Amsterdam Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Amsterdam Travel & Tourism, Free Amsterdam Travel Guide Online

Amsterdam Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Amsterdam Travel & Tourism, Free Amsterdam Travel Guide Online

Amsterdam Attractions: Amsterdam Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Amsterdam Travel & Tourism, Free Amsterdam Travel Guide Online

Neighborhoods

Old Center:

This core area around the Dam and Centraal Station, and through the neighborhood known as De Wallen (The Walls), which contains the Red Light District, is the oldest part of the city. It includes the main downtown shopping areas and attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Amsterdam Historical Museum, Madame Tussaud's, and many of the canal-boat piers. It is a busy part of town, filled with traffic, noise, and social whirl.

The Canal Belt

: The semicircular, multistrand "necklace" of waterways called the Grachtengordel in Dutch, was built around the old Center during the city's 17th-century Golden Age. Its vista of elegant, gabled mansions fronting long, tree-lined canals forms the image that's most often associated Amsterdam. It includes many hotels, both large and small, restaurants, sightseeing attractions such as the Anne Frankhuis and the canal-house museums, and antiques shops.

Around Leidseplein

: The city's liveliest nightlife square and its immediate surroundings cover such a small area that it could have been included under "The Canal Belt." It is so distinctive that it deserves to be highlighted. In addition to performance venues, movie theaters, bars, and cafes, there are many fine hotels and restaurants in this busy area.

Around Rembrandtplein

: Like Leidseplein, but on a somewhat reduced scale, this square is the focus for a grouping of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife venues that's lively enough to feature on its own.

The Jordaan

: This group of small streets and canals lies west of the City Center, beyond the major canals. Once a working-class neighborhood, it's become fashionable, like New York City's SoHo, with a growing number of upscale boutiques and restaurants.

Museumplein & Vondelpark

: Gracious and residential, this area surrounds the three major museums on Museumplein: the Rijksmuseum, the

Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum: and hosts the Concertgebouw concert hall, with its many restaurants. It contains Amsterdam's most elegant shopping streets (Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat), and its best-known park. The U.S. Consulate is here, too.

Amsterdam East

: A residential zone on the far bank of the Amstel River that is the location of sightseeing attractions like the Maritime and Tropical museums, and also of Artis, the local zoo. It's an area of Amsterdam that is rich in ethnic minority groups.

Amsterdam South: This prestigious modern residential area is the site of a number of hotels, particularly along Apollolaan, a broad avenue which the locals call the Gold Coast for its rows of expensive houses.

Amsterdam West

: The district west of the Singelgracht canal is extensive, but contains no major tourist attractions.

Amsterdam North:

On the north bank of the IJ channel, this district has begun to change with new dining and entertainment possibilities opening up.

Attractions

Amsterdam's Historisch Museum

Kalverstraat 92
Phone: 523-1822
The museum is located within what was a former convent and orphanage dating back to the sixteenth century. Various sections of the museum, however, date back to the thirteenth century, a time when the city development was booming. The exhibits portray the sequence of events in Amsterdam's history from early times to the present day. The Begijnhof, a popular courtyard, might be the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Anne Frankhuis

Prinsengracht 263
Phone: 556-7100
Guided tours by prior arrangement. Quite possibly Amsterdam's most often visited site, this was the place where Anne Frank, her sister Margot, her parents, and four other Jews went into hiding in 1942. Anne Frankhuis is a central fixture of remembrance for the persecution suffered during the war. The museum not only stands as a symbol to combat prejudice, discrimination and oppression; but it also works against current developments in racism, Neo-Fascism and anti-Semitism. A statue of Anne Frank, as well as a display of different editions of the diary, is featured within the museum.

Hollandse Schouwburg

Plantage Middenlaan 24
Phone: 626-9945
During World War II, the theater was used as a collection ground for Jews who were to be sent off to the camps. Standing as a small structure amidst the streets of Amsterdam, this building embodies a large portion of the tragedy that befell this era.

Universiteitsmuseum de Agnietenkapel

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 231
Phone: 525-3341
Amsterdam is a city of outstanding architectural style. The Agnietenkapel, built in 1473 and part of the university since its foundation in 1632, is a wonderful representation of the Gothic style that once filled the chapels of Amsterdam. The chapel combines the effect of an austere interior with the beauty exquisite craftsmanship of its lovely stained-glass windows. The showcases the history of education, research and student life.

Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam

Plantage Kerklaan 61
Phone: 620-2535
The Museum of the Resistance includes collections of artifacts and interactive displays that represent the resistance movement within Amsterdam. The museum focuses attention on such themes as sabotage, espionage and the February Deportation to Birkenau. An interesting feature within the museum is that visitors can hear authentic replicas of wartime broadcasts as they examine the space designed to replicate a wartime family hideout.

Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art

Paulus Potterstraat 13 (at Museumplein).
Phone: 020-573-2737
Amsterdam's contemporary art museum showcases the works of not only modern Dutch painters such as Karel Appel, Willem de Kooning, and Piet Mondrian, but the museum also has a section to illustrate the works of French artists: Chagall, Cézanne, Picasso, Renoir, Monet, and Manet. American modern artist also have a section of their own. In fact, the museum features one of the largest collection of paintings by the abstract Russian artist Kasimir Malevich.

The Rijksmuseum

Stadhouderskade 42 (behind Museumplein, halfway between Leidseplein and Wetering-plantsoen)
Phone: 020-673-2121 or 0900-8898-1212
The Rijksmuseum includes a magnificent collection of works by Dutch artists, including one of the most famous works, The Night Watch, by Rembrandt. A great feature for visitors is the museum's touch-screen interactive information center. The new system provides visitors with information on over 700 of the museum's exhibits.

Van Gogh Museum

Paulus Potterstraat 7 (at Museumplein)
Phone: 020-570-5200
Van Gogh's paintings were defined by seven distinct periods, and this is the way the museum is laid out. The Van Gogh collection, which consists of more than 200 pieces, is arranged in chronological order, allowing visitors to glimpse the 10-year career of this great artist.

New Metropolis Science and Technology Center
Oosterdok 2
Phone: 0900-919-1100
A great outing for the family! This science and technology hub, features of hands-on interactive displays, a museum, demonstrations, workshops, and theater and film show. The museum is a port for learning, and the technology provides Internet-linked computers on every floor.

Heineken Reception Center

Stadhouderskade 78 (on the Singelgracht, near the Rijksmuseum)
Phone: 020-523-9666
Dating back to 1868, these former Heineken brewing facilities now offer visitors the chance to tour the brewing process, as well as learn about the company's history. Guides will lead you past the fermentation tanks and a multiscreen video wall showcases 5,000 years of brewing history. The impressive brewery show, and the two complimentary glasses of Heineken, draw visitors in year round.

The Netherlands Experience

Waterlooplein 17
Phone: 020-422-2233
The Netherlands Experience offers visitors a complete tour of the Netherlands. The multidimensional film and theater show provides scenic views and historical stories of the development of the Netherlands. A feature of the Netherlands experience is the simulated display outlining what would happen if the 80,000 liters of salt water were to penetrate the dikes' system of defense.

Madame Tussaud's Amsterdam

Dam 20
1012 NP Amsterdam
Phone: 31-020-523-0623
Fax: 31-020-523-0629
The glory of the Netherlands's Golden Age is the focus of this unique wax museum. Moving wax figures depict a historical journey through the Netherlands. The special effects help to create a vivid impression of life in Holland.

Canal trips

Holland Casino Amsterdam

Holland Casino Amsterdam is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands and is open 1:30pm-3am daily, closed May 4th and Dec. 31. The 92,664 square foot casino features 576 slots and fifty-five table games. The property has one restaurant.

Damrak by Central Station, and Rokin by the Spui

While visiting Amsterdam, don't miss out on a boat tour. The canal trips offer visitors a unique view of Amsterdam from the water. The tours take visitors around the city and through the harbor.

Canal Bikes

(Westerkerk, Leidseplein, Leidsestraat, Rijksmuseum)
Canal Bikes provide a challenge to brave the waters and create your own tour through Amsterdam's canals. Canal bikes can be rented from most locations, and they allow visitors to choose their own route of travel, as well as provide a unique experience of riding over the water.

Electrische Museum Tramlijn Amsterdam

Haarlemmermeerstation, Amstelveenseweg 264
Phone: 0900-673-7538
The Electrische is unlike most ordinary museums. This one offers children a ride through history! Visitors can take a closer look at the antique electric tram carriages as well as embark on a 60-minute round trip in one of the antique trolleys.

Archeon

Archeonlaan 1, Alphen aan den Rijn
Phone: 0172- 447-744
The Archeon offers visitors of all ages a trip through ancient times. Visitors can stroll through the dinosaur era or take a take a tour of the ancient Rome. The museum specializes in interactive and hands-on exhibits.

Efteling

Europalaan 1, Kaatsheuvel, Noord Brabant
Phone: 0416- 288-111
Efteling is an enormous fairytale forest where children and adults alike can venture into Grimm's fairytales and the Tales of the Arabian Nights. The village is full of dwarves and witches, enchanted and haunted castles. Efteling also provides its visitors with thrill rides in this state-of-the-art amusement park.

Madurodam

George Maduroplein 1, The Hague Den Haag
Phone: 070-355-3900
Madurodam features scale models of some of the Netherlands's most famous sights - everything from Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge to Schiphol Airport. The miniature village is built on a 1:25 ratio.

Museum van Speelklok tot Pierrement

Buurkerkhof 10, Utrecht
Phone: 030-231-2789
Museum van Speelklok tot Pierrement showcases a unique antique collection of mechanical music boxes, circus, fairground and street organs. There is also a large selection of featured toys that children can enjoy.

Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum

Maliebaanstation 16, Utrecht
Phone: 030-230-6206
The National Railway Museum is located in an historic station, where visitors can examine more than 60 locomotives. At the museum, children can hop aboard one of the miniature Intercity and TGV lines.

Amsterdam Events: Amsterdam Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Amsterdam Travel & Tourism, Free Amsterdam Travel Guide Online

Arts and Entertainment

Beurs va Berlage

Damrak 243 521-7500

Buses 4,9,14,16,20,24,25.

Home of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, located in the former stock exchange.

Concertgebouw

Concertebouwplein 2-6

671-8345

Tram: 3,5,12,16,20

Home of the famed Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Its main hall is considered to be one of the world's acoustically perfect concert halls. Free concerts on Wednesdays at 12:30.

De Ijsbreker

Weesperzijde 23

Tram: 3,6,7,10,20.

The place for contemporary, electronic, experimental, cutting edge music.

Muziektheater

Amstel 1-3

625-5455

Subway: Waterlooplein

Tram: 9,14,20

Home of the Netherlands Opera and National Ballet, and Amsterdam venue for performances by the Hague's highly regarded Netherlands Dance Theater.

Events

January/February

Rotterdam International Film Festival

Amsterdam Pre-Lenten Carnival and parade

Antiques Fair - Nieuwe Kerk, Dam Square

March

Amsterdam Art Week - held in the city's theatres and concert halls

Late March: The gardens at Lisse open for the season as tulips and other spring flowers bloom.

April

National Museum Weekend (mid-month). Museums offer free or reduced-price admission.

World Press Photo Awards (mid-month) Amsterdam based annual photojournalism prizes and exhibitions.

Haarlem Blomencorso (last Saturday in April): Tulip season procession from Noordwijk to Haarlem

Koninginnedag (April 30) The Queen Beatrix's Birthday celebration with massive street parties and free markets.

May

Herdenkingsdag

(World War II Remembrance Day) May 4. Two minute silence at 8PM.

Bevrijdingsdag

(May 5) Liberation Day celebrations.

National Cycling and Windmill Day (2^nd Saturday). Windmills open to the public.

Vlaggetjesdag

(last Saturday) Flag Day fishing boat race at Scheveningen.

June

The Netherlands Festival of Dance, Music and Drama, Amsterdam

Amsterdam Canal Race

June to August

Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre

Zomerfestijn

Summer Festival

August

Amsterdam Football Tournament

Prinsengracht Canal Concert

Uitmarkt - music and theatrical performances - Vondelpark

September

Bloemencorso

1st Saturday - Amsterdam Flower Pageant and parade.

Jordan Festival

October

Indoor equestrian event

November

Sinterklaas

St. Nicholas' Entrance Parade - launches the Christmas season on the third Saturday of the month.

December

December 5 – Pakjesavond: Saint Nicholas' Eve. Traditional day for exchanging Christmas gifts

Oudejaarsavond

: Partying in the streets and fireworks on December 31 to bring in the New Year.

Amsterdam Facts: Amsterdam Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Amsterdam Travel & Tourism, Free Amsterdam Travel Guide Online

Facts

Population

: 725,000

Elevation

: Below sea level, but protected from flooding by an extensive network of dikes and drainage canals.

Time Zone

: When it is noon in Amsterdam, it is 6AM in New York City.

Annual Temperature Range

When to Visit

: Weather-wise, the best months for sightseeing are April, May, June, September, and October. The maritime climate of the Netherlands is very changeable, though, and during these months expect weather ranging from cool to pleasant to wet and windy to hot and sometimes humid. Winters in Amsterdam can be very cold from December through February and March.

ATMs

: Among the centrally located automated teller machines (ATMs) accessible by cards linked to the Cirrus and Plus networks, and the major credit cards and charge cards, are those at ABN-AMRO Bank, Dam 2 (tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25) and Leidsestraat 1 (tram: 1, 2, 5), at Leidseplein; Rabobank, Dam 16 (tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25); and Fortis Bank, Singel 548 (tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25), at the Flower Market.

Babysitters

: Many hotels can arrange babysitters. A reliable local organization is

Business Hours

: Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4 or 5pm, and some to 7pm on Thursday. Open hours for offices are Monday through Friday from 9 or 10am to 4 or 5pm. Regular shopping hours are Monday from 10 or 11am to 6pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 6pm; Thursday from 9am to 9pm; Saturday from 9am to 5pm; and some stores are open Sunday from noon to 5pm.

Convention Center RAI

Convention Center,: Europaplein (020/549-1212; Metro: RAI), in the south of the city.

Currency:

The Euro is the currency of the Netherlands.

Euro notes come in denominations of EUR500, EUR200, EUR100, EUR50, EUR20, EUR10 and EUR5. The euro is divided into 100 cents, and coins are available as EUR2 and EUR1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 cents.

Dentists

: Call the Central Medical Service (tel. 020/592-3434).

Doctors:

Call the Central Medical Service (tel. 020/592-3434).

Drugstores:

For such items as toothpaste, deodorant, and razor blades, go to a drogerij (drugstore), or a supermarket.

Electricity:

the Netherlands runs on 220 volts electricity (North America uses 110 volts). You will need a small voltage transformer (available in drug and appliance stores and by mail order) that plugs into the round-holed European electrical outlet and converts the Dutch voltage from 220 volts down to 110 volts for any small appliance up to 1,500 watts.

Embassies & Consulates

: The U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam is at Museumplein 19 (tel.

Emergencies:

For police assistance, an ambulance, or the fire department, call tel. 112.

Holidays

:

January

1 (New Year's Day)

March/April

: Good Friday; Easter Monday;

April 30

(Queen's Day/Koninginnedag)

Ascension Day

Pentecost Monday

(50 days after Easter)

December 25 (Christmas) and 26

.

(The dates for Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost change each year).

Hospitals:

Two hospitals with an emergency service are the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Eerste Oosterparkstraat 179 (tel. 020/599-9111; tram: 3, 7, 10), in Amsterdam Oost; and Academisch Medisch Centrum (AMC), Meibergdreef 9 (tel. 020/566-3333; Metro: Holendrecht), in Amsterdam Zuidoost.

Internet Access

: In the City center, easyEverything (www.easyeverything.com) has two locations: Damrak 33 (tel. 020/320-8082; tram: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 16, 17, 24, 25); and Reguliersbreestraat 22 (tel. 020/320-6291; tram: 4, 9, 14). Both are open 24 hours a day and access begins at 1.15€. A less-crowded choice is Internet Café, Martelaarsgracht 11 (tel. 020/627-1052; tram: 1, 2, 5, 13, 17), open Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 1am, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 3am.

Language

: Dutch is the primary language, but English is the second language of the Netherlands.

Newspapers & Magazines

: The American Book Center, Kalverstraat 185 (tel. 020/625-5537; tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25), and Waterstone's, Kalverstraat 152 (tel. 020/638-3821; tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25), and newsstands at Schiphol Airport and Centraal Station all have a big selection of international newspapers and magazines.

Pharmacies

: For both prescription and non-prescription medicines, you go to an apotheek (pharmacy). Try Dam Apotheek at Damstraat 2 (tel. 020/624-4331; tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25). All pharmacies have the name and address of an all-night and Sunday pharmacy posted on the door.

Police

: The emergency number to call for the police (politie), fire department, and ambulance is tel. 112. For routine matters, police headquarters are at Elandsgracht 117 (tel. 0900/8844; tram: 7, 10, 17).

Post Office

: Most post offices are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Taxes

: There's a value-added tax (BTW) of 6% on hotel and restaurant bills (19% on beer, wine, and liquor), and 6% or 19% (the amount depends on the product) on purchases. This tax is always included in the price. People resident outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Amsterdam. Shops that offer tax-free shopping advertise with a Netherlands Tax-Free Shopping sign in the window, and they provide you with the form you need to recover value-added tax (VAT) when you leave the European Union.

To make international calls

: To make international calls from Amsterdam, first dial 00 and then the country code (U.S. or Canada 1, U.K. 44, Ireland 353, Australia 61, New Zealand 64). Next you dial the area code and number.

Toll-free numbers: Numbers beginning with 0800 within the Netherlands are toll-free, but calling a 1-800 number in the States from the Netherlands is not toll-free. It costs the same as an overseas call.

Special numbers:

Beware special Dutch numbers that begin with 0900. Calls to these are charged at a far higher rate than ordinary local calls.

International Access Codes:

To call the United States or Canada, dial 00 (the international access code) + 1 (the country code) + the area code + the number. Other country codes are: Australia, 61; United Kingdom, 44; Ireland, 353; New Zealand, 64.

The area code for Amsterdam is 020

. When making local calls in Amsterdam you won't need to use the area codes shown in this book. You do need to use an area code between towns and cities in the Netherlands.

Tipping

: The Dutch government requires that all taxes and service charges be included in the published prices of hotels, restaurants, cafes, discos, nightclubs, beauty salons/barbershops and hairdressers, and sightseeing companies. Even taxi fare includes taxes and a standard 15% tip.

Arriving and Departing

By Air

Amsterdam Luchthaven Schiphol (

pronounced "Shh-kip-hole")
(AMS) (17 km (11 mi) southwest of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. 0900/0141, is the main passenger airport for Holland. With the annual number of passengers using Schiphol approaching 40 million, it is ranked among the world's top five best-connected airports. A hotel, a service to aid passengers with disabilities, parking lots, and a main office of The Netherlands tourist board (in Schiphol Plaza and known as "HTI" -- Holland Tourist Information) can prove most useful. The comprehensive Schiphol telephone service, charged at EUR.10 per minute, provides information about flight arrivals and departures as well as all transport and parking facilities.

Flying time to Amsterdam is 21˝ hours from Auckland; 1 hour from London; 10˝ hours from Los Angeles; 7 hours from New York; 20 hours from Sydney; and 8 hours from Toronto.

Getting Around the City

Metro

Amsterdam has a full-fledged subway system, the metro, but travelers will usually find trams and buses more convenient for getting around, as most metro stops are geared for city residents traveling to the outer suburbs. However, the Amsterdam metro can get you from Centraal Station (at the northern harbor edge of the city) to Amstel Station (a train station at the southeastern area of the city, with connections to many buses and trams) much faster than a tram, which makes many stops along the way.

Trams & Buses

Many tram and bus routes start from the hub at
Centraal Station (Stationsplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands

.

Tel.

0900-9292 public transportation information).

A large bus depot is located on the Marnixstraat, across from the main police station, and there's another one at Harlemmermeer station in the Overtoomseveld neighborhood of western Amsterdam. Trams and buses run from about 6 AM to midnight daily. The tram routes, with a network of 130 km (80 mi) of track, make this characteristic form of transport more useful than the bus for most tourists. Night owls can make use of the hourly night-bus services, with double frequency on Friday and Saturday night, but routes are restricted.

Between stops, trams brake only when absolutely necessary, so listen for warning bells if you are walking or cycling near tram lines. Taxis use tram lines, but other cars are allowed to venture onto them only when turning right. The newer fleets of buses are cleaner, and therefore nicer to use, and bus lanes (shared only with taxis) remain uncongested, ensuring that you travel more swiftly than the rest of the traffic in rush hour. If the bus is very crowded, you may have to stand, so hold on to a handrail, as the buses can travel quite fast; to avoid rush hour, don't travel between 8 and 9 in the morning or between 4:30 and 5:30 in the afternoon. As with all urban systems of transportation, keep an eye out for pickpockets.

Ferries

Four ferry lines leave from Centraal Station, but only one is of any interest to tourists. The Buiksloterwegveer leaves from Pier 7 behind Centraal Station every 8 to 15 minutes, day and night. The ferry transports pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists across the IJ channel to North Amsterdam. There is no fee for the service. North Amsterdam may prove to be less interesting than the refreshing trip, which takes about five minutes.

Transfers Between the Airport and Town

If you wish to hop aboard a tram or bus to get to your hotel, go to one of the
Gemeentevervoerbedrifj (GVB) Amsterdam Municipal Transport booths found in front of the Centraal Station. Here you can find directions, fare information, and schedules.

The KLM Hotel Bus shuttles

between the airport and Amsterdam, serving 16 top hotels directly and many more that are close to these stops. Buses depart Schiphol Plaza every 20 minutes from 7am to 6pm and every 30 minutes from 6 to 9:30pm.

Bus no. 197 departs every half hour from in front of Schiphol Plaza for Amsterdam's downtown
Marnixstraat bus station. This bus is much slower than both the train and the KLM Hotel Bus.

Taxis are expensive, but are the preferred choice when traveling with luggage, or if there are two or more people to share the cost. Taxi stands are located at both ends of the sidewalk in front of Schiphol Plaza. Taxis from the airport are all metered.

Walking

If you're going around on foot, remember that cars have the right of way when turning. When crossing a street, watch out for trams, buses, and bikes, too.

Use caution with children near the canals Protective fencing is rare, and the low metal railings won't prevent a fall into the water.

Biking

: Almost everyone in Amsterdam rides a bicycle. There are special bike trails everywhere, as well as parking for bikes at most sites.

De Opstapper

The Opstapper, a transit van that travels the elegant Prinsengracht -- heart of the historic canal sector -- between Centraal Station and the Music Theater. For a one-zone stamp on your strippenkaart, you can get on or off anywhere along the Prinsengracht. There are no fixed stops. It passes within walking distance of the Anne Frank House, the Leidseplein, and many hotels. The buses run every ten minutes from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM. There are eight seats and room for an additional eight standing passengers.

Amsterdam Kids Activities: Amsterdam Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Amsterdam Travel & Tourism, Free Amsterdam Travel Guide Online

New Metropolis

Oosterdok 2
Phone: 0900-919-1100
This museum is geared toward children of all ages. It features permanent and semi-permanent hands-on exhibits focusing on light and sound that fascinate older children. The museum has designated a special area for younger children, where they can pretend games to be a geologist, doctor, scientist, etc. Costumes are provided. Another feature allows them to watch themselves on television and become film stars during their visit.

Tropenmuseum/ Kindermuseum

Linnaeusstraat 2
Phone: 0900-568-8215
The Tropenmuseum has created a child-friendly planet. The museum's motto is "Step into another world". Exhibitions focus on the lifestyles and customs of different cultures. The museum specializes in exhibits that engage visitors in using all of their senses. The Tropenmuseum also houses a specialized children's museum: The Kindermuseum.

Circustheater Elleboog

Passeerdersgracht 32
Phone: 0900-626-9370
Circustheater Elleboog presents children with the opportunity to try out circus and clowning skills, As they learn tricks, apply make-up, juggle, and walk the tightrope. At the end of the day, parents and friends can enjoy a special performance prepared for them by their children.

De Krakeling

Nieuwe Passeerdersstraat 1
Phone: 0900-625-3284
The De Krakeling is a theater that specializes in productions for children. The theater has two separate arenas for the age group above twelve and the one below twelve. Although a majority of the plays are in Dutch, the theater also presents puppet and mime shows.

Electrische Museum Tramlijn Amsterdam

Haarlemmermeerstation, Amstelveenseweg 264
Phone: 0900-673-7538
The Electrische museum is unlike most ordinary museums: this one offers rides through history! Visitors can take a closer look at the antique electric tram carriages as well as embark on a 60-minute round trip in one of the antique trolleys.

Archeon

Archeonlaan 1, Alphen aan den Rijn
Phone: 0172- 447-744
The Archeon gives visitors of all ages a trip through time. Guests can stroll through the era of the dinosaur or take a take a tour of the days of the Roman Empire. The museum specializes in interactive and hands-on exhibits. There is even an open-air plunge pool, where children can splash around.

Efteling

Europalaan 1, Kaatsheuvel, Noord Brabant
Phone: 0416- 288-111
Efteling is an enormous fairytale forest, where children and adults alike can venture into Grimm's fairytales and the Tales of the Arabian Nights. The village and its environs are full of dwarves and witches, enchanted and haunted castles. Efteling also provides thrilling rides in this state-of-the-art amusement park.

Linnaeushof

Rijksstraatweg 4, Bennebroek
Phone: 023-584-7624
A huge leisure park near Haarlem, which hosts an astonishing 300 attractions: there's a Wild West train, cable cars, mini-golf, trampolines, a water play area and go-karts.

Madurodam

George Maduroplein 1, The Hague Den Haag
Phone: 070-355-3900
Madurodam features scale models of some of the Netherlands's most famous sights - everything from Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge to Schiphol Airport. The miniature village is built on a 1:25 scale.

Museum van Speelklok tot Pierement

Buurkerkhof 10, Utrecht
Phone: 030-231-2789
Museum van Speelklok tot Pierrement showcases a unique collection of antique mechanical music boxes, circus, fairground and street organs. There is also a large selection of featured toys that children can enjoy.

Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum

Maliebaanstation 16, Utrecht
Phone: 030-230-6206
The National Railway Museum is located in an historic station, where visitors can observe more than 60 locomotives. At the museum, children can hop aboard one of the miniature Intercity and TGV lines.

Madame Tussaud's Amsterdam

Dam 20
1012 NP Amsterdam
Phone: 31-020-523-0623
Fax: 31-020-523-0629
Moving wax figures depict a historical journey through the Netherlands. The special effects help to create a vivid impression of life in the Netherlands.

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