AMSTERDAM
Postcode: 00102
Calling Code: +358 9
Amsterdam is a city that everyone thinks they know. Images of scantily clad women turning on those red lights and wafts of cannabis smoke are as much ingrained on the consciousness as the myriad canals and the tragic story of Anne Frank. While popular preconceptions about the Dutch capital ring true for many arriving visitors, they really only tell half the story.
The lifeblood of Amsterdam has long been its aquatic locale, close as it is to the North Sea and built on myriad canals, which neatly divide the city into easily navigable districts and imbue it with a small town ambience. There seems to be a canal around every corner in Amsterdam – not too surprising, considering that the city is home to a staggering 165 of them. The city is often compared to Venice but Amsterdam is no museum city, whose young people are fleeing in droves. Here, beside the tourists and visiting businessman, the tolerant locals get on with their lives.
Visitors both love and loath the canals in Amsterdam. The beauty
of the canals makes them ideal photo locations, and there are
plenty of such opportunities, because to get anywhere, you have
to constantly crisscross the canals. Unfortunately, they all pretty
much look the same. The buildings are all similar in design and
some streets change names every few blocks. This leads to a lot
of confusing moments as you try to figure out on which canal you
are standing as you search for any recognizable landmark. Stay
cool, carry a map and don't be shy about asking locals for directions.
There are hundreds of canals, but only three main ones. Going
outward from Central Station, there is the Herengracht (Gentleman's
Canal), Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal) and Prinsengracht (Prince's
Canal). Adjacent streets are named for the appropriate canal (an
example of an address is Keizersgracht 25). These canals are framed
by the Singel (Sin-gail) on the inside and the Singlegracht on
the outside. The Dutch word for canals, by the way, is "gracht."
Another interesting characteristic of Amsterdam is the multitude
of narrow alleys. Too small for cars, they provide safe and fun
walking routes. If there is a Main Street of Amsterdam, it would
be Damrak. This is the busiest road in town (with the possible
exception of Leidsestraat), is touristy and has the prices to
prove it. They do serve beers in large, German-style mugs here,
as opposed to the "tiny Hineys" offered in most of the pubs. Headed
south from the train station (away from the river), the popular
Grasshopper Coffeeshop is on the left. In addition to making an
excellent landmark, the Grasshopper serves as a gateway to the
Red Light District.
Mid-city is "The Spui" (pron. Spow), an after-work hangout for
locals. The Leidsestraat is another big tourist street that leads
to the Leidseplein (Lights-a-pline). Many streets end in the word
"straat," which means street. The Leidsplein -- "plein" is Dutch
for town square -- and Rembrantsplein (proun. Rembrandt's plien)
are the prime party places in Amsterdam. Dozens of pubs and clubs,
coffee houses, cafes and cheap-eats comprise these areas. Tourists
and the younger crowd (20s) congregate primarily in the Leidsplein
while locals and the slightly more mature crowd (late 20s-early
40s) frequent the Rembrantsplein which, by the way, was named
after the famous Dutch painter whose likeness looks out over the
square.
Beautiful ancient buildings are a part of
Amsterdam's landscape. If this were the 1500s, we would be directing
you to Dam Square at the end of Damrak, where goods from the Far
East were sold at auction. Today, it's a good landmark and the
heartbeat of the pigeon social scene. As with any place you visit,
it's a good idea to invest a few sober daylight hours walking
around and noting landmarks. We also suggest a canal tour on a
boat to help familiarize you to, and educate you about, the city.
Best Way to Get Around
One of the best ways to get around town is on a bicycle. Rental places abound but be sure and lock the bike
wherever you go. Once again, lock the bike. There are 500,000 bicycles in Amsterdam and 1 million reported
thefts a year, so you do the math. Rental agencies charge hefty replacement fines, up to fl700.
Metro, tram and bus services run until midnight and night buses operate until morning. Taxis are a reasonable option, often the best when the effects of Amsterdam's pleasures are in full effect.
 Bars
Grasshopper - your typical coffee shop
Other
City Links - links to help you survive amsterdam
Amsterdam's High Life - suggestions for your trip thru the city
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