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THE WOW
Guide to Amsterdam
CONTENTS:
Introduction p. 3
Before you go inspiration p. 3
Practical information p. 3
Neighbourhood guide p. 4
A brief history p. 5
Top 5 sights and attractions p. 6
Top 10 free p. 8
5 photos you can’t leave without p. 11
5 things unique to Amsterdam p. 13
Where to stay p. 15
Where to eat p. 16
Where to shop p. 19
Nightlife p. 20
Disclaimer p. 22
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AN INTRODUCTION
Few cities are quite so tactical at blending history and
urbanisation such as Amsterdam. On the one side you
have tree-lined canals with seventeenth-century
buildings, and on the other you’re bound to notice the
wafts of greenery protruding from the local cafes.
Amsterdam is liberal and at times ludicrous, but there’s
no city in the world quite like it.
Practical information
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NEIGHBOURHOODS
[#1] Old Centre (Dam Square and Red Light District)
Head here first to get a feel for the city and work your way
to the outer neighbourhoods from here.
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[#3] Jordaan (hipsterville)
A BRIEF HISTORY
Amsterdam was a key player in the Golden Age of the 17th
century, when modern day Capitalism was born. Since
then the small city centre has rapidly expanded beyond
the small medieval centre, and the Canal Belt earned its’
status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. The city
has always been non-conformist, progressive and
encouraging of a relaxed lifestyle. With liberal policies that
allow cannabis and prostitution to become a normal part
of culture, the city is quite the quirky destination and
indeed unlike any other.
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TOP 5 THINGS TO DO
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Rijksmuseum
Vondelpark
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TOP 10 FREE THINGS TO DO
Independent Galleries
Albert Cuypmarkt
Flower Market
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The Condomerie
Begijnhof
Droog
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suit everyone, but you know what they say – horses for
courses! (www.dehollandschemanege.nl).
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5 PHOTOS YOU CAN’T LEAVE
WITHOUT
If you enjoy history, architecture, art, culture (and so
much more), you are going to find yourself constantly
trying to capture the beauty of Amsterdam in your photos.
But to ensure you don’t leave without the best photos of
Amsterdam, here’s a list of the top 5 photos you cannot
leave without
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7 bridges
Rijksmuseum
I Amsterdam
Bloemenmarkt
Leidseplein
Coffee shops
Bike Riding
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Tulips
Canals
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WHERE TO STAY
BUDGET: The Flying Pig Hostels
From €35.90 per person, per night
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WHERE TO EAT
For Dutch Eats:
1. Moeders
Moeders (or Mothers in English) is wall-to-wall plastered
with photos of mothers and serves all of the Dutch
classics you will be able to consume in one sitting.
(http://www.moeders.com).
2. Loetje
Loetje (or website in English) is renowned for having the
best steak and chips in town. Leave the vegetarians at
home; this is one for the carnivores.
(http://www.loetje.com).
3. Haesje Claes
Haesje Claes is housed inside historical buildings but
your eyes won’t be the only senses to step back in time.
The menu is entirely old-fashioned Dutch food and won’t
disappoint.
(http://www.haesjeclaes.nl).
4. Greetje
Another great Dutch home cooked meal with a more
welcoming atmosphere than its’ counterparts. Sort of like
sitting down for dinner at your family friends’ house.
(http://www.restaurantgreetje.nl).
5. Hap-Hmm
This cheap eats choice is a local fave, so you can rest
assured you will meet some Dutchies inside. Dinners start
at just €7.50 – who could resist that offer!
(http://www.hap-hmm.nl).
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For Cheap Eats:
1. Latei
A budget-friendly choice serving up healthy snacks and
fresh juices. Vegetarian-friendly and open 7 days a week.
(http://www.latei.net).
2. Foodware
You won’t find a seat unless you’re lucky, so plan to
takeaway your cheap eats from Foodware. You’ll find
great sandwiches, soups and salads to takeaway and
enjoy at a nearby bench or canal.
(http://www.foodware.nl).
3. ‘t Kuyltje
Open weekdays, ‘t Kuyltje has ridiculously cheap and
delicious sandwiches. Find them on Gasthuismolensteeg
9.
(http://www.kuyltje.nl).
4. Maoz
Firstly, it’s a chain found elsewhere in the world.
Secondly, it’s all about falafel. Thirdly, it’s flippin’
delicious and ridiculously cheap.
(http://www.maozusa.com).
5. Getto
A sparkly diner at the back os a gay lounge and the
perfect place to take a cheap date for a colourful evening!
(http://www.getto.nl).
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For A Romantic Evening:
1. Vinkeles
If it’s French cuisine you desire, it’s unmistakably French
cuisine you’ll find inside Michelin-starred Vinkeles. This is
indeed one of the most romantic settings in all of
Amsterdam – located inside The Dylan hotel.
(http://www.vinkeles.com).
2. La Rive
Getting a table at Michelin-starred La Rive will not be an
easy task, but you can rest assured your patience will be
rewarded. Expect Mediterranean-French cuisine with an
extensive wine list.
(http://www.restaurantlarive.nl).
3. Beddington’s
Head to Beddington’s for French-English-Japanese
fusion cuisine with impeccable flavours and modern
twists. Beddington’s has wowed critics since its’ opening
so be sure to book a table in advance.
(http://www.beddington.nl).
4. Restaurant Vermeer
Restaurant Vermeer is located inside four 17th century
buildings, making it the perfect choice for a typical
Northern European evening. If you want to experience
something extra special to commemorate your trip, this is
an evening to remember.
(http://www.restaurantvermeer.nl).
5. Yamazato
Yamazato was designed to represent a 16th century
Japanese tea house, making it the perfect choice for a
romantic evening should you have an appetite for
classical Japanese Haute Cuisine.
(http://www.yamazato.nl).
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WHERE TO SHOP
Enticed by the idea of shopping up a storm in the Dutch
capital? Expect the unexpected. Amsterdam is all about
diversity – from modern to antique, luxury to cheap…
Amsterdam has something to suit all tastes.
Dam Square
De Jordaan
ClubNL
JimmyWoo
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WORLD OF WANDERLUST
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GUIDES
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