In the last analysis, the most interesting way to see Amsterdam is on your own two feet, by merely wandering at random through a city whose every streetcorner seems to hold a surprise. And what if you get lost? Well, first, it’s almost impossible to get lost in Amsterdam-because you can always simply ask a bystander (in English) to tell you where you are. And if you still get lost, you simply hop aboard any trolley marked “Centraal Station” and thus return to the center of town.
To aid you in your wanderings, however, we’ll set forth two suggested walking tours-one of the oldest section of the city, one of a relatively newer area. Neither tour should take more than three hours, and each can be done in considerably less. Both start from Dam Square, at the side of which is the Royal Palace built in 1648.
A foot tour of the oldest sections
From the Dam Square, walk to the Damstraat at the side of the Krasnapolsky Hotel, and then start walking down the Damstraat, gazing to look at the old canals you’ll pass along the way. One block down, the Damstraat becomes the Dude Doelenstraat, then the Oude Hoogstraat; three blocks along you’ll cross the Kloveniersburgwal canal.
Turn down that canal for one block into the Nieuwmarkt Square, where you’ll be able to visit the Waag (Weighing House). Then, from the Nieuwmarkt, walk along the Sint Antonies Breestraat, which leads you eventually to the Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt’s House) on the Jodenbreestraat. Now you’ll be in the center of the old Jewish section of Amsterdam; from here (after visiting the Rembrandthuis), walk two further blocks down the Jodenbreestraat. Then down Lazarus Straat to the Portuguese Synagogue, which is only one block from the Waterlooplein-a big, old square that is the site of Amsterdam’s daily fiea market (a sight you must see). From the Waterlooplein, cross the Amstel Bridge, and then walk along the banks of the Amstel (where ships are passing and gulls are circling overhead) to the Mint Tower. And from the Mint Tower, walk down the Rokin back to the Dam Square.
A foot tour of “modern” Amsterdam
From the Dam Square, walk down the famous Kalverstraatwhich is Amsterdam’s main shopping street, and which winds all the way to the Mint Tower. At the tower, detour one block down the Reguliersbreestraat to the Rembrandtsplein, circle that entertainment area, then return to the tower. And then, from the Mint Tower, walk along the flower market on the banks of the Singel, which in one block leads to the Koningsplein.
From the Koningsplein, walk one block up to the Leidsestraat, and next walk the entire length of the Leidsestraat (passing the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht) to the Leidseplein, At the Leidseplein, cross the bridge at the end of the square, and then walk down the Stadhouderskade to the Rijksmuseum, After visiting the Rijkmuseum, end your tour by walking over to the colorful Albert Cuypstraat street market-a fascinating and indispensable last stop.
