Amsterdam

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Amsterdam Notes

A November 2001 trip to Amsterdam by cls223

Prinsengracht HotelMore Photos

Wonderful hotel in Amsterdam's central area on the Prinsengracht Canal.

  • 13 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 3 photos

Amsterdam NotesBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Since my first visit several summers ago, Amsterdam is a city I've come to enjoy, in all seasons. The Anne Frank house is a must-see, although I was disappointed that it was not possible to take pictures. There are dozens of museums: it would take weeks to see them all. A stroll through the Flower Market can be particularly refreshing after a hectic couple of days sight-seeing, while taking a canal boat tour gives you a different perspective of the city.

Quick Tips:

Get a good map of the city that shows the main attractions, trams and bus lines, and you should be able to find your way around fairly easily. If time permits, take a day trip outside Amsterdam to see more of the countryside.

Best Way To Get Around:

I usually take a cab to and from Schipol Airport, but other than that find walking a great way to see Amsterdam. Trams also provide a quick and inexpensive way to get around.

Hampshire Inn PrinsengrachtBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Prinsengracht"

Prinsengracht Hotel
A charming hotel in Amsterdam''s central area on the Prinsengracht canal. The Hotel Prinsengracht (email: prinsengracht.hotel@worldonline.nl) is, so far, my favorite hotel in Europe. Originally an old canal house, it's now a lovely small hotel on the Prinsengracht canal. The staff is friendly and helpful, the free breakfast included in the room rate is delicious and filling (meats, breads, cheeses). A deluxe single comes out to about $70, including breakfast and tax. In either direction, it's just a few minutes' walk to trams to Centraal Station; there are also plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Bathrooms have shower only, but are sparkling clean, and not too cramped. There's a lovely garden in back for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. If it's off-season and you''re a returning visitor to the hotel, be sure to mention it when you make your reservation: I've gotten a discount for being a returning guest....just another way to make you feel welcome! The hotel fills quickly; especially on weekends (all year) and in high season. Reserve well in advance. The hotel is between Utrechtstraat and Vizelgracht; both have frequent tram service from Centraal Station. Just get off at the Prinsengracht stop.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by cls223 on February 16, 2001

Hampshire Inn Prinsengracht
PRINSENGRACHT 1015 Amsterdam, Netherlands
31 20 6237779

Tashi DelegBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I love trying ethnic cuisines, especially those with "spice". Jashi Deleg was my first experience with Tibetan food, and I loved it! The restaurant is rather small, and is nicely decorated with pictures and other Tibetan objects and artwork. Service is attentive, but relaxed. The cuisine is probably closest to Thai in type and level of spiciness. My favorite appetizer is MoMo, which are small, steamed dumplings filled with ground beef and spices, and served with a tomato sauce. There are several shrimp dishes I've tried and enjoyed. On my last visit, the dish I choose had shrimp with red and green peppers; definitely spicy! It's a good value for your money, and it's possible to keep your total cost under $20/person. Jashi Deleg is on the east side of Utrechtstratt, between Keizergracht and Herengracht, just south of Rembrandtplein.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by cls223 on February 16, 2001

Tashi Deleg
Utrechtstraat 65 Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 620 66 24

TibetBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Dinner at Tibet
This is my favorite restaurant on the planet! The space is on two levels; walls are hung with artwork and prints from Tibet. The food is absolutely exquisite, and with a menu of probably close to 200 items, there's sure to be something for every taste. On a recent visit, my friend and I started with Sesame Shrimp appetizers. Large prawns are lightly fried, then rolled in sesame seeds for a wonderfully crunchy treat. A lighty spiced dipping sauce adds a nice touch. WARNING: you can't stop with just one order of this appetizer!!! My friend chose Caveman Lamb for an entree, which features various vegetables in a very tasty sauce. I had prawns cooked with vegetables and cashews.......delicious! Rice is served with entrees, and alcohol (beer at least) is served. The staff is helpful, attentive, and they welcome return visitors (it was so good we went back again the following night!). Pictures courtesy of Claudia Borges, March, 2002.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by cls223 on February 26, 2001

Tibet
Lange Niezel 24 Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 (0)20 624 1137

Bird Thais RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I vote this the best Thai restaurant I've ever been to. If you want to eat at Bird, getting there early is key (and by early, I mean you are eating dinner at 6:00 PM!). Otherwise, you may have a long wait, especailly on the weekend, for a table. The space covers several levels and rooms, so it is a fairly good size. Decor is minimal, although with every entree you are served, you will find an orchid on the serving platter.

On my recent visit, my friend and I had spring rolls for a starter. I chose a prawn dish for my entree. The prawns, smoked bacon and vegetables were cooked in a clay pot so the flavors melded and you could taste some of the smokiness from the bacon, as well as a liberal amount of ginger root....absolutely great! My friend had a beef dish with cashews and vegetables, which was not terribly spicy, but tasty. An order of fried rice added a nice touch. A good pick for anyone who loves good Thai food. NOTE: Bird also has a small establishment serving Thai snacks, just across from this restaurant. If you want something on the run, but tasty, try Bird Thais Snacks.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by cls223 on February 26, 2001

Bird Thais Restaurant
Zeedijk 72-74 Amsterdam, Netherlands
(020) 620-1442

Upstairs PancakesBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I've been told that this is the smallest restaurant in Europe, and I believe it! After climbing a flight of steep stairs - good practice for anyone planning an Everest expedition - you reach Upstairs. A collection of teapots of all types hung from the ceiling provides a decorative touch. The specialty is traditional Dutch pancakes, a real treat for your tastebuds! The pancakes are similar to a crepe in thinness and taste, but larger than a dinner plate. I had a wonderful combination of apple, sugar, and cinnamon, and my friend had one with bacon and cheese. Both were piping hot and delicious! There are about two dozen varities to choose from. A pancake and beverage is about 15 NLG (about $7/person). Upstairs opens at noon.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by cls223 on February 25, 2001

Upstairs Pancakes
Grimburgwal 2 Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 (020) 626 5603

Pahop ThaiBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

From Centraal Station, take tram 16, 24 or 25; get off at Albert Cuypstraat and walk through the market to the end of the first block: the restaurant is on your left. Pahop Thai is small, decor is minimal, but the food is good and reasonably priced. Dishes are mild, spicy and spiciest: the amount of spice is indicated by the red pepper symbol next to the dish. Spring rolls and pad thai are favorites of mine here.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by cls223 on February 25, 2001

Pahop Thai
Albert Cuypstraat 141 Amsterdam, Netherlands
(020) 676-8168

In de WildemanBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

In de Wildeman is a beer tasting pub featuring an excellent selection of Dutch and Belgian beers and ales, as well as many selections from other European countries, about 200 in all. Specials for the day are listed on chalkboards. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, and there's a separate room for non-smokers. The crowd tends to be more over 30's. Open daily from noon until 1 AM; Sunday hours are 2 PM to 9 PM.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by cls223 on February 25, 2001

In de Wildeman
Kolksteeg 3 Amsterdam, Netherlands 1012 PT
+31 20 638 23 48

A little shop called the CondomerieBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Condomerie"

This is a unique shop specializing in condoms of all shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. How about a hand-painted condom with Homer Simpson or the Eiffel Tower?? You can find it here!!! Hours are Monday -Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM. They have a website: www.condomerie.com
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by cls223 on February 25, 2001

A little shop called the Condomerie
Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands

ShalimarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a small shop featuring predominantly hand-crafted silver jewelry with such semi-precious stones as amber, garnet, amethyst, and lapis. I bought one piece which combined beads of turquoise and lapis strung on silver wire and then shaped into a bracelet. Prices are quite reasonable I thought. I'd suggest calling before you go: I've seen the shop closed on a busy Saturday at a time you'd think all shops would be open. Phone is 020-639-2037.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by cls223 on February 18, 2001

Shalimar
Utrechtsestraat 25 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Art Plein SpuiBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Located in a small square next to the Begjinhof, this open-air art market takes place each Sunday from March through December, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. In addition to oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors and etchings, you can find ceramics (both decorative and utilitarian), sculpture and jewelry. As purchases are made directly from the artist, you can find a quality piece for a reasonable price.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by cls223 on April 4, 2001

Art Plein Spui
Spui Square Amsterdam, Netherlands

RembrandthuisBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Rembrandt House Museum"

This is the house where Rembrandt and his family lived and where he worked from 1639-1658. The interior has been restored as closely as possible to that time, and is furnished with things comparable to what was in the house in 1650. At that time, Rembrandt's possessions were inventoried, due to bancruptcy.

In the Cabinet, or curio room, Rembrandt kept various objets d'art including stuffed animals, coins, and weapons. The second floor was a studio for his pupils, as well as a special graphics studio where he and his pupils made prints. It was indescribable to be able to touch the press Rembrandt touched, and walk where he had walked. Until visiting the house, I hadn't realized that he had produced so many etchings.

There is a shop on the ground floor where various reproductions, postcards and other souvenirs can be purchased. The house is located quite near the Waterlooplein Market. The two activities combined make a pleasant afternoon.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by cls223 on June 27, 2001

Rembrandthuis
Jodenbreestraat 4 Amsterdam, Netherlands 1011 NK
+31 20 520 04 00

Museum Willet-HolthuysenBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Willet-Holthuysen Museum"

This is a 17th century canal house turned into a museum, and it shows us how a wealthy Amsterdam family lived in times past. The house was left to the city of Amsterdam in 1895 by Mrs. Willet-Holthuysen. On the first floor, there is an imposing ballroom, a dining room, and a room overlooking the garden. Some of the furnishings in other rooms were brought from comparable 18th and 19th century canal houses to aid in recreating an authentic atmosphere. The basement contains the kitchen and scullery; at the back of the house is the garden. The day I visited, the second floor bedroom was roped off, and there are renovations planned for other sections of the museum. Hours are 10-5 Monday through Friday; Saturday and Sunday 11-5. Take trams 4, 9, 14 or 20 and get off at the Rembrandtplein stop. There is a film explaining the museum; however, it appears to be only offered in Dutch.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by cls223 on October 2, 2001

Museum Willet-Holthuysen
Herengracht 605 Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 CE
+ 31 20 523 18 22

Easy InternetBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Though I usually don't seek out internet cafes when I travel, I was rushed when I left Chicago for Amsterdam, and decided to find an internet cafe and check some train schedules for the Switzerland segment of my trip. My friend Jim, who now lives in Amsterdam, told me about this chain of EasyEverything internet cafes, and I decided to check it out. The chain started in the UK, and has three locations in the Netherlands; two of which are in Amsterdam. There's one at Reguliersbrestraat 22, right near Rembrandtplein, and another at Damrak 33, just down from Central Station. The location near Rembrandtplein is the largest internet cafe in Europe, with over 600 PCs available. While the equipment is not the latest and greatest (and, in some cases broken), you can't beat the price: 5 NLG (about $2.50) for 100 minutes. Both locations are open 24 hours, and both serve snacks, sandwiches and drinks.

About the Writer

cls223
cls223
Chicago, Illinois

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