Between the Canals

Must see' ingredient of a great day out in Amsterdam is a visit to the canals. During your visit to the canal district you will come across many unique museums. These offer interesting and out of the ordinary exhibitions.  

'Golden Bend'

The section of this canal which runs from Leidsestraat to Vijzelstraat is known as the 'Golden Bend'. The most beautiful and most magnificent of all canal houses are located in this bend of the canal. In the course of the centuries these houses have been made over to meet changing tastes. During a walk along these canals you will see beautiful examples of this. Quite a few houses are in Louis style; a style which was extremely popular in the 18th century.

Exhibitions 

If you enjoy visiting museums, you will just love the canal district. Especially if you like exhibitions that are a little out of the ordinary. In Leidsestraat, for example, you can visit the Instruments of Torture Museum. The Theater Museum is located along Herengracht. You can admire costumes and photos of artists and divas from the 1930s here.

Multatuli

Korsjespoortsteeg 20 has an interesting museum and a library which are completely devoted to Dutch writer Eduard Douwes Dekker(1820-1887). Public servant Dekker wrote under the synonym of Multatuli (‘I have suffered greatly’). His most famous work is the novel ‘Max Havelaar, or the Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company’, which was published in 1860. The book recounts the experiences of Havelaar, an idealistic Dutch colonial official on Java. He rebels against the system of forced cultivation which the Dutch government imposed on Indonesia's peasants.

Leidseplein Square

Leidseplein Square and Rembrandt Square are the main entertainment areas of Amsterdam. Leidseplein Square is a real hot spot. If you want to go clubbing or feel like a nice meal, this is the place to come to. Small wonder; Leidseplein offers a wide range of options for a great night out. Cinemas, discos, theaters and a casino are located right on the square or within easy walking distance. The square boasts Holland’s best-known coffee-shop The Bulldog and music temple De Melkweg (The Milky Way). For real theater you can visit the Stadsschouwburg Theater at the corner of Marnixstraat and Leidseplein. A very impressive building indeed.

Cafe Americain

Opposite the Stadsschouwburg lies the American Hotel. It boasts famous pub and restaurant Americain. If you enjoy a cup of coffee in stylish surroundings do come and order one here. The original art nouveau/art deco interior is almost fully intact.

The canal area offers more cultural activities than any other area in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam in one day

Amsterdam in one day

Where to start and what do you do when you only have 12 hours in a city like Amsterdam?

Check out the absolute must-sees of the Dutch capital, because to actually see the Anne Frank House and the Sunflowers painting by Van Gogh is an experience you can only obtain in Amsterdam.

Rent a canal bike or take a trip on the 17th century canals by canal boat. It's the best way to see the city; looking up at Amsterdam's facades from water level is breathtaking.

Amsterdam is a sparkling city, especially when you visit one of the factories of the Amsterdam Diamond Group. Not only can you see diamonds being cut, crafted and polished, but if you are 'lucky' you can buy one too!

Visit Anne Frank's house on the Prinsengracht Canal. Visiting the house is an overwhelming emotional experience even if you have read the diary or seen the film. A sliding bookcase marks the entrance to the cramped rooms in which, with the help of friends who risked everything, Anne and her family hid for over two years.

Shop till you drop at the Bijenkorf or Magna Plaza, department stores in the city center. Holland is home to some great young fashion designers and you will marvel at the Dutch styles.

Van Gogh's Sunflowers. Who has not seen the Sunflowers on a million postcards and copies in books and on articles, but seeing it for real is another thing all together. The almost fierce yet considered brushwork, the use of color that literally radiates sunshine; when you stand in front of the painting in the Van Gogh Museum you understand the world's obsession and passion for the famous work.

Need a rest from culture, shops and history? Relax and enjoy a coffee at Café Luxembourg. It's a great place to people watch, check out the model wannabes or waiters with starched-white aprons!