises that Dam Square holds in store for you.

If you like the simple act of taking in your surroundings and watching the world go by, you can do just that at one of the many cafes or restaurants in the square. The surrounding streets have lots more cafes as well so you have any number of venues to choose from to spend some time in.

The square itself is also home to the National Monument. This commemorates the people who lost their lives in World War II, and it is well worth a look. If you are in Amsterdam on the 4th May, go along to see the remembrance ceremony that takes place there.

Any visit to Amsterdam is well worth starting at Dam Square. Most of the other main sights are easily accessible from here too, so you can see the advantage of starting off there. Many major streets fan out from the square as well, so you can explore much of the rest of the city by using this as a good starting point.

Whatever you decide to do in Amsterdam, a visit to Dam Square is an essential thing to have on your list of things to do. Make sure you don’t miss out on it.

The Appeal of the Museum Van Loon

2010-12-29T10:45:00.002Z

As with many major locations all around the world, Amsterdam has a good share of museums to show its many visitors. Some, such as the Anne Frank house, are definitely more famous than others. But this does not mean that those which are lesser known than these famous counterparts are any less worthy of a visit.

One such example you may want to add to your list of things to see and do while you are in Amsterdam is the Museum Van Loon. This is another ordinary house of sorts, situated on the Keizersgracht. It belonged to the family of the same name, Van Loon, back in the 19th century, and as such it provides a fascinating insight into life as it was lived (by some at least) many years ago.

So what can you expect from this house when you step inside? Well it is certainly a fascinating experience because it is a house that will teach you a lot about the family that once lived there. It is still owned by them and indeed they may occasionally be seen in the building, even though no one actually lives there any more. Not all of the areas are open for you to wander through, but those that are will definitely give you a wonderful insight into the Van Loon’s life in Amsterdam all those years ago.

This is a canal house and its interior has changed little since the years when the Van Loon family actually lived there. This untouched interior is one of the reasons why the museum is a must see, because it is quite unique and very evocative. It reveals a time when life was very different, and you can also see the gardens that are nothing if not formal.

This is not a large museum, but it is definitely a living museum. You can see how people lived in these very surroundings, rather than seeing a recreation of a house that was once there. For an authentic 19th century look at life in this little part of Amsterdam, you shouldn’t miss it.

What is the Appeal of Amsterdam?

2010-11-29T10:45:00.002Z

If you are lucky enough to have been to Amsterdam before, you will probably find it hard to encapsulate the appeal of it into just a few words. Furthermore if you have never been you will be wondering why it is such a sought after city for a weekend break.

Let’s see if we can get some answers. Part of the attraction is surely the layout of the city itself. Right at the heart of the city you have all the canals that are laid out in semicircular fashion. It is rather like a rainbow with the canals forming ribbons that sit on top of each other and fan out across the city. Bridges are plentiful in order to make it easy to cross the canals at various points, and this provides a certain charm that is very hard to deny.

Perhaps this is one reason why pedal power is so popular in the city. You can easily hire a bike to get around here, and you will enjoy being able to get out of the car and into the fresh air too. Bikes are definitely the preferred method of travel in the centre of Amsterdam, so you will not be alone as you trundle around the city on one.

The laid back appeal of some parts of Amsterdam also lends it a desirable edge. You can explore the city for sure, but you can also watch it by grabbing a coffee at a roadside café and watching as the people go by. Don’t be surprised if you are captivated and hooked by this activity, as it is very desirable indeed.

Of course you also have specific places that are definitely worth a visit. One of the most popular of all is the house where Anne Frank hid for two years during the Second World War. Many people spend the time looking around this house now while they are in Amsterdam, and they focus on learning more about this young woman’s life.

This is just a taster of what you can see and do while in Amsterdam, but it does illustrate just how appealing the city is in many ways.

Visiting the Vondelpark

2010-10-29T12:30:00.002Z

Okay so we are thinking of visiting and exploring Amsterdam – and why not? It certainly has plenty of delightful things to do while you are there.

But you will probably be thinking of canals, impeccably tall town houses crowding around the edges, and people on bicycles traversing the bridges and getting to all those parts of Amsterdam they may not see otherwise.

The chances are you wouldn’t initially think of wide open spaces and plenty of lush greenery. But this is exactly what you will get when you visit the Vondelpark – a park that receives millions of visitors every single year.

When you see it for yourself you will see why it gets so many visitors. Spread out and sprawling over a hundred and twenty acres, it gives you a totally different view of the delightful city of Amsterdam. It would be easy to spend all your time exploring streets and canals, but if you did you would miss out on alternative beauties just like this.

The park takes its name from an author whose surname was Vondel. It has been open since 1865 and it has easily captivated the hearts and minds of millions since then. The park is supremely easy to find, since it is near some of the most famous museums in Amsterdam, including the Van Gogh Museum. It also holds the title of being the biggest park in the city, so as you can see it has a lot going for it. Perhaps this is partly why it is so popular.

However it is not the only reason. There are countless areas for the kids to play in and you can even enjoy an open air theatre here during the summer months, all provided completely free of charge.

When the park was opened back in 1865 it only extended out to around twenty acres. It was the success of the park that led to it taking over the huge space that it does today, ready for everyone from Amsterdam and far beyond to come and enjoy. Wouldn’t you like to spend some time in one of the best locations in Amsterdam while you are there?

Get Pedalling In Amsterdam

2010-09-29T13:38:00.002Z

Some cities virtually beg you to do certain things. For instance you couldn’t really visit London without seeing Buckingham Palace. Paris begs you to walk along the Seine and go up the Eiffel Tower.

Amsterdam too has things you absolutely must do. For instance you should definitely hire a bike to get out and about in a city that absolutely loves bicycles. Since they are so easy to rent for the day, there is no excuse for not hopping into the saddle and trying it out.

The good news is that some bike companies offer guided tours as well as simply hiring the bikes out. This is good if you don’t feel confident at finding your own way, or you simply want to see the best of Amsterdam without missing out on anything. The tours vary in length from just a couple of hours to a half day or more, so make sure you book onto something that will suit your needs.

If you are going to go cycling in Amsterdam it pays to get some practice in at home first. This is particularly applicable if you haven’t been in the saddle for a while. The last thing you want is to have your enjoyment ruined by a sore posterior! Either that or you can take a gel saddle cover with you. Just remember to take it off again before you hand the bike back to the rental company.

There are various kinds of bikes available for rental as well. For instance you could rent one with a picnic basket on the front to carry your lunch for a noon picnic if you like. It is also easy enough to rent out enough bikes for the whole family to go on a day’s touring in and around Amsterdam. What better way could there be to see everything the city has to offer?

You can also take note of places you would like to go back and visit after you have handed your bike back in. It can be the perfect way to explore initially before going back to check it out in more detail. This is just one of the many benefits of getting on your bike in Amsterdam.

The Famous Flower Market Of Amsterdam

2010-08-31T13:09:00.000Z

Have you heard the song “Tulips from Amsterdam”? It’s one of those songs most of us are familiar with, and it takes its inspiration from the love affair that Amsterdam (indeed the entire Netherlands) has with flowers.

If you visit the Flower Market in Amsterdam you’ll also see that it’s not just tulips Amsterdam is known for. This market is one of the most famous of its type in the entire world – and it is also said to be the only one that floats.

That last part isn’t strictly true, although the market itself is right on the Singel canal so you may well feel as if you should be floating. This market also goes by the name Bloemenmarkt, which certainly makes you think of blooming flowers on this famous market stall.

The market boasts several stalls, all devoted to selling flowers, plants and seeds of all kinds. The good news is that while the stalls are famous and attract a lot of attention, they don’t attract high prices. This gives you the opportunity to splash out on a few things if you wish. Make sure you know what you are legally allowed to take home through Customs with you though; this might sound odd but it’s true. Not everything can be taken home to every location.

The stalls are also good for taking some souvenir photos while you are there. It’s easy enough to find the area and wander along the front to browse round the stalls, and you will also have every day of the week except Sundays to visit it.

The Flower Market is a must see place for many tourists who visit Amsterdam. Regardless of what else you want to see and do while you are in town, you should definitely make time to see it. Just spending an hour or two browsing around the stalls and selecting the right bulbs or seeds to take home with you is an experience well worth having.

And who knows, you may even end up growing a little bit of Amsterdam in your own back garden.

A Cruise With A Difference In Amsterdam

2010-07-30T12:49:00.002Z

Now it must surely be a cardinal sin to visit Amsterdam and not take a cruise on their waterways. They are famous for their canals after all, so not taking a cruise would be akin to visiting New York and not seeing the Statue of Liberty. It just isn’t done.

But there are cruises and then there are cruises. You’ll need to think about which type of cruise you would enjoy the most before you head out onto the waterways. And if you are stuck for inspiration, may we suggest just one thing – the St Nicolaas Boat Club.

Admittedly this sounds like a private affair that is not open to tourists. But nothing could be further from the truth. You will be able to sit in a tuindersvlet for starters. That might sound a tad painful but the views you get from these very basic boats are truly second to none. What you lose in the way of style and comfort you definitely gain in the way of views and camaraderie.

These boats are nothing if not basic. Think of a canal boat on a much smaller scale with just the shell of the boat to sit in and nothing else. You are not undercover, but you also aren’t overcrowded with lots of other people either. The small nature of the groups who get on board these boats make the trip far more enjoyable and delightful in many different ways.

The boats do not come with guided tours so if you want to know more about the city as you float along then perhaps another tour would be better for you. But with that said, once you’ve done another tour make sure you come back to this one so you can experience it all over again. The freedom and openness of the view is just spectacular.

Lots of people reckon this is the only boat trip worth having in Amsterdam. Some are very touristy and promotional in nature but this could not be further from that. Small, personal, relaxing and simply getting back to basics – the St Nicolaas Boat Club has a lot to commend it.

A Charming Sight You Could Easily Miss

2010-07-01T09:16:00.002Z

Much of Amsterdam is easy enough to find your way around and there aren’t many places you can easily miss. But one place you might miss out on if you aren’t careful is the Begijnhof.

Okay so it isn’t a word that immediately rolls off the tongue or leads you to make a beeline for the place. What exactly is the Begijnhof? It is a valid question we shall give you an answer to before you head out to discover it for yourself.

Put simply, the Begijnhof is an inner court. None the wiser? Okay let’s give you some more information. The word Begijnhof derives from the word beguinage, which is used to describe a series of buildings used by lay sisterhoods.

But there comes a time when descriptions really don’t do this place justice. It is a curious place and while it is not the only inner court in Amsterdam, it is the oldest. It dates back to Middle Ages, which is why you will find it right in the centre of Amsterdam. Head for the canal right at the middle and you will be getting close.

There are two notable facts about the Begijnhof that are worth mentioning. Firstly you may notice that the Begijnhof is not at the same level as the rest of the buildings in the city. It lies around a metre below them, indicating where the old streets used to be during mediaeval times. Secondly it is quite stunning – an oasis of calm amid the rest of the city.

There is a delightfully lush green garden in the middle of all the houses, which crowd around the outsides of it. This is really a stunningly beautiful place but it is no wonder so many tourists miss it, because of its closed off nature. If you do find it and make your way around the area, be sure to keep quiet as this is a tranquil place of peace. Finally, be sure to look out for the wooden house. This is the oldest one of its type in Amsterdam and it is nearly six hundred years old. Who says wood doesn’t stand the test of time?

Have You Seen Madame Tussauds In Amsterdam?

2010-06-01T07:26:00.002Z

Yes, it doesn’t just exist in London. If you are visiting Amsterdam you can see their branch of Madame Tussauds as well.

As the name might suggest, Madame Tussaud was actually French and was a wax sculptor who started her collection of famous and infamous figures way back in 1777. The popularity of her sculptures led to several collections being set up in locations all around the world, many of them long after her death. One of these locations is in Amsterdam.

The venue itself is easy enough to find because it is right in the middle of Amsterdam. You can find it on Dam Square, which Dam Rak leads to as you come out of the Centraal station. The museum has long opening hours so whenever you turn up to see what – or who – is inside, you will have lots of time to explore.

And just who can you meet when you arrive at Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam? Well you can rub shoulders with some very famous figures indeed, including some that are unique to Amsterdam itself. You can expect to see Jan Smit, Joop van den Ende, Freedy Heineken and many more figures that can only be seen in the Amsterdam attraction because of their links with the country. But there are other world famous figures to be found here as well; the royalty section is particularly notable for this reason.

You can see Princess Diana in the museum, alongside Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Beatrix. As far as the latter is concerned, this could be your best chance of standing next to the current Queen of the Netherlands!

Various musicians are another popular exhibit here in Amsterdam. You can see Madonna up close, as well as the likes of Robbie Williams and even the late and lamented Elvis.

And as well as seeing political leaders including the current US President Barack Obama, you can also see Madame Tussaud herself. Immortalised in wax, this is the woman we have to thank for the ability to see plenty of different figures from all corners of the world – and of history. She has certainly made a lasting impression herself.

Experiencing The Café Culture In Amsterdam

2010-05-03T09:16:00.002Z

There is no doubt about it – Amsterdam is an inherently beautiful city. This is somewhere that you can never get tired of, purely because of the range of delights and sights it has to show you.

But you don’t always have to go from A to B to see the best of Amsterdam. Sometimes the nicest and the most relaxing thing you can do is to find a good looking café and grab a coffee. This enables you to sit back and watch the world go by, giving you an altogether different insight into Amsterdam and what it is all about.

The whole point of this activity is that it tells you a lot about the people who live and work in the city, as well as those who are just visiting. You might think this is something of a strange activity but in fact it is well known that people watching is a popular activity in the city. There are plenty of cafes and venues to choose from as well. Whether you just want a nice strong coffee or something more filling such as breakfast or a sandwich at lunch, you’ll find what you need without having to venture too far.

You can watch the canal boats and cruises making their way along the canals that make up an essential and famous part of this beautiful city. Alternatively you might want to focus on which attractions you can see around the area you choose to sit and drink your coffee in. This is a great way to enjoy your first few moments in Amsterdam as well, since you can grab a guidebook and figure out where you are and what is close by.

Another benefit to visiting some of Amsterdam’s many cafes is the fact that you don’t have to worry if the weather turns nasty. Plenty of the cafes have covered sections and you can of course sit inside as well. The point is that you don’t have to worry about how you will manage if the weather is bad – Amsterdam is always a delight to simply sit and watch, even if the sun isn’t out.

Explore The Life Of Van Gogh

2010-04-01T07:34:00.002Z

Not every artist has a museum dedicated to their life and work that is named after them as well. But Vincent Van Gogh is one such artist who has been accorded this honour, and the museum itself can be found in Amsterdam.

It is a key attraction as far as the tourists are concerned, with thousands of them visiting it every year. If you have never seen a Van Gogh painting before now is your chance, as there are lots of them in the museum for everyone to see.

There are other paintings from other notable artists in the museum as well, but the onus is always on Van Gogh himself. You will see how his paintings changed throughout his life, and how he moved through five distinct phases. Each and every phase has its own area within the museum so you can explore each one in turn as Van Gogh went through his life.

As with many museums there are both special exhibitions and permanent exhibitions on display here. But the main body of the museum is always on show and you can explore the years from 1880 to the 1890s through Van Gogh’s eyes.

There are also many different media that Van Gogh used in his works, and you can see them all in the museum. There are some stunning drawings here as well as many different types of paintings. For example you can see some self portraits as well as portraits of other people. The still life section gives us another look at some famous images as well, including the Sunflowers painting.

You will feel as if you are stepping straight into Van Gogh’s life when you visit the museum. It is small wonder it is so popular with tourists as it packs a lot in for you to appreciate. The museum is easy to find and there are actually two other museums nearby as well – the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum. So you can combine a trip to the Van Gogh Museum with a look at these other two venues as well if you wish.

Cross The Magere Brug

2010-03-02T14:02:00.002Z

Every city has bridges to help those who live, work and visit it get from one part of the city to another. Amsterdam probably has more bridges and crossings than many other cities, purely because of the sheer number of canals that form such an integral part of the city itself.

And you must cross the Magere Brug while you are there because of the history and the fame this particular bridge has. It is commonly and affectionately known as the Skinny Bridge, but when you look at it you might wonder why it has this name.

The answer goes back to the year 1691, when the very first bridge in this spot crossed the river. At this time the bridge was indeed very narrow, which is why it earned the nickname that would stay with it for a long time to come – possibly forever.

Nowadays the bridge is eye catching and draws the opportunity for visitors to take photos to take back home with them. It is intriguing because of the design, which has a central section built very differently from the rest of it. The bridge is of a Dutch design and it is called a balanced bridge. The centre section is called a bascule bridge because of the way it opens up to let river traffic through, without the rest of the bridge moving.

The best part about the Magere Brug – other than the beauty of the design – is that it has no cars or other traffic on it of this nature. Instead you can enjoy the bridge with other pedestrians and with cyclists – and that is all. The bridge has hundreds of lights across its span as well, so if you pay a visit after dark you will see it in another way altogether. It is well worth visiting both during daylight and once it has got dark, so you can appreciate it at different times of the day.

Needless to say if you ever have the chance to see it rise up to let a boat pass underneath, be sure to see that too.

Wander Round The Canal Ring In Amsterdam

2010-01-29T10:47:00.002Z

Amsterdam is well known for having canals as an integral part of the city. But there is more to it than that. These canals not only form a key part of how Amsterdam looks, they also give it a great deal of atmosphere. For this reason alone you should definitely make a beeline for the canal ring as soon as you arrive.

The main canals are the Herengracht, the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht. If you visit Google Maps and type in a search for the Amsterdam canal ring, you will see the city from above and it clearly shows how the three canals form the characteristic rings round the city.

It is strange to see but the canals have actually formed lots of islands in the city, which is why you will see lots of bridges you can wander across to get from one part to another.

One other aspect of this part of Amsterdam that won’t go unnoticed is the fact that the houses are narrow and very tall. This has given the city some of its undisputed character and yet the reason for this was purely monetary in nature. When the houses were built many years ago, the owners were taxed according to how wide their houses were. It didn’t matter if they were extremely high, so of course everyone built narrowly and went up as far as they could.

There are new sights to see around every single corner in the canal ring area of Amsterdam. The best way to see it all is to hire a bicycle and travel as the city’s residents often do. In fact many residents opt to use bicycles rather than driving a car, which means you can hire a bike and explore the city quite safely.

As soon as you arrive in the city you will notice the huge number of bicycles around. And there is no doubt that you can get around a lot more of the canal ring area if you are pedalling rather than walking. So make the most of it – there is a lot to commend this stunning area.

Experience The History Of The Royal Palace

2009-12-15T08:32:00.002Z

If a city has a palace, you simply have to see it. And Amsterdam is no exception to the rule.

And as with all royal palaces, the one in Amsterdam stands majestically out against its surroundings. What’s more if you plan to go inside for the tour that is available you will see it at its best after a recent renovation. It was closed for a few years but has now opened its doors again to welcome visitors from all around the globe.

The history of the Royal Palace stretches back to the year 1655. In the four hundred and fifty years since it was first opened as the Town Hall, it has seen many changes and alterations. One of the most famous parts of the whole building is the balcony, on which several members of the royal family have been seen. One of the best examples was the wedding of Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima back in 2002.

The palace itself can be found in Dam Square. This dates back to the 13th century and it is never a quiet place to be. You’ll find people here no matter when you visit, and you should note that it is worth seeing both the square and the palace both by day and at night to get the best of both.

One thing you cannot do is to stand outside the palace and wonder what the Royal Family are doing inside. This is because they do not live in the palace itself. Certain royal attractions and events still take place here from time to time though.

So while the odds of seeing royalty are very slim you shouldn’t let that put you off making the trip to the square. And of course there is plenty more to do as well, including a trip to Madame Tussauds. You can meet some of the most famous Dutch characters in here at least, even if you cannot see them in the flesh.

When is your next trip to Amsterdam booked? Whenever it is, make sure the Royal Palace is a key part of it.

Relive The Life Of Anne Frank

2009-10-15T13:22:00.002Z

What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam?

You’re probably thinking of canals, and they are definitely an integral and memorable part of this European city. But there are two more words – a name in fact – that will be instantly and profoundly familiar to you.

That name is Anne Frank.

If you are familiar with the details concerning Anne’s life, you will know that the house she hid in with her family is in Amsterdam. What you may not be aware of is the fact that you can now visit it. It makes for a memorable and emotional journey – and one that is well worth taking.

The house itself is on Prinsengracht 263. If you have read Anne’s diary and you have seen pictures of the house, you may even recognise it from the outside. But if not you won’t fail to be amazed at what you find inside.

Not only can you go into the Secret Annexe where Anne and her family sought refuge during the Second World War, you can also see her diary – the one that was eventually published for millions to read. The house was turned into a museum in 1960 – only fifteen years after Anne’s father came back to the city. He was the only person who had hidden in the Secret Annexe to survive the discovery and see out the end of the war.

A visit to the house won’t be a day long affair. It is rather short but no less intriguing or fascinating because of that. It is a direct look back into a period of history, and a record of that time made by a young girl who couldn’t have guessed so many people would read her private thoughts.

And once you have left, you can enjoy a stroll along the rest of the Prinsengracht. It is a beautiful street both by day and night with the canal running along the middle, and many people even now walk past that building without realising how important it once was to one Jewish family.

Boat Tours the Perfect Way to see Amsterdam

2007-06-19T08:49:00.000Z

15 June 2007

Combine soft music with a glass of bubbly and the night comes alive in one of Europe’s favourite cities. But I was doing neither as my canal cruise boat chugged under one of Amsterdam’s 1,281 bridges.

No, my boat ride was what the company calls a “Fun hop on, hop off” canal cruise, the blue-collar version of the more pampered jaunts available to visitors to the Dutch capital.

As its name suggests, this regular service snakes through the city’s complex network of canals, briefly stopping at key tourist sites to let passengers on and off.

I had boarded near the Central Rail Station, and my 12-euro ticket (about $20) was good for a whole day of cruising and exploring. I’d planned to take in a couple of museums, do lunch and maybe try to fit in some shopping before heading back to the hotel for a pre-dinner shower.

For a city with just about as many bikes as people (600,000 and 750,000 respectively), Amsterdam’s crowded streets need to be approached with caution by pedestrians. On the other hand, with its 165 canals, adding up to 100 kilometres of waterways, the city invites exploration by boat.

To think it all started with a population having to deal with swamps, storm surges and the threat of constant flooding from a brooding North Sea. If ever a city won a prize for coming to grips with its water problem, it would be in the running for a gold medal.

Amsterdam residents have become comfortable making their homes below sea level, while the drainage canals have become crucial water highways for commerce and tourism.

From boat level — away from the street noise and traffic — Amsterdam’s array of 17th and 18th century architecture takes on extra charm.

This tranquility has not been lost on those who live aboard the estimated 2,500 houseboats permanently moored along the canals. Taxed and governed like their dry-land cousins, each houseboat owner claims rights to a designated part of the canal system.

For tourists, the city’s fleet of more than 100 glass-topped cruise boats, together with a sizable number of smaller and more intimate touring vessels, offer a tempting variety of cruise options.

From small water taxis, which will transport you anywhere along the canal network, to hour-long guided cruises that take in some of the city’s venerated historic sites, boat excursions are de rigueur for both first-time and veteran visitors.

My cruise pass took me along a canal system that included many of Amsterdam’s more popular sites — Anne Frank House, Rembrandt House, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the bustling flea market and the city’s famous floating flower market.

If you’re looking for a short but pleasant overview of the city to get your bearings, cruise companies offer hour-long cruises with commentaries that start around 11 euros and take in many famous landmarks.

A guided two-hour candlelight cruise will set you back 27 euros (children aged four-12, 17.50 euros), and includes wine and cheese.

Other specialized boat adventures include architectural cruises and windmill tours, which often also have a bus travel component. If you’re keen on music, you might want to check out the Jazz Cruise, where a live band performs as you party with unlimited wine and cheese. One entrepreneur has even started an all-you-can-eat pizza cruise.

More upscale and refined, perhaps, but for about 70 euros (45 euros for children) you can join a candlelight cruise, where chilled white wine and a sumptuous four-course meal are part of the on-board dining adventure.

Expensive maybe, but this dining excursion can quickly take the edge off even the hardest day of sightseeing.

2,000 Naked Women in Amsterdam

2007-06-04T10:11:00.001Z

4th June 2007

Dozens of women posed naked on their bicycles on a bridge over one of Amsterdam's historic canals yesterday - a unique sight even in a city famed for its relaxed attitude toward nudity and sex.

They were among 2,000 men and women who participated in a series of four nude group photos in the city in the early hours of the morning as part of the latest project of U.S. photographer Spencer Tunick.

Tunick, from Brooklyn, N.Y., has become famous for photographing thousands of naked people in public settings worldwide.

Naked -2,000 of them - in Amsterdam

2007-06-04T10:11:00.000Z

4th June 2007

Dozens of women posed naked on their bicycles on a bridge over one of Amsterdam's historic canals yesterday - a unique sight even in a city famed for its relaxed attitude toward nudity and sex.
They were among 2,000 men and women who participated in a series of four nude group photos in the city in the early hours of the morning as part of the latest project of U.S. photographer Spencer Tunick.

Tunick, from Brooklyn, N.Y., has become famous for photographing thousands of naked people in public settings worldwide. *

Several Million Visitors to Arrive in Amsterdam to Party in the Name of the Queen of Orange

2007-04-30T11:07:00.000Z

23 May 2007

Based on past year’s turnout and a drastic increase in Netherlands hotel bookings reported by www.eurobookings.com, millions of people will pour into the streets of Amsterdam on April 30th to celebrate the birthday of the Queen of the Netherlands.

'This event has become hugely popular for people all over the world. Right now there are only 8 hotels available of the 287 in the city of Amsterdam. Judging by our hotel bookings statistics, most people will come in 5-10 days before Queensday and during the first week of May,' says Marcel Stillekens, co-owner of EuroBookings.com.

Queensday, called Koninginnedag in Dutch, is a national holiday in the Netherlands to honour the birthday of the queen of the house of orange. The tradition began in 1909 to celebrate Queen Juliana who would visit two local towns and receive celebrations in her honour. Over the years has become a day of partying that draws travelers from all over the world.

The day itself brings a festive open air party in the streets of Amsterdam where locals set up roadside flea market shops and various folkloric performance take place throughout the city. On Queensday, nearly everyone can be seen wearing bright orange in honor of the House of Orange, the name of the current Dutch dynasty.

Statistics reveal that the event attracts between 500,000 to 2 million visitors to the city each year. 'Queensday lasts only one day, but with so many fun-seeking travelers in the city at once, there is a buzz of energy that begins around the 20th and that extends into the first week of May,' Stillekens says.

With more than a week until Queensday, only 2% of Amsterdam hotels are available for booking. Stillekens urges travellers who haven't yet made hotel reservations to do so quickly.

Europe Polishes Old Attractions For 2007

2007-04-16T09:45:00.000Z

16 April 2007

The Netherlands

Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, full of artwork by Dutch Masters, is still under renovation, probably through 2009. Most of the building is closed, but Rembrandt's Night Watch and the rest of its most popular paintings are on display in its Philips Wing.

Great Britain

In London, consider buying an Oyster card to get discounted rides on the city buses and the Tube (subway). The hard plastic transit pass costs about $6 plus an initial credit payment of about $20. You can reload it.

Three London museums have been overhauled. The British Library now dedicates a special room to the Magna Carta, the landmark 1215 document reminding the English king that he wasn't above the law. The Victoria & Albert Museum reopened its Islamic Room and added a new cafe. And the Tate Modern rehung its entire modern art collection. Admission to each of these sights is free.

Bath, named and famous for its mineral baths, hasn't had a functioning hot-springs bath for several decades. Now the town finally has a first-class place to soak. The new Thermae Bath Spa opened after years of delays.

Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Theatre will close in spring and reopen in 2010 with a more actor-friendly stage. Until then, the Royal Shakespeare Company (www.rsc.org.uk) will perform at Stratford's Courtyard Theatre.

Ireland

Dublin's National Museum split into two branches. Its impressive history exhibit moved from the branch at Kildare Street to the branch at Benburb Street.

The Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Center, long a regular stop for bus tours, no longer is open. But the town has a new cultural attraction: "Trad on the Prom," a high-energy traditional music and dance troupe started by Galway-born performers who toured with Riverdance.

For a more comprehensive guide and more information viist Dallas News

Visitors Flood Red-Light District's Open Day

2007-04-02T15:10:00.000Z

Amsterdam's sex workers came to work early on Saturday to offer a free look at the city's famed red-light district.

Hundreds of wide-eyed visitors queued in the sunshine to enter the dimly-lit sex clubs and peep shows that draw thousands to the city and to snoop around prostitutes' neon-lit boudoirs.

"I think the open day is a great idea," said Love, an erotic dancer at Amsterdam's Banana Bar, who was on hand to answer questions and pose for photographs in fluorescent negligee.

"It is especially interesting for women. If they learn what we do here they will realise it is not a big deal if their husbands or boyfriends want to come here."

Organisers staged the open day to counter bad publicity surrounding the 800-year-old district after harrowing reports of forced prostitution, human trafficking and organised crime.

More than 30 brothels are fighting closure after officials revoked their licences last year over suspected links to money laundering and drug dealing.

But tourism authorities say the district – a warren of narrow alleys and canals lined with sex shops, brothels and neon signs – is as big an attraction as Amsterdam's art museums and coffee shops, where marijuana is freely smoked and sold.

Every night visitors throng the streets, and oggle at scantily clad women sitting behind huge red-lit windows, and who sell their services for as little as €50.

"I am here because my wife was interested in coming along," said 63-year-old Evert Rijnders from Haarlem.

His wife Jos added: "This has been a chance to look behind the scenes, and some things have definitely surprised me."

Organiser Jacco Wanders displayed a typical prostitute's bedroom, usually concealed behind red velvet curtains and fitted with an emergency alarm bell in case a client turns violent.

He laughed as visitors posed in the tall street-facing window or bounced around on the mattress.

"This day is to help break down taboos around prostitution and to create more understanding and respect," he said.

The "open day" concludes with the unveiling of a statue to an unknown sex worker, intended to honour those employed in the industry world-wide, including those without the same protection found in the Netherlands, where prostitution is legal.

Amsterdam's window-prostitutes are self-employed tax payers, hiring their own windows at around 110 euros per night. "People who work in the sex industry don't get enough respect," said Mariska Majoor, a former prostitute who now runs the red-light district's information centre.

"There are millions of them and many are in trouble. Some are abused by clients or pimps and it is important for them to know that they deserve respect."

Tussauds sold to Merlin Entertainments for £1 billion

2007-03-06T10:43:00.001Z

5 March 2007

Dubai International Capital has sold Tussauds Group, the company known worldwide for its Madame Tussauds wax museum and London Eye tourist attractions in London, to Merlin Entertainments, which owns Legoland and other entertainment properties. The price: £1.03 billion (approximately Rs8,885.81 crore). DIC will retain a 20 per cent stake in the combined entity.

Merlin, majority-owned by private equity capital group Blackstone and partly owned by LEGO Holding/KIRKBI groups, operates 38 attractions worldwide. Its brands include Legoland, Sea Life, Gardaland and Earth Explorer.

Tussauds Group consists of London city centre attractions (six Madame Tussauds - London, New York, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Shanghai and Hong Kong; the British Airways London Eye, and Warwick Castle); and theme parks (Alton Towers; Thorpe Park; Chessington World of Adventures in the UK and Heide Park in Germany).

Exciting combination
Merlin and Tussauds together attracted 30 million visitors to their 50 attractions and four hotels in 2006. Merlin says the Tussauds acquisition would make it the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator after Disney. The two firms operate in 12 countries and employ more than 13,000 people.

Says Merlin's chief executive Nick Varney: "The combination of the Merlin and Tussauds brands, people, and operating expertise will create an exciting and world-beating global entertainment company." He adds: "With such iconic brands, the expanded Merlin will not only have strong development potential, but also an amazingly robust and high value portfolio. Our ambition is to build on this to become the world leader in location-based, branded, family entertainment."

According to Varney, "The deal is a major strategic move for Merlin which has already seen the most successful and dynamic growth in the sector over the last five years. It not only expands our business both geographically and demographically, but also underlines our objective to build a balanced portfolio. The combined group also has the resources and expertise to focus on accelerating current expansion plans for all the brands, particularly in North America."

The deal will give a boost to Tussauds Group's growth plans, including, according to its chief executive Peter Phillipson, the London Eye and the theme parks, and the launching of Madame Tussauds in other cities in the world.

Says Phillipson, "Under DIC's ownership, we have continued to make significant progress against our strategic objectives. We have acquired the British Airways London Eye, continued the international rollout of Madame Tussauds, and the construction of hotels at Chessington and Heide Park is progressing well."

He adds: "Joining forces with Merlin represents a very exciting opportunity to develop these brands as part of the world's second largest visitor attractions business. The combined group will be in an excellent position to continue the development of The London Eye and our theme parks, as well as accelerate the rollout of Madame Tussauds around the world. I am very much looking forward to working closely with Nick Varney to build a great business for our staff, customers and shareholders."

For more information visit domain-b.com

Let easyJet Propose the Best Place to go this Valentine’s

2007-02-06T11:19:00.001Z

Whatever language, whatever city, whatever destination, you can enjoy the romance that surrounds Valentine’s Day. You could enjoy a candlelit dinner in Venice, a romantic trip along the Danube in Budapest or lock yourself away in a romantic castle in Scotland.

easyJet has identified the lovers’ choice of destinations across the network to help you decide the best place to pop the question this year.

When you arrive in Amsterdam, you will be amazed at the colourful surroundings that greet you. Lively boutiques, cozy cafés and cobbled lanes draped with the famous flower stalls releasing a seasonal bouquet into the crisp February breeze.

Modern galleries such as the Cobra Museum of Modern Art, exhibiting Picasso, will have you amazed at the beautiful arts on offer through the centuries, offering a chance to share that special moment with your loved one.

Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan outlook is reflected in the wealth of its international cuisine. So whether you are homesick for your own style of cooking, you will be excited by the culinary adventure that greets you.

easyJet flies to Amsterdam from London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Bristol, Edinburgh, Belfast and Liverpool with prices from £22.99 one-way (incl. taxes).

For more destinations and offers visit:

http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Flights/easyJet/article-96194.html

Turkish Cultural Festival goes Dutch

2007-01-30T11:16:00.001Z

The festival takes place in venues across Amsterdam and Rotterdam and will present a view of today’s modern Turkey with a rich program reflecting the country’s culture.

For the next three months, tens of thousands of Dutch citizens will be transported to Turkey as scores of stellar Turkish talents make their way to the Netherlands to perform in the Turkey Now Festival. Turkish chanteuse Sezen Aksu will kick off the the festival next week with a sold-out concert in Amsterdam.

Turkey Now will take place in eight different venues in Amsterdam and Rotterdam between January 29-April 21 and will feature more than 25 events, from classical and world music to jazz and pop, as well as theatre, dance and film.

Aksu's opening concert will be on January 29 at Amsterdam's Concertgebouw Concert Hall, reputedly one of the three best concert halls in the world. On this special night Aksu will be accompanied by the Metropole Orchestra conducted by Arjan Tien and an eight-person Turkish classical instrumental group conducted by Ozan Doğulu.

Among the guests will be Turkish Ambassador to the Netherlands Selahattin Alpar and Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen.

Aksu and the Metropole Orchestra will give a second sold-out concert on January 30 in Rotterdam.

Distinguished Turkish performers include acclaimed pianist Fazıl Say and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ankara State Opera and Ballet, the Borusan Chamber Orchestra, Mercan Dede and Turkish rapper Ceza.

The festival will also feature Turkish clarinetist Hüsnü Şenlendirici and the famous Serbian group Balkanopolis with Uğur Işık and the Erik van der Westen duo.

Amsterdam ranked the world's 11th best city

2007-01-25T15:33:00.000Z

The brand 'Amsterdam' has been given high marks worldwide.

In an image survey of sixty metropolises, the Dutch capital ranked 11th and is generally seen as a city with beautiful buildings and parks, affordability for tourists and a place where guests receive a warm welcome.

That emerged from the 'Anholt City Brand Index' that international government advisor, Simon Anholt, carried out for the second time this year.

A group of 15,255 people were asked how they thought life would be in a specific city.

The first place on the list was Sydney and, thus, the Australian city pushed London from first into second place. The third place is for Paris.

The study shows that Amsterdam has a stable image and that the assessment has, for all intents and purposes, not changed in comparison to last year.

At that time, Amsterdam even ended in sixth place, but only 30 cities had been included in the study.

The city receives the highest marks in the area of basic needs for a resident or tourist.

The accommodations are affordable and the public facilities such as schools, hospitals, public transportation and sports facilities are also well taken care of, according to those questioned. In this area, Amsterdam is in sixth place among the cities of the world.

Amsterdam Cleans up its Act

2007-01-15T16:31:00.000Z

The famous red light district in Amsterdam is a haven for organised crime, according to the city council at least. Not so, say brothel owners who are resisting the capital's crackdown. Nicola Smith investigates further.

One third of the famous 'window' brothels and sex clubs of Amsterdam are facing closure after the city council recently refused to renew 33 licences in a crackdown against organised crime.
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The narrow alleyways of Amsterdam's red light district have attracted prostitutes and their clients since the 17th century and have now become a major tourist attraction.

But the council edict could change the face of the area, removing the sight of scantily clad women beckoning custom in the glow of the street windows' neon lights.

City councillors say the clampdown is necessary to tackle suspected money laundering in some brothels. Some human rights groups claim the move also shows resolve to fight the trafficking of women and forced prostitution.

For more information visit expatica.com

easyJet Announces Expansion from Edinburgh

2007-01-08T17:07:00.001Z

easyJet, Europe's leading low-fares airline, has announced it would be investing further in its Edinburgh operation and bringing more low fares to Scotland by introducing three new direct European routes from Edinburgh Airport and increasing frequency to Amsterdam next spring.

The daily services to Milan and Madrid and twice weekly Palma flight will bring the number of destinations served by easyJet from its Edinburgh base to 12 and represents a capacity increase of 10%. The airline expects to carry close to 200,000 passengers on these routes in the first 12 months of operation.

This announcement comes just weeks after the low-cost airline unveiled plans to operate a daily service to Munich, which will commence on 4 April. The introduction of these new routes is a result of the airline’s commitment to the Scottish market and the additional investment in a fourth aircraft at the Edinburgh base.

At a press conference at Edinburgh Airport today, David Osborne, easyJet’s UK General Manager, commented: "2006 has been has been a great year for easyJet in Scotland, we saw significant growth at our base in Glasgow and we are now welcoming 2007 with huge expansion at our Edinburgh base.

We expect the new routes to Madrid, Milan, Munich and Palma to attract not only outbound leisure passengers and boost incoming tourism to the region, but will also help Scotland develop its business links with these key European business centres.

easyJet is committed to Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole and we look forward to launching these routes in the spring."

The daily Edinburgh - Madrid service that commences on 25 February and the daily Milan service that commences on 21 May are a result of investment from the Scottish Executive, in the form of the route development fund. This is a scheme introduced to support new direct air links, which will bring economic benefits to Scotland. easyJet will also benefit from funding, in the form of marketing support, from VisitScotland, to help promote Scotland as a destination in Spain and Italy.

Madrid, Milan and Munich are attractive city break destinations, and are also expected to be popular with business passengers providing a vital link between Scotland and the two cities. Whilst the Palma flight will offer families the chance to take advantage of easyJet's famously low fares for a little summer sun.

Edinburgh Airport Managing Director, Richard Jeffrey, said: "We are delighted to welcome easyJet’s announcement of three new services to Madrid, Milan and Palma which, on top of its recent announcement of a new route to Munich, further underlines the airline’s commitment to its operation at Edinburgh.

"We are confident that these new services will prove extremely popular amongst our passengers, whether they are travelling on business or leisure. It’s also great news for further encouraging inbound tourism to Scotland.

"The route to Madrid will be our first scheduled service to the city, which is known for its culture and vibrancy, and we believe will be important in further strengthening trade links with the Spanish capital.

"We look forward to working with e asyJet to ensure all these new services mirror the success of its existing routes at Edinburgh"

Not only will these routes provide Scots with new opportunities to travel, they will also bring Italian, Spanish and German tourists to the city.

Earlier this year easyJet also significantly expanded its operation from its Glasgow base launching four new direct European routes and basing an additional aircraft at the airport. In July 2006 the low-cost airline also converted its fleet at both its Glasgow and Edinburgh bases into solely Airbus operations with brand new 319 aircraft, demonstrating further commitment to its Scottish bases.

Fare information and route start dates are:

Madrid Daily from 25 February
Single fares, incl. taxes and charges, from £31.99

Milan (Malpensa) Daily from 21 May
Single fares, incl. taxes and charges, from £27.99

Palma (Majorca) Weekly from 5 May, Twice weekly from 10 June
Single fares, incl. taxes and charges, from £31.99

Amsterdam Increasing to two daily from 4 April
Single fares, incl. taxes and charges, from £27.99

Munich Daily from 4 April
Single fares, incl. taxes and charges, from £31.99

For more information visit easier.com

The Best-Known Symbols of Amsterdam

2007-01-08T16:10:00.000Z

Once the best-known symbol of Amsterdam was its network of canals, or the Rijksmuseum. Today it may well be the 'coffee shop'. There are nearly 300 establishments with the sign 'Coffee Shop' in the city, and they draw tourists - specially young tourists - from across Europe in droves. They all know 'coffee shop' is a euphemism, though coffee is available there, should one ask for it. What people go to these so called coffee shops for, however, is cannabis, marijuana, hash.

The Netherlands is the only country where soft drugs are practically legal. Practically, because their purchase - by those more than 18 years old for their personal use alone, and restricted to a maximum of five grams per sale - is allowed by law, as is their sale by the coffee shops. But their purchase by the coffee shops from the manufacturers is illegal. That may sound confusing, but to users it makes little difference. Amsterdam is the soft drugs city.

There has been much debate over this semi-legalising of cannabis. There have been studies which showed it has not made much of a difference to locals. The legalising of the drug has removed the aura of 'forbidden fruit' from around it, rendering it less attractive. The use of cannabis is lower in the Netherlands than in the United Kingdom, for example, where it remains illegal, yet very easily available.

Amsterdam's residents are by and large proud of their city's liberal attitude. But civic authorities are also a little worried about the 'drug tourism' that the legalising of cannabis has led to. They have tried to tackle it, but in the same liberal spirit the city is famous for. Discount vouchers for various museums and other tourist attractions in Amsterdam are left lying around in the coffee shops. By doing so, the authorities hope young foreigners will be drawn to other, more interesting places in the city as well.

Set Sail in Amsterdam

2006-12-19T15:33:00.000Z

Sailing enthusiasts looking for a spring treat in 2007 could fly to Amsterdam for the annual HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show.

Between March 6th and 11th, tens of thousands of visitors will descend on the city's Amsterdam RAI venue to look at and buy boats and accessories of most models, shapes, colours and sizes.

A series of events will also be put on to complement the massive display of sailing vessels, with a pavilion dedicated to maritime history to be set up, as well as award ceremonies for innovation and the boat of the year.

With almost 400 exhibitors attending last year's show, boat lovers heading to Amsterdam next year will find much to occupy them, whether they are looking to purchase a boat or simply stroll around at leisure.

Visitors to Amsterdam will also be well placed to discover the delights of this Dutch city, which boasts numerous attractions, bars, restaurants, shopping facilities and more.

For more information visit justtheflight.co.uk

Travel-Hungry Brits Favour Christmas Overseas

2006-12-04T16:24:00.001Z

Brits are increasingly favouring going overseas for Christmas and New Year's celebrations, a new survey reveals. Over half the country would rather go overseas for Christmas than stay at home, and as much as 88 per cent would rather go to Sydney or New York rather than London to see in the new year.

And as many as 43 per cent say the main reason they want to go overseas in the run-up to Christmas is to do their festive shopping.

'These survey results show the importance of travel in our lives and with such reasonable travel offers available over the Christmas period, more people than ever before are being tempted into going abroad to do their Christmas shopping,' commented Neil Mott of Opodo, who conducted the research.

'Plus, shopping abroad makes it that much easier to find that all-important Christmas gift that nobody else is going to have bought.' The top destination for the 2006 Christmas season was New York, followed by Prague, Paris,Amsterdam and Rome.

Travel Times Slashed as London Gets on the Fast Track to Europe

2006-11-21T16:30:00.001Z

High speed trains will compete with airlines between London and dozens of cities on the Continent from next year, when three missing links in Europe's 186mph rail network will be filled.

Eurostar is joining forces with high-speed rail operators in six European countries to offer through tickets and fast connections.

Journey times from London to Amsterdam, Cologne, Strasbourg and Zurich will be cut by up to two hours, making rail a fast alternative to air travel for the first time in 30 years.

From November 14 next year Eurostar passengers will no longer have to spend the first 30 miles of their journey on slow, suburban lines in South London.

The completion of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, which was renamed High Speed 1 (or HS1) yesterday, will allow Eurostar trains to accelerate to 186mph (300km/h) within minutes of leaving their new terminus at St Pancras. They will reach the Channel Tunnel 70 miles away in half an hour, shaving about 25 minutes off the journey time to Paris and Brussels. London to Paris will take 2 hours and 15 minutes.

With a change of trains at Lille or Brussels, passengers will be able to transfer to two other high-speed lines being completed next year: from Brussels to Amsterdam and from Paris to Strasbourg.

The fastest time between London and Amsterdam will be cut by an hour and 20 minutes to three and a half hours. Train times will be synchronised to allow about 15 minutes to change platforms at Brussels.

Richard Brown, Eurostar's chief executive, said that the cheapest fares between London and Amsterdam would be less than 100 pounds, to compete with budget airlines. Eurostar believes that security measures at airports, which force passengers to arrive earlier for flights, have made rail more attractive.

Flying between London and Amsterdam takes an hour, but the total journey from city centre to city centre takes about the same as high-speed trains will take from the end of next year.

Eurostar is also considering running direct trains from London to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, which serves more destinations than Heathrow and can be much cheaper for transatlantic flights.

Europe's high-speed rail network will be promoted by Rail Team, a new body linking Eurostar with train operators in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Passengers will be able to view a single timetable and book through tickets.

Eurostar will promote itself as the green alternative to air travel. It has published a study which shows that, per passenger, a Eurostar train emits ten times less carbon dioxide than a typical aircraft flying between London and Paris.

Mr Brown said that the average fare would increase slightly from next year but the cheapest return fare of 59 pound would be maintained.

Frequency will be increased, and trains will operate earlier and later, with services reaching Paris or Brussels before 9am.

Eurostar's terminus at Waterloo will close on November 13. Eurostar decided that it would be too expensive to have two London terminals.

Amsterdam Among Europe's Top Five Mid East Outbound Tourism Destinations

2006-11-13T12:40:00.001Z

Harriet Koopman, General Manager of the Radisson SAS Hotel Amsterdam Airport, part of the fast growing Brussels based Rezidor Hotel Group, says hoteliers are already seeing a healthy increase in Middle East occupancy levels and expects the trend to continue.

'Amsterdam is known as one of the world's most colourful and vibrant cities, with a plethora of areas of interest. Its rich history, museums, markets, festivals, vibrant nightlife, cobbled streets, canals and bridges make the Dutch capital one of the most attractive cities in Europe for tourists to visit,' she said.

'We're now seeing a strong increase from the Middle East MICE market and leisure travellers particularly from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.' Radisson SAS has a strong presence in Amsterdam with a hotel in the city and the airport.

Radisson SAS Hotel Amsterdam Airport has 279 rooms, 15 state-of-the-art meeting and events facilities that can cater for up to 900 guests. The hotel in the city has 242 rooms, eight meeting rooms and is close to the main tourist attractions, museums, theatres, shopping areas and the business district.

Rezidor is now looking to roll out its multi-brand strategy in the country and plans to introduce its mid-market property, Park Inn and its luxury brand Regent Hotels.

'There will be more international chains opening up new properties in the city and an increase in inbound tour operators here serving the GCC market,' added Koopman. And the country's national air carrier, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines says it's also aggressively looking at a Middle East expansion strategy over the next12 months to cater for growing demand.

'We will be increasing our seats by 15% from Dammam, Doha and Tehran over the next six months due to a fleet renewal program, replacing the Boeing 767 aircraft with a new Airbus A330-200' said Richard Oliver, General Manager - Gulf, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan, KLM.

'This year we increased flight frequencies from Dubai to Amsterdam, from once a day to 12 times a week. We are now also exploring new Gulf routes.' KLM Royal Dutch Airlines currently flies from seven cities in the Gulf and Iran to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, 43 times a week.

Amsterdam, A City of Design

2006-10-30T11:46:00.000Z

As no other historical city, Amsterdam has succeeded in remaining a contemporary breeding ground for creative talents. The many galleries, studios and museums offer fine jewellery, furniture, glass and ceramic objects, fashion and interior design. Amsterdam's historical ambience, relatively small size, freedom and openness to new ideas is a source of inspiration for both young and renowned artists.

Stedelijk Museum

2006-10-23T11:23:00.000Z

One of Europe's leading museums for modern and contemporary art, it has year-round exhibitions of contemporary artists. It also houses a permanent collection of 'modern classics', including Malevich and Mondriaan.

In 2008 the Stedelijk Museum will reopen on the Museumplein in a new building with a new vision. During the renovation the collection will be on display in a former office building (the Stedelijk Museum CS) on the Oosterdokskade 3-5, near Central Station. All exhibitions at this temporary location are dedicated to contemporary art and design after 1968.

Arrival of Saint Nicholas & Parade

2006-10-16T14:47:00.001Z

19 November 2006

Saint Nicholas arrives in Amsterdam by boat (from Spain) to the canal across from Saint Nicholas Church. Church bells ring out and deafening salutes fill the air as the mayor welcomes the portly, white-bearded saint.

A big parade begins at noon, with brass bands, decorated floats, groups of jesters, cycling clowns, and more. Costumed 'Zwarte Pieten' (Moorish helpers) throw sweets to the crowds of expectant children who line the streets along the Damrak to the Rembrandtplein, ending at the Leidesplein where Sinterklaas addresses crowds of children and parents from a balcony.

For more information visit worldeventsguide.com

Oude Kerk

2006-10-09T09:54:00.000Z

Oude Kerk (Old Church) has origins which date back to the early 13th century, when a wooden church was built on a sandy burial ground. The present Gothic structure is 14th-century and it has grown from a single-aisled church into a basilica.

The Oude Kerk is the oldest church in Amsterdam and is now a centre of cultural activities. The beautiful light through the high windows, the medieval church furnishing, gravestones and the magnificent painted wooden vaults, create a unique atmosphere that befits the buildings' unique history.

Opening times:

Monday to Saturday from 11 am untill 5 pm

Sundays from 1 pm until 5 pm

The church is closed on December 25 and January 1

Camping in Europe

2006-09-19T08:57:00.001Z

Camping in Europe is not the rustic and remote experience that many imagine. In Europe, campgrounds are located near cities. Tents are pitched close together, and campfires are not usually allowed. There are a surprising number of campsites sprinkled throughout Europe, and the campgrounds are rarely full except those directly on popular beaches in the middle of summer.

It is possible to set up camp wherever you decide to stop. In Copenhagen you can camp on the bus route to Tivoli Gardens. Outside Cologne, you can pitch tents on the banks of the Rhine River. In Chiemsee, right on the lake; north of Pisa, on the sandy beach; in Amsterdam, right next to the soccer stadium; at the edge of Munich for Oktoberfest; in a lemon grove outside Sorrento - with views of Vesuvius.

Each time you arrive at a new campsite, you can select your spot, park the van, pitch your tent, roll out the sleeping bags, set up the tables and chairs and then explore the campground. It is fun to get to know the nearby campers, and to figure out the next day's activities.

Yes, this is camping, but camping in relative luxury. European campgrounds are highly developed. Most include showers with hot water, electricity, places to wash dishes and a central bar/general store area where many campers gather each night. Some campsites have swimming pools, restaurants, tennis courts and playing fields. Most campgrounds near major cities and tourist sights also have good transportation from the campground to town.

For more information visit msnbc.msn.com

Tuschinski Theater In Amsterdam

2006-09-11T14:52:00.000Z

The Amsterdam Tuschinski Theater is considered one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. Visitors are very impressed with the thousands of electrical lamps, the marble, the stunning stained glass windows and the exotic objects d'art. The theater opened its doors in 1921 and is a mix of Art Deco and Amsterdam School styles.

Fairy -Tale World

Visitors enter the Tuschinski fairy-tale world on deep-piled carpets. The entrance and the foyer feature stunning decorations, including peacocks, common cranes and butterflies. One of the hall's showpieces is the famous 150-square meter-large hand-knotted carpet. Another striking detail is the cupola. In 1921 this was a huge sensation for the people who came to the theater. Founder Abraham Tuschinski commissioned top artists to incorporate the various styles he loved in the building.

Relaxation

Abraham Tuschinski's dream came true when the theater opened in 1921. He was of the opinion that every person had a right to relaxation. He wanted people to forget their everyday cares and worries in his theater. Tuschinski was built as a theater in which visitors can really enjoy themselves. Various celebrities have entertained the public on the stage in the main auditorium, including Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker.

Main Auditorium

These days Tuschinski is mainly a cinema. The main auditorium, which seats 1290, has many surprises. In the arch over the film screen you will recognize the four elements of water, air, fire and earth. The two figures in the middle lift a dazzling sun above their heads. This sun symbolizes the light of the film projector.

Wall Paintings

The cinema has been renovated a number of times. The most recent restoration was quite a drastic one. The current owner decided to reinstate Tuschinski, a national monument, to its former glory. During the restoration work various stunning 20th-century wall paintings were uncovered. The cinema has now been restored to its original glory and shows the latest movies.

China Southern Shows Off Hot New Flight Attendant Fashions

2006-08-29T10:16:00.001Z

28 August 2006

China Southern Airlines - with the largest and most technically advanced aircraft fleet in The People's Republic of China, is pleased to unveil a chic new collection of Flight Attendant uniforms that would turn heads from the catwalk of any Paris or New York fashion show.

Starting August 28th, China Southern will 'send an unmistakable message to the airline world that we have arrived on the global stage ... and we are here to stay,' said Mr. He Zong Kai, Vice President, China Southern Airlines.

Mr. He added that, 'gone are the old days of Militaristic-style uniforms of one solid color. China Southern has arrived on the International jet set and our new look is a bold statement to say this is who we are in our China Southern Airlines and we are proud of our airline and our people. And we have every right to be. The more than 40,000 staff of China Southern has worked diligently to build our airline company into one of the world's best ... now is the time to strut our stuff!'

More than 18 designs were submitted by fashion designers around the globe with the final models taken from a collection by Mr. Soh.

As part of the fashion statements of his design, the 6,000 China Southern Flight Attendants will be featured in Mr. Soh's concept to create a unique 'Oriental Culture,' one which is harmoniously blended with China Southern's unique individuality as the largest airline of China. The designer took the Orient as his canvas and molded in the aesthetic essence from the East while using functionality from Western elements to craft this charming new identity for China Southern Airlines.

China Southern's new Flight Attendant uniforms have applications of China's best woolen cloth, with shirts from famous Japanese manufacturers and imported clothing including Italian cashmere. All seven variations of Mr. Soh's work are electrostatic and wrinkle-free ... yet are waterproof and breathable.

The largest airline in The People's Republic of China for the past 27 years, China Southern Airlines connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Major business and vacation destinations served in China include: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan and as well as International service, including: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Penang, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.

For more information visit Focus on Travel News

Albert Cuyp

2006-07-11T11:04:00.000Z

Amsterdam's famous day market

Albert Cuyp consists of stalls which line both sides of the Albert Cuyp street. Like many other daymarkets, this icon of Amsterdam street trade sees a shift towards the sale of cheap textiles, which is in part due to stricter legislation regarding the sale of perishables.

However, it still retains some of its old charm though, and especially on a sunny day the Albert Cuyp is a bustling multicultural street filled with the famous Amsterdam humour. Try not to miss the fish vendors, and if you're lucky you might witness a cunning hawker trying to sell you the latest in potato peelers!

Albert Cuyp is open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm (closes earlier in winter, and can close early due to bad weather).

Ajax Amsterdam

2006-06-02T09:15:00.000Z

Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax also referred to as Ajax Amsterdam, AFC Ajax, or simply Ajax (pronounced Ah-yahx), is a football club from Amsterdam, Netherlands. The club is historically one of the top-10 football clubs in the world, and one of the three clubs that dominate Dutch football, the other two being Feyenoord Rotterdam and PSV Eindhoven.

Ajax is one of only four clubs to have won all three major European trophies at least once (the European Champions Cup, the European Cup Winners Cup and the UEFA Cup). They were the first team to win what has become the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Ajax has also expanded its talent searching program to South Africa and the United States with Ajax Cape Town and Ajax Orlando respectively.

Ajax's first stadium was built in 1911 out of wood and was simply called The Stadium. Ajax later played in the stadium that was built for the 1928 Summer Olympics, held in Amsterdam. This stadium, designed by Jan Wils, is simply known as the Olympic Stadium. In 1934, Ajax moved to De Meer Stadion in east Amsterdam, where they would play until 1996. De Meer stadium was an unusually small stadium for such a large club, but the small stadium also created a cozy atmosphere. During big European fixtures the club would often play at the Olympic Stadium, where the capacity was higher.

In 1996, Ajax moved to a new home ground in the southeast of the city known as the Amsterdam ArenA, that was built at the cost of 134 million dollars. The stadium is capable of holding approximately 52,000 people. The average attendance in 2004/05 was 48,600 people. The Arena has a retractable roof and was the example for other modern stadiums built in Europe in the following years. In the Netherlands, the Arena has earned a reputation for having a terrible grass pitch. The condition of the grass is caused by the roof that, even when open, takes away too much sunlight and ventilation from the ground.

The much loved De Meer stadium was torn down and the land was sold to the city council.

Amsterdam Metro / Light Rail Network, Netherlands

2006-04-28T12:04:00.000Z

Amsterdam placed the largest single order for new-generation light rail vehicles as part of a major operation to replace its antiquated fleet of 234 trams which have become increasingly unreliable.

Trams have been on the streets of Amsterdam for many years, but the city gained its first light rail line in 1977, and the network was subsequently extended during the early 1980s. However, cash constraints meant that the full network proposed at that time could not be completed.

The city now has an extensive network of a combination of tramway and light rail routes, but the new order, placed with Siemens in March 2000, saw 150 low floor, single-ended Combino Trams and four double-ended Combino Trams enter service between 2002-03. This new order allowed the withdrawal from service of a large proportion of the fleet of antiquated trams - of which almost a quarter were out of service at the time the order was placed.

GVB, previously under the direct control of Amsterdam City Council, was awarded a Public Transport Operating Franchise in 2005 ahead of the total privatisation of the Netherlands transport systems by 2017. The city has a large interest in ensuring that its light rail system is seen as an attractive form of transport, encouraging people to leave their cars at home, and will be reviewing GVB's performance in 2008.

For more information visit railwaytechnology.com

Amsterdam Scientists Worry About Uptake of Greenhouse Gas

2006-04-07T09:05:00.000Z

Global warming could destabilize the plankton of the oceans

Global warming of the surface layers of the oceans reduces the upward transport of nutrients into the surface layers. This generates chaos among the plankton, according to a recent study of the University of Amsterdam and the Centrum voor Wiskunde en Informatica (CWI) in the Netherlands, and the University of Hawaii (USA). In Nature of 19 January 2006 the scientists present advanced computer simulations, which predict that plankton growth will show strong fluctuations when the supply of nutrients is reduced. This may have a negative impact on the production of the oceans and on uptake of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the oceans.

Plankton plays a key role in the oceans. It forms the basis of the marine food web. Moreover, phytoplankton (microscopically small algae) consumes the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Uptake of carbon dioxide by phytoplankton across the vast expanses of the oceans reduces the rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Phytoplankton growth depends on light and on nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients are supplied from deeper ocean layers, and are slowly mixed upwards. In large parts of the oceans, phytoplankton is not concentrated near the surface, but at about 100 meters depth. Phytoplankton grows well at this depth, because there is a sufficient supply of light from above and a sufficient supply of nutrients from below.

Stratification of ocean waters
However, warm surface layers reduce mixing of the ocean waters. When you often go out for a swim, you may have noticed that surface water layers are heated up by the sun, while deeper water layers are often much colder. Warm water floats on cold water. This vertical stratification of the water column is widespread in the oceans. A larger temperature difference between two water layers implies less mixing of chemicals between these water layers. Global warming of the surface layers of the oceans, owing to climate change, strengthens the stratification and thereby reduces the upward mixing of nutrients.

What are the implications for phytoplankton growth?
This question was investigated by Prof.dr. Jef Huisman of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) of the University of Amsterdam and drs. Nga Pham Thi and dr. Ben Sommeijer of the Centrum voor Wiskunde en Informatica (CWI), the national research centre for mathematics and computer science in The Netherlands. They developed advanced computer simulations, to study how reduced upward mixing of nutrients affects the growth of marine plankton. Surprisingly, the computer simulations predict that plankton populations will show strong fluctuations when vertical mixing of nutrients is reduced. This model prediction was rather unexpected, because it contradicts conventional wisdom that deep plankton in the oceans would represent a very stable system.

Hawaii
Therefore, the scientists compared their model predictions with data from long-term time series of plankton in the subtropical Pacific Ocean, carried out by Prof.dr. David Karl of the University of Hawaii. The subtropical Pacific Ocean is strongly stratified, with a low supply of nutrients into the surface layers. Phytoplankton in the subtropical Pacific indeed exhibits complex population fluctuations, consistent with the computer predictions. Reduced stability of the plankton, caused by global warming of the oceans, may result into a decline of oceanic production and reduced sequestration of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the oceans.

Heineken Beer Factory

2006-03-08T14:32:00.000Z

The Heineken Reception Center has been completely renovated. Now called the Heineken Experience, this multimedia event acquaints you with the world of Heineken, the world's largest beer exporter. The presentation is both fun and educational.

The best example of this mix of entertainment and instruction is, no doubt, the 'Bottle Ride'. It makes you feel what it is like to be a beer bottle. You take a seat on a moving platform and follow the route that each beer bottle in the brewery follows. This teaches you the production process and ensures you will enjoy your next Heineken beer even more!

And that is exactly what the tour ends with - the tour ends with some glasses of this world famous golden beer. Cheers!

For more information visit thomsonfly.com

Diamonds are a girls best friend!

2006-03-08T14:26:00.000Z

When the diamond trade was introduced to Amsterdam in the 16th century, this city developed into one of the world's most important diamond centres. Many diamond shops can be found in Amsterdam including: Gassan Diamonds, Amsterdam Diamond Center, Van Moppes Diamonds and Coster Diamonds.
Many famous diamonds were cut and polished in Amsterdam. For example, the 'Cullinan', the largest diamond ever found. But also the 'Koh-I-Noor', which means Mountain of Light, was cut for the British Crown Jewels in 1852. Furthermore, the world's smallest diamond, just 0.00012 carat, but with 57 facest, was also cut in Amsterdam.

Getting around in Amsterdam

2006-03-08T14:13:00.000Z

There are an excellent network of trams and buses, though the city is best explored on foot; Centraal Station is the city's public-transport hub. From the airport trains run every 10-15 mins which will take you directly to Centraal Station from which you can take trams or simply walk into the city centre.

The circle tram 20 stops at all the main tourist attractions. A pass is useful to have for the duration of your visit as it allows unlimited travel on bus, tram and metro (4 lines). Many locals ride bicycles and these are widely available for hire - although cycling on the roads can be dangerous.

There are also water and regular taxis though these can prove expensive). If you plan on taking your car, be aware that parking is extremely scarce; it may be better to park outside the city and use public transport.

Anne Frank

2006-03-08T12:41:00.000Z

The former hiding place, where Anne Frank wrote her diary, is now a well-known museum. The museum tells the history of the eight people in hiding and those who helped them during the war. Anne Frank's diary is among the original objects on display.
The museum is located in the centre of Amsterdam and is easy to reach by public transport. You can visit the museum individually or make an appointment for a group visit.
The queue to get into the museum can be quite long as it is such a popular attraction to visit so it's well worth pre booking your tickets.
This is a must-see attraction to witness first hand what life must have been like for Anne and the seven other people in hiding.

Rembrandt

2006-03-08T12:36:00.000Z

The house where Rembrandt lived between 1639 and 1658 is a museum known as Museum het Rembrandthuis or the Rembrandt House Museum. The building was constructed in 1606 and 1607 and was built on two lots in the eastern part of the city. Many rich merchants and artists settled in this new part of town. The house can clearly be seen on a bird's eye view map dating from 1625.
The house has since been restored and renovated and now houses a great deal of Rembrandts work. It is open to the public each day for viewing.

Van Gogh

2006-03-08T12:29:00.000Z

A visit to the Van Gogh Museum is a unique experience of your visit to Amsterdam. The museum contains the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings in the world.
The displays provide the opportunity to keep track of the artist's developments, or compare his paintings to works by other artists from the 19th century. The museum also holds an extensive offer of exhibitions on various subjects from 19th century art history.
The collection features the works of Vincent van Gogh, and the works of other artists. Van Gogh's work is organised chronologically into five periods, each representing a different phase of his life and work: The Netherlands, Paris, Arles, Saint-Remy and Auvers-sur-Oise.
The Van Gogh Museum is situated in the Amsterdam's Museum Quarter, between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum.

Eating and drinking in Amsterdam

2006-03-08T12:24:00.000Z

You can find just about any type of cuisine in Amsterdam; from Indonesian, French and Surinamese to Turkish, Spanish or Ethiopian. But if it's real Dutch food you're after, order a plate of borrelhapjes (bar snacks) and expect to get lumps of cheese, olives, bitterballen (deep fried balls coated in breadcrumbs, served with a mustard dip), kroketten (deep fried meat or cheese croquettes) and raw slices of meat - not such a good option for the veggies amongst you! Raw herring is another delicacy, otherwise known as the poor man's oyster. If you can't face eating it whole - which is how the Dutch eat it - have it in a soft roll with diced onions and gherkin. If you've still got room, there's pancakes, Belgian-style frites, genever (Dutch gin), and, of course, the coffee. If you're desperate, pop into FEBO, Holland's answer to McDonalds, where food is served from coin-operated glass compartments. A very strange concept. For more sophisticated surroundings, 't Fornuis (Utrechtsestraat 33) and the Groene Lantaarn (Bloemgracht 47) serve good quality Dutch cuisine in authentic surroundings.

Things to do in Amsterdam

2006-03-08T12:00:00.000Z

There is literally something for everyone in Amsterdam, far from the image that some may have of the city, even the biggest sceptic will find something of interest!
There are many museums to choose from here, everything from art galleries to diamonds, the Heineken Museum to the world's (alleged) only Cat Museum or for those wanting something on the darker side, the Torture Museum.
Madame Tussauds too is a must see, not only do you see some of Holland's famous residents but you can also spot the likes of JFK, Martin Luther King and Madonna! Not only that but there is also an interesting history of Amsterdam exhibition to see before you get to the famous folk!
When the sun's shining, there's nowhere quite like NEMO to relax while you catch some rays. Designed by famous architect Renzo Piano and home to Amsterdam's Science and Technology Centre (for when it's raining), in the summer months the 'deck' of the huge green 'ship' turns into an outdoor terrace. This comes complete with big beanbags, DJs playing chilled tunes, table service, tapas-style snacks and a mini-beach. Could it get much better? Oh yes it could - there's amazing views of the city too.

Queen's Day In Amsterdam

2006-03-08T11:55:00.000Z

A street market, music and entertainment in the streets; Queen's Day is a Dutch national holiday in honour of the previous queen's birthday on 30 April. This year, the holiday is celebrated a day earlier, since the last day of April falls on a Sunday. Dress up in orange and go up to Amsterdam. No city in the Netherlands offers such an exuberant atmosphere.
Actually, the festivities already start on the eve of Queen's Day, Queen's Night, when thousands of people go out into the streets to take an advance on the day that follows. Soon afterwards, at 6 am, the street market starts in the city centre and beyond, offering second-hand clothes, furniture and other trinkets for next to nothing. The streets are also filled with young and more experienced artists, food stands, bands and, particularly, many visitors dressed in orange.

Overview

2006-03-08T11:43:00.000Z

Amsterdam is often referred to as one of the most colorful cities in the world. And rightly so! Where else do you find so many places of interest, famous museums, cozy pubs and fun shops and (flower) markets?

Radiating out from the Dam Square, the historic centre of the city is ringed by quaint canals and cobbled streets, thronged with bicycles, tourists, house-boats, students, and street performers.

For the tourist the joy of Amsterdam is its compactness. The old part of town is a pleasure to explore on foot, strolling across ancient bridges and down narrow lanes past gabled houses, dropping in to browse in inviting souvenir boutiques crammed with blue and white Delft china and wooden clogs. Pavement cafes and cosy bars offer rest and refreshment. An alternative is to take a circular canal-boat cruise and see the city from the water, peering in on the lives of the locals who live on house-boats lining the waterways.