AMSTERDAM GUIDE. A Self-Guided 6.5 Hours Canal Trip and Walking Tour. Created for Visitors from Legend of the Seas - 30 April 2014

Transcription

1 AMSTERDAM GUIDE A Self-Guided 6.5 Hours Canal Trip and Walking Tour including Hidden Square, Cheese Shop, Red Light District and 2hrs for other stops or visits Created for Visitors from Legend of the Seas - 30 April 2014 developed by Roy Smith 2013

2 Contents WELCOME TO AMSTERDAM 1 A A T C T...1 The Port s Place In History...1 The Golden age...1 The 20th Century...1 SOME BASICS 2 T T S...2 A CANAL TRIP AND WALKING OF 6.5 HOURS 5 W The Canal Boat Tour...5 Westerkerk (West Church)...6 The Anne Frank House...6 Westermark to Dam Square...7 Dam Square...8 Koninklijk (Royal) Palace...8 The Amsterdam National Monument...8 The Nieuwe Kerk...8 Dam Square to The Spui...9 The Begijnhof...10 The Spui to Munttoren...11 The Bloemenmarkt...11 Munttoren (mint tower)...12 Munttoren to Rembrandt House Museum...12 Rembrandt House...13 Gassan Diamond Factory...13 Rembrandt House Museum to De Waag...14 The Kleine Trippenhuis...14 De Waag...14 De Rossebuurt - Red Light District...15 Tour The Red Light District...16 De Waag to Passenger Terminal...17 Summary of Timings...18

3 WELCOME TO AMSTERDAM Arriving At The Cruise Terminal Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) is the city s official port for cruise ships. The structure is an eye-catching building on the IJ River (pronounced Eye) and the PTA welcomes about 200,000 passengers annually. Just in front of the PTA are the berths used by River Cruise Vessels and on most days a number of these can be seen at the moorings. The Port of Amsterdam lies at the head of the Ijsselmeer, a shallow freshwater lake in the North Holland province of The Netherlands. While the seat of government for The Netherlands is at The Hague, the Port of Amsterdam is the country's official capital. The Port of Amsterdam is the major centre for culture and finance in The Netherlands. In 2012 over 740,000 people lived in the city of Amsterdam, and over 2.1million called the metropolitan area home. The PTA is located a few hundred metres from the City s Central Railway Station, which is the hub of Amsterdam. All public transport, trams, metro, buses and taxis meet here from where visitors may explore the city or surrounding area with ease. T P P I H As early as in 1275 Count Floris V granted the people living near the man-made dam on the Amstel River, freedom to navigate the waters of the Province of Holland - without paying tolls. By the 16th century a blooming economy helped Amsterdam to grow into the biggest city in the province of Holland, with some 30,000 inhabitants. The IJ waterway was still an estuary; in it was a port directly connected to Damrak. Ocean-going vessels could sail right into the city, up to what is today Dam Square. Back then, the Dam was covered in small houses, with a medieval, gothic city hall (replaced in the 17th century). At this time the city limits were defined by the Singel canal to the west, and the Kloveniersburgwal (wall) to the east. T G The 17th century is considered Amsterdam's Golden Age, during which it became the wealthiest city in the world. Ships sailed from Amsterdam to the Baltic Sea, North America, and Africa, as well as present-day Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. Amsterdam s merchants had the largest share in both the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company. These companies acquired overseas possessions that later became Dutch colonies. During the 19th Century, Amsterdam entered what some call its second Golden Age. The Industrial Revolution arrived, and new civic buildings including museums and train stations, and supporting services appeared. T 20 C Before World War I began, the Port was growing with new suburbs. While the country was neutral during the war, the Amsterdam had shortages of food and heating oil, causing riots in which people looted stores and warehouses. In 1940, Nazi Germany invaded and took control of The Netherlands. They seated a civilian Nazi government over the Port of Amsterdam that cooperated in persecuting Jews. Citizens of the Port of Amsterdam risked their own freedom or lives by sheltering Jews; not all were saved. Over 100,000 Dutch Jews were sent to concentration camps; only 5,000 survived WW2. 1

4 SOME BASICS Typical Tourist Stuff The first essential thing to say about visiting Amsterdam is that almost everyone you meet will speak English, there will be few exceptions whilst you are in the city itself. However, it may be prudent to learn a few Dutch words which you may hear as you travel around - these are mentioned a little later in this guide. Local Time From 28 March to 31 October Amsterdam is in the Central European Summer Time Zone, or GMT+2. However, remember that as cruise ship visitors you should always take the time from what the cruise ship tells you; only in rare cases will this be different from the local time. Money Since 2002, a large part of the European Union has adopted the euro as its local currency and the Netherlands is no exception. One euro contains 100 euro cents. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 euro cents, and also of 1 and 2 euro. Banknotes are available with the following values: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. However, it is common practice for local shops NOT to accept 200 and 500 bills. You can exchange and withdraw money at most large banks; there are plenty in the centre of Amsterdam. All banks accept Visa and MasterCard at their cash dispensers, but bear in mind that ATMs are ridiculously scarce in Amsterdam often leading to huge queues. At Amsterdam Centraal Station you can find a GWK Travelex shop open from 8am. Many restaurants, hotels and shops accept Visa and MasterCard, but to avoid disappointment, be sure to carry some money with you as some bars only accept cash and others require a minimum purchase of to use a card. Tipping Tipping in restaurants, if deserved, is up to the diner and both 10% or a rounding up of the bill is acceptable. Alcohol Amsterdam is famous for its cafés and restaurants so you re never far from a tasty brew or a glass of wine. Heineken, Amstel and Bavaria are the nation s biggest brewers but other large local brands include Grolsch and Hertog Jan. A wide variety of excellent Belgian brews are also on offer at most bars, but keep an eye out for cafés selling beer from Amsterdam s own micro-breweries. You must be at least 16 years old to drink beer or wine and 18 to imbibe spirits. If you look too young you ll be carded, so always bring identification. This holds true for supermarkets and off-licences, too. Brown cafés Bruine (Brown) cafes are to Amsterdam what pubs are to London. That is, they are casual, neighbourhood gathering spots located all around the city, featuring dark wood and people looking for a drink, a snack and friendly conversation. The term brown comes from the dark wood and stained walls that supposedly owe their hue to years of smoking patrons. Amsterdam's brown cafés are as much a part of the city's charm as its canals and architecture. Most of them epitomize the Dutch term gezelligheid (pronounced "khuh ZEL ikh hide"), a word quite difficult to translate into English; coziness or a feeling of friendly welcome best describes it. These should not, however, be confused with Coffeshops, although many fist time visitors do. Coffeeshops & Drugs It comes as no surprise that in many places in the Netherlands coffeeshops sell marijuana and other socalled soft drugs to Dutch residents. And you may have also heard that dealing or possessing hard drugs is forbidden. You can be arrested for it and punishments are no laughing matter. Unfortunately, recent legislation on a national level has made the legality issue a little hazy. 2

5 Although it is technically forbidden to serve nonresidents, most coffeeshops in Amsterdam still sell their wares to tourists. Coffeeshops are alcohol-free establishments where soft drugs are sold and consumed. A driving principle of coffeeshop policy is that the sale of alcohol and the sale of soft drugs is separated. Prostitution It may surprise you to know that the profession that has helped to make Amsterdam a household word across the globe, only became legal in For years, the Dutch did what they always do when confronted with a sticky social problem. The police simply turned a blind eye to the practice and tolerated it. The cops in the Red Light district only rousted sex workers if they became too aggressive with passers-by showing off body parts or tapping on the glass. Today, window shopping on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal is a popular tourist attraction, but please bear in mind that these ladies are there to make a living and are not part of some open-air zoo. Be respectful and, whatever you do, don't take any photographs up close. Use a zoom lens from a distance if you want some photographic evidence of your visit. Cycling It is estimated there are over 880,000 bicycles in a city of 780,000 residents. There are cycle paths everywhere in Amsterdam and.cyclists in Amsterdam have a reputation of being somewhat anarchistic and are perhaps even proud of this reputation. The fact that they often ignore the rules of the road can cause problems. Cyclists are not permitted to cycle through red lights, although they often do. Trams Amsterdammers love their trams and you should, too! They provide the best way of getting around the city and run from 06:00-00:30. You shouldn't have to wait longer than 10 minutes at any tram stop. One-hour tickets for journeys across the city can be bought from newsagents or tram drivers. In 2013 they cost 2.80, but if you plan on travelling a lot you re better off purchasing a 24-hour ticket for You have to touch the scanner near the doors of the tram when entering and exiting the vehicle. Pickpockets Sadly, as with many other major cities pickpockets are typically active in crowded places, during the summer season. This can occur in a tram or while watching a street artist. Mind your belongings carefully, and leave your valuables onboard the ship. Police If you are a victim of crime go to one of the police stations. They will take a statement, cancel your credit cards in case of theft and provide you with useful telephone numbers and addresses (like consulates, etc). Please try to avoid problems by not carrying valuable items with you on the streets. Some Useful Words? Hello Hallo Good morning Goedemorgen Good afternoon Goedemiddag Goodbye Dag Excuse me Pardon Thank you Dank u Thank you very much Dank u wel pronounced (dank u vel) Please Alstublieft pronounced (alst-u-bleeft) Yes Ja (Yar) No Nee (Nay) Sorry Sorry 3

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7 A CANAL TRIP AND WALKING OF 6.5 HOURS With stops up to 2 hours THE CANAL BOAT TOUR You will meet the beautifully restored classic Dutch salonboot Hilda at de Zouthaven which is located just along the main cruise terminal where Legend of the Seas will dock. Onboard The Hilda you will have access to a menu of refreshment including tea and coffee plus wine, spirits and beers - maybe not ideal for a 9am trip! The route that the boat will take is not shown in this guide as the captain may vary this dependant on the weather, how busy the harbour is and other factors. You will greeted at the canal boat by Roy, the author of this guide - he will not accompany you on the trip though. Once on board The Hilda your tour of the city will be given by a professional guide. On arrival at the dock close to Westermarkt square, Roy will be on hand to help with any questions before you had off on your journey around the city. Above: The Hilda Your tour of the Amsterdam canals will last 90 minutes and end alongside the Westermarkt (West Market). This is where Rembrandt van Rijn is buried and also where the famous Anne Frank House Museum is located. During your trip you will travel through many of the main canals including those comprising the UNESCO World Heritage listed Canal Ring : The Keizersgracht (Emperor s Canal), The Prinsengracht (Prince s Canal) and the Herengracht (Gentleman s Canal)- this area was added to the world list in August As you leave de Zouthaven (South Haven) you will travel; although not maybe in this order, along the harbour front of the IJ river, the Oosterdok (East Dock), the Amstel River and the Brouwersgracht (Brewers Canal). Along the way you will pass many historical buildings, some dating back to he 16th century and some more modern but with stories of their own. On arrival at Westermarkt the rest of your day in Amsterdam is yours to enjoy with the help of this self-guided tour guide. 5

8 WESTERKERK (WEST CHURCH) The Westerkerk is a protestant church that has been in use since It features a memorial plaque to Rembrandt, and its impressive tower contains a carillon with 48 bells, many of which were crafted by the renowned Hemony brothers. The architect was Hendrick de Keyser who built the church in the Dutch Renaissance style, which is characterized by a combination of brick and stone. The tower bears the symbol of the imperial crown of Maximilian the First of Austria, which he presented to the city in gratitude for its loyalty to the Austro-Burgundian princes. In 1669 Rembrandt van Rijn was buried here, just as his son Titus was a year earlier. The Westertoren (West Tower) has inspired many Dutch songs and poems and remains a wellknown symbol of Amsterdam. At 85 meters high it is the tallest tower in the city, Amsterdammers call the tower soothingly the D'Oude Wester. The tower owner is not the church community, but the municipal government as were all 17th century towers; they served particularly as observation posts for the fire brigade. The Westertoren - 85 metres tall THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE The Anne Frank House (left) is a museum where visitors are given the opportunity to personally envision what happened on this very spot. The secret annex, where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis is preserved for posterity. The front part of the house, the place where the helpers worked and Otto Frank s former office, has been returned to the style and atmosphere of the hiding period; visitors are provided with the opportunity to feel personally involved in what occurred at this location. The old canal-side house at 265 Prinsengracht, next to Otto Frank s former office, has been renovated. Here, information is given about the diary and its significance. Anne Frank s original diaries and other writings are on display. The story is told using quotes from Anne s diary as a reference. Original objects, documents, and photographs that are on display in the exhibition serve in strengthening the personal account of the hiding period and of the deportation to the camps. Three short films place the personal story in a historical context. 6

9 W D S Alongside the Westerkerk you will find The Anne Frank House Museum and also the Homomonument, commemorating all gay men and lesbians who have been subjected to persecution because of their homosexuality. You should leave Westermarkt by the bridge which crosses Keizersgracht (The Emperor s Canal) near the Homomonument, you are walking along Radhiusstraat and will enter a small shopping area before reaching Herengracht or Gentleman s canal. Continue eastwards along Radhiusstraat until you cross the Singel canal, the first of major canal to be constructed around the city. Ahead and to your left you will see Magna Plaza high class indoor shopping centre - and worth a stop if you have time. This former post office was built at the end of the 19th century, now an exclusive shopping destination with more than 20 stores plus a new Rembrandt Art exhibition space, spread over four floors. Keep left around the front of Magna Plaza at the corner and there is a pedestrian crossing ahead of you leading over Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. This takes you into Dam Square; to your right is the Royal Palace and on your left the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). As you walk here take care of the trams that run through the gap between the two historic buildings, the road is narrow. Distance: 850m / 13mins Allow at least 1 hour to visit the Anne Frank House. The Westerkerk (West Church) Magna Plaza Anne Frank House Westermark Dam Square 7

10 DAM SQUARE As you arrive in Dam Square you will be greeted by three of the most famous historic sigts in the city; The Royal Palace, The National Monument and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). Dam Square itself was created in the 13th century when a dam was built around the river Amstel to prevent the Zuiderzee Sea from flooding the city, causing damage and endangering the citizens of Amsterdam. Through the centuries, a number of buildings sprung up around the Square, special events were (and still are) held here, and street entertainers are a common site. In addition to several restaurants, cafés, and shops, there are many excellent attractions to visit in Dam Square. THE AMSTERDAM NATIONAL MONUMENT Erected in 1956 it honours the victims of World War II. It was designed by Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud, and the monument s sculptures are by John Rädecker and his sons Han and Jan Willem Rädecker. The central element of the monument is a concrete conical pillar 22 metres in height, covered entirely by white travertine stone The Koninklijk (Royal) Palace THE NIEUWE KERK Adjacent to the palace stand the Nieuwe Kerk (above). It was originally built about 1400 and restored to its original grandeur in the mid-1600s after a major fire. It was built in early Renaissance style. Both inaugurations and royal weddings have been held in this magnificent church. Guests enjoy viewing the famous stained glass windows and listening to concerts performed on the pipe organ. KONINKLIJK (ROYAL) PALACE Built as a city hall for the magistrates of Amsterdam, it was the largest secular building in Europe in the 17th century. The building has served a number of different purposes since its construction by Dutch architect Jacob van Campen. Though it s difficult to tell now, the entire building was made of gleaming white stone. It was originally built to be the City Hall for the magistrates of Amsterdam and its first section opened in Through the centuries, the building has been known not only for its size and beautiful exterior but also for what s inside the Royal Palace. After it was built, famous sculptors and painters were brought to Amsterdam to create masterpieces to be exhibited there including Rembrandt. The City Hall became the Royal Palace when Louis Napoleon, brother of the famous emperor, was appointed to rule over Holland as king in the early 1800s. He decided to take over the building and, in turn, converted it to a palace. He decorated in Empire style and many of his furnishings can still be viewed by tourists today. When Napoleon Bonaparte s empire fell the structure was returned to the city, but not for long. King Willem I (of Orange) decided he d reside there. Royalty continued to use the palace until 1936, when it again became a public building. The building remains at the King s disposal for state functions and is used often for such ceremonies. 8

11 D S T S The next leg of the walk takes you from Dam Square through part of the main shopping streets in the city - Kalverstraat. Orientate yourself so that you are standing in Dam Square, in front of the Royal Palace and with the Nieuwkerk behind you. Ahead and to yur right is Madam Tussaud's Waxworks. To the right as you face it is Kalverstraat, a narrow but very busy shopping thoroughfare. Head down here until you reach an intersection which, when you look to your left you will see a canal in the distance and trees to your right. In front, to your left you will also see a restaurant called Rancho Argentino. Head towards the trees and the open space beyond, this areas is called The Spui. This area is mostly free of vehicles, has a cobbled surface and is the centre of Amsterdam s international book trade. The square is also home to a small statue called Het Lieverdje (The Little Darling) and represents the youth of Amsterdam, always playing pranks yet with a heart of gold. The Spui also provides you with entry to the Begijnhof, an enclosed courtyard dating from the early 14th century and which is a must-see before you leave on the next leg of your tour. Details of how to find it are on the next page. Distance: 500m / 20mins with window shopping allow 20mins for a visit to the Begijnhof. Het Lieverdje The Spui 9

12 THE BEGIJNHOF The Begijnhof is one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam. It s an inner court that dates from around 1300 with typical Amsterdam-style houses. The Begijnhof has a fascinating history with many historical events, the sisterhood of Catholics and even miracles. The women that joined the sisterhood of Catholics were called begijnen. These were women who lived like nuns without ever taken an oath to God. This sisterhood of Catholics cared for the sick and gave education to the poor. They had their own set of rules and were for instance allowed to leave the sisterhood to get married. The Begijnhof is open every day between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take into account that the Begijnhof is in private possession and a place of silence. You can join a tour at the local tourist information office (VVV) and learn more about the miracles that have taken place here or just look around on your own. Exit Entrance Entry to the Begijhof is free but most people actually use the exit as their way in; the entrance is not obvious from The Spui. The entrance is to the right of the buildings and down the passage. The Begijnhof, photograph by Roy Smith 10

13 T S M This short section of your tour takes you from the Spui along the Singel Canal past the Old Lutheran Church and onto the Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market) before ending at the Munttoren (Mint Tower). From The Spui head towards the tram tracks close to De Bieaard pub / café (look for the large Grolsch sign and walk along the side of the Singel canal until you reach the broad open area which forms a bridge over the canal. The direction you should take next will become clear as you see (ahead to your right) and maybe smell the wonderful selection of flowers and plants of the Bloemenmarkt; the floating flower market - more commonly known by the locals as the Singel market. As you walk though the flower stalls you will also pass, on your right, a shop selling a product synonymous with the Dutch - cheese. The Kaaskelder (cheese shop) at Singel is owned by Henri Willig, one of the region s top producers. Henri Willig was a farmer until 1975 when a bus full of tourists arrived at his farm by accident. Now his business has since grown into a main tourist attraction, with more than a million visitors annually. As you reach the end of the flower market you reach Muntplein and to your left, the end of this leg of your trip, the Munttoren. Distance: 500m / 25mins including 15mins at The Kasskelder. THE BLOEMENMARKT The Bloemenmarkt is one of Amsterdam s most colourful attractions. The small shops are located inside a row of floating barges a holdover from the days when flowers arrived in Amsterdam every day from the countryside by boat. At the flower market you ll find tulips of every colour either in bouquets or as bulbs to plant at home. But the market has far more than just tulips. No matter what your favourite flower, you re bound to find it here. Besides cut flowers, there are plenty houseplants, seeds and gardening essentials. If you plan to buy bulbs to take out of the country, be sure they have a customs cleared stamp on the packet so you won t have trouble at the border. Besides flowers, a number of the shops also sell fun, affordable souvenirs. Sadly you are unlikely to see the market as it is represented in the photograph below, unless the weather is very sunny and extremely hot. 11

14 MUNTTOREN (MINT TOWER) The Munttoren was once part of the Regulierspoort which consisted of a gate with a tower on each side. It was built between 1480 and 1487 as part of the medieval city wall. In the 17th century, the tower was used to mint coins. After a fire in 1618, only the guard house and part of the western tower remained. It was rebuilt around 1620, with a spire designed by Hendrick de Keyser. The carillon consists of 38 bells that chime every 15 minutes. M R H M Keeping the Munttoren on your left you will see a two-lane road this is called Rokin. A pedestrian crossing leads to the Hotel De l Europe with a narrow to its left called Nieuwe Doelenstraat - head that way. Follow this road until you reach a bridge on your right, cross this bridge And you are onto Staalstraat. This bridge is typical of the many lifting bridges that are scattered throughout the city. Continue directly ahead crossing two more bridges, the second of which takes you over the Amstel River and onto Waterlooplein. It is here that you will find the local flea market and Jewish War Memorial; both are in front of the Netherlands Opera House. Walk north along the Amstel River and this part of your walk ends as you reach Jodenbreestraat. The Rembrandt House Museum is a short distance to your right and the Gassan Diamond Factory is also close by. Distance: 700m / 11mins Above: The Munttoren Below: The Flea Market Gassan Diamond Factory Rembrandt House Museum Jewish War Memorial The Munttoren 12

15 REMBRANDT HOUSE The Rembrandt House Museum (below left) is located on Jodenbreestraat cose to the city hall, where Rembrandt lived and painted for a number of years. Following extensive renovation the house now looks as it would have done during Rembrandt s lifetime. Adjoining the house is a modern building where permanent exhibitions of Rembrandt s work are held. These include etchings and a part of his collection of objects from all over the world. Rembrandt purchased the house in 1639 and lived there until he went bankrupt in 1656, when all his belongings went on auction. The auction list enabled the reconstructions of all his belongings which are also on display in the house. The museum is open from 10am with admission costing (2013 prices). Below: The Waterlooplein Flea Market GASSAN DIAMOND FACTORY Amsterdam has been known internationally as the City of Diamonds for over 425 years. In fact, the brilliant cut, which originated in Amsterdam, is also known as the Amsterdam cut. If you would like to find out all about carats, colours, clarity and cuts, and learn about some of the history of this Amsterdam craft at the same time, join one of the free guided tours held seven days a week at Gassan Diamonds. Daily tours from 9 am to 5 pm in over 27 languages. The Amsterdam-based diamond cutting and trading company Gassan Diamonds is located in a historic diamond factory, which used to be powered by steam. Here you can watch diamond cutters at work, while a guide tells you all about diamond cutting process. See for yourself how a sparkling diamond emerges from the rough stone. Experience the excitement of over 425 years of craftsmanship and tradition. Naturally, you can also buy the internationally renowned Amsterdam Cut as well as Gassan s proprietary diamond cut, the Gassan 121 with 121 facets, their shop. The short walk from the Rembrandt House Museum to the Gassan Diamond factory would take approximately 2 minutes. The best way to see the factory is by pre-booking a private tour. 13

16 R H M D W On this stage of the walk you leave head across the Amstel River and head into the heart of the old town. You proceed north along Sint Antoniesbreestraat until you reach a small cycle only road on your left called Nieuwe Hoogstraat. Follow this road until you reach Kloveniersburgwal canal and turn right here. As you reach number 29 Kloveniersburgwal you have found the widest building in Amsterdam and if you look across the canal at number 26 the narrowest house in the city is facing you.continue along the canal side until you reach the large open square directly ahead, this is the Nieuwenmarkt or New Square. walk around the square on the left-hand side and you will see bars and cafes serving a variety of refreshments. In the northern end of Nieuwenmarkt sits de Waag - the old weigh house, a restaurant of cafe serving traditional Dutch food. This is the end of this part of your walk. Distance: 500m / 8 mins The Trippenhuis DE WAAG Constructed in the 15th century, the Waag (or Weigh House) has served a number of different purposes. Built in 1488, the building was intended to be one of Amsterdam s three city gates. This particular one was known as St. Anthony s Poort. The gate served its purpose until about a century later - in when the city tore down its walls to make room for expansion. Amsterdam found a new purpose for this beautifully ornate gate as a weigh house. Goods were - obviously - weighed here and it was also in this building that taxes were levied. The dark period for St. Anthony s Poort came during the early 19th century, when Napoleon ordered public executions be performed here. In 1996, the Restaurant-Café In de Waag (below) opened inside the old gate. THE KLEINE TRIPPENHUIS At Kloveniersburgwal 26 (stands a house with a beautiful cornice gable, 2.44 meters (about 8 ft.) wide. This is known as the Kleine Trippenhuis or the House of the Mr. Trip s Coachman. This house is driectly across the street from the Trippenhuis at number 29, a building that, with its width of 22 meters (72 ft. 2 in.), is the widest house in Amsterdam. Both buildings date from 1660 at which time they were built by the very wealthy brothers Lodewijk and Hendrick Trip. 14

17 DE ROSSEBUURT - RED LIGHT DISTRICT The red light district of Amsterdam is perhaps one of its most famous (or infamous) areas, where visitors will never fail to be amazed, intrigued and sometimes offended. Of course it is entirely up to you how you feel about walking around the area but it is part of Amsterdam s history and whilst not as extensive as it once was, it provides visitors with a story to tell when they return home. Amsterdam prides itself, and rightly so, on its wholly liberal and tolerant attitude, embracing the fact that people may be into prostitution, soft drugs and pornography-and this is only human. So instead of criminalizing everything, this very upfront city wears its heart on its sleeve-what you see is generally what you get. Enjoy the honesty of it all, as you won t find it anywhere else. So how do you get to it? It depends which RLD you are looking for as there are in fact three Red Light Districts in Amsterdam: the main area is in the Walletjes area (between Central Station and Nieuwenmarkt), and the other two, in Singel (between Raadhuistraat and Centraal Station) and de Pijp (behind the Rijksmuseum). From brothels to sex shops to museums, the Red Light District leaves nothing to the imagination. It is very likely that you will have heard about this neighbourhood and to be frank, everything you will have heard is probably true, but to really put rumours to rest, you have got to check it out for yourself. The Rossebuurt (Dutch for pink or red) as the locals know it, is unlike any other place. Certainly, the Red Light District that everyone knows about is the one where women, of all nationalities, parade their wares in red-fringed window parlours (left), all ready to offer their services. The Walletjes (de Wallen) is in fact one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city with its long winding narrow, cobbled streets and utterly charming 14 th century architecture, such as the gothic Oude Kerk (botom right), or Old Church. The Red Light District simply oozes charm and one cannot help but admire the old buildings that lean at odd-angles, and the tree-enshrouded canals. Prostitution is legal in Holland, and in Amsterdam most of it is concentrated in the Wallen, where it has enjoyed a long tradition of tolerance. Since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to legally ply their trade. Today, prostitutes in the Netherlands are also taxpayers. Unfortunately, discrimination is still very much part and parcel in this trade as many prostitutes report that some banks even refuse to grant mortgages for example. However, now as a legal profession, the government ensures that all prostitutes are able to access medical care and work in better conditions by regulating and monitoring working practices and standards. Help is also at hand in the district itself thanks to the Prostitution Information Center. Also, contrary to popular belief, de Wallen is actually the safest area in Amsterdam as clusters of policemen, and private bodyguards employed by the girls themselves are always on duty. Whilst the best time to see the area is at night, even during the day you will be able to gains a good insight into the people, places and culture. In 21st century watch our for windows with blue lights in them, these indicate that the occupants of the windows may not just be female, but also a variety of other genders. 15

18 T T R L D As you stand at de Waag in the Nieuwenmarkt you are on the edge of de Wallen, Amsterdam s largest Red Light District. A walk around this area is optional and may take upto one hour, depending on how long you gaze at what is on offer or visit the bars, museums or shops to be found here. The best thing for this optional walk is to just do it and see for yourselves, follow the map along the red line (the green part can be added if you wish). Watch Out For Heading towards Bloedstraat - can you tell the women from the men Casa Rosa the famous Amsterdam sex show very narrow passage (use green route of you don t like to idea of using this. The Bananenbar (see for yourself) The Old Sailor - gathering place for all of those drunken tourists. Distance: 2km / allow 45mins minimum. Bloedstraat 16

19 D W P T The last leg of your walk takes you from Nieuwmarkt dirctely back to the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal and your cruise ship. You are waking through some of the oldest parts of the city, along the bank of the Geldersekade canal. This was dug in the late 15th century and together with the Kloveniersburgwal canal and the Singel canal, formed the urban moat around the city. The Geldersekade ran from St. Anthony s Gate (now the Waag) to the north and culminated in the Schreierstoren in the IJ (Eye River). On the city side of the canal (the west bank) stood the city wall. As you reach the and of Geldersekade you will see, on your right the Schreierstoren (right), an ancient defence tower. Built around 1487 on the corner of the IJ and the east side of the city, the tower is the only preserved defence tower of Amsterdam. Distance: to Schreierstoren 500 m/ 8mins Schrierstoren From here you turn left and head for a pedestrian crossing a short distance away which crosses Prins Hendirkkade towards the Stationsplein. Follow your own judgment about the best and safest way to head for the road which passes underneath the railway lines from Centraal Station. Once under the railway you will see the Ij River Harbour in front and to your right, the Legend of the Seas will show you the way back. As you walk towards the ship watch out for River Cruises vessels which may be berthed alongside Oosterdokseiland moorings Distance: from Schreierstoren to passenger terminal 1km / 15mins. 17

20 S T Passenger Terminal to de Zouthavn 0.1 Km 2 mins Private canal tour on The Hilda 90 mins Westerkerk to Dam Square 0.9 Km, 13 mins Dam Square to Spui 0.5 Km 20 mins with window shopping Visit to Begijnhof 20 mins Spui to Munttoren 0.5 Km, 25 mins 15 mins in Cheese Shop Munttoren to Rembrandt House 0.7 Km, 11 mins Rembrandt House to de Waag 0.5 Km 8 mins Red Light District 2.0 km 60 mins de Waag to Schreierstoren 0.5 Km, 8 mins Schreierstoren to Passenger Terminal 1.0 Km, 15 mins Estimated overall walking distance 6.7 Km 3 hr 2 mins (or 4.2 miles) Overall time including canal tour 4 hr 32 mins Approximate time to add on if making stops at: Anne Frank House Museum Houseboat Museum Museum of the canals Rembrandt House Museum Gassan Diamond Factory 60 mins 20 mins 40 mins 30 mins 60 mins Details of Trams to / from: If you need to return early, you can get back by tram to Centraal Station use any tram with the sign on the front: Centraal Station Munttoren to Centraal Station Westermarkt to Centraal Station Spui to Centraal Station Passenger Terminal from Centraal Station #4, #9, #16, #24 or #25 (East Terminus) #13 or #17 (West terminus) #1, #2 or #5 (West Terminus) #26 to Ijburg (Est Terminus) Please note: there is a short 2-3 mins walk from the West Terminus to the East Terminus. Disclaimer: The contents of this guide are believed correct at the time of publication. Nevertheless the author cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for changes in details given in this guide, or for the consequences of any reliance on the information provided by the same. Assessments of distances, timings, restaurants, cafe s, museums and other attractions are based on the authors own experience, and therefore descriptions given in this guide necessarily contain an element of subjective opinion which may not reflect that of the users. Distances are assessed using Internet based mapping services. Timings are based on what a reasonable person, in reasonable health may be able to achieve; an average of 4km (2.5miles) per hour is used to assess timing. 18