Full article: Restaurant Vermeer

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.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Begijnhof – Amsterdam Beguinage

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.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Droog: Dutch Design

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.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Nieuwmarkt / New Market

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.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Rembrandtplein to get a new look

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 Tourist Information

Full article: Medieval Amsterdam: Old Side and (older) New Side

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.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Oudezijds Kolk, one of Amsterdam’s last sluices dating to the Middle Ages

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.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Amsterdam: Armbrug

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.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Zeedijk – One of Amsterdam’s oldest streets

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.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Amsterdam vs. the ‘Kosher Mafia’

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

Amsterdam Tourist Information