Oude Kerk Amsterdam

- -A big and monumental church – De Oude Kerk (The Old Church) dominates over theRed Light District. Although originally built as a Catholic place of worship, today the Oude Kerk is one of the unique buildings expressing the national character of Dutch Protestantism. Through its exceptional architecture, high windows full of light, beautifully sculpted misericords in the choir, impressive old granite gravestones on its floor, as well as through its unique history omnipresent in the building, the Oude Kerk symbolizes the tradition and the present-day of Amsterdam.

Standing in the church’s main entry, you will be amazed to see the coffee shop just left to it, windows with sex workers in front and the Princess Juliana Nursery School left right the church (at no.8 on the Oudekerksplein). Contrast could not be bigger and theOude Kerk, the oldest and for centuries the most important church in Amsterdam, although now having lost this name to the Nieuwe Kerk, remains one of unique sights to visit.

Oude Kerk organs
The Oude Kerk has also a famous historical 17th century grand organ, as well as a smaller transept organ and one more, modern cabinet organ. The church is all year long the venue for an important series of concerts of organ music and a home for The International Organ Festival, held in summer each year, July through September.

Oude Kerk historyWhile all Protestant churches in The Netherlands have modest interiors and enclose very few artefacts so characteristic for the Catholic cathedrals across Europe, the Oude Kerk with its unique architecture, sculpted misericords in the choir, and impressive old gravestones on its floor, is one of the tourist highlights of Amsterdam.

Visiting days and opening hours
You may visit the church and you may also climb its tower to have a view at the oldest part of Amsterdam. The Oude Kerk is open to visitors 7 days a week, all year long.

Monday through Saturday 10 A.M. – 5 P.M., On Sunday because of religious services Oude Kerk opens for visitors later: 1 P.M.– 5 P.M. Oude Kerk is closed each year on 1st of January, Queensday and 25 of December. Please consult their website for a few additional days the church is closed.

Oude Kerk’s tower is open April – September, between hours 1pm – 5pm., with guided tours leaving every 30 minutes. For a tour beyond opening hours, please call: +31 20 689 25 65 or e-mail: anna@buscher-malocca.nl

Admissions:
Adults: €5; Students, Dutch 65+, CJP, Stadspas cards, Holland card and voucher, Lovers voucher: €4; Children age below 13 years, Museum card, I’amsterdam card, ICOM card: Free. Guided tours to the tower: €7 per person.

Additional information
Madam Saskia van Uylenberg, Rembrandt’s beloved wife fas been buried in the church (grave stone no.29, middle of the left nave’s floor).
In the right nave, you may see on the column the bronze plaque to commemorate Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562 - 1621), one of the biggest Dutch composers, author of organ music, who was an organist at the church.

How to get thereOude Kerk is located at the walking distance from the Central Station and from theDam square. Avoid arriving there by car, since many streets in Red Light District are not accessible for the traffic. The closest parking garage is at The Bijenkorf.

Address
De Oude Kerk
Oudekerksplein
1012 GX Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 (0)20 625 82 84
E-mail: info@oudekerk.nl
Website: www.oudekerk.nl

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Amsterdam canals

- -Amsterdam is the most watery city in the world.

Its canals and harbours fill a full quarter of her surface
Its waterways have always been its essence and its source of wealth

A bit of history

The city was founded around 1250 with the building of the Dam that gave it its name. ‘Aeme Stelle Redamme’ is Medieval Dutch for: ‘Dam in a Watery Area’.

The Dam is still there as the heart of the city. But today this former barrier between the River Amstel and the “Southern Sea” is one of the few places in the center of town that you cannot sail a boat to. The last part of the river leading to the dam fell victim to land-traffic in 1922. The street that came in its place is still called ‘Damrak’, which is Dutch for: “Last section of the river, leading to the Dam.”
Today, a subway line is being built in the old riverbed.

Middle Ages
The first canals were dug for water management and defence. As the city expanded in the Middle Ages, successive defence moats ended up inside the walls and lost their function. But they acquired an important new one: local transport of merchandise. The warehouses along the old moats could store enormous quantities of trading goods that could be`pipelined through those moat-canals to a harbour full of ships that sailed all over the world that was known in those days.

Golden Age
Trade exploded in the 17th century, Amsterdam’s Golden Age. In one very ambitious expansion project that took 50 years, the 3 main canals of the city were dug and the houses around them were built. Completed around 1660, it made the city grow to 4 times its size and gave it the most intricate and efficient system of navigable waterways in the world. A maze of connecting canals brought merchandise from all over the world to the doorstep of every canalside merchant.

A fleet of thousands of small barges carried the goods from the big ships in the harbor to every corner of the city. More than a thousand warehouses on the canal-sides were supplied by these man-powered barges. On top of that, 9 specialized floating markets catered to the daily needs of 17th century Amsterdammers.
In those days, more goods were moved on barges in the canals by human power, than would even be possible today with trucks along the canalsides.

Lost Canals
The 20th century needed space for cars and other land traffic. Many canals were filled in to make streets and parking spaces. Not without struggle: fierce protest had rescued the famous Seven Bridges of the Reguliersgracht already in 1901.
But in 1955, a local police commissioner still submitted a serious proposal to the City Council to solve all traffic problems by filling up all the canals to make highways. He was almost tarred and feathered for it. Amsterdammers are fond of their Canals.

Amsterdam canals today

Almost half of the original water in Amsterdam was lost to landfills, but a full 25 percent of the city's surface still consists of navigable waterways. With 65 miles of ancient canals, Amsterdam is still the most watery city in the world.
Today, the only cargo vessel on the Amsterdam canals is a unique package boat of Courier service DHL, but that will change in the near future.
In 2008, Mokum Mariteam 's first electrically powered cargo sloops will deliver their goods in and around the city. A serious and very timely project to help fight air pollution and alleviate traffic congestion on the streets.

Pleasure boatingIn the summertime, the canals can still be dense with sailing traffic. Strictly pleasure-cruising, privately and commercially.
15000 pleasure boats are registered in Amsterdam and the city is a favourite destination for private yachts from Germany and France. Eight local marina's serve their needs and two big new ones are under construction. A few times a year, at big events like the Queen's Day and the Gay Parade, traffic jams on the canals can get quite serious. Rest assured that on an average day, canal-tour boats dominate the scene on the usually quiet waterways.

Canal Cruises
An Amsterdam Canal Cruise is most popular tourist attraction in the country. A diverse fleet of around 200 tour boats carry more than 3 million passengers a year, offering a waterborne variety of almost every form of entertainment that's available in Amsterdam. From an intimate exclusive candlelight dinner with five star service on an antique ‘Saloonboat’ to Theatre Cruises and Disco Dances with Deejays and live music on party-ships.

Boat Rental
If you want to explore the canals on your own, there are two options. One is to work for your mileage on a pedal-boat. Canal Company (www.canal.nl) has 200 of them available at 5 locations. Or you can experience the silent leisure of an electrically powered sloop.

Canal-side Terraces
Because of strict municipal regulations, there are not many canal-side terraces in Amsterdam. The existing ones are popular for a good reason. It's fun to watch what happens on the water in the Summertime.

Houseboats
In the old days, when the canals were still used for transport of merchandise, living on a houseboat was a sign of poverty in Amsterdam.
But as their transport function dwindled in the last century, the old 'industrial' canals became upmarket residential area's. Old warehouses on the canalsides were converted to Deluxe apparment complexes. The barges that supplied them began a new life as comfortable houseboats with ample living spaces in their former cargo holds. They are all quite old. The oldest one was built in 1840 as a waterboat for fresh drinking water (Prinsengracht/Amstelveld). Many have been afloat for more than a century. Relative newcomers are the house-arks, floating bungalows that are usually built on a hollow concrete platform. These meet with increasing disapproval from local residents and Civil Authorities, who would like to see them move to canals with less historcal importance in the suburbs.

Most of the houseboats are private residences. Because of strict regulations, only a few have lodging space for rent legally. Because the demand is high, the city may ease up the rules in the near future.

Clean WaterWatermanagement is still the most important function of our canals. Without them, the city would drown. Circulating the water is also vital for sanitary reasons. In the days when windmills had to do the job, the stench of the water could become unbearable in periods with little wind or rain. One canal was even filled in for its stench by Royal Decree, from the only King who ever lived in Amsterdam.

Napoleon Bonaparte's brother Louis was King of Holland between 1806 and 1811. He had City Hall on Dam Square rebuilt to be his palace. The stench of the canal behind the palace kept his wife Constance from her sleep, so he ordered it to be filled in to make a "smart and respectable Avenue" The name of that street is still 'Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal', which translates into: "Front defence moat on the new side".

Today, the water in the canals is cleaner than it has ever been in their history. Three times a week, 14 of the 16 existing waterlocks around the city close up, so clean water can be pumped in from the big lake IJsselmeer. The current that creates pushes the dirty canalwater out through the open locks on the other side of the city. Specialized cleaning boats with big scoops and nets patrol frequently to clean surface dirt. Since 2005, all the houseboats in the city are connected to the sewer system.
The cleaner water has attracted life. About 20 different species of fish and crabs live a healthy life below the surface. That bounty attracts waterbirds like herrons, ducks, coots, gulls and recently even cormorants.

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Magere Brug, Amsterdam

- -The famous skinny bridge across the river Amstel and opposite of the Carré theatre, is an Old Dutch design wooden bridge known as a double-swipe (balanced) bridge. Tradition relates that the bridge was named after the sisters Mager, who were supposed to live on opposite sides of the river. They are said to have had the wooden bridge built to make it easier to visit one another. However it appears more likely, that the original bridge acquired the name from being so narrow (mager means skinny in Dutch), that it was hard for two pedestrians to pass one along another.

As traffic along the river Amstel increased, a wider bridge replaced the narrow one in 1871. Skinny Bridge is far not skinny anymore, but one of the most beautiful bridges of Amsterdam. At night many lights illuminate the bridge, then it becomes a very romantic place, popular with lovers and photographers.

Several other bridges of this type are found in Amsterdam (at the Staalstraat/Grimburgwal, Nieuve Herengracht, Rapenburg, Prinseneiland and Bickerseiland).

The photographs in this section are free to download and use with your web site, however we require a back-link to www.amsterdam.info home page. Choose as many pictures as you like and see how you should link to us.

blauwbrug	bridge_at_reguli...	grimburgwal
herengracht	nieuwe_herengracht	spiegelstraat
keizersgracht	laurier gracht	jordaan
bridge_reguliers...	reguliers gracht	reguliers gracht
magere_brug

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Jordaan, Amsterdam

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Art and Culture of the Jordaan

The Jordaan was build at the large expansion of Amsterdam in early 17th century, as a district for the working class and emigrants. The population increase during the next centuries was enormously, caused by the stream political refugees like protestant Fleming, Spanish and Portuguese Jews and French Huguenots who mainly settled in the Jordaan. It was a poor district with small houses and slums, every little room stuffed with families and lots of children. The entire area was one ghetto with open sewers, canals served for both transport and sewer, and no running water. Around 1900 there lived about 80 thousand people, nowadays about 20 thousand.

Rembrandt

The famous 17th century Dutch writer Joost van den Vondel and photographer Breitner lived in the Jordaan. Artists, like the painter Rembrandt van Rijn in his lesser successful period, also came living in the Jordaan because of the low rents. The house of Rembrandt was on the Rozengracht (Rose canal, still a real canal these days). His studio was on the Bloemgracht (Flower canal). The famous painter was buried in a poor mans grave in the Westerkerk (West church).

Monument Care

During the seventieth of the 20th century the city council had serious plans to mainly demolish big parts of the district and replace them for large ugly blocks of modern buildings. There where many protests against this idea. City protectors, such as Monument Care, where against the loss of the historical town and the people of the Jordaan feared for large rent increases. Thanks to this resistance the plan was modified, there came small-scale projects which would repair the neighborhood, without damaging its original character.

Strolling

A large renovation was started. By then the district was discovered by a new generation occupants: artists, students, and young entrepreneurs. The old inhabitants moved to other neighborhoods and cities like Almere. Partly by these new inhabitants the Jordaan has changed from a slum area to a district for artist, still living on low rent, and the rich who bought the very expensive renovated houses. Nowadays the Jordaan is compared to the rest of the town an oasis of peace with a labyrinth of narrow streets and little canals, nice for strolling around courtyards, art studios, and monumental buildings with stone tablets, old-fashioned ‘brown’ pubs, boutiques or galleries.

Markets

There are also some markets in this area. Saturdays you will find the Lindenmarkt (Lime market), a general market, on the Lindengracht (Lime canal) and a biological food market on the Noordermarkt (North market). Mondays you have a flea market at the Noordermarkt and a market on the Westerstraat (West street) with nice fabrics. On the Noordermarkt you can visit the Noorderkerk (North church), designed by Hendrick de Keyser in the 17th century.

Noorderkerk

Many people think that the Westerkerk (West church) on the Westermarkt is the main church of the Jordaan. It’s true that you can hear its carillon and see the beautiful Westertoren (West tower) everywhere in the neighborhood and that the Jordaanfestival is located on his square, but the church is actually located just outside the Jordaan. So the main church of the Jordaan is the Noorderkerk. The Noorderkerk was built in the northern part in 1620-1623 by Hendrick de Keyser and his son Pieter. The church is still in use as a Protestant church, and like the Westerkerk open to everyone, especially during concerts.

Art studios

Hundreds of artist discovered the Jordaan in the 70th because of the low rent of houses in these little streets. The lucky ones are renting a studio in one of these beautiful inner courtyards of the neighborhood. Every two years the artist organize a so called ‘open studio event’. During these days visitors can have a look in the ‘kitchens’ of the artist. There is also a permanent ornamental route called ‘Jewels in the Jordaan’. Past charming alleyways and picturesque canals it leads to gold- and silversmiths.

Courtyards (Hofjes)

The Jordaan has a high concentration of hofjes (inner courtyards), beautiful yards with little houses, many of them with restored houses and peaceful gardens. These courtyards were build by rich people for older women; a kind of charity and protection. Beginning of the 70th most of these courtyards was in a very bad shape, like the rest of the neighborhood. After there restoration they were discovered by artist, students and still some older people with special privileges because of a church membership. Some of the courtyards are closed to the public, and only opened on special days called 'open monuments days'. But if you do come across one of the entrances, and it is unlocked, most residents won't mind if you sneak a quiet peek. During the summer some of these yards are opened on Sundays during free concerts called ‘hofjesconcerts’.

Stone tablets

Many houses in the Jordaan have a stone tablet, a stone sign that shows the profession or family sign of the inhabitants. For instance a butcher showed a pig and a tailor a pair of scissors, carved in a stone above the entry. During a walk it’s a pleasure to observe those beautiful, when renovated colorful, antique signs. The first stone tablets are made in the 16th century, when citizens were ordered to use these tablets instead of big wooden gables that obstructed the traffic in these narrow streets.

Musea

Most of the museums in the Jordaan are small. You have the Pianola museum with old mechanical pianos, a literate museum Theo Thijssen, a houseboat museum, and a fluorescent museum called Electric Lady Land. Just on the boarder of the Jordaan you can find the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht (Prince canal).

Virtual visit

Because of its special character it’s a pleasure to visit the Jordaan. If you would like to virtually visit the art studios and courtyards or stroll around other cultural aspects of the Jordaan, I recommend the virtual website called Jordaan Web, art and culture of the Jordaan.

Jordaan links

• Jordaan.info - virtual tour through the Jordaan
• Jordaan web - art, culture, and more
• Queensday in Jordaan - Queensday 2009 in Jordan, video by Peter Skelton

Author: Ad Bakkenes, Jordaanweb.nl

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Red Light District Amsterdam

- -For Red Light District videos visit youtube.com. Please also read further information on how to behave in the red light district.

From brothels to sex shops to museums, the Red Light District leaves nothing to the imagination. It is very likely that you will have heard about this neighbourhood and to be frank, everything you will have heard is probably true , but to really put rumours to rest, you have got to check it out for yourself. TheRossebuurt, as the locals know it, is unlike any other place. Guaranteed. Certainly, the Red Light District that everyone knows about is the one where women, of all nationalities, parade their wares in red-fringed window parlours, many ready to offer more than a school boy peep-show in a private cabin. Another familiar image of the Red Light District is of packs of men, young and old , couples holding hands and pointing in shock of it all, giggling groups of women celebrating a hen night , and busloads of Japanese tourists toting cameras (except not in the direction of the female entertainers! Strictly banned!). This is proof enough that the RLD deserves a visit, if not a little look in.

Perhaps what few really notice is that the Rossebuurt (Dutch for ‘pink’ or ‘red’ neighbourhood) is in fact one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city with its long winding narrow, cobbled streets and utterly charming 14 th century architecture,

such as the gothic Oude Kerk, or Old Church. TheRed Light District simply oozes charm and one cannot help but admire the old buildings that lean at odd-angles, and the tree-enshrouded canals. Music, especially during the summer season, invites you to linger just that little bit longer while the arrival of new classier eateries and great authentic restaurants such as Café Pacifico, one of Europe 's first Mexican restaurants, make it so appealing. Recently resurfaced streets, restored façades and trendier clientele to the area are now transforming what was once a dark and seedy part of town.

Amsterdam prides itself, and rightly so, on its wholly liberal and tolerant attitude, embracing the fact that people may be into prostitution, soft drugs and pornography-and this is only human. So instead of criminalizing everything, this very upfront city wears its heart on its sleeve-what you see is generally what you get. Enjoy the honesty of it all, as you won’t find it anywhere else. So how do you get to it? It depends which RLD you are looking for as t here are in factthree Red Light Districts in Amsterdam: the main area is in the Walletjes area (between Centraal Station and Nieuwenmarkt), and the other two, in Singel (betweenRaadhuistraat and Centraal Station) and de Pijp (behind the Rijksmuseum).

Prostitution in Amsterdam
Prostitution is legal in Holland, and in Amsterdam most of it is concentrated in theRed Light District where it has enjoyed a long tradition of tolerance. Since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to legally ply their trade. Today, prostitutes in the Netherlands are also taxpayers. Unfortunately, discrimination is still very much part and parcel in this trade as many prostitutes report that some banks even refuse to grant mortgages for example. However, now as a legal profession, the government ensures that all prostitutes are able to access medical care and work in better conditions by regulating and monitoring working practices and standards. Help is also at hand in the district itself thanks to the Prostitution Information Center. Also, contrary to popular belief, the RLD is actually the safest area in Amsterdam as clusters of policemen, and private bodyguards employed by the girls themselves are always on duty.

Condom shop Het Gulden Vlies
This shop called also Condomerie, is a kingdom of condoms. It has all colors, shapes, sizes and flavors. Some are even hand painted and are for decoration only. You may find there a surprising amount of information and books.

Did you know?

Window prostitution is distinct to the Netherlands. Until recently, there was also a tipple -zone (pick-up area) servicing the needs of clientele on the move. Utrecht, 30 minutes east of Amsterdam, has its own canal-based RLD, Rotterdam has a number of sex clubs or private houses (privenhuizen) and smaller cities like Groningen and Alkmaar have also jumped on the red light bandwagon.

So where to go? Well, if curiosity does get the better of you, come down at night when the district really comes to life. During the day, the district is less lively and even less attractive as the more sordid aspects reveal themselves in natural daylight. Although there are women forever tapping on the windows even during the light hours, most of the action takes place around 11pm , when the district is swarming with crowds and the red neon lights illuminate the inky canals. The atmosphere pretty much thrives until around 2 or 3am when the crowds die down and businesses shut up shop.

Whether you are window-shopping, Amsterdam style, or actually wanting to buy something, there is likely to be a place, window, or even two, that cater to your every whim. For those not easily offended, there are plenty of live sex shows and the most notorious of these go on at the theatres Casa Rosso (OZ Achterburgwal) and the infamous Moulin Rouge (Oudezijds Achterburgwal 5-7). For the merely curious, there are numerous peep shows that may come with video booths. But of course, for the more adventurous among us, there are more interactive shows, for example at Amsterdam Banana Bar (Oudezijds Achterburgwal 37). Exactly what goes on in these places is up to you to discover, if you so wish. For goods, there is a somewhat eclectic mix of videos, magazines, sex aids and toys. The RLD is also home to many gay bars and cinemas which can be found on the very busy Warmoesstraat. If the Red light alleyways are not your cup of tea, there are a number of brothels and private houses that offer a more traditional form of prostitution.

For culture, you don’t need to look very far as the very picturesque Zeedijk, the Jewish quarter, Waterloo Square and Nieuwmarkt Square lie just around the corner. RLD also boasts a string of unusual shops and pubs, so be sure to visit. And restaurants? Try the stylish Mediterranean kitchen , the Blauw aan de Wal ( Oudezijds Achterburgwal 99), the French brasserie Café Roux (Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197 or head down toChinatown.

Things to do in Amsterdam Red Light District
To make sure you get the best out of the Red Light District and that it doesn’t get the worse out of you, stick to these tips closely:

Do not take photos of the occupied windows - this is strictly prohibited and any attempt will be quickly stamped out (it could get messy, you have been warned!). Enjoy some discrete Red Light District pictures that are also available for free download, see our copyright license. Watch out for pick-pocketers, as this is almost always an extremely overcrowded area. Try and go in a group or at least go in twos to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. Do not buy from dealers -whether its drugs or bikes- or else you will find yourself on the other side of the law! Don’t visit the Red Light District first otherwise you may get the wrong idea about the Dutch and Amsterdam as this is not all we are about! Enjoy yourself, as a trip down the RLD will leave a lasting impression.

Hotels in Amsterdam Red Light District
Although the area of Red light district may look dodgy, it is certainly not any dangerous place to stay. It is actually quite safe and well controlled part of the city, Amsterdam's heart of night entertainment. Hotels located direcly in the Red Light District are often prefered by visitors seeking the close feel and excitement of Amsterdam's night life. If you still look for more quiet area, there are many hotels just a short walk away.

Map of Amsterdam Red Light District
Handy selection on the map of Amsterdam to guide you where the famous area is located in the center of the city. Provided by Google Maps.

Amsterdam Red Light District tours
RLD is certainly the major Amsterdam's tourist attraction and there are several tour agencies and independent tour guides offering the guided tours. They can certainly provide you with more information while telling some interesting stories about the history of the oldest profession in the world.

• Red light walking tour

  This tour takes you through the Red Light District as well as the major nightlife areas of Amsterdam. The best time to walk is in the early evening when the district is in full swing but avoid the area late night as things can get quite rowdy.
  Start: Nieuwmarkt
  Finish: Rembrandtplein
  Walk Time: 1 ½ hours
  1. Nieuwmarkt - Home to the last remaining gate entrance from the old city walls, the “Waag” was once a weigh house used to weigh goods before entering the city for tax purposes. The square in front of the Waag is now home to a produce market in the summer months.
     
     Walk north along Zeedijk.
     
  2. China Town – As you walk along Zeedijk you will pass through China town. Immigrants from Asia have been a part of the city since the early 1600’s. The first Buddhist Temple in Europe is along this street on the left side opened in 2000.
     
     Continue along the Zeedijk until you reach the first waterway.
     
  3. Little Venice – This area is known as “Little Venice” because it is the only place where the water goes right up to the houses, just like Venice. If you look to the right you can see St. Nicholas Church. Saint Nicholas is the Patron Saint of Sailors and was an important saint for the sailors who were also the red light district’s original clientele.
     
     Take a left after the bridge and walk down Oudezijds Voorburgwal Canal to number
     40.
     
  4. Amstelkring Museum – This unassuming canal house at number 40 Oudezijds Voorburgwal contains a hidden church in its attic that was once used by the Catholics after their religion was outlawed by the Calvinist government. A truly unique sight well worth the price of admission. Open 10am – 5pm.
     
     Continue along Oudezijds Voorburgwal Canal one block.
     
  5. Oude Kerk – On the left side of the canal about three blocks on is the oldest church in Amsterdam. No one style defines the church as it has been remodeled countless times since the original structure was built in 1306.
     
     Continue past the church to the narrow alley just beyond near the Bulldog Coffeeshop.
     
  6. Trompettersteeg Alley – This impossibly narrow alley leads to the greatest concentration of brothels in the city. Try not to get lost in the narrow maze of alleys as you get up close and personal with some of those famous Amsterdam ladies of the night.
     
     Leave the alley the same way you came in and continue along Oudezijds Voorburgwal. Turn left at the first bridge and walk through the alley to the next canal over, Oudezijds Achterburgwal.
     
  7. Oudezijds Achterburgwal – This canal is the oldest in Amsterdam and was once home to 16 different convents and monasteries. As you can see, a lot has changed since then. The street is filled with brothels, novelty sex shopsand of course that famous Amsterdam institution: “The Casa Rosso.”
     
     When you done exploring the street, cross over to the next canal, Kloveniersburgwal leading away from Nieumarkt.
     
  8. Kloveniersburgwal – Make a right and walk along the canal. On your right at number 48 is the former headquarters of the colonial East India Company, now the library for the University of Amsterdam. Just past the next bridge, on your right, is the street Rusland, home to the famous Rusland Coffeeshop, the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam and still one of the best.
     
     Continue walking down Kloveniersburgwal along the left side of the canal until your reach the Amstel River.
     
  9. Amstel River – This is the river which gives Amsterdam it’s name, literally, the “Dam on the Amstel.” The Muziektheater is visible to your right as you cross the bridge, nicknamed the “Stopera” because the locals hated the design so much they tried to stop construction.
     
     Continue over the bridge and through the alley to Rembrandtplein.
     
  10. Rembrandtplein – This square is home to some of the best dance clubs in Europe. There is a statue of Rembrandt in the middle that gives the square its name. To the right down Amstelstraat is the Tuschinski Music theater, an art deco masterpiece. The narrow alley leading out of the right side of the square is Regulierdwarsstraat, which is the beginning of the Amsterdam’s gay party district.
  For a full audio guided tour of the Red Light District, go to Walki-Talki.com to download to your iPod or MP3 Player.

• Amsterdam Red Light District Tours

  The Red Light District, the oldest neighbourhood of Amsterdam with the oldest profession and the oldest buildings will give you good impression of Dutch life, culture, history and architecture. Ladies from all over the world give you a colourful impression in the red light heart of Amsterdam. They have a legalized profession and organised trade union called the Red String. Although they are accepted and tolerated they have to follow strict rules including regular doctor check-ups, possession of legal papers and be at least eighteen years old.
  Aside from ladies in their red lighted windows, sex clubs, and coffee shops, you'll also find eclectic stores and a myriad of fine and adventurous dining spots; from the café's live Jazz and Salsa to dinner theatre, and a host of dining menus from around the world.
  As a contrast, this colourful neighbourhood also contains monolithic Old Church, the Saint Nicolas Church, and a delightful museum “Our Lord in the Attic”, a clandestine Catholic Church atop a seventeenth century merchant house.
  Seemingly silent and mysterious among the Dutch and multi-national mix, Red Light China Town thrives with a Buddhist Temple and the Chinese Medical Center, which combines western med school training with traditional Chinese treatments including herbal remedies, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage, available among the area's many shops. Colourful Amsterdam is waiting for you
  We offer a guided tour and will show and tell about all the aspects mentioned above and you may pick and choose the highlights of your own tour.

• Amsterdam Red Light District Guide Book

  The Amsterdam Red Light District Guide, written by a helpful man named Dave, is an insider's guide to prostitution in Amsterdam. This 35 page e-book breaks down the does and don'ts, what to expect and what to look out for when taking part in an Amsterdam activity that is often unknown and a little scary to visitors from countries with less relaxed prostitution laws.
  One thing to be clear on from the start, this is not a definitive guide to De Wallen, the area in Amsterdam more commonly known as the Red Light District. This guide focuses solely on one particular activity and does not mention  much of the history and culture of the area, except where it relates to prostitution. This is also not an authoritative, officially endorsed guide to prostitution, with a lot of personal opinion and experience in place of hard fact and confirmed statistics; something the author is clear on at the beginning.
  What It Covers
  With this in mind, The Amsterdam Red Light District Guide gives a lot of insight into the often mysterious world of sex tourism. The author gives his tips on how to approach the girls, including how to negotiate for service, haggle for price and what times of day are best suited to what you want. The unsexy side of prostitution is covered as well, with the author warning the reader in advance of some necessary aspects of the activity, mostly hygiene related, that may seem a bit of a turn-off when experienced at first. Another very important matter discussed in this book is how to leave a good impression with the girls, something that is very important if you intend to come back or just don't want to get thrown out of a window by an angry prostitute and a professionally detached bouncer.
  Maps
  A helpful map of Amsterdam's Red Light District is also included in the guide, which breaks the area down in a way most tourist maps don't. The Amsterdam Red Light District Guide's map shows the main areas for window prostitution in the District, broken down by the different types of girls that tend to work in different areas. Higher end, more expensive areas are highlighted as well as places to go for girls of a specific ethnicity. For ease of navigation, some areas in the District are given names used only by the author; asking directions to these areas from a bystander in Amsterdam is likely to earn you blank looks.
  Target Audience
  This is a book that is aimed at a very specific target audience, namely heterosexual males from American or European backgrounds interesting in actively engaging in sex tourism. While you don't need to be from this background to make use of the book's insights, the style of writing and use of language may be a little hard to swallow for those of other backgrounds. The author's phrasing is casual and conversational, resulting in often crude language that may come off a little prejudiced or misogynistic; this is definitely not a guide for girls!
  The Amsterdam Red Light District Guide can be purchased online from this website via direct download link and comes with a bonus gift of a coffeeshops guide included in the price as well as direct email support offered by the author.
  Click this link to visit Amsterdam Red Light District Guide homepage and download your guide!

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Albert Cuyp market

- -The market began trading in 1904, now over 300 stalls are lining both sides of the Albert Cuyp street in the neighbourhood of De Pijp. Stalls sell everything from fruit, vegetables, cheese, fish and spices to clothes, cosmetics and bedding. The prices are among the cheapest in Amsterdam. The market gets very crowded especially on a sunny day and Saturdays.

Located on Albert Cuypstraat, see on the map of Amsterdam.
Open from 9:30 am to about 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, can close earlier in winter and due to bad weather.

Traditional Dutch refreshment is available as well - harings and cheese of all kinds.

Behind the Albert Cuyp street there are other shops with good deals on computers, pets, furniture, haircuts, and more.

Hotels in the area include Hotel Linda, Van Ostade Bicycle Hotel.

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Hortus Botanicus, botanical garden Amsterdam

- -Hortus Botanicus - A tradition

Amsterdam has one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world called Hortus Botanicus. It was established in 1638 by the city municipality as Hortus Medicus, an herb garden with medical plants for Amsterdam doctors and pharmacists. The reasons for establishing a specialized medical garden were very serious: at that time the cities of Leiden and Utrecht experienced the plague epidemic (1634-1637) with thousands of victims. Additionally, several monasteries moved out of the quickly growing city and there was not enough space in Amsterdam to plant herbs.

In the second half of the 17th century, the Hortus Botanicus garden already established at its present address (since 1682), had a rich collection of plants completely unknown in Europe. They were brought here from all over the world by the traders of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Some the plants from the Hortus garden, as one single coffee plant, Coffea Arabica, or two small oil palms in pots brought to Hortus Botanicus, are seen today as the parents for the entire cultures of these plants which later expanded throughout the whole continents.

Hortus Botanicus today
Today, Hortus Botanicus is a big and attractive botanical garden, with more than 6 000 different plants. Some the plants are unique as 2000 years old agave cactus and a 300-year-old Eastern Kape giant cycad. The big new hothouse creates conditions for three different tropical climates. There is also Semicircle systematic garden, were plants are grown in a way to show the systematic relation between them and two suggested visiting routes through the Hortus – The Evolution Route and The Tree Route with 24 monumental trees to see. Hortus Botanicus has a beautiful café for it visitors, located in the recently renovated Orangery, with large outside terrace open to the garden.

The feel
A quiet and relaxing place to visit on a warm afternoon. Beautiful plants, real peace around, lots of fresh air and not as many tourists as everywhere. All that within 5 minutes walk from a Rembrandts House and close to Artis – Amsterdam ZOO as well as the Resistance Museum. We advise you to take a deep breath at Hortus!

Address: Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam Plantage Middenlaan 2a
1018 DD Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 20 625 90 21
Fax: +31 20 625 70 06
e-mail info@dehortus.nl

Open: every day throughout the year, except January 1st and December 25th (Christmas).
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the Hortus.

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (9 p.m. in July and August) Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. (9 p.m. in July and August) Sunday and holidays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (9 p.m. in July and August)
The Hortus is closing at 4 p.m. during the months of December and January.

Admission: adults - € 6 (Sunday afternoon € 7,-); children (age 5-14) - €3,00; surcharge for drawing in the garden - € 1,-, Hortus day ticket - € 15,- (including lunch meal). Groups (min. 20 persons and only on appointment): - € 4,00 per visitor.

Guided tours (groups, by appointment only): at an additional cost of €15,- per group; on Sunday afternoon € 1,- surcharge per person. A group must have more than 20 persons.

Facilities: an interesting museum shop selling bulbs, plants and seeds as well as books about plants and toys (open during the garden's opening hours, also to non-visitors). Other Hortus facilities include café with foyer space and assembly room. Inquire for the rental possibilities.
Accessibility: Fairly well accessible for handicapped on a wheelchair. For visitors with mobility difficulties a wheelchair is available at the Hortus.

How to get there
With public transport:
tram 9 and 14, step out on Mr. Visserplein stop.
tram 6 (only Monday -Friday): last stop.
metro from the Central Station: Waterlooplein stop (exit from the station direction: Hortusplantsoen).
With a car:
The following parking garages are near the Hortus: Waterlooplein, Muziektheater/Stadhuis (Music theater/City hall) and Markenhoven. Please note: visitors of the Hortus Botanicus receive a 10% discount on parking fees in theParking Waterlooplein (discount vouchers can be obtained at the entrance of the Hortus).
Walking:
from the Dam square – 15 minutes, from the Waterlooplein - ca. 5 minutes walk.

Homepage: www.dehortus.nl

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