Amsterdam sights

Munttoren (Munttower)

The Munttower was constructed around 1480, and in 1487 the "Reguliers gate" was completed. The tower was a part of the old medieval city wall. The Reguliers gate had two towers seperated by a gatehouse.

Rijksmuseum

The largest collection of historical Dutch art is found here on the Museumplein. Opened in 1885, it is Neo-Gothic in style and filled with riches. Nowhere else can you find such a display of the Dutch masters including Rembrandt's most famous work, Night Watch. Such a vast collection of art takes more than a day to explore.

Canals

The Amsterdam canals are one of the major attractions for our 'Venice of the North'. Charming in daytime, by night they become even more enchanting with the glistening lights from the canal houses and bridges. The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel; there are numerous smaller canals, of which the Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant. You can sample the canal views by taking a tour with one of the shipping company's on the Damrak or Rokin. A basic tour will cost you around f15, with special arrangements like 'candle light cruises' available. You could also try the more adventurous pedal boats; rental outlets are at strategic points in town, including the Anne Frank house and the Rijksmuseum. Life on water is very different from life ashore, and if you care to venture into the canals on your own you'll soon find out that it's difficult to get your bearing while afloat. Bring a good map! You can also order a watertaxi (tel 622 21 81) to get you from A to B in a pleasant though more expensive way.

Dam

During the sixties flower power in the Netherlands was symbolized by the famous Damslapers, a 'bunch of hippies' camping out on Dam square. Nowadays the square has lost a lot of it's former easygoing charm but it's still one of the focal points of the city. Dam square is the physical center of the city ever since the dam was built to keep the Zuiderzee (Southern sea) out. In the midst of the square is the Nationaal Monument, dedicated to the Dutch soldiers and members of the resistance who died during World War Two. The west side of the square is flanked by the Royal Palace.

Tuschinski Theater

Built in 1921 by Abram Icek Tuschinsky as a work of love, he supervised every square inch of the details in this Art Deco masterpiece. A wonderful place to see a movie (usually in English with Dutch subtitles), but sitting in the balconies is rather cramped. Get a box seat, it's worth the price. Unfortunately Mr. Tuschinski himself was killed at Auschwitz by the Nazis.

Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace)

Originally built as the City Hall, Louis Napoleon turned it into the Royal Palace during his short-lived reign over the Netherlands. Today it is used by the Dutch royal family only for ceremonial occasions. The sculptures and artwork inside are worth seeing.

Jordaan

A former working class area which has now become very trendy; especially the expensive converted warehouses. Jordaan is now inhabited by a colorful mixture of original 'Jordanezen', students, well-to-do businessmen and artists.

Anne Frank House

A visit here brings an eerie sensation of what it was like for the Frank Family to hide in an attic during World War II. The original furnishings were destroyed by the Nazis, but the place is haunted by the ghosts of Anne and her family. It includes an excellent but small display of historical information. If you haven't read the "Diary of Anne Frank" get a copy here, available in many languages.

Vondel Park

Featurind several hundred acres of park, with bike paths, walking paths, an open-air concert venue, a large outdoor cafe and the Film Museum. Scattered through the park are ponds with swans and ducks, a display of farm animals for the kids and acres and acres of fields to play soccer on. During the 60's and 70's the park became famous as a Hippie hangout, nowadays you'll still see the occasional "camper" on warm nights.