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Top 10 Things to See & Do in Amsterdam

Sabrina — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:23:46 +0000

Narrowing down the list of attractions in Amsterdam to just ten items can be a difficult task. Amsterdam is a vibrant city filled with a multitude of things to see and do. If you happen to be in this amazing city, take the time to visit the following attractions.

Van Gogh Museum

Topping the list is the museum dedicated to the Dutch post-impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh. The museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and also includes works by Monet, Pissarro, Manet, Monticelli, and other impressionist and post-impressionist artists.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is literally, the National Museum in Amsterdam. Art lovers should definitely schedule a visit to the Rijksmuseum, which is the Netherlands’ largest public library of art. Notable works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steer, and other Dutch artists are housed in the Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdams Canals

A visit to the city is not complete without a tour of the canals. There are boats that can be hired for a day or night cruise of the city. A night cruise is the perfect way to see Amsterdam in a different light and should be included in any to do list.

Bloemenmarkt

Something that you can do for free is visit the Bloemenmarkt or the city’s famous floating market. Located near Muntplein and Koningsplein along the Singel canal, the flower market is open daily. You can find an amazing array of seasonal and annual flowers, including an abundance of tulips, The Netherland’s most famous flower.

Anne Frank Museum

The Anne Frank House is situated near the Prinsengracht Canal. The house is the real structure where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. A museum attached to the house has memorabilia, photos, and multi-media displays.

Visit the Street Markets

Amsterdam has several street markets offering a variety of products, from specialty items, flowers, clothes, food, and more. Albert Cuyp is the largest and most popular market in the city so it could get crowded during busy days. Other street markets that are worth visiting include Ten Cate Market, Dappermarkt, and Noordermarkt.

Red Light District

The district itself has gained a lot of notoriety for legalized prostitution. However, the area has a lot of historic buildings and museums that are worth exploring. The Oude Kerk, the oldest Gothic church in the city, is located in the district.

See a Windmill

Although windmills are usually not found in the urban centers of the Netherlands, the city has several, including one that is now repurposed as a brewery. In West Amsterdam, the windmill in Molen Van Sloten is open to visitors.

Het Schip

Amsterdam is popular for its modern architecture. In Het Schip, there are apartments and public buildings exemplifying 20th century modern architecture. Housed in a former post office is the museum of the Amsterdam School of Architecture.

Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein

Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein squares are frequented by tourists and locals alike for dining and entertainment. The side streets of these squares are lined with restaurants, cafes, coffeeshops, pubs, and souvenir shops.

This article was written by Natasha Tasha, on behalf of Flight Centre, Australia, offering great selection of cheap flights to Amsterdam.

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

I Scream for Ice Cream – In Amsterdam!

Sabrina — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:16:35 +0000

You’d be crazy to ignore the ice cream temptations while visiting Europe. Here are some of the best ice cream parlors in Amsterdam. Your taste buds are about to be tantalized!

Fior di Gelato

Fior di Gelato is located in the heart of the old city center of Amsterdam. The staff will serve you decadent gelato with the biggest smiles on their faces. Why? The establishment is owned and operated by ice cream lovers ‘whose goal is to make people smile and give some colour to Amsterdam’s gray winters.’ Italians can testify that Fior is the real deal.

Address: Nieuwe Spiegelgracht 56

Monte Pelmo

Monte Pelmo is one of your more traditional ice cream factories, having been in business since 1965. Their delightful flavors are based on a family old recipe, with Italian ice cream and sorbets to choose from.

Address: 2E Anjeliersstraat 17

Tofani

Tofani opens its doors for the summer months, just in time for terrace sitting, people watching, and ice cream eating weather! Locals testify to Tofani’s delicious ice cream, coffee, milkshakes and cake. Chocolate lovers are definitely welcome here too!

Address: Kloveniersburgwal 16

Van der Linde

This one is kept a ‘secret’ among locals because Van der Linde offers the best home made frozen whipped ice cream, pastries, and cheese croquets in town. Check it out even in the winter!

Address: Nieuwendijk 183

Ijscuypje

Home made, natural ingredients with recipes based on an old Dutch pastry cook’s shop recipe. The choice is limited but the creamy, nutty flavors make up for it. Check out the mango or raspberry sorbets, a fav among locals.

Address: Eerste van der Helststraat 27

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

Fun fashion finds in Amsterdam

Sabrina — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:04:09 +0000

Half the fun of traveling to a foreign country is bringing home the best fashion finds the city has to offer. If you are heading to Amsterdam, check out these stores.

Amsterdamsche Fashion Outlet

High end fashion outlet for contemporary, chic finds. The outlet stocks its shelves with some of the best modern designers like Armani, Filippa K, Sarah Pacini, Giorgio Armani, and more. Exclusive boutiques, fashion houses and agents sell their collections to the outlet, making it a premium place to find your wares.

Dian Fashion
Whether you are seeking simple and stylish outerwear, business casual for the office or a chic outfit for a night out on the town in Amsterdam, Dian Fashion is on point. Dian carries both emerging and established fashion brands such as Esprit, Cambio, MC Planet, Turnover and more.

Zonder Franje

Are you looking for a really cool vintage find? Zonder Franje caters to all sizes and whether you are looking for an accessory or an entire outfit you are bound to find it here. Be ready to sift through clothing but you won’t regret it; shopping here will present some of the most unique finds on your Amsterdam travel adventures!

Carla Voorvouwelijke Mode

This boutique believes in promoting both emerging and established brands so it offers both to its dynamic customer base. The store is filled with bright colours and unique designs from brands such as Vassalli, Fiva, Renato Nucci, Edith & Ella and much more.

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

Photo from JP Puerta at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ews/

Culinary delights made with love

Sabrina — Fri, 07 May 2010 21:33:01 +0000

Craving a meal made with love in a cozy atmosphere? For serious culinary delights in Amsterdam put Van de Kaart, Restaurant te Pas and Restaurant Fyra on your list of musts. These restaurants not only make their food with love but also treat their guests with love too.

Van de Kaart

Van de Kaart serves French/Mediterranean cuisine with fresh ingredients and unique combinations to please every type of guest, from tourists to locals. The restaurant itself is cozy, located half below canal-level and the staff is outstandingly friendly, always greeting each guest with a warm smile.

Address: Prinsengracht 512, 1017 KH

Telephone: +31 20 625 92 32

Restaurant te Pas

With a dynamic, changing menu and ingredients chosen with love, Restaurant te Pas is a must to visit. The restaurant is run by the brothers Te Pas – one is in the kitchen and the other is the maitre d’, both so friendly and inviting. Te Pas’ décor is simple yet stylish and unique, perfectly reflecting the dishes that are served here.

Address: Lijnbaansgracht 274, 1017 RL

Telephone: +31 20 7735990‎

Restaurant Fyra

Restaurant goers are flocking to Restaurant Fyra for a relaxed and warm atmosphere with chic food served at low prices. The food is made with comfort and fresh ingredients. Come here for some serious culinary indulgence!

Address: Noorderstraat 19-21-23, 1017 TR

Telephone: +31 20 4283632

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

Image source by miss_yasmina at http://www.flickr.com/photos/miss_yasmina/

Art Amsterdam 2010

Sabrina — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:21:49 +0000

The 26th edition of Art Amsterdam takes place May 26-30th in the RAI Exhibition Centre. The event adds a little something to the mix with the special premiere of No Holds Barred.

Art lovers assemble at Art Amsterdam each year for professional guided tours, educational workshops for beginner collectors, lectures, debates, and a special program for recognized Dutch and foreign collectors.

Address: Europaplein 8, 1078 GZ Amsterdam

Dates/Opening Hours:

Wednesday, May 26: 18-22 hrs
Thursday, May 27: 11-19 hrs
Friday, May 28: 11-21 hrs
Saturday, May 29: 11-19 hrs
Sunday, May 30: 11-19 hrs

Admission:

20 euro per person per visit
10 euro per person per visit for holders of a cultural youth pass, a student pass and a 65+ pass
10 euro per person per visit after 17.00 hrs from 27 to 30 May

Art Amsterdam 2010 for more info.

Download mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

Image source: joiseyshowaa at http://www.flickr.com/photos/joiseyshowaa/

A Taste of French Cuisine in Amsterdam

Sabrina — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:56:48 +0000

Whether you are seeking French food without the pretension or an atmosphere with ambiance and a Parisian feel, Amsterdam has a few hidden gems you must check out.

La Vallade

Ringdijk 23, Amsterdam, T. +30 20 6652025

A cozy atmosphere and home style cooking with new four-course meals offered daily. Hidden East of the Amstel makes La Vallade a hidden gem in Amsterdam.

Utrechtsedwarsstafel

Utrechtsedwarsstraat 107, Amsterdam, T. +30 20 6254189

This restaurant takes great pride in preparing meals with the freshest products complemented by just the right type of wine.

Le Restaurant

Tweede Jan Steenstraat 3, Amsterdam, T. +30 20 3792207

Le Restaurant is ‘le place to be’ for modern, urban excellence. Simple ingredients combined to create harmonious and unique dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Did I mention that reservations are a must?!

Cafe George

Leidsegracht 84, Amsterdam, T. +30 20 6260802

If you are seeking a funky, hip atmosphere without a compromise in taste, stop by Café George for a little rendez-vous.

Brasserie Flo

Amstelstraat 9, Amsterdam, T. +30 20 8904757

Haute café appeal you would find in Paris is brought to you in Amsterdam.

Downloads mTrip’s Amsterdam Travel Guide

Madame Tussaud’s in Amsterdam

Sabrina — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:42:49 +0000

If you had the opportunity to meet your favorite past cultural figure who would it be? And would you actually ever get that chance? Well, at Madame Tussaud’s you do! Meet your favorite cultural figures such as Albert Eintein, Mona Lisa, Pablo Picasso and of course, Madame Tussaud herself. This 18th century lady is known as the infamous wax sculpture artist and of course the founder of this great museum, admired not only in Amsterdam but also London, Shanghai, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Hong Kong and New York.

Do you have a fascination for Hollywood celebrities? Have your picture taken with Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Marilyn Monroe and many more. Even star in your own film under the watchful gaze of these celebrities.

Meet world leaders from Barack Obama to the Dalai Lama, the Royals including Princess Diana, Queen Beatrix, Queen Wilhelmina, popular musicians from Elvis Presley to Justin Timberlake, and play sports with some of the world’s most admired athletes like David Beckham or Lance Armstrong.

Click here to plan your visit or learn more!

Address:

Dam 20
1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10.00 am – 6.30 pm (entrance closes 5.30 pm)

Open in evenings until 24:00 (must reserve in advance).

For more information, contact +31 03 12 05 23 06 23
Prices (subject to change at discretion of Madame Tussaud’s)

Adult

€23,00

60+ €20,00

Children

5 – 15 €17,50

Children up to 5 Free

Groups or family bookings

Pack A (2 adults, 2 kids and a Madame Tussauds Guidebook) €70,00

Pack B (2 adults, 3 kids and a Madame Tussauds Guidebook) €82,50