Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam, and certainly the most famous park in the Netherlands, which welcomes about 10 million visitors every year. The Vondelpark is located south of Leidseplein and quite near of the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum.
The Vondelpark is loved by Amsterdammers as well as by tourists, and is full of people - enjoying a sunny day, dog-walking, jogging, roller-skating, listening to music, people-watching, or just lazing about in grass. Free concerts are given at the open-air theatre or in the summer at the park's bandstand. Other attractions are the statue of the poet Vondel, the cast iron music dome, the Groot Melkhuis with playground for children, and the Film museum with its popular terrace. lots more...
The Amsterdam School - style of architecture (1915-1940)
 The city of Amsterdam pioneered the idea of the municipal, low cost housing for the working class. Most of the buildings were constructed in the first half of the 20th century, when a special law (Woningwet, 1901) made it possible for the municipalities and the housing cooperatives in the Netherlands, to receive the financing from the state. This law as well as later legislation, created the whole wave of public housing constructions, with its peak in the 1920's. Large parts of Amsterdam beyond the old center were built in a distinctive, original style called the Amsterdam School style of architecture (Dutch: Amsterdamse School).
The characteristics of the Amsterdam School style
 The School of Amsterdam style was largely influenced by expressionism. The buildings were often built in round and expressive forms, with towers, ornamental spires and decorative windows and doors. The walls of the Amsterdam School houses certify to the craftsmanship of its builders; constructed from many sorts of differently profiled bricks, despite its decorations remain simple and clean in their form. The usually figurative sculptures were integrated into these brick buildings. Wrought iron elements, usually painted black or very dark green (so called Amsterdam green), were used as simple decorative or functional elements. Elaborate but sober in its expression carpentry, usually painted white or again dark green, completes the buildings.
 The most important architect of the Amsterdam school style was Michel de Klerk who in one apartment block called Het Schip (The Ship) established all principal aesthetical solutions of this style, developed later by architects as C. J. Blaauw, J. Crouwel, J.Gratama, P. H. Endt, P.L.Kramer, P. L. Marnette, J.M. van der Mey, J. F. Staal and H. Th. Wijdeveld. Their work, as well as their mostly socialist ideas about low cost housing and city planning, turned the School of Amsterdam into the real artistic and social movement with its own periodic publication called Wendingen ("Windings”) published until 1931.
 Although the biggest Dutch architect of the 20th century, Hendrik Petrus Berlage, seen today as the Father of the Modern Architecture in the Netherlands, in his work stood largely beyond the Amsterdam School, his plans for the vast expansion of Amsterdam were executed by the architects from this artistic movement.
The Amsterdam School style of architecture gave fine buildings also in other Dutch cities with the examples of this style in The Hague (the department store Bijenkorf, 1924) and Utrecht (post office by J.Crouwel, 1924) and other cities. But it is in Amsterdam that most of the finest examples of this style can be seen.
Influence on Dutch architecture
Today, you may still observe the repercussions of this style in the Dutch architecture as much valued use of the brick wall and generally sober architecture of the low cost housing. Ironically the wonderful decorative side of the Amsterdam School was already in the thirties of the 20th century resented as excessive. The reaction was traditionalist in its form and rejecting decorations the School of Delft (Dutch: Delftse School) of the Dutch architecture of the 1930´s.
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Amsterdam architecture
Throughout the year Amsterdam is one of Europe's foremost architecture and design city, not only because of 17-th century rings of canals. Amsterdam is where modern architecture developed organically between facades of historical buildings. Since it is not a very big city, all sites of interest are within acceptable distance, this is why Amsterdam is so popular with lovers of architecture.
Canal rings houses
The old centre was formed by rings of canals with unique mostly 17th century residences of wealthy merchants, financiers, craftsmen, doctors, lawyers, politicians and artists. Because of lack of space, these houses were mostly narrow, not more than 30ft wide (9 meters). They are are characterized by big narrow windows, decorative gable tops, very narrow stairs inside and pulley outside to transport larger objects to upper floors. Very often the residences served also as businesses. Merchant’s houses had their storage in attics and cellars. Sometimes the lift was installed in the middle of the house plan, to transport the goods between floors. The office of the merchant was usually on the ground floor. Like in Venice the canals were the main way of transporting the goods.
Classicism
At the end of the 18th century classicism produced in Amsterdam several monumental buildings, with probably the most interesting called Felix Meritis by Jacob Otten.
Historicism and Art Deco
The development of Amsterdam into the modern city at the end of the 19th century resulted in construction of the several landmark city buildings as Central Station, Central Post Office (today rebuilt into a shopping mall Magna Plaza), Rijksmuseum (State Museum), Stedelijk Museum (Municipal Museum), Stadsschouwburg (City Theater), Concertgebouw (City Philharmonic)and St. Nicolaaskerk. The foremost architect of this was P.J.H.Cuypers. Architecture of these building was searching for the historical inspiration, using elements of gothic and renaissance.
Art Deco popular at the turn of the 19th century in the whole Europe, left several interesting buildings in Amsterdam with the American Hotel as its foremost example with wonderful interior of the café and lunch room.
Hendrik Petrus Berlage
At the beginning of the 20th century an important milestone has been a vast plan of the expansion of Amsterdam into the dimension of the European metropolis, called Plan Zuid (Plan South - 1915) by an architect H.P.Berlage, often regarded as the Father of the Modern Dutch architecture.
Located just near the Dam square the Stock Exchange building (1903, now called Beurs van Berlage and used as exhibition and concert hall) also by the architect Berlage precedes the Amsterdam School style and is often regarded as influential to the whole Dutch architecture of the first half of the 20th.
The Amsterdam School style
At the beginning of the 20th century, the new housing law in the Netherlands started the boom of the low cost housing for the working class. Most of these quarters were built in a new distinctive style called the Amsterdam School (Dutch: Amsterdamse School). It was first applied by Michel de Kerk is a housing block called Het Schip (The Ship) - today regarded as a monument, with the museum of this architecture style in a former post office.
Functionalism (1920-1970) and after
As in many other European countries Dutch architecture after 1920 has been influenced by the ideas of the French architect Le Corbusier. New technologies – use of concrete, prefabrication, standardization as well as strongly emphasized function of the building are characteristic for architecture of this movement. The most important architects were Gerrit Rietveld, Jacobus Oud, Johannes Duiker, Cornelis van Eesteren, Michiel Brinkman and Leendert van der Vlugt. The finest examples of functionalism were, still influenced by the Amsterdam School style housing district Betondorp (1921-1928) and Van Gogh Museum, by Gerrit Rietveld (1963-1973).
Later years (before 1990) brought several different streams in Dutch architecture. The most interesting architects of the 1960-1990 in Amsterdam were Aldo van Eyck, Herman Hertzberger. Still, it may seem that functionalism has been heavily influencing new projects.
Amsterdam after 1990
Modern architecture in the Netherlands after 1990 is one of the most interesting in the world. Interesting realizations include Silodam, the New Islands (Borneo, Java, Sporenburg, KNSM), IJburg. Many Dutch architects who recognized abroad have their works here, including the Rotterdam based star architect Rem Koolhaas, Sjoerd Soeters, Wiel Arets, Benthem & Crouwel, Ben van Berkel, Ton Alberts.
Foreign architects include Renzo Piano (Nemo Museum, called before the New Metropolis), Sven-Ingvar Andersson (creation of the new Museumplein), Antonio Cruz and Antonio Ortiz (rebuilding of the Rijksmuseum).
International Theater School Festival – ITS
Each year, just before summer students recess, a special festival presents in Amsterdam a wide range of theater performances by the students of the Dutch theater schools. The International Theatre School Festival – ITS presents also work mime, dance and opera performance by young artists. Usually theater schools from one or more European countries participate in the event. Special workshops accompany ITS festival and special awards are given.
The shows take place in different theatres all over Amsterdam. The festival begins by a festive show with a big party afterwards. Night parties where spectators mix with the performers are the great attraction of the ITS.
A full program of the festival is usually known at the beginning of June. A special free program booklet is published. Be careful to select your shows earlier since each production gives only one or two performances.
Many productions are in English and the language of the show is usually indicated in the festival booklet.
Timing:
Second half of June. In 2008: June 18 until June 28.
Venues:
Compagnietheater, Frascati, De Brakke Grond, De Engelenbak, Comedy Theater, CEA, De Kleine Komedie, Theaterschool, Bellevue, Rozentheater, Bellevue Theater, NDSM-Werf and more.
Tickets:
Tickets are available in the presales via Uit Buro or via the central ticket office of the ITS festival. Reservations are possible. You may also buy the tickets one hour before the show at the theater where the performance takes place. Only the students activity center CREA, does not have a ticket office - tickets for the shows there should be bought at the central ITS ticket office. Batch tickets giving entry for 5 and 10 productions are also sold (reservations necessary).
Red Light District
Heart of The RedLight District
Location is the bridge over the canal at Damstraat and Oudezijds Achterburgwal (canal) is in the heart of the Red Light District. some of the most popular "coffeeshops" in Amsterdam are all around you. Boys or Girls for rent just down the street.. After dark the streets come alive with action..have fun and stay safe! |
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Try and go in a group or at least go with a friend to avoid attracting any unwanted attention.
Do not buy from dealers whether it's drugs or bikes or else you will find yourself on the other side of the law! Amsterdam Police are very cool but expect you to know better.
Do not take photos of the occupied windows - this is strictly prohibited and any attempt will be quickly stamped out (it could get messy for you, you have been warned!).
Watch out for pickpockets, as this is almost always an extremely overcrowded area.
Don’t only visit the Red Light District otherwise you may get the wrong idea about the Dutch and Amsterdam as this is not all we are about! Enjoy yourself, as a trip down the RLD will leave a lasting impression. We love it and keep an apartment there for visiting friends to enjoy.
Additional warnings and insights at RedLIGHT District Amsterdam Here |
Red Light District
From brothels to sex shops to museums, the Red Light District leaves nothing to the imagination. It is very likely that you will have heard about this neighborhood and to be frank, everything you will have heard is probably true , but to really put rumors to rest, you have got to check it out for yourself. The Rossebuurt, as the locals know it, is unlike any other place. Guaranteed. Certainly, the Red Light District that everyone knows about is the one where women, of all nationalities, parade their wares in red-fringed window parlors, many ready to offer more than a school boy peep-show in a private cabin. Another familiar image of the R
ed Light District is of packs of men, young and old , couples holding hands and pointing in shock of it all, giggling groups of women celebrating a hen night , and busloads of Japanese tourists toting cameras (except not in the direction of the female entertainers! Strictly banned!). This is proof enough that the RLD deserves a visit, if not a little look in.
Perhaps what few really notice is that the Rossebuurt (Dutch for ‘pink’ or ‘red’ neighborhood) is in fact one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city with its long winding narrow, cobbled streets and utterly charming 14 th century architecture,
such as the gothic Oudekerk, or Old Church. The Red Light District simply oozes charm and one cannot help but admire the old buildings that lean at odd-angles, and the tree-enshrouded canals. Music, especially during the summer season, invites you to linger just that little bit longer while the arrival of new classier eateries and great authentic restaurants such as Café Pacifico, one of Europe 's first Mexican restaurants, make it so appealing. Recently resurfaced streets, restored facades and trendier clientele to the area are now transforming what was once a dark and seedy part of town.
Amsterdam prides itself, and rightly so, on its wholly liberal and tolerant attitude, embracing the fact that people may be into prostitution, soft drugs and pornography-and this is only human. So instead of criminalizing everything, this very up front city wears its heart on its sleeve-what you see is generally what you get. Enjoy the honesty of it all, as you won’t find it anywhere else. So how do you get to it? It depends which RLD you are looking for as there are in fact three Red Light Districts in Amsterdam: the main area is in the Walletjes area (between Central Station and Nieuwenmarkt), and the other two, in Singel (between Raadhuistraat and Central Station) and de Pijp (along the canal to the East and behind the Rijksmuseum).
Prostitution in Amsterdam
Prostitution is legal in Holland, and in Amsterdam most of it is concentrated in the various Red Light Districts where it has enjoyed a long tradition of tolerance. Since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to legally ply their trade. Today, prostitutes in the Netherlands are also taxpayers. Unfortunately, discrimination is still very much part and parcel in this trade as many prostitutes report that some banks even refuse to grant mortgages for example. However, now as a legal profession, the government ensures that all prostitutes are able to access medical care and work in better conditions by regulating and monitoring working practices and standards. Help is also at hand in the district itself thanks to the Prostitution Information Center. Also, contrary to popular belief, the RLD is actually the safest area in Amsterdam as clusters of policemen, and private bodyguards employed by the girls themselves are always on duty.
Condom shop Het Gulden Vlies
This shop is a kingdom of condoms. It has all colors, shapes, sizes and flavors. Some are even hand painted and are for decoration only. You can find a surprising amount of information and books about our rubber friend, and it even has a small condom museum.
Did you know?
Window prostitution is distinct to the Netherlands. Until recently, there was also a tipple -zone (pick-up area) servicing the needs of clientele on the move. Utrecht, 30 minutes east of Amsterdam, has its own canal-based RLD, Rotterdam has a number of sex clubs or private houses (privenhuizen) and smaller cities like Groningen and Alkmaar have also jumped on the red light bandwagon.
So where to go?
Well, if curiosity does get the better of you, come down at night when the district really comes to life. During the day, the district is less lively and even less attractive as the more sordid aspects reveal themselves in natural daylight. Although there are women forever tapping on the windows even during the light hours, most of the action takes place around 11pm , when the district is swarming with crowds and the red neon lights illuminate the inky canals. The atmosphere pretty much thrives until around 2 or 3am when the crowds die down and businesses shut up shop.
Whether you are window-shopping, Amsterdam style, or actually wanting to buy something, there is likely to be a place, window, or even two, that cater to your every whim. For those not easily offended, there are plenty of live sex shows and the most notorious of these go on at the theatres Casa Rosa (OZ Achterburgwal) and the infamous Moulin Rouge (Oudezijds Achterburgwal 5-7). For the merely curious, there are numerous peep shows that may come with video booths. But of course, for the more adventurous among us, there are more interactive shows, for example at de Bananenbar (Oudezijds Achterburgwal 37). Exactly what goes on in these places is up to you to discover, if you so wish. For goods, there is a somewhat eclectic mix of videos, magazines, sex aids and toys. The RLD is also home to many gay bars and cinemas which can be found on the very busy Warmoesstraat. If the Red light alleyways are not your cup of tea, there are a number of brothels and private houses that offer a more traditional form of prostitution.
For culture, you don’t need to look very far as the very picturesque Zeedijk, the Jewish quarter, Waterloo Square and Nieuwmarkt Square lie just around the corner. RLD also boasts a string of unusual shops and pubs, so be sure to visit. And restaurants? Try the stylish Mediterranean kitchen , the Blauw aan de Wal ( Oudezijds Achterburgwal 99), the French brasserie Café Roux (Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197 or head down to Chinatown.
Hotels in Amsterdam RedLight District
Although the area of Red light district may look dodgy, it is certainly not any dangerous place to stay. It is actually quite safe and well controlled part of the city, Amsterdam's heart of night entertainment. Hotels located directly in the Red Light District are often preferred by visitors seeking the close feel and excitement of Amsterdam's night life. If you still look for more quiet area, there are many hotels just a short walk away.
Amsterdam Red Light District tours
The REDLight District is certainly the major Amsterdam's tourist attraction and there are several tour agencies and independent tour guides offering guided tours. A guided tour can certainly provide you with more information while hearing some interesting stories about the history of the oldest profession in the world.
Book your REDLight District tour here
Chinatown - In the Red Light District zone
Chinatown Amsterdam looks nice, but Amsterdam doesn't have many chinese looking buildings, because by law we all need to keep the traditional Amsterdam style. But we did build an entrance port in chinese style at the beginning or the area.
The Chinese of Amsterdam
The Chinese people who arrived in the Netherlands from around 1900 onwards were nearly all seafarers and, in particular, stokers who worked on the steamships of the big shipping companies.
In Amsterdam, the Chinese community lived in and around the Binnen Bantammerstraat 
. The Dutch public only really became familiar with the Chinese when they began to sell peanut biscuits on the streets in 1931.
Calling the area simply Chinatown is a bit misleading as there are also dozens of Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai restaurants and cafés scattered along the streets and canals. This buzzing zone of Far East/Asian restaurants, shops, salons, pharmacies, markets and martial even art schools has received rave reviews, and deservedly so. 
Amsterdam's Chinatown has exploded in the past few years. It's gone beyond it's confines in the Red Light District and is now spilling over past the Nieuwmarkt.
Restaurants
In 1928, the first Chinese restaurant (named 'Kong Hing'), which also attracted Dutch diners, was opened in the Binnen Bantammerstraat. The Chinese population consequently grew after the Second World War. The Binnen Bantammerstraat remained the centre of the Chinese in Holland for a long time. Apart from the string of restaurants, it was also home to gambling houses and opium dens that were only open to the Chinese themselves.
In the many REAL Chinese restaurants - as opposed to Indonesian Chinese which is lacking the finesse of true Chinese cuisine - you can get authentic and really tasty Chinese food, like spicy Sichuan or Hunnan. 
These restaurants are easy to spot as the ducks are usually hung in the front window.
Besides restaurants and markets, there are some very interesting shops with all sorts of dry goods from China. Everything from Dragon masks to ceramics to incense can be found in these stores.
To round out your asian day do make a special effort to go into the Taiwanese Fo Kuang Sham temple on the Zeedlijk. Chinatown in Amsterdam isn't that big. But it has the largest traditionaly build temple in Europe. It was opened by special monks who never leave their country. It stands as testament to the harmony between the local Dutch and Chinese communities.
You can also find apothecaries selling all sorts of Asian remedies for whatever ails you. Martial arts schools can focus your mind and body and help develop confidence and clarity.
So the "new" Chinatown in Amsterdam has already transformed the Red Light District into a more friendly place for tourists and locals to enjoy Asian culture and great food!
The Zeedijk with its traditional Chinese restaurants and shops
Over the years, Chinatown has gone from strength to strength and today, booming businesses are expanding into many of the surrounding areas.
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If you love to try and cook Chinese food as we do and want to make your dishes truly authentic, visit the Oriental Supermarket which stocks a vast array of dry goods imported from China. Some of the supermarkets here are 5 floors high so be sure to go early if you want to see everything! |
Thai Restaurant Bird
A range of Thai specialties including the red and green curry, noodles, soups and snacks.
Zeedijk 72-74
Thai Snack-bar Bird
Just opposite it's restaurant, the snack bar Bird is undoubtedly the best value eating of it's kind in central Amsterdam, excellent and spicy Thai food. Try the beef noodle soup and chicken on basilicum and peppers.
Address: Zeedijk 77
MP3 Red Light Tour
Explore the back streets of Amsterdam’s most notorious neighborhood with this unique audio tour downloaded direct to your iPod or MP3 player. Available at Walki-Talki.com.
Red Light District tour
Exclusive tours will show you the highlights of the neighborhood.
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Amsterdam RAI
Amsterdam RAI is one of the largest exhibition and conference centers in the Netherlands, hosting most of international trade fairs, exhibitions, and congresses held in Amsterdam.
Exhibition and congress centre
The fully air-conditioned RAI complex is the main exhibition and congress centre in the Netherlands. Total exhibition area covers 87,000 m2 with 11 multifunctional halls available for exhibitions, trade fairs, cultural or sport events. The Congress Centre comprises 22 congress and conference rooms with capacity up to 1750 persons. For large gatherings one of the exhibition halls can be fitted out as a conference hall.
Catering services
The overall capacity of the restaurants at RAI is over 3000 persons. Four restaurants are arranged for self-service, while the specialty restaurants La Ronde and the Brasserie do have a waiter service. Catering services can provide any desired form of catering, supplying stands and catering for receptions, press conferences, banquets, parties and product presentations.
Accessibility
The RAI is located in the south of Amsterdam business quarter in the immediate vicinity of the World Trade Center. The train from Amsterdam airport takes about ten minutes to reach Amsterdam RAI station, also public transport stop in front of the RAI. The centre features parking for approximately 4600 cars, in immediate vicinity there is a parking place for another 7500 vehicles and also for coaches. The RAI's landing stage serves as the access point for a canal boat trip.
Amsterdam RAI
Europaplein
1078 AZ Amsterdam
P.O.Box 77777
1070 MS Amsterdam
Website: http://www.rai.nl
World Trade Center - Amsterdam
World Trade Center, Amsterdam offers a fully equipped conference center with an auditorium for 200 persons, 12 board and meeting rooms including all catering facilities. WTC has also a vivid business club that meets regularly. Tenants and visitors are welcome for shopping in the shopping centre.
WTC Amsterdam
Strawinskylaan 1
1077 XW Amsterdam
Phone: +31-(0)20-575.91.11
Fax: +31-(0)20-662.72.55
Website: http://www.wtcamsterdam.com
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Bijenkorf
De Bijenkorf is the largest department store in Amsterdam
If you like shopping or if you just like to visit the interesting shops, the biggest Amsterdam department store, centrally located at the Dam square - De Bijenkorf (The Beehive) is not to be missed.
When visiting De Bijenkorf, do not just expect to fulfill your needs; rather enjoy the store’s selection and its taste. Here is the big, six floors high department store like a feast - full of light, surprising with interesting objects, shinning with modern design, a mixture of intelligence and fun.
Since 1870
The history of De Bijenkorf dates back till 1870, when Philip Goudsmit opened its first the shop with buttons and sewing supplies at the busy Nieuwendjik street. During the renovation of the shop in 1912, it had to be temporary moved to the Dam square. The sales quadrupled and ever since the Bijenkorf, now in its monumental building dating from 1957 (designed by Marcel Breuer), has been located at the Dam square.
An institution
The Bijenkorf is an institution. Not only because of the quality of it’s up market choice and sometimes high prices. The store contains a restaurant and a coffee bar, art gallery and a hairdresser for the young people. It organizes festivities, concerts, fashion shows, cultural travels and exhibitions. It issues its own credit card and a periodical magazine.In short as Amsterdamers', and Dutchman we've grown up, shopping at Bijenkorf.
No wonder The Bijenkorf bears the proud title Koninklijke – Royal. The Royal Bijenkorf - because it’s rich history is inseparably linked with the history of Amsterdam and the Netherlands. De Bijenkorf and its personnel bravely resisted German occupation during the WWII. The store has been burnt two times, remaining opened throughout the war years. As Jewish-owned, De Bijenkorf had to be formally handed over for the time of the Nazi rule in the Netherlands, to non-Jewish proprietors.
Today, De Bijenkorf also has stores in all the bigger Dutch cities. It also owns the chain of the good quality low price stores called HEMA (from the Dutch: Hollandsche Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam, established in 1926).
Still, its central department store centrally located at the Dam, just to the left of the Krasnapolsky Hotel, and with the Beurs van Berlage next door, remains its flagship, proudly waving the flag of The Netherlands at the top of its 6 story building.
Dwaze dagen – Crazy days
Once a year, usually at the end of September or in October The Bijenkorf organizes three crazy days of special sales. Many objects of the top world’s luxury brands are sold at large discount, usually 25% cheaper but often as much as 40%. Amazingly the discounted products often belong to the actually most sought out and popular. On each of the three Crazy Days different products are discounted. The store opens during these days at 8.AM and the impatient crowd will find many products inside wrapped in a bright yellow paper. They will be unwrapped on each of the following days of this shopping madness.
A word to the new customer
De Bijenkorf is an up market, luxury department store and not a discount warehouse. Do not expect a complete range of products in any of De Bijenkorf numerous departments. The choice remains always selective, sharp and intelligent.
Open:
Monday 11.00 - 18.00 h.
Tuesday 9.30 - 18.00 h.
Wednesday 9.30 - 18.00 h.
Thursday 9.30 - 21.00 h.
Friday 9.30 - 21.0 h.
Saturday 9.30- 18.00 h.
Sunday 12.00 - 18.00 h.
Parking
Parking in the garages of Bijenkorf (Dam) is available for up to 487 cars. The rates are following: the first 3 hours 1,40 per 30 minutes; one hour before and one hour after the store opening EUR 1,60 per 30 minutes; then EUR 1,40 per 30 minutes which is also a night rate.
Geting there:
From Amsterdam Central Station by tram 4,9,16,24, 25 - Only 1 tram stop to The Dam.
Website: www.bijenkorf.nl
Begijnhof
The Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard dating from the early 14th century. Nothing survived of the earliest dwellings, but the Begijnhof, which is cut off from Amsterdam's traffic noise, still retains a sanctified atmosphere. The Begijnhof was originally built as a sanctuary for the Begijntjes, a Catholic sisterhood who lived like nuns, although they took no monastic vows.
The beautiful houses overlook its well-kept green garden, include the Amsterdam's oldest surviving house Het Houten Huis dating from around 1420. On the adjoining walls, there is a fascinating collection of wall plaques with biblical theme. Southern fringe of the square is dominated by the Engelse Kerk (English Church) which dates from the 15 century and possesses its original medieval tower.
Houses in Begijnhof are still occupied by single women, so please respect their privacy and be quiet.
The Begijnhof Chapel (No. 29 and 30), a clandestine church, was completed in 1680. It contains many reminders of the Catholic past.
The Begijnhof history
It is unclear when exactly the Begijnhof was established. According a document the Beguines lived in 1346 in a house called "Beghynhuys". Later, in 1389, in a privileged letter there is mention of a courtyard.
Nowadays Begijnhof is one of Amsterdam's top 10 attractions.
Is open daily 9.00-13.00.
Civic Guards Gallery (Schuttersgalerij)
A part of the exhibit of the Amsterdam Historical Museum, consists of an impressive gallery of old portraits of the important citizens of Amsterdam - men and women. In a high, naturally lit corridor, big 17th century paintings were exhibited. The gallery is accessible to all visitors from the Begijnhof via a huge glass, located at the far end of the courtyard. Leave the Begijnhof and immediately take left to the Gedempte Begijnesloot dead end street. The entry to the gallery is free.
Amsterdam main train station is the real heart of the city - central not only by the name, but also as the biggest public transport transfer spot, serving not only visitors to Amsterdam, but also city inhabitants. Every day 250 0000 people go through the Amsterdam Central Station (Dutch: Amsterdam Central or shortly: CS; code: Asd). 
The taxis are waiting just in front of the station Main Entry (Hoofdingang). Other means of transport – busses and trams are located at hand on both sides of the station building. The entry to the metro is located in front of the station Eastern Entry (Ingang Oost). The city ferry boat lines linking the city with Amsterdam North are located behind the station at its Northern Exit, across the street - at the waterfront. 
Situated right underneath a windmill in old Amsterdam, a short bus ride from Centraal Station (no. 22 - ask for the windmill), Brouwerij 't IJ is a Dutch microbrewery with a picture-postcard location. 'Micro' is a good descriptor: its brewing capacity is a mere 2000 litres and it does not export - the brewery is unable even to supply local demand. However, despite its small size and output, it has a remarkably large and loyal following among beer afficionados all over the world. Why? Because of its beers, that's why. 
