Situated in a series of monumental 17th century houses Restaurant Vermeer offers top-quality gourmet dining.

The restaurant in located within the NH Barbizon Palace Hotel, just across from Amsterdam Central Station. »

Founded sometime in the 14th century for the Beguines, members of a lay Catholic sisterhood, the Begijnhof is one of Amsterdam’s oldest inner courtyards — and one of the city’s best known landmarks.

Access to the private property is strictly regulated in order to maintain both the courtyard’s tranquility and the privacy of its inhabitants. »

The Droog Design group is a design collective based in Amsterdam whose work has garnered international fame.

To a large extent their work has defined Dutch design internationally. »

The Nieuwmarkt is one of Amsterdam’s most popular squares, dominated by a castle-like former city gate.

The square is lined by two dozen cafés and coffeeshops, and has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. »

Rembrandtplein, one of Amsterdam’s favorite centers of nightlife, is getting a makeover.

When finished the square — named after Holland’s most famous painter — will be safer, cleaner and much more beautiful.

The €3.5 million make-over project is scheduled for completion by December, 2009. »

Amsterdam’s medieval core is divided in an ‘Old Side’ and a ‘New Side.’ We’ll show you which is which, and tell you how these terms came into use. And yes, the Old Side is actually slightly newer than the New Side.

Included in this entry: the oldest known city map of Amsterdam, painted in 1538. »

The Oudezijds Kolk is a narrow sluice that runs from the Oosterdok — the water to the north of Prins Hendrikkade — to the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, in one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam.

While even many Amsterdam locals don’t know what ‘Oudezijds Kolk’ actually means, understanding the name of this narrow canal will give you more insight into the life and history of old Amsterdam. »

In the past sketches and paintings of this bridge were used to draw provincials to Amsterdam.

To-date this is still one of the city’s most photographed and painted views. »

The construction of the Zeedijk (sea dike) at the beginning of the 13th century meant that Amsterdam — which at that time was called Aemstelledam — was no longer subjected to regular flooding.

Through the centuries the street has seen many highs and lows, but currently it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. »

The City of Amsterdam intends to withdraw business licenses of an Israeli family often referred to as the ‘Kosher Mafia.’ »

A look at Damrak, the ‘Red Carpet’ that leads from Amsterdam Central Station to Dam square. »

Amsterdam has an abundance of outdoor art, including this sculpture… »

Enjoy the 10th Anniversary of the Canals Festival, and the 26th edition of the Prinsengracht Concert. »

The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel — Amsterdam’s favorite hostel, right smack-dab in the middle of, well, downtown Amsterdam. »

Tips and information about services in and around Amsterdam’s Central Station. »

Central Station — the hub of Amsterdam »

Built on 13,659 wooden piles, Amsterdam’s Royal Palace on Dam Square — which started life as the city’s Town Hall — was once described as the world’s Eight Wonder. »

A huge tourist draw, Amsterdam’s notorious Red Light district is under scrunity by Dutch authorities »

See 15 bridges from one spot in Amsterdam »

Amsterdam museum: 17th century ‘hidden’ church, merchants house, and 17th century religious artefacts »

Allard Pierson Museum is the archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam. »