Well, Amsterdam is not just about sex and drugs; it has all the great things that Mother Earth has to offer.  The Netherlands has in fact that most amount of great museums per square foot than anywhere else in the world.  If you take a tram ride 10 minutes from the heart of the city, you can overwhelm yourself with those narrow streets occupied with nothing else other than the cyclist and a car every now and then.   The city is in fact so quite, but interesting.

Things to See in Amsterdam

The greatly planned city of Amsterdam is one of the few cities in the world where the people, the streets and the atmosphere are an attraction in themselves.  It is in fact well-known throughout the world as the sole city where marijuana and hashish are sold legally.  And, the worldly known Red Light District is just as much an attraction as a favorite hub for young men full of testosterone to go at night.

But as mentioned earlier, there is far much more to the city than drugs and prostitutes or sex.  The city has long been considered as the “Venice of the North” because it was built on a cobweb of canals.  You can greatly see most of the city from a canal boat, and from there you’ll surely appreciate the unique architecture that Amsterdam has long been proud to offer.

Furthermore, Amsterdam is heaving with culture.  It has a lot of great museums and libraries.  Of all the interesting museums in the city of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum and Van Gogh Museums are names not to be missed.

Where to Eat

When you stroll around in the city of Amsterdam, you’ll surely find a high volume of restaurants.  As commonly noted, you can see sandwich boards in front of the many restaurants advertising their daily specials and from a minute walk down the Damrak, the street facing Central Station, there are some neon lights saying “pizza”.

If you delver further into the city, you can find the Damstraat, the street on Dam Square, also peppered with eateries.  Further down again towards Leidseplen, the Leidsekruisstraat and Leidsetraat have their good share of restaurants too.  It is necessary to note however that the streets mentioned earlier are located in some of the city’s most touristy areas.  So, if you wish to steer clear of such commercial centers, you have the chance to visit the Jordaan as some of the city’s coolest restaurants are found there.

In case you prefer to eat out in a restaurant beyond your budget during your tour, there are also some fast food outlets all over Amsterdam where you can get pizzas, chips or kebabs.  However, just be careful when asking for mayonnaise on your French fries for they will be completely drowned.

Related posts:

1. Amsterdam Hostels
2. Amsterdam Apartments
3. Amsterdam Travel: Getting Around

AmsterdamBy.com

AmsterdamBy.com is a great site to visit for finding best deals on Amsterdam accommodation.  This site actually presents a list of the currently available Amsterdam hotels, bed and breakfast, and apartments for you to choose from.  They also offer a direct booking access for you vacation.  At this, you can also reserve your accommodation in one of the listed hotels, bed and breakfast or apartments. 

HolidayCityEurope.com

Another well-known portal online that could guide you in finding the best deals in Amsterdam accommodation is the HolidayCityEurope.com.  This site features their reservation service and they provide you a wide selection of properties to choose from, such as luxury bed and breakfasts and apartments accommodations for your business or vacation trip to Amsterdam.  Note that all of the featured Amsterdam accommodations at this site offer comfort, quality and great value for the money. They are also ideal for leisure and business travelers.  And, in finding the right place, all you need to do is to click on the given hotel links that are categorize by prices and location. 

Amsterdam.info

Amsterdam.info is also out there on the web to guide you in finding the best Amsterdam accommodation available.  This site actually provides a hotel guide that offers the most convenient reservation service for Amsterdam.  Note that the selection of hotels included in their page includes more than 300 Amsterdam accommodation properties that are available for booking online.  Perhaps what is best about their service is that there is no fees, no advance charges, but there is a human hotel reservations support that is available 24/7.   Amsterdam.info also provides direct reservation for youth hostels.

EuropeanRailGuide.com

EuropeanRailGuide.com is but another notable portal to visit online for Amsterdam accommodation.  Here you are allowed to search for the available accommodation in the city and you can make your bookings through their booking service.  They actually provide you a list of the available accommodation depending on your arrival date, and all of the listed hotels and youth hostels are acclaimed for great accommodation and service.

AccomLine.com

Lastly, AccomLine.com is there to provide you the currently available Amsterdam accommodations.  At this site, you can find a listing of the top rated hotels, along with a brief description on each of them.   The rate for rooms is even given so to give you an idea if the place really suits your needs.  Perhaps what is nice about this portal is that they greatly categorized their listing based on the hotel’s ranking, so for the customers to easily find the best deals. 

Related posts:

1. Where to Book a Flight to Amsterdam
2. Amsterdam Apartments
3. Cheap Flight to Amsterdam

Hostel Cosmos Amsterdam

Hostel Cosmos is basically a small friendly hostel in Amsterdam, specifically situated in the heart of the city, close to the Central Station and to all major attractions, such as the world famous Dam Square, Red Light District, Anne Frank House, and Rembrandsplein.  All of the rooms at this hostel in Amsterdam have central heating and a wash basin.  All have TV access, recently renovated, and each is painted in different color.  It is actually the friendly atmosphere and generous hospitality that drawn guests back to Hostel Cosmos over and over again.

Hostel AnneMarie

Located in the heart of the city, the Hostel AnneMarie is actually a combination of a hostel in Amsterdam and a budget hotel.  It is situated close to two of the most visited places in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum and the city park Vondelpark.  It is also very close to the best places, like coffee shops, clubs and museums.  What’s more, this hostel in Amsterdam is clean, safe and fun.  It is also here where you can meet a lot of other backpackers traveling in the city.  And, their staff is willing to give you the best service possible.

Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark

Built with modern design, the Stayokay Amsterdam Vondepark is an IYHF hostel situated right in the middle of the world famous Vondelpark, within walking distance of the Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein.  At this modern hostel in Amsterdam, you can also find the Brasserie, which a cool place to stay for a cool drink or a hot meal.   They offer 536 beds, and all of their rooms are equipped with the necessary amenities like shower, toilet, and washbasin.   Also interesting to know about this hostel in Amsterdam is the fact that the members of the Hostelling International can receive a discount of euro 2.50 per night. 

Amigo Hotel

Recently renovated, the Amigo Hotel is a combination of hostel and a budget hotel located in the center of Amsterdam, opposite the Artis Zoo.  From this place, the various tourist attractions are only a few minutes away and many restaurants, pubs, discos, coffee shops, casino, and movie theaters are just within walking distance.   What is known about this hostel in Amsterdam is its multi-lingual staff, who are well-known for their very friendly service.  As claimed, the staff generally makes sure that your stay is as comfortable as possible, providing you with the superb excursion packages, out of city trips and bicycle-car rentals.

Lucky Lake Hostel

Located at the south border of the city, the Lucky Lake Hostel in Amsterdam offers you a relaxing, beautiful area and good accommodation.  It is next to the blue lake area where the water is nice and clean, making this hostel in Amsterdam the best place to swim, kayak, dive, water0ski, windsurf, fish, or rent a boat.   Also, all of their rooms are well appointed and equipped with the best facilities and amenities available.

Related posts:

1. Cheap Hotel in Amsterdam
2. Amsterdam Apartments
3. Cheap Amsterdam Hotels

When traveling for a vacation in Amsterdam, the Amsterdam bed and breakfast travelers must consider the must see attractions in the city, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the 250-room Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, the Artis Zoo, the Royal Palace, the worldly known Dam Square and a lot more.  Visitors must also take in local theaters, fine and ethnic dining, or explore the eclectic selection of shopping in the Jordaan neighborhood, and if the time to relax comes, the exciting and comforting Amsterdam bed and breakfasts are there to welcome you in. 

Here are the top-rated Amsterdam bed and breakfasts that could give you the best accommodation and service possible.   They are the perfect places to stay on your Amsterdam vacation.

Amsterdam Central Bed and Breakfast

Amsterdam Central Bed and Breakfast Inn is located in the heart of the city, less than five minutes walking distance to the central station.   It offers well appointed bed and breakfast rooms, as well as apartments for the guests, and there is in guest kitchen, self service, or lots of different food available for dining.

Amsterdam Eelhouse

Amsterdam Eelhouse is actually a charming four-star Amsterdam bed and breakfast located in the heart of the city, closest to the Jordaan, Anne Frank House, Central Station and all the nightlife.   As a top-rated Amsterdam bed and breakfast inn, the Amsterdam Eelhouse offers rooms that are equipped with queen size bed, built-in wardrobe, dishes, lazy chair with ottoman, radio or CD player, and television.  In every room, there is also a wetbar with a small sink, coffeemaker, mini-fridge, and private bathroom. 

Ruben’s Bed and Breakfast

Conveniently located in the museum district of the Amsterdam center, Ruben’s B & B is just within walking distance or a few tram stops from the major museums and main tourist attractions in the great planned city of Amsterdam.  As claimed, this bed and breakfast inn is also closer to the up market shopping street Beenthovenstraat, and from there exuberant nightlife is not far away.

Collector Bed and Breakfast

Here is another notable Amsterdam bed and breakfast that is conveniently located in the cultural center of Amsterdam – the Collector Bed and Breakfast.  This place is just a three-minute walk to the museum area and is so close to the Vondelpark and nightlife.  What’s more, Collector Bed and Breakfast has well appointed rooms, each with its own character, inspired by the Art Deco period.  It is also interesting to know that the house, including the guestroom, is decorated with different collections, and the rooms are fully equipped with the necessary amenities such as bathrooms, TV, a balcony where you can smoke, internet access, and a lot more.

Palace B&B Amsterdam

Finally, here is Palace B&B which is located on the palace area, Dam Square, the most central of all locations.  All rooms offered by this Amsterdam bed and breakfast are specious and luxurious with private bathrooms and coffee and tea facilities, including microwave and refrigerator, not to mention the other amenities.

Related posts:

1. Amsterdam Apartments
2. Cheap Hotel in Amsterdam
3. Cheap Amsterdam Hotels

Getting There

Amsterdam is actually accessible by air, by bus or by train, depending on your exact location. 

By Air:

Note that when you go for your Amsterdam travel by air, the flights to the city usually arrive in the Schiphol Airportm, which is approximately 18 kilometers away, southwest of the city center.   From the Schiphol airport, the trains typically leave for Central Station every 20 minutes and so the journey takes 20 minutes.  Then, from the Central Station, you’ll get to have a taxi ride to town which takes approximately 15 minutes and the journey will cost you approximately €30.  However, the cost actually depends on which part of the town you are going to.

Also important to consider when you prefer to take your Amsterdam travel by air is that some budget airlines are starting to fly to Rotterdam Airport, which is approximately one hour from the city via bus.

By Train:

As mentioned earlier, you can take your Amsterdam travel by train as there are domestic and international trains that travel going to Amsterdam.   They typically arrive in the Centraal Station, which is located in the heart Amsterdam’s city center.

By Bus:

The buses arriving and leaving from the city of Amsterdam do so from Amstel Station.  This station is actually linked to Centraal Station by metro.  And, the buses leaving for London, Brussels, and Amsterdam’s other cities depart from the Amstel Station.

Getting Around

On your Amsterdam travel, note that you can stroll around the city on foot, by bike, by tram, or by bus or metro, as these are the usual mode of transportation around the city.

On Foot:

Actually, the central part of Amsterdam city is just easy to get around.  However, most of what is within apart from the Red Light District and Dam Square, most of what there is to see is a short tram or bike ride away.

By Bike:

Here is a great tip for your Amsterdam travel: the best way to see the entire city of Amsterdam is to travel by bike.   Today, there are more than 500,000 bikes in the city.  As such, you can hire one of them for about €7 per day.  Perhaps the most important thing to consider is to lock your bike, as bike theft is a huge problem in Amsterdam.

By Bus/Metro:

Both the tram and metro are useful for your ultimate Amsterdam travel.   These are highly useful if you are traveling outskirts, but otherwise you probably won’t need to use them.  In Amsterdam, there are two metro stations, at the Nieuwmarkt and Waterlooplein, while the bus stops are not as sparse.

By Tram:

Finally, you can take your Amsterdam travel by tram, the most important mode of public transport in the Dutch capital.   In the city, there are 15 different lines and they are the backbone of the city’s public transport network.  Just note that the best tram for your Amsterdam travel is No.20, which stops close to most of the tourist attractions.

Related posts:

1. Where to Find an Amsterdam Map
2. Amsterdam Bed and Breakfast
3. Amsterdam Apartments

Aside from drugs, sex, museums, canals, lakes and waterways, the great city of Amsterdam is also peppered with restaurants and hostels.   You may probably find neon lights and boards with the mark “hostels” or “pizzas” in many of the city’s streets.  Speaking of hostels, it is interesting to know that most of the Amsterdam hostels provide the best accommodation and service available, the reason that many tourists from across the globe return to visit Amsterdam. 

Now, after saying all of those interesting facts about Amsterdam and you’ve come to consider a short vacation to the city, I guess it is best that you find first the best Amsterdam hostel available – the one that really suits your needs.  Well, finding the right Amsterdam hostel is quite tough, with a wide selection of Amsterdam hostel available.  But, thanks to some sites online that they have listed the top-rated Amsterdam hostels for the people’s advantage.  If you want to know where online you can find the complimentary accommodation and service, here are the choices:

HostelAmsterdam.com

HostelAmsterdam.com currently holds a list of the top-rated Amsterdam hostels that offer the best accommodation and service possible.  Aside from that, this site also offers online reservations at the listed hostels in the city of Amsterdam.  It is also worth noting that you can choose a hostel from their list buy price or rating to easily find the best choice for your stay.  What’s more, the hostels with availability for duration of your stay will automatically appear at the top of the list once you have selected dates for your vacation in the city.

HostelWorld.com

HostelWorld.com basically offers online bookings at the best choices of Amsterdam hostels.  For your perusal, HostelWorld.com encourages you to read the customer reviews of the Amsterdam hostels, or view the hostels on the given map of Amsterdam.  From there, you can start availing special offers from them, like a free SMS confirmation. 

BootsnAll.com

BootsnAll.com is also out there to give you a listing of the available hostels in the city of Amsterdam.  Just like the other mentioned sites, BootsnAll.com also offers service for those who wish to book their stay in one of the listed Amsterdam hostels.  There are actually about 146 hostels that are available in Amsterdam these days.  So all you need to do is to find the best one.

Hostels.com

Finally, here is Hostels.com, which also brings you the best selection of Amsterdam hostels.  Their page actually presents a listing of all hostels in the city regardless of availability.  Thus, to find out about the pricing and availability of the properties, you need to use their search engine.  The choice that corresponds to your needs will appear on the top list once you have made the search.

 

Related posts:

1. Amsterdam Accommodation
2. Hostel in Amsterdam
3. Where to Book a Flight to Amsterdam

In the city of Amsterdam, there are a lot of things to enjoy, such as the cozy environment, great dining, a memorable night out, and of course, comfortable accommodation.  Many Amsterdam apartments are out there to give you the comfort and fun you want most.  And, if you are now thinking for escaping to Amsterdam for just a few days, then it makes sense to base yourself at an Amsterdam apartment right in the heart of this exciting and bustling city.

Here is a list of the most visited Amsterdam apartments in the heart of the city where everything is central.   Whether that would be one of the many museums or a major event, all of the accommodations are generally central.  Note that these Amsterdam apartments allow you to walk about anywhere in the city.

Simply Amsterdam

At Simply Amsterdam, you are given the choice to stay in an apartment, studio, canal house or even a houseboat if you prefer.  All of their accommodations are spacious and there is more privacy and more comfort than a hotel. 

Flatmates

If you are searching for the finest accommodations, Flatmates apartments could be the best option for you.   Their apartments are generally offered with the finest location and standards.  They actually have a listing of the available apartments, and the owners of these apartments are personal friends of the Flatmates’ team, people who are good hosts and will give you with any assistance you might need.

Sunhead 1617

Sunhead is another top-rated name in the line of great Amsterdam apartments.   As claimed, Sunhead has a number of centrally located apartments, be at the center of what the canal area has to offer.   The Sunhead Amsterdam apartments are in fact just stone’s throw away from restaurants, fashion boutiques, art and antique stores, and even to some cafes. 

Canal View Apartment

Canal View Apartment is another notable Amsterdam apartment that could offer you the best accommodation and service possible.   It is actually a recently renovated luxury Amsterdam apartment situated on Raamgracht, at the center of Amsterdam.  It is interesting to know that their rooms can accommodate up to four guests, and the neighborhood is very popular due to the diversity of locals.

Old Harbour Apartments

Located right in the historic center of the city of Amsterdam, you will find the Old Harbour Apartments, which have long been considered as the 17th century Golden Age house, dating from 1650.  Just like the other mentioned Amsterdam apartments, the Old Harbour Apartments are just minutes walk from the city’s Central Station, along the old harbour front.

 

Related posts:

1. Amsterdam Bed and Breakfast
2. Amsterdam Accommodation
3. Cheap Amsterdam Hotels

Owing to its ideal location in the center of Harlem, the Amsterdam News was the primary talking head for one of the largest African-American communities in the United States.  As a people’s mouthpiece, the Amsterdam News generally placed emphasis on covering the black community’s society news.  Thus, included in its sections are weddings, engagements, births and charity events.

The Amsterdam News is very popular throughout the city of New York, with the highest circulation of more than 100,000.   One particular memorable record in the history of the Amsterdam News is the year 1940s when this medium became one of the four leading black newspapers in the country, along with The Pittsburgh Courier, The Afro-American, and The Chicago Defender.

According to its early history, the Amsterdam News was named after the avenue in which the founder, James H. Anderson, lived – in the black community once known as San Juan Hill.  It was also at this area where the first issues of the newspaper were formed, out of Anderson’s home at 132 West 65th Street.  It was only in 1910 that the business offices were relocated.  Also, during this early period, between 1910s to 20s, the Amsterdam News was wrote and edited by one of the renowned black journalists, T. Thomas Fortune.

In 1926, the wife of Edward Warren, one of the first publishers of the Amsterdam News purchased the paper.  It was only in January 10, 1936 that the paper was resold to two West Indian physicians, who served respectively as editor-publisher and secretary-treasurer of the publication.  Under their management, the now semi-weekly paper became the first African American newspaper to have all of its departments unionized.  It was during this period in the history of the Amsterdam News that the paper started to focus on not only local, but also national events and issues as well.   Many well-known personalities then contributed their works to the Amsterdam News, and it was Marvel Cooke, who became the paper’s first female new reporter.

Since its introduction, the Amsterdam News had championed a number of civil rights causes.  As found out, the paper joined forces with other black papers during the Second World War to fight for civil rights in the armed forces.  Then, in the 1950s and 60s, it was at the forefront in chronicling the events of the civil rights movement, like the well-known Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama, the Freedom Riders bus burning incident, as well as  a number of riots.

The Amsterdam News started to pay attention on Malcolm X, and it was in the year 1958 that this paper began publishing one of its popular columns, the “God’s Angry Man”.  In 1971, the paper was bought for $2.3 million by a group of investors which included Percy E. Sutton, a former Manhattan Borough President.

In 1983, Wilbert A. Tatum and several Harlem business associated purchased the paper, and they eventually began controlling interest.  It was in December 1997 that the daughter of W.A Tatum named Eleanor Tatum was appointed to the position of publisher and editor in chief of the newspaper.  Their management continues up to the these days.

 

Related posts:

1. The History of Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. The History behind the New York Post
3. The story behind the New York Daily Post

Speaking of lodgings, it is worthy to note that Amsterdam offers a wide selection of cheap hotels that could provide you the best accommodation and complimentary dining possible.  If you want to know even just a few names that top the list, then look no further.   Below are the top-rated cheap hotels in Amsterdam where you can enjoy an ultimate vacation experience.

Renaissance Hotel Amsterdam

Conveniently located in the very heart of the city, between the Dam Square and Amsterdam Central Station, the Renaissance Hotel is a five-star property that blends in well with the traditional gabled houses in the area and offers a pleasant, informal atmosphere combined with the high level of service you would expect from a luxury hotel.  Form this place, the Magna Plaza, a famous shopping area, is just one kilometer away.  And, outside from its well appointed rooms, this cheap hotel in Amsterdam has a conference facility which is the 17th century domed Koepelkerk, situated opposite this cheap hotel in Amsterdam and connected by an underground passage.

Park Hotel Amsterdam

Another well-known cheap hotel in Amsterdam is the Park Hotel, located in the center of the city, overlooking one of the many city canals.  This hotel is also just a short stroll away from the famous Leidseplein.  As maintained, the public facilities at this cheap hotel in Amsterdam cover an underground car park, the De Stadhouder Restaurant and the Inn On The Park bar and lounge.  Also, it is interesting to know that the rooms provided by this hotel are fully furnished to an excellent level and even include in-house movie channels, cable TV, and a lot more.  With all its wonders, Park Hotel Amsterdam is no doubt a good choice for a short vacation in the greatly planned city of Amsterdam.

Marriott Amsterdam

The Marriott Amsterdam is an ideal place in the center of the city, close to canals and the picturesque city center.  This cheap hotel in Amsterdam is even stone’s throw away from the famous Van Gogh museum as well as Rijksmuseum.  What is nice about this cheap hotel in Amsterdam is that the guests can greatly enjoy a diversity of entertainment, night life, and shopping options within walking distance.  There are also some restaurants, outside terraces, pubs, theaters and movie houses that could give you the fun and excitement you want most.

Ibis Hotel Amsterdam

Ibis Hotel Amsterdam is a three-star hotel located very close to Amsterdam Central Station.  This place offers comfortable accommodation in all 187 of its well appointed guest rooms.   What is nice about this cheap hotel in Amsterdam is that its hotel staff provides efficient, warmth and friendly service, making your stay a memorable and comfortable one.   Ibis Hotel Amsterdam is also within walking distance from the well-acclaimed Amsterdam red light district, great museums, and flower market.

Related posts:

1. Cheap Amsterdam Hotels
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands Hotel
3. Victoria Hotel Amsterdam

The History

The first ING Amsterdam Marathon as we know it today happened on May 3, 1975.  Since that time, the start and finish lines were at the Olympic Stadium.  According to certain records, the first person who won the first Amsterdam Marathon was Joergen Jensen from Denmark who ran the distance in 2.16.51.  A year later, a European champion and second at the Munich Olympic Games named Karel Lismont came to Amsterdam.  She is still regarded in Belgium as the best marathon runner even born on its soil, won in a tremendously hot weather condition.   Another legendary winner of the Amsterdam Marathon came to the city a year later.  He actually won the Boston marathon in 1975, being able to finish first in an unbeatable 2.09.55. 

The Amsterdam Marathon was relocated the year when the Olympic Stadium feel into disrepair.  In 1978, there was no marathon in the area, but many of those who organized the event considered the Dam Square as the new starting and finishing area for the event.   The Dam Square in fact was the finish venue for one of the city’s most memorable marathons ever – the 1980 Amsterdam Marathon.  It is interesting to know that the event actually remained at the Dam Square until 1989, and later Amsterdam’s new start and finish venue became Museumplein. 

With the reconstructed arena, the Amsterdam Marathon finally was brought back to its former venue – the Olympic Stadium.  In that venue, another memorable event took place and it was the 1996 Amsterdam Marathon when the city saw a rise in the number of its runners, both in men and women categories.  The success of the marathon continues even until now and many Amsterdammers have immortalized their names through this event.

The Route

The route of the Amsterdam Marathon is usually fast, free of traffic, and as flat.  During the event, digital clocks and refreshments stand line the route, which typically passed through the Vondelpark, below the Rijksmuseum and finishes back inside the Olympic Stadium. 

Time Limit

Just like any other sports events, the Amsterdam Marathon has its own time limit.  It has been maintained that the full marathon is subject to a six-hour time limit.  The participants who fail to run the scheduled distances within the time limits set for the 25 km, 30 km, 35 km, or 40 km markers, as well as those who will exceed the overall time limit will be asked by a member of the event jury to terminate their race and to board the sag wagon for safety and health purposes.   However, if despite being approached by a jury and the participants continue to run, they will be asked to do so at their own risk, as the route will be released for road traffic once the sag wagon has passed.  And, it is a rule in the Amsterdam Marathon that if the participants terminate their race prior to finishing, they will not qualify for a medal.

 

Related posts:

1. Amsterdam Apartments
2. Amsterdam Travel: Getting Around
3. Amsterdam Live Music Hotspots