| Currency:
The Euro € |
Getting
Around Town:
From Schipol Airport take the train into AMS. Once in
AMS, trams, buses, metro or ferry will take you anywhere
around town. For short trips, just pay the tram driver
the fare. For longer or multiple trips, get a "strip
ticket" ("strippenkaart"--long ticket
with little boxes) from the hotel gift shop. This ticket
works on the tram, bus or the metro. (At the metro use
the ticket office). Show the tram or bus driver your
ticket and tell him where you are going. He will stamp
appropriate box, based on how many "zones"
you are traveling through. You can get on and off in
either direction for one hour and a half. After that
you must have it stamped again. Keep unused portion
- it's good next time (do not tear off used portion
or it's void). Service runs until midnight - after that
use night buses. Buy tickets at Amsterdam Tourism and
Convention Board, Municipal Transportation Company,
Tobacco shops and large hotels. Conductor at the back
of the tram sells tickets, but it is more expensive.
Concierge will give directions to major attractions,
maps available at front desk. |
| Restaurants
We Like:
- Haesje Claes- traditional Dutch, prix fixed menu -
across from National Museum
- Casa David - Italian - near the Flower Market
-
Dorrius - traditional Dutch, elegant - located in the
Crown Plaza Hotel
- Castel - ribs - near the Lieden Plein
- Many little sandwich shops around town
Tipping:
-
Service is typically included; a gratuity of 5%-10%
(round up) for good service is appreciated. |
Shopping
Finds:
Bulbs must have a certificate attached or customs will
confiscate. Cut flowers are fine-when clearing customs
in US, stop at Customs/Ag. Hard cheeses. Many little independantly
owned shops in Amsterdam. Gift Shop in the hotel and sister
shop down the street to the left, offer a nice discount
with airline i.d. Flower market is fascinating. VAT coupons
available at some stores for larger purchases. VAT refund
is at airport to the right of passport control. Shops
are open in the center of town 7 days/week. |
| What
to See:
|
Flower Market - 7 days/week |
Bike
Tours |
| Rembrandt
House |
Museum
Amstelkring - Our Lord in the Attic - (Mon-Sat 10-5,
Sun 1-5) |
|
Van Gogh Museum |
Amsterdam
Historical Museum (Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun 11-5) |
Rijksmuseum (under renovation, but major
works still available in temporary annex). |
Dam
Square is center of activity |
| Anne
Frank House- Best to go at opening or two hours
before closing to miss the crowds. Some days open
until 9 p.m. (off-season till 7 p.m.) |
Canal
tours |
| Madurodam
- miniature city copy of The Netherlands |
The
Hague |
| Diamond
Factories Tours |
Red
Light District |
| Heineken
Brewery (Tues-Sun 10-6) |
Holland
Casino |
Most museums close around 5 p.m. Purchase a one year
museum card for ease of entrance and discounted rate.
|
What's
On Around Town:
Queen's Day (April 30)- huge street party! Annual Keukenhof
Flower Show runs March 22 through May 20, 2007, check
with concierge for dates, tours and tickets. Go to www.keukenhof.nl
for more information. Buy a Museum Card which is good
for one year at several museums. Flea Markets are located
at Waterloo Plein (next to City Hall -tram 9- 7 days/week).
IJ-hallen Market - first or second Sunday every month
- huge - if you like flea markets - take the left ferry
behind central station - stops at IJ-hallen buildings.
|
| Travel
Time to the Hotel: 25 min. |
| Flight
Time from IAD: 7 hours (+ or - ) |
| Nearest
ATM : hotel lobby, train station or easily accessable
on shopping street and around town |
| Nearest
Grocery: Albert Hein (does not accept credit cards), about
10 min. walk from hotel. |
| Closest
Gym: There is a passable gym in the hotel, better gym
at Fitness First - ask concierge for directions |
| Best
Place to Run: Out the back side of the Train station and
take the left hand free ferry or go to the Vondelpark
(tram 1 or 2). |
| Good
Walks: Go for a stroll in the Jordaan district, the Pijp
neighborhood or the Vondelpark (like Central Park in NY) |
| Easy
Day Trips: The Hague, Haarlem (voted best shopping town
in Holland), Delft, Volendam (old fishing town) |
| Safety:
See our sister site Realworldsafety.com
and check the US State Department Travel Page at www.travel.state.gov |