Canoes and water bikes at Amsterdam Bos
Speelweide 5
1182AD Amstelveen
Open daily from 10:30 AM-7:00 PM (1 April to 1 Oct)
Website

Be it a quiet day on the water or an adventurous tour of the banks, water sports can appeal to everyone. Interested parties can hop over to Amsterdam Bos, an expansive wooded area that offers a number of exciting activities. Among the attractions on offer is the rowing area on the lake.

A day on the lake is a great way to take in the serene surroundings. Visitors can choose between two water-bound options. For something laid-back, check out the canoes, which can be rented for €6 per hour (per person). Couples who want a romantic outing should check out the water bikes, which can be nabbed at €10 per hour.

Mini golf at Amstelpark
Amstelpark 2b
1083 HZ Amsterdam
Open daily from 10 AM-6 PM (July-Aug)
Wed- Sun: 10 AM-6 PM (April-Sept)
Wed, Sun & Sat: 11 AM-5 PM (Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov)
Website

If you are looking for a bit of fun in the sun—minus a strenuous workout, head for one of the city’s mini golf spots. There are a few locations in Amsterdam, but none are as popular as the one in Amstelpark.

Amstelpark’s 18-hole championship course caters to the whole family. The variety of  obstacles means that there’s something for everybody.  If you’re up for more of a challenge, check out the Putting Greens. This recently-constructed course is for the golf fans who want a touch of the real deal.

The Championship course is available for €5 per person and admission to the Putting Greens is €8 per person.

Swimming at Het Marnix
Marnixplein 1
1015 ZN Amsterdam
Check swimming pool schedule on website for times
Website

For a refreshing swim, check out the huge pool at Het Marnix. This is a busy sports center that offers a number of recreational activities.  Since there are a lot of activities going on at the center, it is recommended that you check the schedule on their website ahead of time.

At Het Marnix, you can dive in and go for a good old swim, or even sign up for swimming lessons. For something more vigorous, check out the different “aquasport options.” The entrance fee is €4. (Participating in extra events and classes costs extra.)

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The smaller museums in Amsterdam are interesting in their own right, and they also come with a smaller price tag than the more hyped favorites such as the Rijksmuseum.

Houseboat Museum
Prinsengracht opposite no. 296
(March-Oct) Tue-Sun 11 AM – 5 PM
(Nov – Feb) Fri-Sun 11 AM – 5 PM

You can hardly visit a city famous for its canals and not visit one of the houseboats! Touted as the world’s only museum of this sort, this vessel lets you catch a glimpse of life on the canal.

This freighter-turned-houseboat once was home to its owners for 20 odd years and thus, comes complete with a cozy living area, kitchen and other homely facilities. Admission costs €3.50, though entrance is free with the I’amsterdam card.

Tulip Museum
Prinsengracht 112
Open daily 10-6 PM

Since the Dutch are crazy about tulips, it makes sense that there would be a tulip museum. The museum takes you down memory lane, revisiting events like the tulip mania of the 17th century. The spot also has a shop with helpful books about growing these flowers as well as fun facts about various types of bulbs. Admission costs €4.

Willet Holthuisen
Herengracht 605
Mon – Fri 10 AM – 5 PM

Speaking of nostalgic trips, how about a glance at the life of ardent art fans? The Willet Holthuisen Museum was the house of Louisa and Abraham Willet, both of whom gathered an expansive art collection.

The house now showcases their fantastic collection of decorative ceramics, elegant furniture, and fancy cutlery.  The collection also includes beautiful paintings. Perfect for the history buff, the fully-preserved interior provides a peek at the life of the upper class. Admission is €5.25 (free with I’amsterdam card).

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Try these shops for a unique souvenir from the Netherlands:

For Books: De Slegte
website
Kalverstraat 48-52
1012 PE Amsterdam

Those looking for a unique gift for a bookworm should check out this quaint second-hand bookshop. De Slegte bookshops, which are found all over the Benelux region, contain a wide range of Dutch and English books, some of which are older, hard-to-find novels. Gift buyers take note: They offer a number of antique books as well as comic books.

For something Dutch-specific, look for the local recipe books or ones about the country’s rich arts and history. Keep in mind that comic books (“stripboeken”) are extremely popular in Netherlands and thus, you can easily find popular European works in such shops. Think older strips such as Tintin (“Kuifje”), Willy and Wanda (“Suske en Wiske”) and Leonardo.

Where English books are concerned, you’re likely to come across well-loved books from previous decades like Alistair MacLean’s thriller novels. Books here have a starting price of €2.

For Music and Movies: Free Record Shop
website
One of the many locations in Amsterdam:
Ferdinand Bolstraat 79
1072 LC, Amsterdam

For the music lover or movie fan, these shops are the place to go. Free Record Shops are budget-friendly shops that sell a number of movies, music, and games at low prices. Not just that, they are also well-known for their marked-down deals and bargain-bin goodies.

Free Record Shops can be excellent places to find Dutch music and movies and other international items as well. Look for music by Dutch singers Anouk and local flicks that have made it big worldwide like Ciske de Rat. Keep an eye out for arthouse flicks. Goods usually have a starting price of €5.

For Vintage Fashion: Laura Dols
website
Wolvenstraat 6 en 7
1016 EM Amsterdam

Be it window shopping or hunting down the perfect gift for the fashion lover, Laura Dols is a definite must on a souvenir shopping trip. This classy little shop is renowned for its wide selection of vintage clothing, most of which is priced at affordable rates. From charming accessories like hats and pearl necklaces to sleek attire of the good old days, this vintage boutique has much to offer.

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Choosing the right ‘hood, therefore, is a good first step in ensuring that you’ll be well-positioned to get the most out of your trip. Keeping that in mind, here is my quick guide to Amsterdam’s neighborhoods, according to travelers’ varied tastes:

Museumplein
For art lovers

The Museumplein (Museum Quarter) is a charming neighborhood filled with museums and beautiful buildings dating back to the 19th Century. There are plenty of art-related activities here, from museums like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to everyday buildings boasting interesting architecture.

Classical music fans will benefit from the neighborhood’s famous Concertgebouw concert hall. Not only will its classical concerts dazzle visitors, but the building’s design will fascinate them. Keep an eye out for free lunch-hour performances.

For glimpses of local art and architecture, stroll down P.C. Hooftstraat and the neighboring lanes.

De Pijp
For students, eating out

Unlike the overtly European touch of the Museumplein, De Pijp offers flavors from all over the world. This is evident in the various architectural touches, the types of shops and activities, and of course, the fantastic eateries.

This neighborhood has a definite multicultural feel that will appeal to travelers looking for something off the beaten path. Given its bustling atmosphere and student community, this neighborhood will appeal to younger travelers and students. From exotic Moroccan food to dainty French cuisine, this is the perfect spot to eat out. Check out Bazar and Burgermeester for some yummy dishes at affordable prices.

Jordaan
For seniors

The Jordaan has an interesting history that includes an influx of immigrants, working class developments, and later, a redevelopment of the neighborhood. As a result, the area today boasts a unique and exotic vibe.

Because of its rich history and relaxed atmosphere, older travelers tend to fall in love with the neighborhood. For example, you can walk down meandering lanes lined with boutiques, studios, and galleries. You can visit historic spots like Rembrandt’s house on Rozengracht and his studio on Bloemgracht.

And there are quirkier spots, too. If you are curious about the way of life in a house boat, the Houseboat Museum is the place to go. The Pianola Museum, meanwhile, features a number of different pianos and other instruments.

Grachtengordel (Canal Belt)
For bar hopping

This area is easily recognizable because of its semicircular set of canal rings. (In our Amsterdam guide, the neighborhood is divided into Grachtengordel South and Grachtengordel West.) Formed mainly from three bigger canals called Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, this canal belt has a variety of attractions for everyone. However, since the canal belt surrounds the center, and hence the most popular tourist spots, this area offers a number of lively nightlife activities.

Catering to different types of travelers, this hood offers a variety of different bars and cafes. There’s the rustic De Pieper (Western Canal Belt Prinsengracht 424), the laidback Café `t Arendsnest (Herengracht 90), Bar Struik (Rozengracht 160) for the hip young ones, and for those who love sampling different liquors, try the De Admiral (Herengracht 319).

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However, Artis Zoo, with its €18 admission fee, can be tough on the wallet, so visiting this spot might require a bit of planning ahead. Follow these tips:

Visiting the zoo

The price might be a bit out of the budget range but, on the plus side, it grants access to a vast number of places. Artis Zoo encompasses a variety of attractions which range from colorful fish species to creatures from all over the globe. There are also informational sites like the Zoological and Geological museum as well as the fancy Planetarium included in your admission. Exploring all the spots will take one full day and might be well worth the effort.

Keep in mind that since the zoo is one of the most popular places in Amsterdam, it can get packed easily. If you want to avoid the crowds, skip Saturdays and show up close to the opening time during a weekday.

Noteworthy attractions

There are, of course, a lot of animal habitats sprinkled across the zoo grounds. For something exotic, check out the African Savannah section. It features towering giraffes, springboks and even the gemboks, to name a few. Maybe drop by the Minangkabauan House for a glimpse of tiny, cute creatures. This location boasts famous animals like the world’s smallest deer as well as the doe deer. Then check out the different bird houses which are home to magnificent feathered beings like the black vultures.

The penguin section of the Artis Zoo. Photo by Marco Raaphorst.

If you have a soft spot for underwater creatures, come by the Aquarium. This impressive building is home to a number of diverse habitats including striking fish specimens from the Amazon as well as endangered fish from the tropics. For something truly bizarre, check out the tank that is a window into the underwater life of Amsterdam’s canals!

And for something more cerebral, hop over to the informational spots like the Planetarium, Geological Museum, and the Zoological Museum. At these different locations, you will find fun facts about our cosmos and quirky mother nature.

Cheap eats at the zoo

Artis Zoo does have plenty of eateries scattered throughout its premises. They include the Two Cheetahs Restaurant as well as smaller vendors like Het Friet and Swirls. Most of them are overpriced especially when compared to street food you can pick up as a quick lunch from outside.

However, since you can bring in your own packed lunch, maybe you can pick a few snacks from Febo or grab a pre-packed sandwich from a supermart like Albert Heijn before heading off to the zoo.

Admission and discounts

First, look into the various discounts offered for the zoo. The zoo offers a 25% discount that comes with using an I amsterdam card, which is certainly welcome, especially if there are quite a few in your group. Bigger groups can look into the €1.50 (per person) reduction offered by the zoo for groups of more than 20 people. It might be worth hooking up with other tourists at your hotel etc. and opt for this discount.

Here are the 2009 admission prices:
Adults: € 18.50
Seniors (65+): € 17.00
Children (3-9 years): € 15.00

Practical info

Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40 1018 CZ Amsterdam
(Artis, P.O. Box 20164, 1000 HD Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Summer: 9 AM to 6 PM (open longer on Saturdays in June, July and August)
Tel. : 0900-2784796
Fax : +31-20-5233481
Website:http://www.artis.nl/international/index.html
E-mail: info@artis.nl

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A bit of History

Maoz is a chain of vegetarian eateries that started out in Amsterdam. Established in 1991, it has since expanded to cities across the globe, including London, Paris, Barcelona, Philadelphia, and New York.

The aim of the founders was to win folks over with sumptuous vegetarian foods. Thus, they introduced the Maoz sandwich, and packed it full of healthy ingredients. The sandwich itself is a simple pita bread shell that is filled with treats like chickpea-filled falafel balls, spices like garlic, parsley and coriander, and other ingredients like hummus, feta cheese and avocado. Hungry yet?

The Combos

At Maoz, you order a basic sandwich and then head to the salad bar for toppings. There are a few sandwich types you can pick as your base (the falafel Maoz, salad pita, or egg pita) and then fill up with the topping of your choice. Choices include carrot salad, broccoli, cucumber, dill, couscous and a number of yummy sauces.

Maoz sandwiches come in two sizes and you can opt for French fries or salad on the side. The base pitas start at €4 and extras on the side can be added for €2-3. Meal deals, offering a sandwich with fries and a drink, run €6-8.

Note: There might be a small variation in price depending on the location. We’ve noticed that the stores in busier areas offered lower prices.

Locations

There are a number of Maoz eateries in Amsterdam. They include:

Muntplein 1, 1017 Ck Amsterdam
Sun -Thu 11 am – 1 am
Fri-Sat 11 am – 3 am

Leidsestraat 85, 1017 NX Amsterdam
Sun -Thu 11 am – 1 am
Fri-Sat 11 am – 3 am

Oudebrugsteeg 30, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1012 JP
Sun -Thu 11 am – 1 am
Fri-Sat 11 am – 3 am

Van Woustraat 15, 1074 Amsterdam
Sun -Thu 11 am – 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am – midnight

Ferdinand Bolstraat 67
1072 LC, Amsterdam
Mon – Sun 11 am – 11 pm

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Here are three canal cruising options for Amsterdam:

Canal Bus: Hop-on, hop-off cruise

Amsterdam offers various cruise options for tourists, but Canal Bus stands out for its numerous benefits. This company offers canal cruises on three select routes, and passengers can hop on and off the boats at any of the 14 boat stops for the duration of the day. Because a number of popular attractions and shopping areas are scattered along these routes, it can be a rather scenic way of exploring Amsterdam’s most famous sights.

To get cruising, buy a Canal Bus day pass. The day pass will cost a not-so-Cheapo €20 for adults, €10 for children between 5-12, and €15 per person in a group of ten people or more (children under four get free admission). Tickets are 10% cheaper if purchased online in advance.

If you purchase the I amsterdam card, which offers free admission to a wide variety of museums (including the Hermitage, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Amsterdams Historisch Museum) and provides free unlimited public transportation, you’ll receive a 25% discount for Canal Bus passes.

Look for Canal Bus ticket shops at major tourist spots, including Central Station, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Anne Frank House, the Amsterdam Tourist Information Offices, and the NZ Hollands Koffiehuis. Furthermore, you can also buy these passes at most hotels. The Canal Bus office is located at Weteringschans 26-1 hoog, and is open 8:30 AM – 6 PM.

Cheaper options: Blue Boat Company

If you prefer a traditional cruise tour to the hop-on, hop-off option, the City Canal Cruise operated by the Blue Boat Company is the cheapest choice. For €12, you’ll get a 75-minute journey along Amsterdam’s canals, complete with audio commentary.

As an added bonus, the canal cruise is free with the purchase of the I amsterdam card. Tickets are available at the boat docks, or online.

Holland International’s “Highlights” Cruise

Like the City Canal Cruise, Holland International’s 100 Highlights Cruise sails past many of the city’s most famous sites, including churches and merchants’ houses. Holland International’s one-hour cruise costs €12.50, and is also free with the i Amsterdam card.

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Here are five pubs and cafés that offer drinks and snacks at attractive prices.

1. Cafe Belgique
Gravenstraat 2

Located at Gravenstaat, Cafe Belgique is a cozy pub with a laid-back atmosphere. This is a great place to try a variety of beers, including some well-known Belgian ones. Its rustic décor, complete with wooden counter and brass taps, adds to its overall ambiance. If you’re looking for a quiet night mingling with the locals, this is the place to be.

2. Belushi’s
Warmoesstraat 129

Those who are hoping for a quick snack and perhaps a few pints of beer should check out Belushi’s. This bustling sports bar in the Red Light District has burgers and snacks for under €10, plus a variety of beer and cocktails at decent prices. Belushi’s has live music throughout the week, which draws in a younger crowd.

3. Flying Pig Downtown bar
Nieuwendijk 100

This is another spot that is perfect for the younger crowd. Set in the Flying Pig Hostel, the Flying Pig Downtown bar buzzes with energy and is a great place to mix and mingle. The bar and hostel cater to the university-going crowd, and this is reflected in the low-priced drink menu. This, coupled with the varied music genres on the bar’s playlist, shows that there’s something for everyone here.

4. Nederlands Biercafe ‘t Arendsnest
Herengracht 90

Popularly known as “‘t Arendsnest,” this charming pub is the ideal stopover for the beer connoisseur. Prices are mid-range, but if you are hoping to try a wide variety of Dutch beers, this place is highly recommended. This is a great spot to chill out and relax.

5. Café Hoppe
Spui 18-20

Café Hoppe is a quiet little spot that will appeal to different age groups. This terrace pub offers a full menu with sandwiches (from €2.50) and a wide selection of beer (from €2.10). With its on-the-go vibe, it’s a perfect place to meet new folks. At the same time, its pleasant interiors make it a good place to unwind after a rough day out.

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Here are four waterside locales, some replete with sand and wave—all easily accessible via public transport.

1. Strand West – 80

This expansive beach is the place to be if you love to mix-and-mingle. Strand West is open throughout the year and boasts a variety of social events including concerts and kids’ shows. Whether you like exciting dance parties or relaxed beach events, there’s always something fun to take advantage of here. Of course, for something truly idyllic, just drop by and enjoy a bit of the golden sun.

Tip: Keep in mind that because this is a city beach, swimming isn’t really in the cards here.

Location: Stavangerweg 900, 1013
Website: http://www.strand-west.nl/

2. Blijburg aan Zee – 96

More artistic souls will love the vibe of the Blijburg aan Zee. Located further east of the city, this sandy spot is bustling with snazzy music as well fun and games. It is a great place to relax and unwind, or to perhaps catch the sunset around one of the many campfires. The area also hosts activities like yoga and Capoeira performances, as well as quirky art events throughout summer.

Tip: This might be one of the last chances to check it out; rumor has it that it might close down by the end of the year.

Location: Bert Haanstrakade 2004
Website: http://www.blijburg.nl/

3. BovenNEMO – 71

This one’s for the geek in you. NEMO, the national science museum in the Netherlands, opens up its weird and wonderful roof area to the public every summer. For some blissful time under the sun, folks can chill out on any of the 48 giant steps along the upper deck. Travelers with kids will be delighted with the play area. Don’t forget, there’s also a charming café here in case you get the munchies.

Open from Jun 27 to September 6.
Location: Oosterdok 2
Website: http://www.e-nemo.nl/

4. Strand Zuid – 95

If you want a bit of variety and prefer a beach that’s closer to most of the urban action, the Strand Zuid is a good choice. Located in one of the southern neighborhoods of Amsterdam, this cozy patch offers alluring views from a terrace viewing platform. A number of food choices are available here too, most of which have a Mediterranean flair. There’s also a quiet café if you are looking for something more charming or feel like a romantic dinner for two.

The best part? The beach has a fancy parasol system which offers guests shelter on rainy days, and shade when it’s too sunny.

Location: Europaplein 22
Website: http://www.strand-zuid.nl

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Located on the Amstel River, this museum is a grand venue. The Hermitage Amsterdam’s building, known as the Amstelhof, dates back to 1682, when it served as a retirement home for elderly women. Now it houses a museum showcasing the opulent lifestyles of Russian nobility and their collection of artwork from ages past. The museum’s opening ceremony was a grand affair attended by guests such as Dutch Queen Beatrix and Russian President Medvedev.

The Hermitage’s debut exhibit, “At the Russian Court,” offers a glimpse into the lives of the 19th century Russian royalty–from the exquisite attire to the delicate porcelains. This fantastic display of history and elegance will run through January 31, 2010.

A Hermitage in Amsterdam?

If countries were people, the Netherlands and Russia would be long-lasting pen pals. The bond between the two countries began when Tsar Peter the Great studied in the Netherlands. Peter was incredibly fond of Western culture, so much that he wanted his newly built Russian city to have a Dutch-sounding name—hence, St. Petersburg was born.

Soon enough, Peter the Great as well as his successors started collecting paintings, drawings, sculptures, and porcelain. A number of these pieces depicted Russian culture, though many works of art were done by western European artists commissioned by the Russian aristocracy.

A New-found Russian Home in the Dutch Capital

For a while, the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg had been seeking a location in Europe to showcase the elegance and artistry of the Russian past. And what better place than Amsterdam, the very city that captured Peter the Great’s heart?

The dream came true when the Hermitage Amsterdam opened in 2004 with a grand inaugural ceremony. There were always plans to renovate the museum, and these plans were put in action in 2007. The opening ceremony in June, 2009, marked the opening of the whole recently expanded museum.

A painting on display at the Amsterdam Hermitage. Photo by niclas.

Admission and Practical Info

One of the most cost-effective ways to visit the Hermitage is purchasing the I Amsterdam card. The card covers admission to a large number of museums in the city and can be bought for one day (€38), two days (€48), or three days (€58). This option makes sense if you’re planning a museum spree in the city.

If the Hermitage Amsterdam is your main priority, however, you can purchase tickets for €15 (children up to age 16 get in free).

The Hermitage is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Wednesdays from 10 AM to 8 PM. Take Metro line 51, 53, or 54 to the Waterlooplein, Nieuwe Herrengracht exit.

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