AMSTERDAM

STAY
Hotel Vondel, Vondelstraat 18-30
Part of the Vondel Hotel group, Hotel Vondel is conveniently located just next to Vondel Park and is within a 5 minute walk to Museumplein. It is also conveniently located near Leidseplein where you can catch the tram to any other part of central Amsterdam.

EAT
Cheese Toastie
Holland is known for their cheese. When at any café/bar you can be sure that you can order a toastie regardless of whether or not it is on the menu-a lighter version of a grilled cheese sandwich made with delicious cheese and toasted bread (no butter). The bread is toasted just enough to leave a perfect crisp and so that the cheese is melted.

Pancakes
More like crepes than the “American” pancake. There are several pancake houses to choose from in Central.

New King, Zeedijk 115
Popular Chinese spot for dinner in the Red Light District. Make sure to make reservations or expect to wait for several hours. Portions are large family style servings so either go with a big group or plan on sharing.

Café De Prins, Prinsengracht 124
A small café that serves food at the bar and in the few tables in the back of the restaurant. Stop for a café or beer before/after visiting the Anne Frank House.

DRINK
Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Funenkade 7
Local Brewery-if you prefer craft beer, opt for this stop versus the other larger beer tour.
Taste the brews on tap and enjoy the light airy feel of this bar/brewery.

Wynand Fockink, Pijlsteeg 31
Jenever please! Pick your flavor and drink your jenever the traditional way. First, the bartender will pour your jenever and fill it to the rim. You must bend over to take the first sip before picking it up for the second sip. This is the only proper way for this to be done and you’ll receive your set of instructions on how to do this after you order. There is a wide range of flavors. Try more than 1 for a taste range and ask where they fall on scale of sweetness ahead of time.

Bierfabriek, Rokin 75
This is a large beer house/bar that also serves food. The draw to this place is the taps are located at each table. In case you need something to help wash down your beer, try the complimentary peanuts that hang in bags off the walls.

EXPLORE
Anne Frank House, Prinsengracht 263-267
A landmark in Amsterdam. Arrive early to avoid the long lines or purchase your ticket online for an even faster entry. If you did not read Anne’s Diary, make it a part of your pre-trip planning for background before visiting the hiding space. Take a break in the café after your tour. The hot chocolate is delicious.

Westerkerk, Prinsengracht 281
Located directly next to the Anne Frank House, this is the highest church tower in Amsterdam.

FOAM, Keizersgracht 609
Diane Arbus exhibit, Winter 2012
The photography museum of Amsterdam. Check their website for current exhibits. Located on Keizersgracht.

Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 7
This museum recently under went a renovation of the original location. During the renovation, the permanent collection was temporarily housed at the Hermitage. See some of the major works of Van Gogh and learn about his life journey.

Molen de Gooyer, Funenkade 5
The only windmill in Central Amsterdam. A must see if you will not or do not have time to explore the outskirts. It is conveniently located next to Brouwerij ‘t IJ and will be a landmark to help find.

I Amsterdam
Find the sign and take a picture with this massive sign-It will be your best souvenir.

TIPS
Beware of the bike lane. Make sure you are aware of where you are standing at all times and respect the lane.

If you are in Central Amsterdam and will not have a bike and prefer not to walk (which is recommended to take in the full beauty of the canals), take the tram for longer distances. You can purchase your ticket on board and there is a line that runs along the perimeter and straight through the middle of Central Amsterdam.

Great times to visit:
Christmas-the city and canals come alive with light shows.
Spring for the Tulip festival.