AMSTERDAM. A city bursting with art, canals and zest for life

Transcription

1 AMSTERDAM A city bursting with art, canals and zest for life

2 2 Excursion tips

3 Welcome 3 WELCOME TO AMSTERDAM Welkom to Amsterdam! This city, which was once the largest trading metropolis in the world, is an exciting holiday destination. Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan metropolis and discover architectural treasures and culinary delicacies from every corner of the world be enchanted by the city and its people. There are famous attractions, canal trips and museums such as the worldfamous Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Or do as the locals do and use a bicycle to discover the city. With 400 kilometres of cycle paths, you can see the city from a whole new perspective. Nimue A. van den Berk Resort Manager Amsterdam If you are looking for nature, there is the Vondelpark, where you can jog, skate, or just take a walk. Wherever you are in Amsterdam home is never far away: The Hapimag Resort is in a central location right on the Singel, the oldest canal in Amsterdam. We look forward to welcoming you to Amsterdam and hope you have an unforgettable stay. Resort Manager Nimue A. van den Berk and Team

4 4 Excursion tips CONTENTS Location 5 History 6 Reception 7 Important information 8 Activities 9 Area map 12 Families 14 Shopping 15 Events 16 Indulgence 17 Phrase book 18 Online 19 The Hapimag range 20 Important telephone numbers 22

5 5 AMSTERDAM ART, CANALS, A ZEST FOR LIFE The Hapimag resort is on Amsterdam s oldest canal, the Singel. It is just a few minutes walk to the shops and the main train station. The Singel canal is in the centre of Amsterdam. The main train station is just around the corner. From here you can take the train, bus or metro to any destination in and around Amsterdam. In just 10 minutes, you can walk to the artists quarter of Jordaan, the famous Dam Square and the main and smaller shopping streets. The museum quarter is just 15 minutes away by tram and here you can find world-famous museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. In Holland, various excursion destinations are just a short distance away by train or car: marvel at the windmills in Zaandam, go on a shopping tour to Haarlem or eat fish in Volendam, a typical Dutch fishing village. A prime location The Hapimag Resort is in a prime location near the artists quarter and the shopping streets. It is also close to public transport.

6 6 History HISTORY AND CULTURE The first documented mention of a town with the name Amstelledammel was in A village which was built on a dam in the Amstel. The city has always had a varied history. The name of the city is derived from a dam with locks built on the river Amstel in the 13th century. This connected the two settlements Oude Zijde and Nieuwe Zijde (old and new side), which still retain these names today. In the Middle Ages, a city square, which still carries the name Dam today, was built on the Amstel Dam and this became the centre of the city. Amsterdam became a centre for world trade early on, which is why the city was fought over again and again. The city survived the First World War with relatively little damage. In 1928, Amsterdam held the Olympic Games. However, the city suffered a set back during the Second World War. Occupied by the Germans, Amsterdam experienced dark times, which are still remembered today in many museums. After the war, the city slowly became the cosmopolitan, lively and multi-cultural metropolis that we know today. Today the Hapimag resort is a protected building. The following words are still displayed high on the façade: Vita Hominum Similis Naviganti (the life of a person is like that of a sailor). Each of the 26 apartments is dedicated to a Dutch painter. The current Hapimag Resort was the warehouse of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) until the end of the 19th century. Goods from India were stored here. In 1905 the house was converted into student accommodation. In 1988 Hapimag purchased the building. The colours of the house are identical to those used in the 17th century.

7 Reception 7 WE RE HERE FOR YOU! How can we help? Our reception staff members are always happy to assist you. If you have any questions, require information, or need help with requests of any kind reception is just the place. You can always find someone there to help you out during opening hours. Stop by and visit! Services Sale of bread rolls and breakfast service Booking city and boat tours and excursions Sale of postcards, stamps, tickets for public transport and also tickets for museums Sale of Nespresso capsules Free wireless LAN Sale of dishwasher tablets 24-hour emergency service Cycle hire Infocentre on 1st basement level Sale of best-sellers, specialist books about Amsterdam and Holland and games Surf PC Honesty Bar Refuse disposal facilities are available in the basement

8 8 Important information INSIDER KNOWLEDGE With some knowledge about Amsterdam, you can score points at dinner or entertain your loved ones while standing in the queue for the museum. Did you know that Amsterdam has only approx residents and they come from 180 different countries? there are more canals in Amsterdam than in Venice? There are a total of 165 canals, 80 bridges and 2500 houseboats. on Kings Day, Amsterdam transforms into a city of orange and there is a street market on every street? Amsterdam is the city with the most museums per square kilometre in the world? there is parking facility just for bikes in Amsterdam? This is at the main train station and offers 2500 parking places over two levels.

9 9 EXPERIENCE HISTORY ENJOY ART Immerse yourself in the past and understand world events from centuries past or gaze in wonder at works by Van Gogh or other artists Amsterdam has a large selection of museums to offer. The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Museum for Modern Art, the Stedelijk, are known around the world. But there are also other interesting museums in Amsterdam. For example, visit a canal house museum; here you can see how these buildings looked in the Golden Age. Or wander through the Nemo Science Museum with your children. The motto here: touch everything! You can learn about science and technology with all your senses. Tickets and further information are available at reception. Some interesting museums in Amsterdam Rijksmuseum Van Gogh Museum Stedelijk Museum Maritime Museum Amsterdam Museum Tropical Museum Hermitage Amsterdam Van Loon Museum Willet-Holthuysen Museum Rembrandthuis Foam Photography Museum Amsterdam Eye Film Museum Ons Lieve Heer

10 10 Activities ACROSS THE CANALS ON TWO WHEELS The bike in Amsterdam is like the Vespa in Rome the most important form of transport for the locals. Do the same and discover the city on two wheels. The Dutch have a long tradition of love for the bicycle. Even Queen Wilhelmina ( ) used this common means of transport. There are 400 kilometres of cycle paths in and around Amsterdam. This makes it quick and easy to get from one attraction to the next. You can hire bikes from us at the resort. Child seats and helmets are also available. Prices and further information are available at reception. In Amsterdam there are more bikes than registered residents. Each year between and bikes are fished out of the canals.

11 Activities 11 ON WATER OR IN NATURE A canal trip gives you an overview of Amsterdam and in the park you can forget that you are in a city wonderful contrasts. The history of Amsterdam is built on water. 165 canals have been built over the centuries, which simplified transport and thus boosted trade. They still define the cityscape and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since A trip along Amsterdam s canals is probably the best way to get to know the city. Whether a hop-on/hop-off tour, a traditional round trip or a paddle boat this is the perfect way to get your first impression of the different canals. Between trips, choose one of over 30 parks for a wonderful place to relax. Sitting on the grass in the middle of the city, the loud activity of the city seems a long way away. The Keukenhof is the largest garden in the world. It is near the town of Lisse in the south of Holland. It is particularly worthwhile visiting during the tulip season. The best parks Vondelpark Westerpark Sarphatipark Park Frankendael Oosterpark

12 Nieuwe Westerdokstraat Haarlemmerstraat Central Station Rozengracht Prinsengracht Keizersgracht Herengracht Raadhuisstraat Singel Spuistraat Nieuwendijk Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal Prins Hendrikkade Damrak Nieuwendijk Warmoesstraat Oudezijds voorburgwal Old Church De negen Straatjes Kalverstraat Opera Flower Market Hist Mus Amstel

13 HAPIMAG RESORT AMSTERDAM Piet Heinkade OBA Public Library Prins Hendrikkade Supermarket Shopping centre Fishmonger Maritime Museum Butcher Bakery Pharmacy Resistance Museum Valkenburgerstraat Post office Car park Port / ferry Chapel / church orical eum Hortus Botanicus Natura Artis Magistra Police Metro Tram Bus Attractions Paleis op de Dam Hapimag Resort Amsterdam

14 14 Families TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN Curious toddlers or demanding teenagers whatever the age of your children, Amsterdam has something for the whole family. Visit a museum with no Do not touch signs, walk among monkeys or take a selfie with world-famous idols the choice is varied. Visitors can learn more about science and technology through touch, taste and smell at the Nemo Science Museum. At the Artis Royal Zoo, you can discover animals from Europe, from the rainforest or something slippery from the canals of Amsterdam. And in the wax museum, you are at eye level with the stars. The best tips for young and old: Petting zoo in the Amstelpark and The Pijp Western Park Woest Westen Amsterdam Museum Groot Melkhuis in the Vondelpark Windmill Museum Zaanse Schans Microbe Zoo Micropia Excursion tips Candlelight boat trip with dinner Small boat trips 100 Highlights boat trip Grand Holland Tour Hop-on/hop-off city tour Anne Frank and Jewish Amsterdam

15 15 SHOPPING PARADISE Good times for anyone who enjoys shopping. Antiques, fancy designers and second-hand items in Amsterdam, you can find everything your heart desires. Shopping locally The Haarlemmerdijk, a very long, popular and lively shopping street, is practically outside the door. Shopping in the city centre In the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes), you can find numerous speciality shops, restaurants, boutiques, bars, cafés, tea shops and antique shops. Shopping in department stores De Bijenkorf is the most famous department store in Amsterdam. It is inside a historical building behind Dam Square. Luxury shopping P. C. Hooftstraat is Amsterdam s most exclusive shopping street. Here you can find all well-known luxury labels. The best markets Albert Cuypmarkt Dappermarkt Nieuwmarkt Ten Katemarkt Noordermarkt Waterlooplein More information on the markets is available at reception.

16 16 Language course AN EVENTFUL HOLIDAY YEAR There is a special event each month in Amsterdam each one is worth a visit. A night in a museum, classical music on the canals or tulip flowers: entertainment is guaranteed, year in, year out. A short overview: January: New Year, Amsterdam Light Festival February: Chinese New Year, Valentine s Day March: Keukenhof April: Keukenhof, King s Day May: Keukenhof, Liberation Day June: Holland Festival, Open Garden Days July: Amsterdam Roots Festival, Fashion Week August: Gay Pride, Canal Festival September / October: Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) November: Museum Night December: Sinterklaas, Amsterdam Light Festival

17 Indulgence 17 STAMPPOT AND POFFERTJES Try out Dutch cooking! But specialities from around the world are also available in the multicultural city of Amsterdam. Dutch cooking is simple and hearty. Meat and potatoes are common ingredients. The most popular dishes include Erwtensoep (pea soup with ham and smoked sausage), Stamppot (mashed potato with vegetables served with meat and sauce) and Poffertjes (small sweet pancakes). In many restaurants, dishes are still cooked in a traditional manner. Thanks to Amsterdam s proximity to the sea, fresh fish such as plaice, mackerel, eel as well as mussels and prawns are also often on the menu. Try a different snack: So many visitors to Amsterdam have already stood in wonder before the Febo snack bar. Insert a coin, open the glass door and bite into a fresh, warm snack. It s worth a try! The colonial past of the Netherlands is reflected in the numerous Indonesian and Surinamese restaurants in Amsterdam. This is also demonstrated by the many nationalities at home here with a huge selection of international restaurants.

18 18 Phrase book DUTCH FOR BEGINNERS A little bit of Dutch Een beejte Nederlands. Goodbye Tot ziens Good morning Goedemorgen Hello Hallo Good evening Goedenavond Goodnight Welterusten Thank you Dankuwel Please Alstublieft Sorry Sorry Morning Morgen Yesterday Gisteren Today Vandaag Yes Ja No Nee

19 Online 19 HAPIMAG APP Download our free Hapimag app for iphone and Android on your mobile phone. The app contains the latest information and recommendations on activities and opportunities at the Hapimag Resorts. YOUR OPINION MATTERS Did you enjoy your stay? Do you have any suggestions for improvement? We look forward to receiving your feedback at Help us to better accommodate your needs. KEEP IN TOUCH Share your experiences with us and other guests on our Facebook page. Post photos of your stay in Amsterdam and find out what s new. We hope you have a memorable stay and enjoy some special moments in Amsterdam.

20 20 DISCOVER THE HOLIDAY WORLD OF HAPIMAG. More Hapimag to suit your needs.

21 The Hapimag range 21 Unforgettable days with your loved ones, shopping and sightseeing in the metropolises of Europe or hiking and skiing in the mountains Hapimag Resort Amsterdam is just one of around 60 resorts for a holiday that s tailored entirely to your needs. Did you enjoy your stay at the Hapimag Resort Amsterdam and would you like to experience more unforgettable days like these? Please ask at reception for more information. Discover all that Hapimag has to offer.

22 22 IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS To use the telephone, please dial 0 before the number. For calls from your mobile, please dial the country code +31 before the telephone number. Fire brigade 112 Police 112 Netherlands emergency 112 Sint-Lucas-Andreas Hospital +31 (20) Hapimag Resort Amsterdam +31 (20) Emergency number for Hapimag Amsterdam (outside of reception opening times) +31 (6) Emergency number for Hapimag Baar +41 (79)

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24 Hapimag Resort Amsterdam Singel VC Amsterdam Nederland T +31 (20) amsterdam@hapimag.com