THE CITY'S DEFENSE LINE

Built between 1880 and 1920 by the Ministry of War around the Dutch town, Amsterdam's defence line is a defensive wall which is 135km long. Today, it is classed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco and forms part of the national heritage.

THE VAN GOGH MUSEUM

Built in 1973, this low-key and modern museum has several levels and houses some 200 of the artist's paintings (almost a quarter of his total production) and over 500 drawings and sketches which are complemented by various documents and objects that belonged to him.

7, Paulus Potterstraat
Tel. +31 (0)20 570 52 52
www.vangoghmuseum.nl

THE RIJKSMUSEUM

Nestled in an imposing red-brick house, this famous and vast museum is classed as one of the most beautiful in the world and owes its international fame to an incomparable collection of paintings by the Dutch masters from the Golden century.
1, Jan Luijkenstraat
Tel. +31 (0)20 674 70 00
www.rijksmuseum.nl

ANNE FRANK'S HOUSE

It is here that the Frank family lived in complete secrecy after having fled from Nazi Germany. The story of this reclusive life was recorded day by day by the young Anne Frank in her famous diary.
267, Prinsengracht
quartier du Jordaan,
Tél +31 (0)20-556 71 05
www.annefrank.nl

THE HISTORY OF AMSTERDAM MUSEUM

Located in the heart of the city, in the walls of the former municipal orphanage, this museum offers a trip back through seven centuries of history, from the birth of Amsterdam to the present day. On display: everyday objects, paintings from the Golden Age, archaeological discoveries, armour, jewellery, furniture, porcelain and photographs etc.
92, Kalverstraat
Tél +31 20 523 18 22
www.ahm.nl

REMBRANDT'S HOUSE

The artist lived here between 1639 and 1659; it houses a large collection of his etchings which were mostly carried out here and numerous paintings from artists who inspired Rembrandt.
4, Jodenbreestraat
Té.l +31 20 520 04 00
www.rembrandthuis.nl

For children… THE POEZENBOOT (THE CAT BOAT)

Without doubt the most photographed sanctuary in the world: a secure boat so the small guests rescued by the association don't fall in the water!
38, Singel
Tél : +31 20 625 87 94
www.poezenboot.nl

CRUISE WITH COMMENTARY OR DINNER ON THE CANALS

An open-air crossing during the day or a romantic cruise with dinner on board, it is on the water that Amsterdam reveals it's best side. Lots of companies offer cruises with commentary in several languages.

HIRE A BOAT

You don't need a licence or any experience to hire a boat and cruise the canals at your own pace for a "private" cruise.
AMSTERDAM BOATS B.V.
42, Korte Prinsengracht
Tél : +31 20 624 76 35
www.rentaboatamsterdam.com

HIRE A PEDALO

There are several places where you can hire and moor pedalos in the city centre. An original, fun and sporty way to discover Amsterdam.
CANAL BIKE PUZZLETOUR
26, Weteringschans
Tél : +31 20 623 98 86
http://www.canal.nl

For children… CRUISE AND PANCAKE BUFFET!

A cruise on the canals with a large Pancake buffet on board allowing you to enjoy a range of toppings.
38, Ms. van Riemsdijkweg
Tél +31 20 636 88 17
http://www.pannenkoekenboot.nl

Amsterdam has a big place in its heart for live music in the cafés and outdoors in parks on nice days. The city is also renowned for its classical music and opera concerts.

THEATRE

The city's main theatres are mostly found around Leidseplein including the Stadsschouwburg (municipal theatre).

SHOWS

THE PARADISO
A cultural and musical centre, it offers a extremely varied programme of rock, pop, dance, rap and world music with prestigious groups regularly performing here.
6,8, Weteringschans
Tél : +31 20 626 45 21
www.paradiso.nl

THE MELKWEG
An unmissable cultural venue in Amsterdam which houses a multimedia centre and a theatre for performances, concerts and film showings.
234, Lijbaansgracht
Tél : +31 20 531 81 81
www.melkweg.nl

THE OLD TOWN

Amsterdam's old town is relatively small and so the distances are relatively short. The canal sector, the Jordan district and the Red-light district are best discovered on foot allowing you to look up and scrutinise the detail of the facades from the Golden century.

THE CANAL

The four grand canals, the Singel, the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht and the Prinsengracht which flow into the Amstel constitute the structure of a blooming area from its centre and constitute the most authentic part of the city. The belt of Amsterdam's canals is classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

THE JORDAN

This popular district is bursting at the seams with artisans and authentic stalls which can be discovered whilst strolling through the narrow alleys bordered by small houses, dotted with thousands of curiosities and frequented by a heterogeneous population.

THE COFFEESHOPS

They are permitted to sell small amounts of cannabis. Strictly taxed and regulated by the State, they are not authorised to sell to under-18s and cannot sell more than 5 grams to any one client.

THE ANTIQUITIES DISTRICT

The Spiegelkwartier, the museum quarter, is Amsterdam's centre of antiquities. Around this "avenue" leading to the Rijksmuseum, there is an impressive choice of antiques: paintings, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, furniture, coins and books etc.

THE RED-LIGHT DISTRICT

Amsterdam's "Red-Light District", the Dutch capital's sulphurous district is over 800-years old. Famous for its numerous windows with neon red lights where prostitutes offer themselves to passers-by, you can also find the hashish museum, the museum of eroticism and many cabarets. The district covers a large part of the old town to the South of the Central Station, its "hot" part is located in the De Wallen district and is centred around the Oude Kerk church and along the oudezijds achterburgwal canal.

EUROPE'S SMALLEST HOUSE

Europe's smallest house (2.02 metres wide) is in Amsterdam at 22, Oude Hoogstraat, near to the Dam. Centuries ago taxes were based on the width of houses' façades which explains the large number of narrow houses in Amsterdam.

THE CITY'S LAST WOODEN HOUSES

Following the devastating fires of 1421 and 1452 the building of wooden houses was prohibited in Amsterdam. In 1669, the ban was made official and there are now only 2 wooden houses left: at Begijnhof 34 and Zeedijk 1.