Amsterdam

Amsterdam used to be called Amstelerdam, but the locals call the city Mokkum.
The name Amsterdam took place from its location near a dam built in the 13th
century on the Amstel. Amsterdam became a city shortly after 1300 and became
a pilgrimage site in 1345 due to the Miracle of Amsterdam. It also became one of
the most important port and trading cities in the world during the Golden Age.
Amsterdam is currently the capital of the Netherlands and is located in the North
Holland region. It is known for its artistic heritage, an elaborate system of canals
and narrow houses with gabled roofs, legacies of the city's 17th century golden
age. The museum district is home to the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum,
with works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and the Stedelijk, which focuses on
modern art. Cycling is an essential feature of the city, which has a large number of
cycle paths.

Euro

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but around 80% of the
population speak English as a second language.

In Amsterdam, transport is usually friendly and well-organised.
From Amsterdam Airport to the city centre, a direct train line connects Schiphol
International Airport to Amsterdam Central Station and is the fastest and most
convenient form of transport to the city centre.
Amsterdam is a great city for walking, with the main highlights in the city center
or close to downtown. For attractions further afield, public transport is excellent.
Driving in the canal ring is strongly discouraged.
Public transport in Amsterdam is operated by the GCB Company, which has an
integrated metro, tram and bus service. The OV-chipcard is the rechargeable card
for using public transport.

Tourist discount card
Amsterdam city card ((can be purchased at iamsterdam.com)
Discounts on museums, public transport throughout the city, canal cruises and
bicycle rentals.

Best time to go to Amsterdam

The Netherlands is known for its heavy rainfall and unstable weather. An excellent
time to visit Amsterdam or any other part of the Netherlands is from May to
October (Spring, Summer and Autumn).

What to do in Amsterdam:

Sights :

• Heineken experience – Tour through the history of one of the biggest breweries in the world;
•  Anne Frank House;
•  Vondelpark;
• Rembrandtplein Square;
• Excursion to Giethoorn;
• Excursion to Keukenhof (see the tulips);
• Excursion to Zaanse Schans (windmills);

• Van Gogh Museum;
• Ice bar Amsterdam;
• Rijksmuseum
• Wondr experience (first artistic playgroung for adults in Amsterdam);
• Amsterdam Dungeon (exceptionally exciting attraction that will take you back into the Netherlands most dangerous past);
• Royal Zoo of Artis;
• Madame Tussauds Amsterdam;
• NEMO museum (museum of science);
• Canal Bus (canal cruises).

Beaches in Amsterdam

• Strandzuid (Europaplein 22);
• Carré Terras op de Amstel (Amstel 115 /125)
• Pllek (TT. Neveritaweg 59);
• Kaap (IJdijk 10);
• Het Stenen Hoofd (Westerdoksdijk 705-C);
• Zwemstrand Sloterplas (Sloterplas);
• Strand Ijburg (Ijburg);
• Gaasperplas (Gaasperpark)
• Zandstrand/Groenstrand Ouderkerkerplas (Ouderkerkerplas);
• De Nieuwe Meer (Park de Oeverlanden).

Gastronomy

• Bitterballen (traditionally served with mustard);
• Stroopwafels (they are placed on top of the coffee cup to melt the caramel
  inside);
• Thick Dutch fries (traditionally served in a hot paper cone topped with a variety of
  sauces. Order ´patatje oorlog`; for a peanut, mayonnaise and onion satay sauce, or a ´patat speciaal`; for a curry ketchup mix, mayonnaise and onion;
  Pannekoeken (just select from different toppings to your liking, such as honey,
  syrup, caramel, fruit, peanut butter, chocopasta…);
• Jenever (precursor to gin made from juniper berries);
• Apple pie;
• Haring (order a ´broodje haring`; to get the fish served in a small sandwich with pickles and onions. The best time to try raw herring is between May and July,
  when herring is said to be at its sweetest);
• Kibbeling (Breaded and fried pieces of white fish; usually cod. They are as
  delicious as they look and are usually served with a lemon and herb mayonnaise sauce. Try it hot and fresh at a street market or food truck for the best kibbeling
  experience);
• Croquettes from a vending machine;
• Oliebollen (they are fried sweet balls with raisins or other fruits inside and
  sprinkled with powdered sugar. The taste is similar to that of fairs invoices. They
  are traditional on New Year´s Eve).
• Cheese – (Gouda, Geitenkaas or Maasdammer…)
• Poffertjes (a kind of fluffy buttery clouds that are sprinkled with powdered sugar);
  Ontbijtkoek (ginger cake that is usually eaten for breakfast. Tip: for it to taste
  better I can put butter on top);
• Stamppot (traditional winter dish consisting of mashed potatoes with vegetables,
  usually served with a smoked sausage);
• Drops (from licorice);
• Snert (The Dutch version of pea soup is a thick green stew of peas, pork, celery,
  onion and leeks);
• Rijsttafel (rice table);
• Tompouce (Apparently named after a performing dwarf who went by the stage
  name of Tom Pouce, this cream-filled rectangular dough is characterized by a
  layer of soft pink icing on top. Tompouce is strictly regulated to ensure
  consistency in size, shape, and color. – although in recent years the coverage has
  turned bright orange in Amsterdam around King´s Day).