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On This Page: Royal Riding School The Weighhouse Skinny Bridge East India House The  Beurs Southern Church Saint Nicholas Church Swimming Pools Ice Skating Don't miss... City Parks Street Markets 9 Favorite Pleins City Tours Festivals Dance Clubs Red Light District
		Highlights of the most important places to know about Zones ~ Page 1 Zones ~ Page 2 Zones ~ Page 3

Hollandsche Manege (Royal Riding School) One of the last remaining and most beautiful city riding schools of Europe. Walking through the monumental entrance gate at the Vondelstraat gives you access to an unique building: the Royal Riding School, better known as "Hollandsche Manege". It opened its doors in 1882 and is located next to the Vondelpark. Feel free to walk in. The high inside riding track with the balustrades and the beautiful decorations breath the grandness and allure of the old times. From the balcony, one has perfect views of equestrian arts and manoeuvres in action. The renaissance style building, a masterpiece of the architect A.L. van Gendt (best known for designing the famous Concertgebouw building), was delivered in 1882 and up to today is has been the domain of horsemen. The Spanish Riding School in Vienna inspired Van Gendt when he was commissioned to design the Amsterdam riding school. The building and interior have hardly changed in the course of the years. Nor has the gallery for the orchestra and the lovely foyer with its beautiful parquet floors. How to get there By tram: 1 stop Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat; 3 or 12 stop Overtoom. By car: nearest car park Byzantium Website:   http://www.dehollandschemanege.nl/ De Waag (the Weighhouse) The Waag is a remnant of the former city walls in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Originally it was one of the city gates. When the city wall disappeared, the Nieuwmarkt (new market) was created around it and the weighing scales for the market were placed in the former gate. The name stems from that period (Waag is an old Dutch word for scale). Today it houses Waag Society , an ICT research foundation working in the social and cultural domain, and it has a restaurant In de Waag on the ground floor. The building carries the oldest plaque in Amsterdam, which reads On 28 April 1488 the first stone of this gate was laid. The city walls that the 'Anthoniespoort' was part of were built in the years 1481-1494. These walls have now completely disappeared and the only remnants are this gate, the lower part of another gate, the Regulierspoort (now the Munttoren) and one defence tower, the Schreierstoren. When in the late 16th century the city expanded the wall was torn down and the gate lost its function. The defensive canal and palissade around the gate was turned into a market square. In the process the ground level was raised, so the building is no longer quite as high as it used to be. For the new weighing function the original front and rear gate were connected with a roof. The upper floors housed four guilds for some time, namely those of the smiths, painters, masons and surgeons. Each guild had its own entrance tower. In 1632 Rembrandt van Rijn was commissioned to paint the surgeons at work, and the resulting 'Anatomical Lesson of Dr. Tulp' made his name. In 1691 a theatrum anatomicum was added, which became famous for admitting (paying) members of the public to witness human dissections. After the guilds were dissolved around 1795 the building served numerous purposes, later housing a fire brigade and two museums before it was handed over to a foundation in 1990. This had plans to partly destroy the building, but it went bankrupt before any plans were carried out. The neighbourhood and monument lovers convinced the Amsterdam city council that the building deserved a better fate. It was decided to restore it in keeping with its mediaeval background. Waag Society became the principal tenant in 1996. View of The Waag from the Kloveniersburgwal How to get there? De Waag is located right in the city center, at walking distance from the Central Station. By metro: 51, 53 or 54 stop Nieuwmarkt. By car: Nearest car park de Bijenkorf Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) The Magere Brug is a traditional double leaf Dutch bascule bridge connecting sides of the river Amstel. The original bridge was built in 1691. During the day the bridge is opened about every 20 minutes by the bridgemaster in order to let through river traffic. The boats used for sightseeing tours are low enough to pass underneath the bridge when closed. Amsterdam's most famous bridge: the Magere Brug across the Amstel river Because this bridge was very small, the locals called it Magere Brug, which means small or skinny bridge. As traffic along the river Amstel increased, a wider bridge replaced the narrow one in 1871. In 1934 the city decided to replace it with a new bridge that looked the same as the previous, only slightly bigger. Until 1994 the bridge was opened by hand, but now is opened automatically. Use of the bridge has been limited to pedestrians and cyclists since 2003. Several other bridges of this type are found in Amsterdam (at the Staalstraat/Grimburgwal, Nieuve Herengracht, Rapenburg, Prinseneiland and Bickerseiland). Illumination at night The Skinny Bridge is far not skinny anymore, but one of the most beautiful bridges of Amsterdam. The bridge is decorated with 1200 light bulbs that are illuminated at night. It's a very special experience to pass underneath the bridge during a candlelight tour in the evening. How to get there? The bridge is situated on Amstel, between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, and opposite of the Royal Theatre Carré. By tram: 6, 7, 10 or 20 stop Weesperplein By metro: 51, 53 or 54 stop Waterlooplein By car: nearest car park Parking Waterlooplein East India House (Oost-Indisch Huis) The former headquarters of the Dutch East India Company The Oostindisch Huis was the former headquarters of the once-powerful Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (Dutch East India Company), which was founded in 1602. Its occupants once sent expeditions to the Orient to bring back silks, spices and other riches that fuelled Amsterdam's Golden Age. The East India House dates from the Dutch Golden Age. It was built in 1606 by Hendrick de Keyser and it was used as the city armoury. It was acquired by the University of Amsterdam  (UvA) in 1965 and now houses the department of Sociology. The 17th century is considered Amsterdam's Golden Age, when it became one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Ships sailed from Amsterdam to the Baltic Sea, North America, and Africa, as well as present-day Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Brazil, forming the basis of a worldwide trading network. The world's first stock exchange Amsterdam's merchants had the largest share in both the VOC (Dutch East India Company) and the WIC (Dutch West India Company). These companies acquired overseas possessions that later became Dutch colonies. Amsterdam was Europe's most important point for the shipment of goods and was the leading financial centre of the world. In 1602, the Amsterdam office of the VOC became the world's first stock exchange by trading in its own shares. View East India House in a larger map

Beurs van Berlage The Beurs van Berlage is a milestone in the history of modern architecture. It influenced many modernist architects, in particular functionalists and the Amsterdam School. It is build in the same period (1896-1903) as Amsterdam's Central Station and the Stedelijk Museum, but what is really special about the Beurs, however, is that 80% of it is authentic. If you visit the Beurs, you will be guided through former offices, archival spaces and a meeting hall, and then to the top of the bell tower. This tour through the southern part of the building will give you a clear idea of the beauty and history of the Beurs van Berlage. A climb to the tower observation walk offers an unparreled view of the old town center..one of our favorite little known escape spts Exhibitions In the Main Hall of the Beurs van Berlage exhibitions on architecture, design and applied arts are hosted on a regular basis. Current and coming exhibitions . How to get there: Beurs van Berlage is located right in the city center, at walking distance from the Royal Palace at Dam Square and 5 minutes from Central Station. By tram: 4, 9, 16, 24 or 25 stop Dam. By car: Nearest car park de Bijenkorf   Website: http://en.beursvanberlage.nl

Zuiderkerk - Southern Church The Zuiderkerk was built between 1603 and 1611, and was the first Protestant church of Amsterdam. the first protestant church of Amsterdam. The splendid tower was completed in 1614. The design of the church in Amsterdam Renaissance style is by Hendrick de Keyser , who was also buried in the church in 1621. A memorial stone was placed on top of his tomb in 1921. De Keyser designed the church as a pseudo-basilica with a central nave and two lower side aisles, six bays long, with Tuscan columns, timber barrel vaults and dormers. The top gables facing north and south and crowned by balustrades remind us of the Noorderkerk and the Westerkerk. However, the rectangular shape of the windows is unique to the Zuiderkerk. Three of Rembrandt's children were buried in the Zuiderkerk, which is very near to Rembrandt's house in the Jodenbreestraat. According to local legend, he painted the Night Watch at the church because his own studio was too small, but that is a highly disputed claim. Ferdinand Bol, one of Rembrandt's most famous pupils, was buried in the Zuiderkerk in 1680. The Zuiderkerk was used for church services until 1929. During the final (1944-1945) winter of World War II, known as the hongerwinter ("winter of hunger") in the Netherlands because food was so scarce, the church was in use as a temporary morgue because people were dying faster than they could be buried. French Impressionist painter Claude Monet painted the church during a visit to the Netherlands. There is some confusion about the date of this painting, but it was probably one of 12 paintings made by Monet in 1874 during a visit to Amsterdam. The composition is centred on the church spire, with the Groenburgwal canal leading up to it in the foreground. Since 1988 the church has served as a municipal information centre , with regularly changing exhibitions as well as a permanent exhibition which features a scale model of Amsterdam as it is envisioned to be in 2020.   The church is open to visitors Monday through Saturday. The tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, is open to visitors Tuesdays through Sundays during the summer months. The carillon plays on Sundays between 4pm and 5pm.   Location: Zuiderkerkhof 72 (Centrum) Municipal Information Center Website: http://www.zuiderkerk.amsterdam.nl/

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St. Nicolaaskerk - (Saint Nicholas Church) Built between 1884 and 1887, the St. Nicolaaskerk is the best known of the 'new' Amsterdam churches. This tall and spacious building, standing in a spectacular position opposite the Central Station. Architect A.C. Bleijs (1842-1912) designed the church in a combination of revival styles, predominantly neo-Baroque and neo-Renaissance. It is a classic three-aisled basilica. Above the crossing stands a large octagonal tower with baroque dome and lantern. The stained glass inner shell of the dome has recently been restored to its former glory. The nave has been provided with new windows by artist Jan Dibbets. The interior is richly decorated, mostly by artist Jan Dunselman (1863-1931). As well as the Stations of the Cross, his sixteen scenes depicting the life of St. Nicholas form the major part of the decoration. The organ in the St. Nicholaaskerk was built by the leading German organ builder Wilhelm Sauer in 1889. It is the only major work of Sauer in the Netherlands, and one of the very few of its period that remain in original state anywhere. Location: Prins Hendrikkade 73 Zones ~ Page 1 Zones ~ Page 2 Zones ~ Page 3 Amsterdam Intro Basics Restaurants Have A Drink What To See RedLIGHT Getting Around Cannabis Shopping   Music & Clubs Communications Museums Swimming in Amsterdam Amsterdam has many public swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor which are of high standards. Facilities are always clean and well maintained. In testiment to this, some facilities are almost a hundred years old and although restored several times over their existance are in pristine condition and have also retained their classic good looks. Zuiderbad dates from 1911 A lot of these pools are located near recreation parks or have some amusement facility nearby and so are very popular. Pools are generally open from May to September, Hours generally tend to vary. Most swimming pools have reserved times for children, women as well as nude swimmers. It is a good idea to reserve before you go as pools tends to get crowded on weekends and especially holidays. Here are some of our most favorite pools: Mirandabad (indoor & outdoor) This is one of the most modern and popular pools in Amsterdam with both outdoor and indoor pools. Its swimming facility includes a stone beach and a wave generator. There are water slides, whirlpool and an amusement park, Aquagym, babysplash, prenatal classes. sunbeds available and a squash court included in the complex. They have reserved timeslots for nude swimmers. De Mirandalaan 9, Zuid At President Kennedyplantsoen 1, 1079 PA Amsterdam. Phone: +31 (0)20 546 4444 Access: Tram 15 / Bus 169 Hours: 7am til 10pm Mondays to Fridays; 9.30am to 5pm on weekends Website (Dutch):  http://www.mirandabad.nl Marnixbad An indoor public pool enclosed by glass. Facilities include a sauna and a whirlpool. A sport complex with swimming and sports facilities. Aquagym and swimming classes available. A wadding pool for children. Marnixplein 1, 1015 ZN Amsterdam. Marnixplein 9, The Jordaan Phone: +31 (0)20 625 4843 Access: Tram 3, 7, 10. Tel: +31 20 524 6000 Fax: 020 524 6011   Website (Dutch):    http://www.hetmarnix.nl/dutch/home/ Zuiderbad Zwembad One of the first public pools in Amsterdam, this indoor pool has been functional since 1911.Public swimming baths for the Oud Zuid area. Swimming lessons for children, babies and toddler, and adults. Aqua jogging and nude swimming sessions. Whirlpools, steambaths and solariums provided. It was recently re-done in 2001. They have reserved timeslots for nude swimmers. Swimming pool located at the museumplein, well hidden in plain sight opposite the rear south corner of  the Rijksmuseum, even many locals don't know it's there..but we do because we love to swim nude :-) One time entry is € 3 and you can also enjoy jacuzzi or sauna upon €1.50 coupon coin. Zuiderbad Hobbemastraat 26, Museum Quarter 1071 ZC  Amsterdam Access: Tram 2, 16, 24, 25 Tel: +31 (0) 20 252 1390 Website (Dutch):  http://www.oudzuid.amsterdam.nl/sport_en_recreatie/zuiderbad Flevoparkbad Zeeburgerdijk 630, Oost Outdoor pools with playground. A favorite PicNic and family park...come for the whole day! Phone: +31 (0)20 692 5030 Access: Tram 14. to the END and you are at the front gate of the pool facility Hours: May-Sept 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (10 a.m.- 7 p.m. in hotter weather) all days of the week. Floraparkbad Sneeuwbalweg 5 1032 VS Amsterdam-Noord Bijlmer Sportcentrum Bijlmerpark 76 1102 BL Amsterdam Bijlmerbad Bijlmerpark 76 1102 BL Amsterdam Brediusbad Spaarndammerdijk 306 1013 ZX Amsterdam Jan van Galenbad Jan van Galenstraat 315 1056 CB Amsterdam Sports hall and swimmingpool De Meerkamp Van der Hooplaan 239 1185 LN Amstelveen Sloterparkbad Slotermeerlaan 2-4 1064 HB Amsterdam Sportfondsenbad Oost Fronemanstraat 3 1093 KT Amsterdam Sportfondsenbad West Cornelis Dirkszstraat 11c 1056 TM Amsterdam Ice Skating - Amsterdam's ponds and canals Skating on the canals When the temperature drops low enough for long enough, the canals become sparkling highways through the city. Skating on the canals of Amsterdam to the strains of classical music is a memorable experience. Little kiosks are set up on the ice to dispense heart-warming liqueurs. Go cautiously when skating under bridges, where the ice is usually thinner, and in general don't go anywhere the Dutch themselves don't. Ice-skating Rinks Around the city Around Christmas and New Year the Museumplein, Leidseplein, Thorbeckeplein (close to Rembrandtplein), Beursplein (close to Dam Square) and Westergasfabriek will have an ice rink, skate hire and surrounding poffertjes (mini pancakes) stalls to complete a winter wonderland feeling. Entrance is free on all ice-skating rinks (except for the 400m Jaap Edenbaan rink) if you bring your own skates with you. A pair of skates can also be rented for about €4. Museumplein - Ice-skating Rink  = 21 December - 2 March In front of the Rijksmuseum on the Museum Square (Museumplein) is a man-made pond. This is transformed in winter time into a real skating rink. Open from 8:00 to 22:00, bring your own skates or hire some there. The artificial ice rink behind the Rijksmuseum is free. In the evenings it will be festively illuminated. At the Cobra Café next to the skating rink you can have a break and enjoy refreshments. There will also be a stall selling poffertjes (miniature pancakes with powdered sugar). Open: 10:00-20:00 (Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat) Leidseplein - Ice-skating Rink 1 November till January Leidseplein will boast a real skating rink this year. The ice rink will be created in the same place as in former years, at the centre of the many cafés and restaurants between Leidsestraat and the Stadsschouwburg theatre. At the rink you will be able to hire skates if you don't have any yourself. The rink is open daily from 10:00 to 23:00 and is free of charge. Skates are available to rent for €4. Oliebollen (doughnut ball), poffertjes (small Dutch pancakes), waffles and braadworst are served up in little stalls around the rink. Open: 10:00-23:00 (Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat)   Beursplein - Ice-skating Rink  =  1 November till January Open: 10:00-23:00 (Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu); 10:00-24:00 (Fri Sat) Westergasfabriek (Westerpark) - Ice-skating Rink  = 5 December till January A covered ice-skating rink, next to Pacific Parc , including a winter restaurant. Open: 15:00-22:00 (Mon Tue Thu Fri), 12:00-22:00 (Wed Sat Sun) Wittenburgerplein - Ice-skating Rink (IJ Waterfront) = 5 - 18 December Open: 11:00-21:00 (Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat) Jaap Edenbaan   October-March The Jaap Eden Baan's marvelous outdoor rink, named after the legendary multiple Dutch world champion ice skating and cycle racing, is popular in wintertime, but unless you're highly competent, watch out for the long lines of speed skaters. Address: Radioweg 64 (Oost/Watergraafsmeer)     Dates and Time details are approximate and based on our experience over the years