Amsterdam

View of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most popular European cities for international visitors attracting around 7 million guests per year. The city offers a stimulating variety of arts, culture, entertainment and last but not least sports: with 60 theatres, churches and concert halls, 45 museums, 141 commercial art galleries, 2 sports stadiums and countless fitness clubs, there's always something to do from sunrise to sunset. The country's trade history also left traces in the capital, and the innumerable shops offer everything from stylish products to antique curios. The varied restaurants and cafés offer delicious traditional Dutch or fusion food and when it gets dark night owls are invited discover the vibrant bars and clubs.

Amsterdammers in a boat

The canals, bridges and little brick houses give a unique charm to the city, especially in springtime. This atmosphere is enhanced by the Amsterdammers themselves – an outgoing people who enjoy their city by foot, boat or - most of all - by bike.

Amsterdam
through a
bike frame

With bicycles accounting for more than forty per cent of all traffic in the city, Amsterdam deserves to be called the Capital of Bikes. Amsterdam also has a rich sporting history as host city of the Olympic Games in 1928, the football European Championship and other international sport events.

Take the opportunity to discover this cosmopolitan and at the same time charming capital city during your stay.

The Capital of Bikes

Bikes in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam your destination is never far away, but get a bike for a more authentic experience.
Amsterdam, after all, was not built for cars - the 17th-century inner city was built for pedestrians and the narrow streets and canals do not allow for a smooth flow of cars, let alone sufficient parking space. It is no surprise then that the 750,000 people who live in Amsterdam own an estimated 600,000 bicycles!

The bicycle offers foreign guests, and less experienced cyclists, an adventurous way to explore the city and surroundings. There are special bicycle routes, guided cycle tours and, of course, several bike rental shops. The major rental hubs are Centraal Station, Leidseplein and Dam Square. Day rates average €8 with some multi-day rates as low as €4.

Sport & the City

Amsterdam and sport have strong links and its professional sporting history dates back to 1928 when the 9th Olympic Games were held in the Dutch capital. These were the first Games in which women were allowed to participate and were also the first time the Olympic torch was lit. The rich sports history of Amsterdam and The Netherlands can be seen in the Olympic Stadium of Amsterdam.

Since then, the city has been home to numerous legendary Olympic athletes and many athletes play, train and live in the city. Amsterdam is also famous for its great football players from Ajax, including the most famous Dutch football player ever Johan Cruijff, as well as Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard, Clarence Seedorf and Rafael van der Vaart. Some of the best coaches in The Netherlands are also from the Dutch capital city, including: Rinus Michels, successful coach of Ajax and the Dutch national football team; Louis van Gaal, of Ajax and Barcelona; Hans Jorritsma, field hockey coach who won the world championship with Pakistan; and famous athletics coach Charles van Commenée.

Each year Amsterdam hosts a great variety of sporting events, including national, European and world championships. During the last few years the city has played host to numerous large events such as:

Euro 2000 (football European Championship)
Champions Trophy Field Hockey 2003
World Championship Baseball 2005
Davis Cup Tennis 2006
European Championship Gymnastics 2007

Furthermore, there are many regular sporting events held in Amsterdam every year:

Jumping Amsterdam, an equestrian sport event.
Heineken Amsterdam Sevens, rugby 7s.
Amsterdam Tournament, a football tournament hosted by Ajax, inviting top teams from all over the world.
ING Amsterdam Marathon, one of the fastest marathon courses in the world.
Six days of Amsterdam, an international indoor cycling event.

The Cultural City

Rijksmuseum in
Amsterdam

Tourists from all over the world come to Amsterdam to visit the city’s cultural attractions like the Royal Palace, the Oude Kerk, the Begijnhof as well as the many theatres, churches and concert halls. The displays of the famous art museums feature Dutch Masterpieces. The most visited museums in Amsterdam include:

The Rijksmuseum with its huge collection of Dutch Old Masters
The Van Gogh Museum
The Rembrandt House Museum
The Anne Frank House in the former hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her diary

Alternatively, a good place to experience the city's proud theatre tradition is at the Muziektheater (Opera House) where you can hopefully catch performances by the Dutch National Ballet. Amsterdam's Koninklijk Theater Carré is also worth visiting if you prefer cabaret or musicals.

Tip: Amsterdam - "The Venice of the North" - by Water
The Canal Bus runs every 40 minutes from 09:50 until 19:25 with 14 stops along three different routes throughout the city. Day passes cost €16 and are valid until 12:00 the next day. All of Amsterdam’s major attractions are on the route and historical commentary is provided along the way. The Museumboot (Museum Boat) is a similar concept for around €14 per day with stops at Centraal Station, Prinsengracht, Leidseplein, Herengracht, Muziektheater and the East Dock. Tickets include half-price entry to most city museums.

Commercial Hub and Nightlife

The Dutch have a rich history of trading and in the capital’s shops you can find antiques, books, diamonds, and curiosities. In general, shop opening hours are 13.00-18.00 on Mondays and 09:00 or 10:00-18.00 from Tuesday to Friday.

Amsterdam is also famous for its nightlife. There are many typical old Dutch bars, called “bruine kroeg”, while other bars and pubs are very modern and stylish.

Special Tip in Spring: Tulip Fields

Flower field

Late April is the time when the national symbol of the Netherlands – the tulip - is in flower.

Benefit from the season and visit the spring flower exhibition of the famous Keukenhof or make a bike trip through the colourful tulip fields.

For more information about tourism in The Netherlands view www.visitholland.com

Practical Information

Transport

A Direct Rail Link connects Schiphol International Airport to Amsterdam central station and is the fastest way to get to the city centre. Trains run every 10 minutes from platforms 1 and 2 in the main arrival plaza and cost €3.60 for a single journey. The NH Barbizon Palace offers an airport shuttle service. Taxis to the city centre start at €40 and can be reserved.

GVB is the public transport company of Amsterdam providing integrated metro, tram and bus services throughout Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. Passes can be purchased at one of the GVB Tickets and Info Offices located at all major train stations.