Amsterdam is a happy and relaxed city and easy to explore by bus, tram, boat…or on foot. On your way you can stop and admire the tiny craftsmen’s shops which have paintings, glassware, clogs and ceramics of all types.
Wealthy merchants and bankers built elegant houses along the canals which are best viewed by taking one of the many water busses.
The fact that nearly everyone speaks good English makes life that much easier for the visitor.
Don’t Miss: The Rijksmuseum (The National Gallery) on Stadhouderskade is a magnificent building and beautifully laid out. It has 21 paintings by Rembrandt. Open daily: 10am-5pm. Anne Frank’s House, at Prinsengracht 263 Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm (Sundays and holidays 10am). The Van Gogh Museum at Paulus Potterstraat has a remarkable collection of his paintings and books. Open daily 10am-5pm.The Floating Flower Market on the Singel canal open daily (except Sunday).
Eating Out: There are thousands of restaurants with food from all over the world, especially Indonesia. Fast food is also good – satay, samosas, pizzas plus sandwiches. For a hot, spicy, cheap Dutch snack try a branch of PEBO. The D’Vijff Vliechen, Spuistraat 294 (624 83 69) is arguably the most famous Dutch restaurant in Holland and serves delicious food in attractive surrounding. There are numerous small rooms in five adjoining 17th Century houses. it is open evenings only.
Information: The Netherlands Board of Tourism, 25-28 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6NT (0171 828 7900)
City Break: Kirker (0171 231 3333) 3nts b&b at the 2-star Trianon hotel with good facilities, pounds 196. Includes scheduled KLM flights from Heathrow, return rail tickets from the airport to the city, plus a free canal cruise and a 24-hr travel pass on the trams and buses.
