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. »

According to the Municipality of Amsterdam the large number of coffeeshops in the center of town create an infrastructure that encourages criminality. The City refers to such establishments as ‘crimogene‘ — a term used to describe functions that encourage ‘promotion or advancement of — or susceptibility to — criminality.’

The closures are part of the Coalition Project 1012, designed to spruce up downtown Amsterdam by — among other things — breaking the influence of organized crime. »

We’ve given the two Starbucks stores at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport a fair try — nine times, actually. But we’re still not impressed, and we’ll tell you why.

We’ll also point you to some alternative Schiphol stores that serve excellent coffee drinks. »

‘t Gasthuys — one of Amsterdam’s typical ‘brown cafés’ — has a reputation for serving good food at decent prices. This is certainly one of our favorite hangouts, especially during the summer when its canal-side terrace is open for business.

We’ll place the café in its historical context, so you’ll know why, for instance, the alley next to it is called ‘prayer without end./’ »

Recently Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen saw himself ‘forced’ to close 43 of its 228 coffeeshops — licensed establishments where marijuana can legally be bought and used — by the end of 2011.

In doing so, Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen “reluctantly” follows up a federal government directive to establish ‘distance criteria‘ between schools and coffeeshops.

However, after both Amsterdam locals and city leaders angry about that approach, Cohen has promised to look for alternatives. »

The City of Amsterdam has announced it will close 43 of its 228 coffeeshops because they are located too close to schools.

In doing so, Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen “reluctantly” follows up a federal government directive to establish ‘distance criteria’ between schools and coffeeshops. »

A Dutch criminologist predicts that two years from now, all coffeeshops in the Netherlands will have closed.

The coffeeshops — establishments where cannabis and other soft drugs can be legally bought and used — are under fire for various reasons, ranging from the nuisance created by tens of thousands of drug tourists, to ties to criminal organizations.

The mayors of some municipalities are closing the coffeeshops, while those of others towns — Amsterdam included — speak out in support of the current approach. »

Think Amsterdam is a city where anything goes?

Think again!

Why, you can’t even drink alcohol while standing up… »

The price you pay for beer or coffee at Amsterdam’s main squares is the highest in the country.

But unless you have a pressing need to be seen at a tourist trap, there are countless excellent alternatives.

Be like the Dutch and go to a locals pub. »

Local pot smokers, who usually cut joints with tobacco, and owners of the “coffee shops” where they are allowed to light up will have to change their habits when the nation implements the indoor tobacco ban. Puffing a pure marijuana cigarette in public will still be permitted; smoking one with tobacco will merit coffee shop owners a 300-euro ($466) fine for the first offense and 2,400 euros for a fourth. »

On July 1, 2008, a smoking ban will come into effect in all horeca (hotel, restaurant, and catering) businesses in the Netherlands. Will the smoking ban make it illegal to light up in an Amsterdam coffee shop? Yes and no. Among other things, it depends on what you want to smoke. Read on. You may be surprised. »

Herring is Holland’s national snack: If you’ve never tasted fresh herring you don’t know what you’re missing. »

Il Girasole is an Italian Grand Café and restaurant in the center of Amsterdam. »

Amsterdam’s famed coffee shops are turning to free-range eggs for their hashish “spacecakes” to reduce the suffering of chickens. »

The price of Dutch Cannabis has risen by 20 percent over the past year. »

Have a drink, a snack, or a complete meal on board of the Pollux — a floating restaurant on board a unique three-master anchored at IJ harbor. »

The Undutchables is a highly popular caricature of — and guide to — the Dutch. Aside from over-the-top observations, the book (considered essential reading by Holland’s large expat community) includes useful information generally not found in tourist guides. Here’s how to order a beer in Amsterdam. »

The city cites their proximity to schools and the increase in use of soft drugs amongst underaged school children as the main reasons behind closing 27 of its 62 coffeeshops. »

As a result of official policy, Amsterdam — like the rest of the Netherlands — counts a dwindling number of coffeeshops. But will the city soon be forced to close all but 16 of the popular establishments? »

A coffeeshop in Amsterdam. A joint. A pair of well-shaped legs. Here’s what happened. »

Never mind its history… you’ll be surprised by what Cafe Chris is known for. »

Get to know Dutch culture in a unique way by joining an Amsterdammer for dinner. »

Authentic Indian meals can be enjoyed at Indian restaurant Koh-I-Noor in Amsterdam. »

Tourists often feel ignored when they visit a Dutch pub, not realizing that the pace of life inside these establishment is geared to relaxation. »

There are over 500 cafes of one sort or another in the centre of Amsterdam alone and among these the bruin (brown) cafes are the friendliest. »