Return to top		Diamond Factories Amsterdam is one of the world's most important diamond centers, where many famous diamonds were cut and polished. When the diamond trade was introduced to Amsterdam in the 16th century, this city developed into one of the world's most important diamond centers. After the Second World War almost nothing remained of this. During the War more than 2000 Jewish diamond polishers disappeared from Amsterdam into concentration camps in Germany and Poland. After the war the diamond trade was in part returned to its former glory due to the efforts of the diamond merchants and help from abroad. Nowadays the diamond trade attracts millions of tourists and buyers from around the world. Most diamond polishers as well as diamond traders give demonstrations in diamond cutting. Many diamond shops can be found in Amsterdam including Gassan Diamonds, Amsterdam Diamond Center, Van Moppes Diamonds, Stoeltie Diamonds and Coster Diamonds.
Return to top		The Canals The canals of course are one of the major attractions of the 'Venice of the North'. By daytime already very charming, by night they become even more enchanting because a lot of the canal houses and bridges are beautifully illuminated. The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel, and of course there are numerous smaller canals, of which the Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant. You can sample the canal views by taking a canal tour with one of the shipping companies on the Damrak or Rokin. You could also try the more adventurous pedal boats, rental outlets are at strategic points in town, including the Anne Frank house and the Rijksmuseum. Life on water is very different from life ashore, and if you care to venture into the canals on your own you'll soon find out that it's difficult to get your bearing while afloat. Bring a good map! You can also order a water-taxi (Tel: 622 21 81) to get you from A to B in a pleasant though more expensive way.
Return to top		Cafes and Bars Due to the many students in the city there is a wide range of low-budget eetcafes (cafes with pub-style meals). There is little distinction between a cafe and a bar in Amsterdam. Both sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, food and coffee. The kitchen in a bar or cafe usually closes at 21:00. A very nice property of Amsterdam, that you certainly don't find everywhere, is that you pay the same price wherever you sit, it doesn't cost more to sit outside on the terrace. Coffee is served Hollands with evaporated milk, espresso, cappuccino, and verkeerd ("reversed"), which is with lots of hot milk (the Dutch version of a Caffee Latte).  Beer-lovers should try a witbie (white beer) like Hoegaarden or Dentergems, with or without a slice of lemon. You can drink beer and wine from age 16, and spirits from age 18. Amsterdam is a paradise for beer drinkers!
Return to top		Museums Rijksmuseum (Exhibition) Stadhouderskade 4, 1071 ZD Amsterdam A fantastic display of paintings from many Dutch artists, including Rembrandt. Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm Van Gogh Museum (Museum) 7 Paulus Potterstraat, 1071 CX Amsterdam The life and work of Amsterdam's most famous artist is celebrated in this incredible space. The Museum has an unrivaled collection of Van Gogh's paintings and plays host to a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. Anne Frank's House (Exhibition) Prinsengracht 263, 1016 GV Amsterdam Tel: +31 20 556 71 00  This is the house in which Anne Frank wrote her famous diary, recording her experiences as a member of a Jewish family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in World War II. Open: Daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm April 1st to September 1st - 9:00am to 9:00 pm Closed: On Yom Kippur Rembrandt House (Building) Jodenbreestraat 4-6, 1011 NK Amsterdam Tel: +31 20 624 94 86  The house was lived in by Rembrandt for over 20 years and now contains engravings made by this famous artist. Open: Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm Bloemenmarkt (Market) Singel Canal, Amsterdam Floating flower market Grachten (Scenic) Old Amsterdam These are the famous Amsterdam canals lined with beautiful town houses. Stedelijk Museum (Museum) Paulus Pottersraat 13, 1016 NN Amsterdam A modern art museum. Amsterdam Historical Museum (Exhibition) Kalverstraat 92, 1012 RM Amsterdam Tel: +31 20 523 18 22  Paintings, photos and artifacts that document the history of Amsterdam. Open: Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sataturday and Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm Jewish Historical Museum (Exhibition) Jonas Daniel Meijerplein 2-4, 1011 RH Amsterdam Tel: +31 20 626 99 45  Impressive museum documenting the history and beliefs of Jews in the Netherlands. Open: Daily 11:00am to 5:00pm Munttoren (Building) Muntplein, Amsterdam One of the most famous landmarks in the city with a spire topped tower. Muziektheater (Theatre) Amstel 3, Amsterdam Opera and ballet house, tours available Vondelpark (Scenic) off Vondelstratt, Amsterdam An expanse of woods, ponds and open lawns, Vondelpark is a great place to relax. Oude Kerk (Building) Oudekerksplein, Amsterdam The oldest church in Amsterdam, dating back to 1200, though re-built since. Open: Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday 1:30pm to 5:00pm Royal Palace (Building) Dam Square, Amsterdam The Royal Palace, formerly the Town Hall, contains a breathtakingly ornate interior. Houseboat Museum (Museum) Prinsengracht, Facing Elandsgracht, 1016 HX Amsterdam Tel: +31 20 427 07 50 Fax: +31 20 427 07 50 A fascinating museum depicting life on a traditional Amsterdam houseboat. Open Tuesday to Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm

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