Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Civic Guard Gallery
From the Begijnhof turn north and walk a short distance to the
Civic Guard Gallery
(
Click here
)
. Paintings of stern folks in ruffled collars stare down from the walls. Cross the
gallery and depart through the Amsterdam Museum's courtyard restaurant onto Kalver-
straat.
Royal Palace
Kalverstraat leads you to the
Royal Palace
(
Click here
)
, Queen Beatrix's pad, though
she's rarely here, preferring Den Haag for her digs. The sumptuous interior deserves a
look.
Nieuwe Kerk
The palace's neighbour is the
Nieuwe Kerk
(
Click here
)
, the stage for Dutch corona-
tions. After admiring its grandeur, get onto crowded Nieuwendijk and walk for a short
while until you dive down Zoutsteeg.
Rob Wigboldus Vishandel
C'mon, stop being shy about eating raw fish. Try the famed Dutch herring at
Rob Wig-
boldus Vishandel
(
Click here
)
, a wee three-table shop. Once sated, depart Zoutsteeg
onto Damrak.
Dam
Cross Damrak so you're on the Nationaal Monument side of the
Dam
(
Click here
)
-
Amsterdam's birthplace. Wade through the sea of bikes to see the urns behind the monu-
ment, which hold earth from East Indies war cemeteries. Now follow the street leading
behind the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky.
Wynand Fockink
'Sshh, the
jenever
is resting', says the admonition over the door at
Wynand Fockink
(
Click here
)
. The Dutch-gin maker's tasting room dates from 1679. The barkeep will pour
