AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
About the Area
General Information
A visit to this beautiful city is sometimes like taking a walk into the 17th century. The center of Amsterdam showcases charming architecture dating from this period, which is comfortably accessible via walking tours. However Amsterdam may boast about its 17th century architecture, that's about all that's "old fashioned" about the place. Amsterdam is one of the world's most open and youthful cities, vibrant and alive.
Amsterdam (pop. 724,100) was originally built on the shores of the saltwater 'Zuiderzee' but as a result of centuries of land-reclamation projects the city now borders the freshwater of Ijsselmeer. The center of Amsterdam is shaped like a horseshoe, surrounded by three famous canals called the "Herengracht", "Keizersgracht" and "Prinsengracht". Walking along these peaceful canals is the best way to experience the city's beautiful gabled houses.
At the open end of the "horseshoe" formed by the canal structure you will find the ornate Central Train Station providing convenient access to railway transportation connecting to the other famous Dutch cities and European countries beyond.
Accommodation for you!
International Vacation Accommodation Rentals provides some of the finest luxury apartments and houses in Amsterdam at reasonable prices. Our accommodations are conveniently located in the historic center of the city, many along the canals with beautiful views. Restaurants, shopping, historic sites and charming cafes are within easy walking distance. Each rental is recently refurbished and updated and equipped with a host of amenities.
Each rental is provided with all the conveniences of home including a fully-equipped kitchen with range and microwave and all cooking supplies and table settings, new cable television, sound system, DVD and washer/dryer.
All of our apartments and houses are affordably priced for families or groups and can be rented for short or long term stays. We welcome both vacation and business guests.
A 20% deposit is required to reserve an accommodation, which is applied toward the total rental cost. Please feel free to direct inquiries you may have to us at -
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
contact our agents
Properties
Accommodates up to 6 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 4 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 2 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 4 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 2 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 2 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 2 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 2 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 2 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 4 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 2 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 3 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 3 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 4 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 4 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 4 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 6 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 2 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 4 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 6 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 6 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 5 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 6 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Accommodates up to 6 people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Attractions
Getting Around
Amsterdam lends itself naturally to travel by bicycle. The morning commute is alive with the usual automobile traffic one expects to encounter in a modern city, but in Amsterdam, the real traffic is the peddling kind!
Outside of every restaurant, pub and museum you will find hundreds of cycles chained to public racks or to random poles and signs. There are so many, one wonders how anyone can distinguish his own cycle from another's, but it all seems to work out.
Moms and Dads carry their children with them as they ride to and from, infants in "pouches", toddlers in "booster seats" and when the kids are able to negotiate the streets and bridges on their own they accompany their adult counterparts side by side.
Getting about the city by bicycle is almost a birthright in Amsterdam and it is certainly eco-friendly, so rent your own bike and go with the flow!
Sightseeing highlights
Diamond factories
Amsterdam is one of the world's most important diamond centers, where many famous diamonds were cut and polished. When the diamond trade was introduced to Amsterdam in the 16th century, this city developed into one of the world's most important diamond centers. After the Second World War almost nothing remained of this. During the War more than 2000 Jewish diamond polishers disappeared from Amsterdam into concentration camps in Germany and Poland. After the war the diamond trade was in part returned to its former glory due to the efforts of the diamond merchants and help from abroad. Nowadays the diamond trade attracts millions of tourists and buyers from around the world. Most diamond polishers as well as diamond traders give demonstrations in diamond cutting. Many diamond shops can be found in Amsterdam including Gassan Diamonds, Amsterdam Diamond Center, Van Moppes Diamonds, Stoeltie Diamonds and Coster Diamonds.
The Canals
The canals of course are one of the major attractions of the 'Venice of the North'. By daytime already very charming, by night they become even more enchanting because a lot of the canal houses and bridges are beautifully illuminated. The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel, and of course there are numerous smaller canals, of which the Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant.
You can sample the canal views by taking a canal tour with one of the shipping companies on the Damrak or Rokin. You could also try the more adventurous pedal boats, rental outlets are at strategic points in town, including the Anne Frank house and the Rijksmuseum.
Life on water is very different from life ashore, and if you care to venture into the canals on your own you'll soon find out that it's difficult to get your bearing while afloat. Bring a good map! You can also order a water-taxi (Tel: 622 21 81) to get you from A to B in a pleasant though more expensive way.
Cafes and Bars
Due to the many students in the city there is a wide range of low-budget eetcafes (cafes with pub-style meals). There is little distinction between a cafe and a bar in Amsterdam. Both sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, food and coffee. The kitchen in a bar or cafe usually closes at 21:00. A very nice property of Amsterdam, that you certainly don't find everywhere, is that you pay the same price wherever you sit, it doesn't cost more to sit outside on the terrace. Coffee is served Hollands with evaporated milk, espresso, cappuccino, and verkeerd ("reversed"), which is with lots of hot milk (the Dutch version of a Caffee Latte).
Beer-lovers should try a witbie (white beer) like Hoegaarden or Dentergems, with or without a slice of lemon. You can drink beer and wine from age 16, and spirits from age 18. Amsterdam is a paradise for beer drinkers!
Museums
Rijksmuseum (Exhibition)
Stadhouderskade 4, 1071 ZD Amsterdam
A fantastic display of paintings from many Dutch artists, including Rembrandt. Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Van Gogh Museum (Museum)
7 Paulus Potterstraat, 1071 CX Amsterdam
The life and work of Amsterdam's most famous artist is celebrated in this incredible space. The Museum has an unrivaled collection of Van Gogh's paintings and plays host to a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.
Anne Frank's House (Exhibition)
Prinsengracht 263, 1016 GV Amsterdam
Tel: +31 20 556 71 00
This is the house in which Anne Frank wrote her famous diary, recording her experiences as a member of a Jewish family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in World War II. Open: Daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm April 1st to September 1st - 9:00am to 9:00 pm Closed: On Yom Kippur
Rembrandt House (Building)
Jodenbreestraat 4-6, 1011 NK Amsterdam
Tel: +31 20 624 94 86
The house was lived in by Rembrandt for over 20 years and now contains engravings made by this famous artist. Open: Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Bloemenmarkt (Market)
Singel Canal, Amsterdam
Floating flower market
Grachten (Scenic)
Old Amsterdam
These are the famous Amsterdam canals lined with beautiful town houses.
Stedelijk Museum (Museum)
Paulus Pottersraat 13, 1016 NN Amsterdam
A modern art museum.
Amsterdam Historical Museum (Exhibition)
Kalverstraat 92, 1012 RM Amsterdam
Tel: +31 20 523 18 22
Paintings, photos and artifacts that document the history of Amsterdam. Open: Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sataturday and Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm
Jewish Historical Museum (Exhibition)
Jonas Daniel Meijerplein 2-4, 1011 RH Amsterdam
Tel: +31 20 626 99 45
Impressive museum documenting the history and beliefs of Jews in the Netherlands. Open: Daily 11:00am to 5:00pm
Munttoren (Building)
Muntplein, Amsterdam
One of the most famous landmarks in the city with a spire topped tower.
Muziektheater (Theatre)
Amstel 3, Amsterdam
Opera and ballet house, tours available
Vondelpark (Scenic)
off Vondelstratt, Amsterdam
An expanse of woods, ponds and open lawns, Vondelpark is a great place to relax.
Oude Kerk (Building)
Oudekerksplein, Amsterdam
The oldest church in Amsterdam, dating back to 1200, though re-built since. Open: Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Royal Palace (Building)
Dam Square, Amsterdam
The Royal Palace, formerly the Town Hall, contains a breathtakingly ornate interior.
Houseboat Museum (Museum)
Prinsengracht, Facing Elandsgracht, 1016 HX Amsterdam
Tel: +31 20 427 07 50 Fax: +31 20 427 07 50
A fascinating museum depicting life on a traditional Amsterdam houseboat. Open Tuesday to Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm
