Full article: Water in Amsterdam’s canals quite salty
It's not recommended, but if you were daring enough to take a few sips of water you'll notice a marked difference: the water in the IJ -- the river behind Amsterdam Central Station -- is considerably saltier than the water in, say, the Leidsegracht, a canal in the center of Amsterdam.
Full article: Amsterdam canals: 51 drownings over the past three years
Over the past three years 51 people have drowned in the canals of Amsterdam. Only one of those casualties occurred as the result of a crime.
Most of the victims were drunks who fell in while trying to relieve themselves.
Full article: Ice skating on the canals of Amsterdam
Every few years the weather in Amsterdam gets cold enough to allow people to ice skate the canals.
Here's video to prove it.
Full article: Video: Ice Skating on the Canals
Technically it's still winter, of course, but today the sun is shining and the deep freeze that had all the Netherlands in its grip for a week or so is only a memory.
With that in mind, here we present one more video -- this one in retro style -- of the ice skating fun we Amsterdammers had last week.
Full article: Safe ways to pee into the canals of Amsterdam
After news that most of the people who drown in Amsterdam's canals are drunk men trying to relieve themselves, a Dutch satirical website has produced an informercial demonstrating ways to safely pee into the canals.
We include the video here...
Full article: Amsterdam cracks down on noisy party boats and illegal canal tours
Noisy party boats and illegal tour operators cruising the canals of Amsterdam will soon be a thing of past when the city puts into effect a tightened set of regulations governing its waterways.
Houseboat owners, as well as others who live along the canals, have also long complained about noisy sound installations and rowdy boat passengers.
Full article: Amsterdam on a morning in November
Here's something you won't see the tourist office do: we'll show you a video of a walk through the center of Amsterdam on a grey and chilly November morning.
Notice how quiet it is in the city.
Full article: Many Amsterdam houseboats connected to sewer system; many not yet
A boat tour of Amsterdam's canals is a sightseeing must -- one that frequently tops the list of Holland's most popular tourist attractions.
Picturesque? Sure. But there's something in the water the tourist office doesn't tell you about.
The crime of car tipping has an added dimension in Amsterdam, where small cars are sometimes pushed or tossed into the canals.
We haven't heard of this craze in a while, but that doesn't mean it is no longer happening.
Over the past three years 51 people have drowned in the canals of Amsterdam. Only one of those casualties occurred as the result of a crime.
But what about the rumor that most drowning victims were drunks who were trying to pee into a canal?
Seventy-one years ago, during World War II, Amsterdam was occupied territory, forcing Jews like Anne Frank and her family to go into hiding.
The Anne Frank House, the place where Anne wrote her famous diary
- and where the original notebook is on display - tells the history of the eight people who hid there, and of those who helped them.
[caption id="attachment_3983" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
The Anne Frank House museum on a rare occasion: with a short queue. Note that the original house, with the Secret Annex, is behind the tree on the left. [/caption]
The original building has been restored and looks the way it did during the Second World War.
The building next door -- with the type of modern facade that looks completely out of place in this neighborhood of picturesque houses -- includes an exhibition on racial repression.
Both buildings can be visited during your tour of the Anne Frank House museum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SJgudCq540
The museum recently received a 910.000 euro donation[ref]The money is donated by the BankGiro Loterij, a legal Dutch lottery that donates half the income of its ticket sales to cultural charities and organizations[/ref] that will be used to adapt its exhibition.
A spokesperson for the museum says little will change in the Achterhuis -- the Secret Annex -- and the museum.
But the museum plans to add more context, which will provide details about the persecution of Jews and the way Jews were excluded from daily life in Amsterdam during the occupation.
In addition, information about the betrayal and arrest of the Frank family will be added to the cellar of the Achterhuis.
Often people will try and sell tickets they bought online to visitors waiting in the queue -- usually at twice the real cost. Ignore them, as ticket scalping is not permitted.
Likewise, the Anne Frank House does not authorize online resellers to sell entrance tickets.
The Anne Frank House offers 'no waiting' (skip-the-line) service at the regular price when you buy your tickets online from the museum's own website (see below).
The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam's most popular tourist destinations.
In 2015 the museum welcomed 1.268.095 visitors -- 40.000 more than in 2014. It was the sixth year in a row that the number of visitors increased.
That means it will take some planning if you want to visit.
For the better part of the year -- certainly during the high season -- huge lines form outside. The average waiting time during spring and summer months is 1-1½ hours -- and at peak times 2 hours -- or longer. [See the queque]
If the line reaches to the homo monument (the triangles at the Keizersgracht side of the church), count on at least 1-1½ hour waiting time.
If the line is particularly long -- i.e, if the end is somewhere near the French Fries and Fish stalls -- a 2+ hour wait is not unusual.
In the fall and winter months waiting times may be as short as 30 minutes -- in weather that you may not necessarily like.
Note: The Anne Frank House website says "When visiting with a group, the entire group should wait in the, possible, queue."
In other words: you can not have someone stand in the queue in order for him or her to reserve a place for you. Don't even try to game the system. The museum's employees keep an eye out for that kind of behavior.
[See also: Busiest Times]
Last year Dutch broadcaster NOS made a documentary about the 'eternal' queue in front of the museum. This is the trailer for that documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbE21rW_tl4
It's a good idea to bring some snacks and something to drink. If you forget to do so, you can buy something hugely overpriced from the canal-side kiosk. But just on the other side of the Westerkerk -- the church the line throngs around (and the bells of which Anne Frank describes hearing) is an Albert Heijn supermarket.
The church square also is home to a french fries stand, a herring cart (be brave -- you'll love it), and at times a hot dog vendor as well.
If you don't want to stand in line, buy your tickets online instead.
Once purchased, the tickets give you access to the special entrance to the left of the main entrance. You do not have to stand in line.
Note:
Either before or after your visit to the Anne Frank House you may want to (re-)familiarize yourself with Ann's story.
This private tour takes place in the south of Amsterdam, where she spent her childhood from the moment she moved to Amsterdam until she went into hiding.
You'll hear the story about her diary and how it came to be published.
[caption id="attachment_3984" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Anne Frank Monument at Westermarkt, Amsterdam. The statue was unveiled on March 14, 1977. March 14 is believed to be the day that Anne died.[/caption]
Once you are inside, a visit to the entire museum lasts about 60 to 80 minutes.
Add extra time if you also want to visit the museum's café and the bookstore.
Frankly, we'd advice you give the café a miss, in favor of any of dozens of cafes and restaurants in the immediate neighborhood.
Also, while it's easy to be tempted into purchasing books and videos while the experience of the museum is still fresh, keep your luggage limitations in mind.
It's a lot easier to have Amazon.com deliver Anne Frank books, DVDs and related material to your home than to lug it around.
[caption id="attachment_3981" align="alignright" width="200"]
Preview the free tour guide[/caption]
The Anne Frank House museum does not provide guided tours.
However, at the entrance, free tour brochures are available in 12 languages
The 24-page guides provide background information about the different rooms in the museum.
You can preview the English-language version right here.
While most people are familiar with the story of Anne Frank and its context -- the horrors of the German occupation and the Holocaust -- many people describe their visit to the museum as an intensely emotional experience.
The museum's collection is very sensitively done, and there are no images a child should not see. However, if you bring young children along, you may want to prepare them by providing some background information.
Also be prepared to discuss the experience with them after your visit. Some helpful tips for teachers, provided on the museum's official website, will come in handy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVkc-0cI91o
Anne Frank House
Prinsengracht 267
Phone: 020 556-7105 [Amsterdam phone info]
The Anne Frank House is just north of the Westerkerk, the church whose bells Anne wrote about.
It is a 12 minute walk from Dam square (green marker), or a 20 minute walk from Central Station (red marker).
Trams 13, 14, and 17 stop at Westermarkt (trams 13 and 17 can be boarded at Central Station). The stop is announced as 'Westermarkt' and 'Anne Frank House.'
Buses 170, 172 and 174 also stop at Westermarkt.
Open:
November 1 through March 31
Daily from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm (Saturdays from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm).
April 1 through October 31
Daily from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, (Saturdays from 9:00 am - 10:00 pm).
In July and August the museum is daily open till 10:00 pm.
Last Admittance:
Thirty minutes prior to closing.
Exceptions:
January 1: 12 noon - 7:00 pm
May 4: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Closed on Yom Kippur: In 2015, on September 23th
November 7: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Amsterdam Museum Night)
December 25: 12 noon - 5:00 pm
December 31: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
People start queuing at or before 7:30 am -- 1½ hours before the museum opens.
The lines tend to be longest from about 9:00 am till about 11:30 am.
During the months that the museum is open until 9:00 pm, try and queue between 6:00 and 7:00 pm.
Saturdays tend to be very busy.
Adults: euro 9,-
Age 10-17: euro 4,50
Age 0-9: free
Note: Ticket bought online (highly recommended!) include a 50 cent reservation fee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBPx4NsEw6A
People who have difficulty walking may have trouble climbing the steep staircases that are characteristic of most old Amsterdam houses.
Also, the old part of the Anne Frank House, which includes the Secret Annex, is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Amsterdam is a small city with a finely-mazed, efficient public transport system. So it is not necessary to look for a hotel near the museum. Then again, why not? It's a fantastic area, right in the heart of the old city.
• Hotels near the Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is located in the Western Canal Belt. Across the canal, the Prinsengracht, one can see the Jordaan - one of Holland's most popular neighborhoods. South of the Westerkerk, across the Rozengracht thoroughfare, is the so-called 'Nine Streets' shopping district.
This entry was first published on April 28, 2006. As with all information in our Amsterdam Tourist Guide, this page is updated regularly.
In the diary of her life during the Second World War, Anne Frank wrote that she could hear the bells of the Westerkerk.
Indeed, the Anne Frank House is just a stone's throw away from Amsterdam's -- no, Holland's -- most famous church.
[caption id="attachment_4573" align="aligncenter" width="900"] For much of the year you will see a lengthy queue of people thronging around the church -- all waiting to get in to the Anne Frank House[/caption]
The Westerkerk, and specifically its tower, occupies a unique place in the hearts of true Amsterdammers. It is much sung about, especially by the locals in the Jordaan district, who claim it as their Westertoren.
[caption id="attachment_4327" align="alignright" width="210"] The Westertoren in June 2004, with the old colors.[/caption]
Strictly speaking the Westerkerk is just outside the Jordaan, as it is situated on the Eastern border of Prinsengracht, but its tower can be seen from many vantage points in the popular district.
You'll note that we talk about the Westerkerk, the church, and the Westertoren, the tower.
That is because they are two separate entities. When, during Holland's French period, in 1795 the separation between church and state was realized, the church building became the property of the then Dutch Reformed Church. The tower, however, remained the property of the municipality of Amsterdam.
The Westerkerk was built between 1620 and 1631. At its completion the was the largest Protestant church in the world.
But the 85-meter (278 feet) tower -- the tallest church tower in Amsterdam -- was not finished until 1638. Some say it was finished a year earlier, since the Roman numerals above the city emblem translate to 1637. However, it was common in that time to apply a date before the work was actually completed.
[caption id="attachment_3990" align="alignright" width="210"] Legend has it that the workmen who build the Westertoren were paid in this nearby café[/caption] Incidentally, many guidebooks and website say the tower is 87 meters tall, but that includes the weather vane.
And since we're talking numbers: yes, the tower leans. It is about 85 centimeters out of plumb.
The Westertoren bears the symbol of the imperial crown of Maximilian of Austria, which was his gift to the city in gratitude for support given tot the Austro-Burgundian princes during the Hook and Cod wars[ref]The Hook and Cod wars (Dutch: Hoekse en Kabeljauwse twisten) comprise a series of wars and battles in the County of Holland between 1350 and 1490. Most of these wars were fought over the title of count of Holland.[/ref] [See also: Amsterdam's Emblem]
Originally the crown of the Westertoren was blue in color. For some reason, in the 'Rembrandt Year' of 1906 it was painted yellow. During the most recent renovations, completed in April 2007, the crown and the city emblem -- regained their original colors.
The carillon, or set of tuned bells, was cast by François Hemony in 1658. He and his brother Pierre were the first in the world to produce a perfectly-tuned set of bells.
Nowadays only the 14 heaviest original bells are still in use. 18 smaller bells were replaced in 1959. Since then the carillon has been restored and expanded several times -- most recently in 2006. It now consists of 51 bells.
The bells play a short tune every 15 minutes, day and night.
Every Tuesday from 12 to 1 o'clock the carillon is played live by carilloneur Boudewijn Zwart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5IiXm8FZVY
The Jordaan district -- across the canal from the Westerkerk -- was created in the first half of the 17th century to accommodate the influx of workers and craftsmen in the rapidly expanding city.
The Noorderkerk, some 700 meters north of the Westerkerk, was built in -- and for -- this working class neighborhood.
The Westerkerk, just outside the Jordaan, was to serve the wealthy merchants within the city's so-called 'belt of canals' (grachtengordel).
But Jordaners were quick to claim the Westerkerk as theirs. Crooners like Johnny Jordaan and Willy Alberti sang about the Westertoren as the 'pearl of the Jordaan,' and about having been born 'at the foot of the old Wester.'
After all, the locals jokingly referred to the Prinsengracht in Biblical terms as 'the river Jordan,' with the 'promised land' just across the canal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzsykWwUNao
The lyrics, in part:
I was born there as a child
I romped and played there
I lost my heart there
And I shared many sorrows thereWhere ever I am on the earth
Though it is far away from here
I always will tell you
About that beautiful, wonderful Jordaan.Refrain: At the foot of the beautiful Wester
I often reflected
I frequently dreamed
Of that beautiful, wonderful Jordaan
Until his death, the now famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn lived in a rented house at Rozengracht 184, where he died as a pauper.
At the time it was common practice to bury people in the nearest church, and for Rembrandt that was the Westerkerk. On October 8th, 1669 he was buried in a rented grave inside the church. While a record of his burial exists, the location of his grave was not identied.
[caption id="attachment_4328" align="alignright" width="210"] The Westertoren in September 2007.[/caption]
It is speculated that he shares a grave with his son, Titus, who died a year earlier.
Hendrick de Keyser, the city architect, built the church in Dutch Renaissane style, which is characterized by a combination of brick and stone. The long vertical lines are reminiscent of the Gothic style. The building is in the shape of a rectangle. Two rows of triplet-pillars support a clerestory in the form of a Greek cross. The church is 29 metres wide, 28 metres high, and has 36 windows. The nave is covered by a wooden barrel vault, of the type used extensively in coastal regions of the low countries, where the soft soil did not allow heavy vaulting. From 1985-1990 the church was completely restored. The electric chandeliers were then replaced by 12 replicas of the original chandeliers.
In the medieval tradition the tower, more than 85 metres high, stands projecting from the centre of the west facade. It was completed in 1638. The base of the tower, up to the first gallery, is of brick, while the sections above this is constructed mainly of wood with a facing of sandstone. The uppermost sections are also of wood, with an outer covering of lead.
BellsThe hour bell is the heaviest in Amsterdam and weighs more than 7.500 kilograms; its hammer 200 kilograms.
- Source: Westerkerk
It's worth climbing to the top of the tower (186 steps to the sixth floor) for a superb view of the city. However, currently the tower is closed to the public due to restoration work until some time in 2017.
The historic towers of Amsterdam from David Slingerland on Vimeo.
The Westerkerk is one of the local parishes of the Dutch Reformed (Presbyterian) Church. On account of the ecumenical character of its services, every Sunday a great many churchgoers from all over Amsterdam and from outside the city worship here.
Services are held from 10:30 am to 12 noon, in the Dutch language.
Westertoren
Prinsengracht 281
1016 GW Amsterdam
Whether you are here on a layover, a few days in between other places, or for an extended vacation, no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a canal tour. Providing a unique view of the city, this is one tourist attraction that is popular with both locals and tourists, old and young folks alike.
[caption id="attachment_3351" align="alignleft" width="300"]
The best way to see Amsterdam: from the water[/caption]
In fact, 3 million people a year take a 'Rondvaart'[ref]Figure cited in 'Meer en Schonere Rederijen,' Het Parool, Feb. 28, 2013[/ref] (which literally translates to 'circular cruise')
When you visit Amsterdam for the first time, you'll soon realize the important role water plays in this city.
The city's very name refers to the fact that the town started around a dam in the river Amstel.
Currently, Amsterdam -- sometimes referred to as the 'Venice of the North' -- has one river and 160 canals, creating 90 artificial islands which are connected by 1281 bridges.
In Amsterdam's early history, the centuries-old canals -- in what is now the history city center -- served a dual purpose:
[caption id="attachment_3353" align="alignright" width="225"]
You can take more than one canal tour, as different companies take your along different routes[/caption]
Nowadays, the warehouses you see along some of the old canals have been turned into luxury apartment buildings.
Damrak -- now the main street leading from Central Station to Dam Square -- was once Amsterdam's harbor (then known as Buitenrak), which in turn was directly connected to what was then the open sea.
The docks were lined with ships carrying -- among other things -- coffee, tea, wood, spices. And yes, slaves.
Water from the river Amstel flowed into the harbor via a sluice at Dam Square.
The square long sported a weigh house, where goods were weighed, taxed, and from there further transported to warehouses or markets. At the time he Kalvertraat -- the world-renowned shopping street that runs from Dam square to Munt -- was a cattle market (kalf = young cow).
A small section of the early harbor has survived at Damrak near Central Station. (Note that the houses of Warmoesstraat arise directly out of the water.)
[caption id="attachment_3354" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Canal tour companies located further away from Central Station often provide a longer -- or less expensive -- ride[/caption]
The tour boats you see here, at docks in front of Central Station, and at several other locations throughout Amsterdam, provide a hugely popular tourist attraction.
There are several options to sail the canals, including the Water Taxi, The Canal Bus, and the Museum Boat. However, this entry deals with the canal tours dedicated to the sole purpose of showing you Amsterdam as seen from the water.
There are a number of canal tour operators. They are all fairly similar, in that each will give you a good ride through the canals and part of the harbor. The boats do take slightly different routes, and sailing times may vary as well.
In general, expect a 1-hour tour at rates of €6.50 - €9.00. On most rides tips are solicited, but don't feel obligated to contribute. Note: If you have an I Amsterdam Card you get a free or discounted (depending on the operator you select) canal tour.
In the past, most boats had on-board tour guides -- often students -- explaining the sights. Never mind that historical facts and figures were sometimes made up on the spot and were subject to change from one ride to the next. Purists prefer the old way over the current approach in which a multi-lingual presentation is played over the sound system.
That said, in our experience on some rides the captain will at times turn off the sound track and instead provide on-the-spot commentary himself (which, in our estimation, is indeed worthy of a tip).
Currently -- we're talking 2013 -- the canals are used by over 100 tour boats, more than 130 rental boats -- anything from sloops to saloon boats and water-taxis), and about 100 water bikes.
Starting in 2014, the municipality of Amsterdam wants to welcome additional canal tour companies -- with a preference toward those that operate environment-friendly vessels.
[caption id="attachment_3355" align="alignright" width="300"]
One company uses a converted canal tour boat to deliver packages to offices along the canals -- thereby circumventing traffic jams[/caption]
The city says it wishes to see in change in the current situation, in which the entire canal cruise industry is run by just a handful of companies.
At the same time, Amsterdam also needs to address the fact that the canals get more popular by the year. In 2012 it already put into effect a tightened set of regulations governing use of the waterways.
Waternet — the water management company for Amsterdam and surroundings -- is currently investigating the feasibility of instituting one-way traffic on certain canals during certain hours.
They are also considering the possibility of allowing only electric boats access to certain canals.
At the same time, the city wants to further stimulate the (currently small) rental market for boats and sloops. The city hopes that once it is easier to rent a boat, s a reduction in the number of privately-owned vessels lining the canals will follow.
You can purchase tickets for common canal tours on the spot. Most tour boats leave at 15-30 minute intervals.
Howver, many visitors prefer to book a canal tour ahead of time -- particular where it concerns special boat tours: for instance, an evening cruise, a dinner cruise, a pizza cruise, or a cheese and wine tour.
Also popular: combination tours, providing the boat ride with a visit to a museum.
[caption id="attachment_3356" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Their outboard motor out of gas, two girls try to get out of the way of a canal tour boat.[/caption]
Good to know: if a window seat is important to you don't feel obligated to board a boat in which none are available. Simply wait for the next one.
Note that the configuration of tour boats differs somewhat from operator to operator, and even within the same company.
Photography / Filming Tip:
Many of the glass-topped boats are completely covered, while some sport an open roof and/or open deck -- something to keep in mind if you are planning to film or take pictures.
In between stretches of overcast grey, Amsterdam weather is feast or famine -- often all within the same day.
The boat trips are at their best when the sun is shining. Avoid canal trips during rainy days.
That said, during the winter a tour of the tree-lined canals provides a unique experience. With the trees bare, you'll be able to see much more of the gabled houses.
A word of caution: If your boat has an open roof, or if you sit on an open deck, keep an eye on anybody leaning over the bridge. Not because -- as one correspondent suggested -- you might get to peek up a short skirt, but because an occasional nutcase might spit at you.
July generally is the warmest month of the year in Amsterdam, with temperatures ranging between nighttime lows of 13° C (54° F) and midday highs around 22° C (72° F).
[caption id="attachment_3822" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Girl studying at Museumplein, Amsterdam[/caption]
Mind you, historically July weather has always been precarious at best (as is Dutch weather in general, no matter what month you pick).
You never quite know what you're going to encounter -- especially nowadays, what with global warming and other allegedly non-existent meteorological phenomena.
We update the actual 7-day weather forecast for Amsterdam almost every day during the month of July.
You may want to bookmark this page and return to it when the month comes around.
By the way, we do this throughout the year.
See our general weather overview for Amsterdam.
Normal lows and highs in July
1-10: 13/21.6° Celsius (55.4/70.88° Fahrenheit)
11-20: 13.3/21.8° Celsius (55.94/71.24° Fahrenheit)
21-31: 13.8/22.6° Celsius (56.84/72.68° Fahrenheit)
We update this Amsterdam Weather in July information throughout the month.
Good news: July used to be the third wettest month of the year, but lately it has ranked somewhere in the middle.
If you do run into some rain it's usually not enough to use an umbrella for.
Most showers are brief, and sometimes there's little more than a drizzle.
Just pop into a store or a café to wait it out.
And if it looks like a day with the sort of weather you dislike, plan to visit a museum or two.
By the way, sunrise is before 6:00 am and sunset is somewhere around 9:30 pm.
When the weather is sunny, do like the Amsterdammers do and enjoy some relaxing time at one of the many outdoor cafés.
[caption id="attachment_3826" align="aligncenter" width="850"] De Zaansche Schans is a working community/outdoor museum just outside Amsterdam. Shown here under a typical June/July sky.[/caption]
On Saturday, July 25, 2015, the Netherlands saw it heaviest summer storm since 1901, the year in which the Royal Dutch Meteorological Service started keeping track of the weather. This was only the second ever storm of this force (9-10 Bft winds). The first took place on August 12, 1914.
[caption id="attachment_4193" align="aligncenter" width="554"] KNMI's Code Red means people have to be alert to severe danger: falling trees, falling roof tiles, flying debris, et cetera.[/caption]
Count on warm weather. Even when it rains it never quite gets cold.
There is no need to carry around an umbrella. Should it rain, simply duck into one of the many cafés or coffee houses.
See also: General information about the weather in Amsterdam
Summary: A'DAM Lookout, Amsterdam's first and only publicly accessible observation deck, will open on May 14, 2016. At nearly 100 meters above ground, A'DAM Lookout provides 360° panoramic views across all of Amsterdam. Plus: Europe's highest set of swings.
[caption id="attachment_4581" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] A'DAM Lookout: panoramic views across Amsterdam[/caption]
The attraction has an ideal location: at the top two floors of an iconic, 22-story tower on the banks of the river IJ, just across from Central Station.
Measured against international standards towers in Amsterdam are quite small. Indeed, the tallest tower in the city is the Rembrandttoren -- an office skyscraper with a height of 135 meters. OK, 150 if you count the spire.
But given that the average building height in the city is just 30 meters -- and only 15 meters in the historical center -- the unimpeded views from the A'DAM Lookout observation deck are magnificent.
Not only do you get bird's eye views across Amsterdam's historic city center, but also of the busy port in the west, the IJsselmeer lake in the East, and the uniquely Dutch landscape (complete with farms and villages) to the north.
And of course, 22 stories below the lookout point, there is the busy river IJ with a never-ending parade of ships -- from pleasure crafts to barges, and from dinghies to cruise ships.
It gets even better: A'DAM Lookout will feature Europe's highest set of swings. Yes, swings!
Strapped into a full-body safety harness, you'll be able to propel yourself as high as you wish, or dare -- right over the very edge of the observation platform. (You didn't buy a GoPro for family snapshots, right?).
[caption id="attachment_4580" align="alignleft" width="850"] Swing right over the edge of the observation deck, nearly 100 meters above the ground[/caption]
And that's still not all.
A visit to the observation platform comes with some nice extras.
It is an adventure that starts before you get there.
It begins with a (free) ferry ride across the river IJ. [There's no nearby bridge. That's a long story]
[caption id="attachment_4583" align="alignright" width="370"]
You get a free souvenir: a digital photo that shows you balancing high above Amsterdam[/caption]
Alternatively, you'll soon be able to arrive by canal tour boat by virtue of the fact that the Canal Company is one of the venture's partners.
Or perhaps you'd like to arrive on board the Heineken boat -- which will ferry visitors to and from the popular Heineken Experience, another partner. And yes, there will be a Heineken bar on the sky deck.[ref]There will also be a combination ticket for access to the A'DAM Lookout and the Heineken Experience. Visitors will ferry between the two venues on a special Heineken tour boat with a D.J. on board.[/ref]
Once you're inside, you can have your photo taken while you and your family or friends are balancing on a steel beam high above the ground.
Virtually, that is. You'll safely sit on a bench in front of a green screen. The free photo, a nice memento of your visit, will be emailed to you.
Next you travel 20 stories in 22 seconds, on the most colorful 'Goes to Heaven' elevator ride you'll ever experience.
You now have a choice of observation decks: the 360° indoor panorama deck or the 360° open air 360° sky deck.
Of course you're welcome to visit both. From either deck you get to see the city as it was usually depicted on medieval maps: from the North looking South -- pretty much the way Amsterdam expanded.[ref]You can view such a map in the article Was Amsterdam named after a dam in the river Amstel?[/ref]
[caption id="attachment_4587" align="alignleft" width="720"] The city's iconic Westertoren (85 meter) as seen from the A'DAM sky deck[/caption]
Are you brave enough to take your turn on one of the swings? Mind you, you'll need to buy a separate ticket for that. And just in case you're too scared to hold a camera while swinging, you'll get a movie of your daring feat sent to your email address.
By the way, the sky deck includes a circular skylight where you can quickly (and safely) test whether you have acrophobia (fear of heights). Since the deck is placed at an angle to the building, the safety-glass covered sky light allows you to look down to the ground 22 floors below your feet.
The indoor panorama deck, a beautiful lounge featuring angled, tinted glass panels, includes a place where you can get something to eat and drink.
There's also an interactive Amsterdam exhibition.
It comes complete with a three dimensional scale model of Amsterdam -- a great way to get your bearings in a city whose layout of concentric half-circles has gotten even the bast-travelled tourists lost for centuries.
The attraction has an ideal location: at the top two floors of an iconic, 22-story tower just across the river IJ behind Central Station.
This part of Amsterdam-North has over the past few years undergone what the New York Times describes as an "evolution from blue-collar industrial area to red-hot art neighborhood."
The tower is symbolic for this metamorphosis.
Originally named Toren Overhoeks, the tower was developed as an office building for Royal Dutch Shell. You'll hear many Amsterdammers still (for now) refer to it as the 'Shell toren.' [ref]The original tower was commissioned by Royal Dutch Shell to be built on a plot of land that also housed the multinational's laboratories.
Architect Arthur Staal designed the building to be placed at a 45° to the IJ waterfront. This diagonal position (overhoeks in Dutch) gave the building its official name: Toren Overhoeks.
However, the name never quite caught on, and to this day most Amsterdammers still refer to the building as the 'Shell toren.'
Shell moved into the building in 1971. In 2003 the city purchased the land as part of a long-term development plan in which industry along the banks of the river IJ is moved elsewhere in favour of residential housing and mixed-used buildings.
Shell left the building in 2009.[/ref]
Retrofitted to the tune of 50 million euro, the former office tower has been transformed into a multi-functional 'vertical city' called the A'DAM Toren (toren = tower).
'A'dam' (pronounced as Adam) is the colloquial abbreviation of 'Amsterdam.'
But A'DAM also stands for 'Amsterdam Dance and Music,' which reflects the business background of three of the four owners -- big names behind some of the most popular music and dance festivals: Sander Groet (club Air), Duncan Stutterheim (ID&T), Hans Brouwer (MassiveMusic).[ref]The fourth partner is Eric-Jan de Rooij of project developer Lingotto[/ref]
Matter of fact, the building is destined to turn into Amsterdam's most unique creative- and entertainment hub.[ref]In case you are wondering about the emphasis on the music- and creative industry, note that "the Dutch dance industry alone, focused on Amsterdam, is worth €600m (£470m) a year(pdf) and employs 13,000 people full- and part-time." - The Guardian, March 21, 2016.[/ref]
How creative and entertaining? Well, expectations are high:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klaeFDfPaGM
Aside from the observation deck, the A'DAM Toren will feature
In addition, two stories are set aside for A'DAM Works, providing office and meeting space to small companies in the music- and creative sector. This will be an ideal incubator for startup companies to network and grow.
While the lookout opens May 14, these additional businesses will open one after the other in the months following.
We'll describe these various ventures in future updates to this article.
For now, you may want to know about Madam...
At 6 pm the indoor deck turns into a restaurant called Madam (Get it? M'adam...).
Then, at 10:00 pm -- when the sky deck closes -- Madam undergoes another transformation, turning into Amsterdam's highest nightclub.
[caption id="attachment_4585" align="alignright" width="720"] Madam restaurant[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4586" align="alignright" width="720"] Madam - Amsterdam's highest nightclub[/caption]
The A'DAM Lookout opens on May 14, 2016
Opening Hours
Every day from 10:00 to 22:00 (10 am to 10 pm). Last Admission: 21:00 (9 pm).
Ticket Prices
Online
Adult: € 15,00
Children aged 4 to 12: € 7,50
At the door
Adult € 17,00
Children aged 4 to 12 € 8,50
When your order tickets online, you select the day and a time slot when your visit starts. The time slot indicates when you will arrive. You can stay as long as you wish.
NOTE: The swing requires a separate ticket added to the Lookout ticket. The swing is still under construction. Therefore you cannot yet order swinging tickets.
The venue is located across the water from Amsterdam Central Station.
You exit the station at the IJzijde (which means, side the station facing the river IJ).
Make your way to the ferry dock. You will see the tower across the water, right next to the spaceship-like EYE Film Museum.
You then take one of the free ferries across. Look for the ferry labelled 'Buiksloterwegveer.' Ignore the one labelled 'NDSM.'
[caption id="attachment_4590" align="alignleft" width="720"]
Take the free ferry labelled 'Buiksloterweg.' Yes, that's the A'DAM toren across the water.[/caption]
Addres
A'DAM Lookout
Overhoeksplein 5
1031 KS Amsterdam
As coffee connoisseurs we don't have to leave our home to get good coffee. But when we do, more often than not you'll find us enjoying a doppio cappuccino or an espresso macchiato at Al Ponte -- a genuine Italian coffee kiosk right across from Central Station.
[caption id="attachment_3861" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Across from Central Station, Caffé Italiona Al Ponte, has built itself a reputation for serving some of Amsterdam's best coffee.[/caption]
'Right across' in this case means across the river IJ, right on the water's edge in Amsterdam-north.
One moment you're caught up in the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest spots in Amsterdam, and the next moment -- after a short, 5-minute free ferry ride -- you're relaxing on the waterside terrace of Caffé Italiano Al Ponte.
[caption id="attachment_3863" align="alignright" width="300"] Not just coffee: lots of other goodies as well[/caption]
Mind you, this is the type of coffee bar you see all over Italy -- in essence something of a glorified bus shelter providing outdoor seating only.
It's glorious during the spring, summer, and early fall -- and even on those mild winter days that our changing climate has brought us during the past few years.
That's when folks like us go out of our way to drink a few cups of what many (us included) insist is the best coffee in Amsterdam. And then there are the sumptuous panini imbottito -- Italian-style sandwiches, freshly prepared hot or cold on the spot.
On offer are vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian varieties. Local newspaper Het Parool even declared one of the sandwiches to be among the best in Amsterdam: #15: Pancetta, homemade olive tapenade and cheese (warm).
[caption id="attachment_3864" align="alignleft" width="280"] TripAdvisor screenshot, June 28, 2014[/caption]
But we already knew that. Al Ponte has been among our favorite go-to spots in Amsterdam for a long time now.
And we're not alone:
Of course, technically Al Ponte is not a restaurant -- but people feel so good about the place that -- during the summer, at least -- it tends to spend a lot of time in the Top Ten of Amsterdam's 2670+ restaurants reviewed at TripAdvisor.[ref]TripAdvisor listing for Al Ponte. Remember: outdoor seating only, so reviews pick up during the sunny months.[/ref]
You take a free, 5-minute ferry ride from behind Central Station to IJplein. Kids and adults alike enjoy the ride (and nothing prevents you from going back and forth a few times).
Again, there is no indoor seating at Al Ponte. It is, after all, housed in a tiny kiosk. That's a drawback during inclement weather, but the rest of the time you wouldn't even want to sit inside if you could.
For one thing, the Caffé's terrace overlooks the river IJ, providing a panoramic, ever-changing view. There's a never-ending parade of boats and ships: anything from sloops and barely-floating dinghies to huge cruise ships, and from expensive yachts and stately tall ships to container ships and barges.
You have a good view of Central Station, the Saint Nicholas basilica -- the bells of which often can heard clear across the IJ -- and the south-east skyline of Amsterdam.
[caption id="attachment_3865" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Pontplein, Amsterdam, overlooks the river IJ[/caption]
For another, Al Ponte is situated right where the 'pont' -- the free ferry to and from Central Station -- docks. (Yes, Al Ponte -- Italian for 'the bridge' -- is play on words).
The small square, known as Pontplein, gradually fills up with people waiting for the next ferry, which sails every 12 minutes or so.
This makes for excellent people-watching. Like the rest of the city, Amsterdam-north is so multi-cultural that you often feel like you've wandered into a real-life National Geographic television show.
Lots of tourists use the IJplein ferry (named after the neighborhood) as well. They're either on their way to or from the nearby Vliegnbos camping, or they use the square as the start or finish of a bike tour through rural North.
And of course, many locals and tourists alike use this spot as the start-off point for a walk or picnic along Noordwal -- a still off-the-beaten tracks promenade along the banks of the river IJ.
[caption id="attachment_3866" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Use Al Ponte as your starting point for a relaxing stroll along the river IJ[/caption]
Owner Silvia -- motto, "Make Coffee, Not War" -- hails from Italy. Her staff is Italian as well.
Perhaps that explains the friendly service -- always with a smile and, if possible, a chat.
[caption id="attachment_3867" align="alignright" width="271"] Al Ponte motto: make coffee, not war[/caption]
It certainly explains the quality of the coffee and the food (by the way, you've got to try the home-baked grandmother's lemon cake).
If you're learning Italian, this is the best place in Amsterdam to go. Lots of Italians make Amsterdam their home, having moved here either for love or due to the economic realities at home.
And you'll always find lots of them hanging around the place -- which we think is a good sign.
[caption id="attachment_3868" align="alignleft" width="200"] Regulars use a 'multiple coffees' card (discount :)[/caption]
Al Ponte opened in July, 2007 -- 11 years after owner Silvia moved from Italy to Amsterdam.
In early 2007 the city had fixed up the Pontplein -- literally, ferry square, in reference to the fact that one of the free ferries that sail pedestrians and bicyclists back and forth across the river IJ between the Amsterdam-north borough and the city's center at Central Station.
At the time, the borough started looking for an entrepreneur willing to set up a business in the kiosk at the small square. Silvia's proposal won out, and the rest is history.
Incidentally: while Amsterdam-north was once a place where no true Amsterdammer would want to be found dead, over the past couple of decades the borough has transformed (a process that is in overdrive right now) into a must-see district with top restaurants, quaint villages, nature areas and cultural hot-spots even the New York Times raves about.
Al Ponte is located at Pontplein 1, 1021 HR Amsterdam
Opening hours:
Summer:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 -- 18:00 (8am -- 6pm)
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 -- 18:00 (10am -- 6pm)
Winter:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 -- 15:00 (8am -- 3pm)
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 -- 16:00 (10am -- 4pm)
Walk through Central Station and exit at the back (the IJ-side). If you take the east-most tunnel through the station you will exit close to the ferry landing.
The Ferry should carry as sign with the designation "IJplein." If you end up at a ferry to "Buiksloterweg," walk alongside the water to the right (East) -- at the other end of the station.
The 5-minute ferry ride is free of charge.
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