Hi All,

I am heading off to Amsterdam this weekend (arrive Friday night, leave Sunday night) and I am looking for some suggestions on any of the must-see's, etc. And of course, I feel I must make a trudge to the Red Light District, is there anything specific I should aim to see here? I have also heard raving reviews about some of the off-the-wall...umm...explicit shall we say shows- anyone have any experience here?

Anything is appreciated!!!

Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam on Sunday. He arrives by boat on the Amstel near the Scheepsvaart museum then parades through the city centre with his Zwarte Pieten. That should be worth a look. It is a very Dutch festival, taking place throughout Holland Vlaanderen and a bit of Northern Germany.
You can read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/2s7xso

Not the expilicit shows you are looking for but good family fun and very enjoyable.

I think you’re talking about the show at the Banana bar. It’s essentially a girlie bar famous for naked barmaids doing “now you see it, now you don’t” tricks (the bar goes through more than 30 pounds of fruit an evening). This show is not for the feint of heart, nor is it something that merits landmark status. It is however, a red light institution. An interesting little fact: in the 1980s, the owner pulled a little tax dodge that was almost as sleazy as the floor show. He tried to avoid overdue taxes and a lapsed drinking license by registering as a religion--- the Church of Satan. By 1988 the Bananabar was claiming a flock of 40,000, which motivated the taxman to finally clamp down. Before legal action could be taken, the “church” disbanded and the bar returned to its secular, albeit sordid, roots.

I personally don’t care much for the Red Light District. The must-see area for me is the Jordaan—a beautiful little neighborhood just west of the canal belt. It’s riddled with hofjes—little courtyards surrounded by almshouses.

I’ve pasted a pretty complete listing of them below (I’ve collected them for the next book). Spending a day exploring the hofjes is a fun way to see one of the most beautiful areas of the city.

Amsterdam's Hofjes---the Historic Almshouses

The Begijnhof is the tree-filled courtyard of a residential hideaway, built in the 14th century for the Begijntes, a lay Catholic sisterhood. Created as conventlike living quarters for unmarried or widowed laywomen---of which there where many since most able-bodied men were shipped off and killed in the Crusades---this almshouse, required them to follow three simple rules: no hens, no dogs, no men. Rent was paid in the form of caring for the sick and educating the destitute.

The Begijnhof is by far the most famous hofje, but there are a few other little gems that you could explore in a day. The Sint Andrieshofje (Egelantiersgracht 105—141); founded in 1614, it is the second-oldest almshouse in Amsterdam. Check out the gables, including a step gable in the style of Hendrick de Keyser.

The Claes Claeszhofje (Junction of Egelantiersstraat 28--54, Eerste Egelantiersdwarsstraat 1--5, and Tuinstraat 35—49) was founded in 1616 by the textile dealer Claes Claesz Anslo (note his coat of arms atop one entry). The houses here were renovated and are now rented out to artists.

The Zevenkeurvorstenhofje (Tuinstraat 197—223) was founded around 1645, though the houses standing today are from the 18th century, and the Karthuizerhof (Karthuizerstraat 21—131) was founded in 1650 and has a courtyard with two 17th-century pumps.

On the Prinsengracht, between the Prinsenstraat and the Brouwersgracht, are two hofjes close by one another. The Van Brienen (Prinsengracht 85--133) and De Zon (Prinsengracht 159--171, open weekdays 10--5), both have plaques telling their stories.


The Suykerhoff-hofje has an abundantly green courtyard. These houses opened their doors in 1670 to Protestant "daughters and widows" (as long as they behaved and exhibited "a peace-loving humor&quot and provided each of them with free rent, 20 tons of turf, 10 pounds of rice, a vat of butter, and some spending money each year. (Lindengracht 149—163)


Have a great trip!

I have to agree with you Maggie about the hofjes and Jordaan.
Visiting the RLD is something I never understand. Why people go there, when they wouldn't dream of going to one in a US city for instance.
It is run by the Maffia and relies on people trafficking and is really rather sordid.

Still every one to their own taste I guess.

Wow Maggie thanks for all the great info!! (The RLD was far from the purpose or highlight of the trip, but merely something to say I had seen

The non-RLD info was fantastic, and I have printed it all to work from. Thanks again!

My pleasure! I love talking about Amsterdam. I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

I completely agree that the RLD is sordid. But it is the oldest and one of the most historic sections of town. At one point, it was also the wealthiest neighborhood. In the 16th century, the residents of the Oudezijdesvoorburgwal were so rich that the area was nicknamed “the Velvet Canal.” If you can edit out the garish advertising, the creepy guy on the corner, and the scantily dressed women in the windows, you have some spectacular architecture. Just keep looking up at the gables.

After the hustle (literally) of the Redlight District, you might want to take a walk through Nieuwmarkt neighborhood. Due east are a cluster of less-touristed, quiet little canal-lined streets (the Rechtboomsloot is especially scenic). Directly south of the Nieuwmarkt, straight up the Kloveniersburgwal is the University of Amsterdam, which is housed in lovely old buildings along and between the canals. Try to find the Groenburgwal. It’s a little tree-lined canal with a picture perfect view of the Zuiderkerk.

Hi! I spent New Year's Eve 2005 and the week after in Amsterdam with some friends and loved it. It is a beautiful city. I was the one woman traveling with three guys, and none of them wanted to see the RDL, and I loved the architecture and the museums (top on my list) but wanted to check out the RDL one night. We had so much fun at the sex shops. I was with my sweet, shy guy friends, and it was funny. Later, I forced them to go to a show, and it really wasn't so great. The "performers" looked bored and unenthusiastic (to which my friends remarked - what did you expect chocolate and flowers and whispered sweet-nothings). The fruit and magic markers were too much. But for me the best part was going with my friends. So, yes, I understand wanting to check out a place out of curiosity and to see what's out there. On my next trip to Amsterdam I will not spend the money to see the shows (they aren't cheap).

Is Our Lord in the Attic still there? Perhaps not what 2mths_to_travel is seeking, but I found it fascinating!

Yes, the church in the attic is still there (or at least it was last year when we went).

I agree 100% with those who love the real Amsterdam and not the RLD. It's one of the best cities for wandering on foot that I've ever visited. Especially the canal rings area, and the Jordaan.

I'd go see Anne Frank's tree, since it is being cut down very soon (see another thread here).

Thanks MaggiK for your help.
We got an offer we couldn't refuse on airfare to Amsterdam in February. This happened only last week so I don't yet know the correct questions to ask as I'm still in research mode. When I understand a little more about neighborhoods and have a more informed idea of what I'm looking for I'll be back with some specific questions about hotels & restaurants.

All I know at this point is that we want to be in an area of the city that is close to restaurants and sights and safe to walk around at all hours, since it will get dark early in the beginning of Feb.

I'm more interested in architecture and sights than in the RLD, though I'm sure we'll do a walk through during the daylight hours if only to say we had seen it.

So far all the travel & sights I've found are for more summertime activities, so I appreciate your suggestions.

I visited the RLD on my last trip, with a New Amsterdam walking tour at a cost of 10 Euros. Our guide was a young, friendly and knowledgeable Canadian man who seemed rather naive, actually. Still, a tour like that is a good idea if you really don't want to venture on your own (not that you'll come to any harm doing so).

I suspected that what hetismij said is true about organized crime, given how things were arranged there, and it's interesting to read that. That said, there is interesting old architecture in the area. There are daycares and schools right next to the prostitutes' windows. In any event, I agree that there are many more interesting places in Amsterdam, and in surrounding towns, than in the RLD.

I would recommend finding a hotel on the Canal Belt (Singel, Heren, Keizer, or Prinsengracht). The Leidseplein has a lot of hotels and it’s certainly a hub. Amsterdam is a very small city, so no matter where you stay, it won’t be far from whatever interests you.

Amsterdam has fantastic bars and cafes. An absolute must (if you drink alchohol) is Wynand Fockink. This is Amsterdam’s most famous---and miraculously least hyped---proeflokaal (tasting room). It opened 1679 and is a dim-lit, cramped little bar just behind the Hotel Krasnapolsky. It has a menu of over 60 Dutch spirits that reads like poetry: Bruidstranen (bride’s tears) and Boswandeling (a walk in the woods). You can call ahead for a guided tour of the distillery. (020/639—2695. www.wynand-fockink.nl)

If it’s cold and rainy, taking a tour of the following places would be nice way to spend an afternoon:
--Het Koninklijk Paleis (the Royal Palace)
--Museum Amstelkring (Our Lord in the Attic Museum)
--Rembrandt's House
--Anne Frankhuis
--Nederlands Theatermuseum
--Willet-Holthuysen Museum
--Nieuwe Kerk
--Beurs van Berlage

This is a very willy-nilly list, and it all depends on what your own interests are. I love the Beurs just because I’m a big fan of Amsterdam School Architecture.

<b>hetismij</b> &quot;they wouldn't dream of going to one in a US city for instance...&quot;
The RLD is a curiosity for many Americans because the trade is legalized and 'public' in Amsterdam. There are only 2 states out of 50 in the US that have legalized prostitution; it is a criminal activity everywhere else. So the idea of 'ladies of the evening' parading their stuff in a storefront window is different and a little bit interesting, whether one approves of it all or not. I consider it a 'been there, seen that' one-time experience.

MaggieK thanks again for all the great stuff!!

And Travelnut- well put...I feel like I need to see it and get it over with...LOL

As always THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT INPUT

Celticharper- I will let you know if I stumble upon anything really incredible this weekend

&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;would recommend finding a hotel on the Canal Belt (Singel, Heren, Keizer, or Prinsengracht). The Leidseplein has a lot of hotels&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;

Thanks MaggieK, that's just what I needed to know, sometimes maps can be deceptive when it comes to distances and I don't like being at the far edge of the city. We much prefer to be in the pedestrian center if possible. I love to be able to walk out of my hotel and be a part of the local action, if only for a

It has been hard to compare hotels to find one in an area we will enjoy, because I am still learning about the various neighborhoods, so I appreciate your suggestions.

If you have any hotel or B&amp;B suggestions that would be great. We usually stay at 2 star hotels in France or Gites and B&amp;B's, we prefer small family run hotels over the major large chains. We don't need a lot of frills, we like the cozy feeling of smaller places, and the warm welcome of a family run inn.

Thank you for your help, and if your still around 2mths_to_travel, have a great time this weekend.

On three different occasions we have taken friends to Amsterdam, which is one of our favorite cities.

To initiate our friends to Amsterdam, we enjoy walking them through the Red Light District during the day, viewing the beautiful architecture and canals, touring through and walking around outside the Oude Kerk, and visiting the Amstelkring (Our Lord in the Attic), which is one of our most favorite museums, and should give you a whole new appreciation for attics. It is a beautiful area, and although there are sex shops and a penis fountain in the canal, we're usually too busy looking up at the gables of the canal houses.

Then, in the evening, after the sun sets, we take our friends back down the same streets, that have now been transformed into a wild sight and sound show. We take them back to the Oude Kerk, which now reflects red from the wall of &quot;cabinets&quot; occupied by women selling their wares. It's a pretty surreal sight. You don't have to spend a lot of time in the RLD, but it's fun to walk through during the day and night, so you can compare.

Our other favorite museum in Amsterdam is the Resistance Museum. This is a wonderful museum filled with historical memorabilia from the Resistance Movement during World War II. Many of the exhibits are interactive. We were really humbled by the bravery displayed by many individuals during the war. Allow several hours to tour through.

Robyn &gt;-

Just marking -- for the inane post and more replies. The OS OP would save money and see more in Riga.

Thanks for your input Robyn the resistance museum was high on my list of places I wanted to visit.

I have visited a museum of the resistance in France and just stood there in tears at the bravery of the people who put their lives in danger to save their neighbors and restore their beloved country. An elderly lady who saw me came over and we put our arms around each other in a silent thank you to all those who sacrificed so much.

hetismij: I thought Sinterklaas is supposed to arrive on December 5th? What happened? If it were me I would definitely watch his arrival even just to undo my childhood trauma of being stuffed into a bag by the Zwaarte Piet, such a cruel joke to play on little kids.