Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
7
Artis Royal Zoo
ZOO
Artis has an alphabet soup of wild- life - alligators, birds, chimps and so on up to zebras -
but the lush grounds are the true delight, full of ponds, statues and leafy pathways. Check
out the aquarium's murky canal cross-section, featuring discarded bikes and creepy eels.
If you prefer your nature stuffed, stop by the zoo's museum, a trove of taxidermy and oth-
er 19th-century relics.
(
523 34 00;
www.artis.nl
;
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40; adult/child €19/15.50;
9am-6pm Apr-Oct, to 5pm Nov-Mar;
;
9/14 Plantage Kerklaan)
8
Gassan Diamonds
This vast workshop demonstrates how an ungainly clump of rock is transformed into a
girl's best friend. You'll get a quick primer in assessing the gems for quality, and see dia-
mond cutters and polishers in action. The one-hour tour is the best of its kind in town,
which is why so many tour buses stop here. Don't worry: the line moves quickly.
(
www.gassan.com
;
Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175; admission free;
GUIDED TOUR
9am-5pm;
9/14 Waterlooplein)
9
Scheepvaarthuis
ARCHITECTURE
The grand Scheepvaarthuis, built in 1916, was the first true example of Amsterdam
School architecture. The exterior resembles a ship's bow and is encrusted with elaborate
nautical detailing. Step inside (it's a luxury hotel now) to admire stained glass, gorgeous
light fixtures and the art-deco-ish central stairwell.
(Shipping House; Prins Hendrikkade 108;
4/9/
16/24/25 Centraal Station)
10
Zuiderkerk
Famed Dutch Renaissance architect Hendrick de Keyser built the 'Southern Church' in
1611. The interior is now used for private events, but you can still tour the tower. Guides
lead visitors up lots of stairs every 30 minutes, past the bells and to a swell lookout area
CHURCH
