Marianne Crone: Follow me on Twitter @amsterdamguide

Open Monumentendag (Heritage Days)

This weekend marks Open Monumentendag (Heritage Days). It is an annual events during which monuments normally closed to the public open their doors, not only in Amsterdam but in the whole country and the rest of Europe. On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September sixty-four monumental Amsterdam buildings are open to the public, free of charge. Participating buildings fly the Open Monumenten Dag flag, which shows a key symbol. Amsterdam VVV (Tourist Office) and Amsterdam Uitburo Office at Leidseplein...

September 11th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Dam Square: Best Meeting Point in Town

The National Monument at Dam Square is the favourite meeting place of tourists and locals alike. It was erected after World War II and commemorates the liberation from Nazi occupation. Embedded in the monument are twelve urns containing earth from the eleven Dutch provinces and from Indonesia, Dutch colony until 1948

September 8th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Erotisch Museum: Naughty Dreams Come true

The Erotisch Museum or Erotic Museum is located where you would expect it: in the heart of the Red Light District. The red lighting over the entrance beckons you from afar. The museum showcases the history of erotica. Its five floors are chock-a-block with erotic art and goodies. The first floor is like a proper art museum with glass cases and cabinets displaying art. The only difference between general art and art in this museum is that all carvings, statuettes and figurines are of men with exceptionally...

September 4th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Schiphol Airport: Shopping and Checking in

Schiphol Airport is 18 km south west of Amsterdam centre. It is much more than a terminal because it offers a wide variety of entertainment for sightseers, shoppers and travellers alike. Plaza Shopping Centre Schiphol Plaza is a shopping centre and part of the arrival hall. It open for everybody whether you are booked on a flight or not. It is buzzing with activity. Locals come to shop and air passengers stock up on books, magazines and souvenirsbefore leaving the country because prices are not...

August 28th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Amsterdam All in One Travel Ticket

Many tourists visiting Amsterdam find buying public transport tickets a hassle. I couldn’t agree more. Explaining how the Dutch strippenkaart works is quite a challange. This is my version. Strippenkaart are available with 15 or 45 so-called strips. Where to buy them is a well-kept Dutch secret. Your best place is the public transport ticket counter at the train station. (not the counter where you get a train ticket), post offices and certain bookshops, supermarkets and kiosks. Tickets bought...

August 21st, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Review Lucky Lake: the only Hostel on Wheels

Many hotel room in Amsterdam are like rabbit hutches. They are so small that two people cannot move about at the same time. Budget hotel prices start at €80 for a double and single rooms are almost the same price. Hostels are a good alternative because they often charge per bed. Lucky Lake Hostel Hostel sounds as if only young people stay there. But this is not true. The over 60 are generously represented and so are the 40+. True to say hostels in the centre of Amsterdam are less expensive...

August 20th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Review Botel: Slumber on the Rhythm of Waves

Amsterdam Botel is a large moored boat in Amsterdam noord (north). It takes about 30 minutes to get to or from the centre and involves taking a ferry. Taxis from the city centre to Amsterdam north charge € 35 – 40. The Botel runs a hotel shuttle bus. The rooms of this 3-star hotel are basic with a small wardrobe, some extra hangers and blankets and just enough space to move about. The shower is a tight fit, no place to put toiletries but this is made good by the shower/shampoo dispenser...

August 18th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Review; Lodge in a Canal House

Hotel Brouwer has only eight rooms, but all eight overlook Singel Canal. This canal house hotel is the perfect place to soak up the Amsterdam experience and feel like an Amsterdammer. In fact the hotel is two beautifully restored interconnected houses. The house has a long history that starts in the 17th century. In those days it was known as Huis de Swaen, the house where Nicolaes Swaen lived. Swaen translates as Swan and is an appropriate name because Mr Swaen was a sea captain. He worked closely...

August 13th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Eau de ma Tante in Crowne Plaza

Crowne Plaza is a four-star hotel within a short walking distance of Centraal Station and within easy reach of public transport. Its location is very central. Dam Square and the Light District and other sights are only a short walk away. Hotel Crowne Plaza, Amsterdam The 270-room hotel is housed in a modern building which harmonises with the historic buildings surrounding it. It is one of the few Amsterdam hotels with an indoor swimming pool. The Dorrius Restaurant is an old canal-style house and...

August 8th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

KIDS DELIGHT: What’s on in August

Saturday Evenings until sunset. ZOOMERAVONDEN ARTIS, Plantage Kerklaan 38. Musical and theatrical programme every Saturday evening. Guided tours during which the keepers tell about the special needs of their animals. Every day in August. WHO AM I? Interactive exhibition where kids can learn about their identity at NEMO Science Centre, Oosterdokkade 2. Every day in August. Chilling out at NEMO City Beach. The largest roof top terrace is open from 12.00 – 19.30 hours. Sit in sand chairs,...

July 30th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

High Tea in Amstel Hotel

If you want to splash out and drink tea in style, Amstel Hotel is your place. While gazing across the Amstel river enjoy afternoon tea with all imaginable frills. I decided to try this out. A doorman in top hat swang open the door and I walked up the stairs, passed under a crystal chandelier that sparkled with a hundred lights. I sank down in a soft-cushioned chair and studied the menu. Having skipped luch, I was ready to tackle the eight-course Royal Afternoon Tea. Royal because champagne and savoury...

July 12th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Museum of Bags and Purses

The museum of bags and purses is a place that every bag-lover should visit. Bags have been fashionable since time immemorial. Thes edays even men possess one. The museum is housed in a 17th century building on the Herengrach and displays 3,500 bags, purses and handbags. The current exhibtions Green Bags, brand-new and used materials runs until 17th August 2008. Shopping bag for sale in Museum of Bags and Purses Tassenmuseum Hendrikje/ Museum of Bags and Purses Herengracht 573 Opening hours: Monday...

July 9th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Kids Delight: Wedding Day

When clearing out my attic, I found a drawing I made when I was eleven. (my mother dated all my art works). A bride in a long ivory-coloured dress with heavenly-blue polka dots stands next to a groom. She sniffs at a bouquet of pink flowers. He wears a black three-piece suit. His top hat conceals his eyes. Red hearts dotted around their heads complete the picture. I drew this when I was deep in love with Peter, a class mate. Hearing his name spoken out loud made my heart leap. My secret wish was...

July 3rd, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Smoking Party at Hotel l’Europe

Hotel l’Europe with fin-de-siecle charm is located right in the centre of Amsterdam. Rooms are large and luxurious and well-furnished. That is what I would expect at € 420 per night. Liveried staff and the red carpet on the pavement will make you feel like a celebrity. Be there on 27th June, not to stay in a luxurious room but to sit on the attractive riverside terrace and watch people blow their last. Hotel l’Europe organises on 27th June a farewell smoking party. Guests will be pampered....

June 25th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Open Tuinen dagen / Open Garden Days

The large back gardens of canal houses are well-kept secrets. Once a year these secrets are revealed when many gardens are open to the public. In the 17th and 18th centuries these gardens were mainly decorative. They were meant to be looked at not to sit in or to work in. Gardeners kept them in shape. The flowers, plants and trees had to look their best in the winter months because this was the time of year that the owners lived in their town houses. The rest of the year they enjoyed life in their...

June 19th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Poetry in the Park

Bright red poles sprung up overnight in Vondelpark, or so it seemed. Last time I strolled through the park they weren’t there. This needed closer inspection. All in all there are seven of these poles in different location. They were placed here on 1st June to celebrate Poetry in the Park and will remain until 24th August. Each pole bears the name of a Dutch poet, a telephone number and a poet number. Ring the phone number, tap in the poem number and you will hear the poem recited by the poet...

June 18th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Vlaggetjesdag: the First Herring of the Season

Yesterday the first barrel of nieuwe haring was auctioned at €55.000. This year the proceeds will go to psychological healthcare. Every year another charity benefits. The first herring of the season is known as Hollandse nieuwe, groene haring or maatjesharing. From today, fishmongers are allowed to advertise this fish using one of these three names which indicates that the herring is still young. This salty delicacy can be savoured at any herring cart. Fork out €1.80, coat the herring with chopped...

June 4th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Museum Amstelkring: Our Lord in the Attic

This Museum Amstelkring is a well-kept jewel. Climb the narrow back staircase to the secret room in the attic, known as Ons Lieve Heer op Solder, Our Lord in the Attic. The room is a stunning little church that recalls the days when Catholics weren’t allowed to practice their religion freely. Tucked away in a 17th century canal house with two smaller houses at the rear, the combined attics provide just enough space for the secret church and a box bedroom under the stairs for the residing priest....

June 3rd, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

Amsterdam Tattoo Convention 30 May – 1 June

If you’re crazy about tattoos, don’t miss the Amsterdam Tattoo Convention held from 30 May – 1 June. Artists will show that tattoo is a form of art and not a mutilation of the body. This year’s theme is South Pacific Tiki culture. Polynesian artists will demonstrate the art of tattoo of their region. But also artists from Japan, New Zealand, Brazil, Vietnam, Tonga and Japan will demonstrate their style and expertise. Visitors may draw inspiration from their work or make an...

May 18th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More

World Book Market

On Sunday 18 May a fifteen-kilometre book trail zigzags through Amsterdam from Geldersekade to the Amstel river. The streets are lined with bookstalls and thousands of books: old books, new books and almost new books, books to buy and books to leaf through, books to hate and books to love. The World Book Market is from 10.00 – 17.00 The route is as follows: Geldersekade, Nieuwmarkt, Kloveniersburgwal, St Antoniebreestraat, Zuiderkerkhof, Jodenbreestraat, Zwanenburgwal, Waterlooplein and Amstel. Geldersekade:...

May 17th, 2008 | Amsterdam | Read More