What’s new in Amsterdam?
- Cecily Layzell
- Correspondent
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands, EUR
The Observatory on the roof of Felix Meritis has reopened to the public — and this time its telescopes are not pointing towards the skies.
Housed in an imposing neoclassical building on Keizersgracht, Felix Meritis has been an independent center for arts, culture, and science since it was founded in 1788. In celebration of its 225th anniversary in 2013, the center has reopened its astronomical Observatory, the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands.
In addition to offering superb unimpeded views, the lofty vantage point is the setting of an installation by Amsterdam-based artist Joseph Semah. Positioned on a specially designed granite floor, telescopes are no longer focused on the heavens but on quotes by leading thinkers, writers, artists and philosophers written in lights on 10 of the city’s most significant buildings. Titled “Amsterdam of Above, Amsterdam of Below,” the installation aims to connect past and present, stars and city.
The Observatory and art installation can be visited daily (except Sundays) until the end of October 2013. Admission is €6.50 per person and includes a guided tour that starts every half hour. Check the website for opening times, as these vary according to the season.
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3 days agoCecily Layzell answered the question:
What language is spoken in Amsterdam?
Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands and the most widely spoken language in Amsterdam. However, the Dutch are exposed to English from a young age, via imported television shows and films which are rarely dubbed, and at school. As a result, most Amsterdammers speak fluent English.
Many public and municipal services are geared towards international visitors and residents. The majority of official websites have an English version, and signs and announcements on public transport are usually in both Dutch and English. Consequently, you don’t need to speak any Dutch for a visit to Amsterdam—unless you particularly want to. There are numerous (free) online courses with audio clips to help you learn the basics.
Dutch is a West Germanic language and, although the pronunciation is sometimes quite different, German speakers will recognize the German roots. Dutch has also assimilated various French and English terms. Listen to an average conversation in a cafe and you should quickly be able to identify plenty of familiar words, including "menu," "koffie," “telefoon” and “computer.” -
3 days agoCecily Layzell answered the question:
What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a popular destination year round and there is always plenty to see and do. The peak of the tourist season is July and August, when days are long and there is the best chance of fine weather.
Sun is never guaranteed in Amsterdam, however, so you may choose to visit between April and May or September and October when prices are lower and lines for the main attractions are shorter. Whatever the season, you can save considerable time by booking tickets for museums, exhibitions and so on in advance.
The majority of festivals and outdoor events take place in the summer (look out for the Holland Festival, Grachtenfestival and Taste of Amsterdam), but spring visitors won’t miss out. Join the crowds during the massive street party that is King’s Day on April 27, or marvel at seven million bulbs in bloom at the Keukenhof Gardens, a short drive south-west of Amsterdam.
Although icy temperatures in winter make a stroll along Amsterdam’s famous canals an undertaking only the hardiest will enjoy, this season should not be overlooked: you will have your pick of hotel rooms and the cold is the perfect excuse to duck into the city’s numerous snug bars. -
On May 17Cecily Layzell answered the question:
What are some things to know before visiting Amsterdam?
The bicycle is king in Amsterdam. Cycle paths are ubiquitous and generally well-marked but that doesn’t mean that cyclists always use them as they were intended. The Dutch drive on the right, but it is advisable to look both ways before crossing a road as cyclists frequently flaunt the rules, riding the wrong way up streets or running red lights. If in doubt, always give way to a two-wheeler. That said, Amsterdam is a pedestrian-friendly city and the compact center makes it a joy to explore on foot.
The currency in The Netherlands is the euro. The majority of shops, restaurants and hotels accept cash, credit and debit card payments (although some foreign debit cards may not work—check with your bank before traveling). A small number of establishments do not take cash—they say for safety reasons—but this should be clearly indicated on their website or at the payment point. VISA and Mastercard are undoubtedly the credit cards of choice, which can be limiting for American Express cardholders.
Tipping taxi drivers, waiters, bellhops and so on is customary. Ten percent on top of a restaurant bill is standard but rounding up in coffee houses and bars is also common. If a glass of beer costs €2.30, for example, it is usual to leave €2.50.
The level of English in Amsterdam is generally high. There is thus no need to learn any Dutch before you arrive, unless you are particularly keen to try wrapping your tongue around the sometimes alien letter combinations and guttural “g.”
However, some visitors are surprised by the direct way in which the Dutch express themselves. The Dutch would argue that they are simply getting to the point, but other nationalities, notably the British, are often taken aback by the lack of what they regard as linguistic niceties. In few cases is this directness meant as rudeness, though, so don’t take offence. You may even want to give it a try yourself—it can be very liberating! -
On May 17Cecily Layzell answered the question:
What should I pack for a trip to Amsterdam?
There are few specific things you should pack for a visit to Amsterdam and, if you do forget something, everything you need for a city trip is available locally.
Having said that, bear in mind that the weather in Amsterdam is changeable and can be wet and windy all year round. The best protection is a windproof raincoat with a hood—the gusts off the North Sea tend to destroy umbrellas in minutes. Similarly, pack waterproof shoes or an extra pair to change into if your feet do get wet.
Summer temperatures do occasionally top 20 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit), so be prepared with sunscreen and a hat, particularly if you plan on exploring on foot. The city’s numerous waterways are an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Although the biting insects are a nuisance, they are not dangerous. However, you may want to bring insect repellent.
Electrical outlets in Amsterdam require standard continental European two-pin plugs. If your appliances use different plugs, you will need an adaptor. -
On April 29Cecily Layzell answered the question:
What’s Amsterdam’s dining scene like?
Amsterdam's dining scene was for a long time dominated by French and Italian cuisine. In recent years, however, chefs have rediscovered their own backyard, sourcing local ingredients and reinterpreting traditional recipes.
In Restaurant Greetje, for instance, you'll find Dutch ingredients appearing in unexpected places: pollock is poached in buttermilk, mustard becomes a crust for chicken, and licorice delicately flavors ice cream.
Location and ambience are inching up the list of priorities too. While these are no guarantee of good food of course, De Kas (situated in a greenhouse), Pont 13 (on a boat) and Open (occupying a section of railway bridge) have successfully combined all three.
As in other countries, an interest in small producers and seasonal foods is reflected in the growing number of farmers' markets. The two largest are held on Noordermarkt and Nieuwmarkt every Saturday. One Sunday a month, professional and amateur chefs showcase prepared foods—from Spanish pintxos to Chinese dumplings—at NeighbourFood Market in Westerpark.
Pop-ups are popping up everywhere. Transient and temporary by nature, they are energizing Amsterdam's dining scene and broadening diners' gastronomic horizons. Look out for My Table and Salotto Rosso, both of which use Facebook to advertise upcoming events.
LoveFood, which started out as a brunch pop-up, was so successful that the initiator quit his day job in marketing and opened a permanent restaurant. You can still order brunch at weekends (reservations are essential), but the menu has been expanded to include dinner and cocktails.
Amsterdam still lags behind other European capitals in culinary inventiveness and choice, but it is catching up fast. The dining scene is in flux, which makes it an exciting time to catch it. -
On April 29Cecily Layzell answered the question:
What are the best local dishes in Amsterdam?
Local dishes in Amsterdam tend to be simple — a reflection of the Netherlands’ agrarian past — but are no less tasty for it. A number of delicacies are seasonal while others are available year round.
In spring, asparagus appears on restaurant menus. White asparagus, in particular, is prized for its tenderness, and is often served with slices of ham, boiled eggs and clarified butter — a wonderfully simple combination.
In early summer, street stalls start selling fresh raw herring. Known as “Hollandse Nieuwe,” its arrival is eagerly anticipated. Try eating it the traditional way: hold a whole herring by the tail, tilt back your head and lower the fish into your mouth.
As the weather gets colder, food gets more comforting. Look out for dishes made with pheasant, venison and wild boar, thick pea soup served with rye bread, and a perennial favorite, “stamppot” — mashed potatoes prepared with chopped vegetables, usually endive, curly kale or carrots, and topped off with meat, such as stew or smoked sausage. During the winter months, IJscuypje, which sells some of Amsterdam’s best ice cream, changes its name to Stamppotje and sells the potato-based dish at a number of branches around town.
For a taste of local dishes available throughout the year, refuel on deep slices of cinnamon-laced apple pie at Winkel 43; grab a table at Pancakes! for one of their eponymous round treats (we recommend the bacon with syrup); or feast on “rijsttafel,” a Dutch colonial adaptation of an Indonesian banquet involving numerous small dishes. Restaurants Blauw and Blue Pepper both get our votes. -
On April 29Cecily Layzell answered the question:
What are the best local dishes in Amsterdam?
Local dishes in Amsterdam tend to be simple — a reflection of the Netherlands’ agrarian past — but are no less tasty for it. A number of delicacies are seasonal but others are available year round.
In spring, asparagus appears on restaurant menus. White asparagus, in particular, is prized for its tenderness, and is often served with slices of ham, boiled eggs and clarified butter — a wonderfully simple combination.
In early summer, street stalls start selling fresh raw herring. Known as “Hollandse Nieuwe,” its arrival is eagerly anticipated. Try eating it the traditional way: hold a whole herring by the tail, tilt back your head and lower the fish into your mouth.
As the weather gets colder, food gets heavier. Look out for dishes made with pheasant, venison and wild boar, thick pea soup served with rye bread, and a perennial favorite, “stamppot” — mashed potatoes prepared with chopped vegetables, usually endive, curly kale or carrots, and topped off with meat, such as stew or smoked sausage. During the winter months, IJscuypje, which sells some of Amsterdam’s best ice cream, changes its name to Stamppotje and sells the potato-based dish at a number of branches around town.
For a taste of local dishes available throughout the year, refuel on deep slices of cinnamon-laced apple pie at Winkel 43; grab a table at Pancakes! for one of their eponymous round treats (we recommend the bacon with syrup); or feast on “rijsttafel,” a Dutch colonial adaptation of an Indonesian banquet involving numerous small dishes. Restaurants Blauw and Blue Pepper both get our votes. -
On April 27Cecily Layzell answered the question:
Where is the best nightlife in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam by night is as varied as by day. A church, dairy factory and boat all double as music and clubbing venues. Here are our recommendations for the best places to go after dark.
1. Paradiso. Located in a former church, this is quite literally Amsterdam’s pop temple. In spite of its limited capacity, Paradiso has hosted some of the world’s biggest names, from the Rolling Stones to Pink Floyd. The smaller stage upstairs is reserved for emerging talent.
2. Melkweg. A cultural behemoth housed in an old dairy factory, Melkweg (“milky way”) programs live music, theater performances, movies and photography exhibitions. If you visit Amsterdam at the weekend, check out the popular club nights on Friday and Saturday.
3. Bimhuis. In a black box jutting from the state-of-the-art Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, Bimhuis is the place to catch world-class jazz and improvisation performances.
4. Jimmy Woo. Things get going late at this plush, Oriental-themed club off Leidseplein. From around 1 a.m., the stylish local crowd leaves the suede couches and intimate booths upstairs and trickles downstairs, where DJs spin a mix of house, RnB and techno.
5. Supperclub. More a sensory experience than anything else, Supperclub combines music, art, food, drink and the occasional offbeat performance. Recline on one of the sleek white couches in the venue behind Dam Square, or hit the dance floor on the Supperclub Cruise that plies Amsterdam’s waters. -
On April 25Cecily Layzell answered the question:
The Observatory on the roof of Felix Meritis has reopened to the public — and this time its telescopes are not pointing towards the skies.
Housed in an imposing neoclassical building on Keizersgracht, Felix Meritis has been an independent center for arts, culture, and science since it was founded in 1788. In celebration of its 225th anniversary in 2013, the center has reopened its astronomical Observatory, the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands.
In addition to offering superb unimpeded views, the lofty vantage point is the setting of an installation by Amsterdam-based artist Joseph Semah. Positioned on a specially designed granite floor, telescopes are no longer focused on the heavens but on quotes by leading thinkers, writers, artists and philosophers written in lights on 10 of the city’s most significant buildings. Titled “Amsterdam of Above, Amsterdam of Below,” the installation aims to connect past and present, stars and city.
The Observatory and art installation can be visited daily (except Sundays) until the end of October 2013. Admission is €6.50 per person and includes a guided tour that starts every half hour. Check the website for opening times, as these vary according to the season. -
On April 21Cecily Layzell answered the question:
What is the best thing to bring home from Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is famous for its trading history and enterprising spirit. The Dutch East India Company, often considered to be the world’s first multinational, was founded here in 1602 and introduced spices to the Dutch capital. Cheese made with cloves and chocolates flavoured with peppercorns reflect this history and make unusual souvenirs.
The last remaining traditional distillery in Amsterdam is the family-run De Ooievaar. It is most famous for its genever (the precursor of gin), but also produces a range of liqueurs and old-fashioned bitters with evocative names like Rose Without Thorns and Bride’s Tears.
As distillers have moved out of the city, craft brewers have moved in. The best known is still Brouwerij ’t IJ, which produces around a dozen light, dark, and seasonal beers. These are available in the brewery itself or at De Bierkoning behind Dam Square.
For something more enduring, snap up a piece of Dutch design. Characterised by minimalism, innovation, and humour, Dutch design has been on the rise since the 1990s. Both Droog and Moooi sell products by established (Marcel Wanders, Richard Hutten) and upcoming talent. You’ll find clothing by Dutch fashion designers on the racks of SPRMRKT. -
On April 21Cecily Layzell answered the question:
What is the best way to see Amsterdam in one day?
Start your day in Amsterdam on foot. Explore the historic Canal Belt and the Nine Little Streets that connect them. Or wander into the Jordaan, being sure not to miss the beautiful Brouwersgracht canal. Recharge at one of the many cafes in the area, such as Gebroeders Niemeijer, Screaming Beans or Winkel43 (the apple pie is legendary).
After lunch, rent a bicycle and head across the Skinny Bridge spanning the River Amstel into the Plantage neighbourhood. Stop at the pretty Wertheim Park opposite Hortus Botanical Gardens. In one corner of the park, six cracked mirrors commemorate the six million victims of the Holocaust. Continue past Artis Zoo on Plantage Kerklaan and admire the row of old warehouses on Entrepotdok.
Using De Gooyer windmill to guide you, pedal towards Brouwerij ’t IJ, a craft brewery established next to the windmill in 1985. Brouwerij ’t IJ offers tours, tastings, and "borrelhapjes," small snacks served with alcoholic drinks, such as peanuts, cheese, and salami. In the evening, rest your feet at Hotel Okura, where the bar on the 23rd floor offers superb cocktails and city views. -
On April 21Cecily Layzell answered the question:
What is the best new restaurant in Amsterdam?
Rijsel is what the Flemish call Lille, an industrial city near the Belgian border in northern France – a somewhat unlikely name for a new restaurant in Amsterdam, you might think. It was chosen, according to the owners, to reflect the establishment's culinary approach: passion for the French kitchen with a nod to Flanders.
Situated in a former school building with high ceilings and wooden floors, Rijsel is unpretentious yet elegant. The compact menu is equally unpretentious, offering a choice of classic dishes made with quality ingredients (smoked fish terrine, poached egg with homemade mayonnaise, côte de boeuf, tarte tatin). But the restaurant’s stand-out offering is the rotisserie chicken, which is cooked to tender perfection on a spit in the open kitchen.
With a three-course meal priced at €31.50, attentive service and many of the wines available by the glass, Rijsel is the perfect place to spend an evening. Reserve in advance to avoid disappointment.
