THE NETHERLANDS - Best of Europe 2014 - page 1297

tion (next to the TI) also has pay Internet access and Wi-Fi. “Coffeeshops,” which sell
marijuana, usually also offer Internet access—letting you surf with a special bravado.
English Bookstores: For fiction and guidebooks, try the American Book Center at Spui
12, right on the square (generally daily 10:00-20:00, tel. [phone]). The huge and
helpful Selexyz Scheltema is at Koningsplein 20 near the Leidsestraat (generally daily
9:30-18:00; lots of English novels, guidebooks, and maps; tel. [phone]). Water-
stone'sBooksellers, aUKchain,alsosellsBritishnewspapers(nearSpuiat152Kalver-
straat, generally daily 10:00-18:30, tel. [phone]).Expect shorter hours onMonday
and Sunday.
Language Barrier: This is one of the easiest places in the non-English-speaking world for
an English speaker. Nearly all signs and services are offered in two languages: Dutch
and “non-Dutch” (i.e., English).
Maps: The free tourist maps can be confusing, except for Amsterdam Museums: Guide to
37 Museums (includes tram info and stops, ask for it at the big museums, such as the
Van Gogh). If you want a top-notch map, buy one (about €2.50). I like the Carto Stu-
dio Centrumkaart Amsterdam . Amsterdam Anything's virtual “Go Where the Locals
Go” city map is worth checking out, especially if you have mobile Internet access
( www.amsterdamanything.nl ) .
Pharmacy: Theshopnamed DA (DienstdoendeApotheek)hasallthebasics—shampooand
toothpaste—aswellasapharmacycounterhiddenintheback(Mon-Sat9:00-22:00,Sun
11:00-22:00, Leidsestraat 74-76 near where it meets Keizersgracht, tel. [phone]).
Near Dam Square, there's BENU Apotheek (Mon-Fri 8:30-17:30, Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun
12:00-17:00, Damstraat 2, tel. [phone]).
Laundry: Try Clean Brothers Wasserij in the Jordaan (daily 8:00-20:00 for €7 self-ser-
vice, €9 drop-off—ready in an hour—Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00, Sat 9:00-18:00, no drop-off
Sun, Westerstraat 26, one block from Prinsengracht, tel. [phone]) or Powders,
near Leidseplein (daily 8:00-22:00, €6.50 self-service, €12 drop-off available Mon-Wed
andFri8:00-17:00,Sat-Sun9:00-15:00,nodrop-offThu,Kerkstraat56,oneblocksouth
of Leidsestraat, mobile [phone]).
Best Views: Although sea-level Amsterdam is notoriously horizontal, there are a few high
points where you can get the big picture. The best city views are from the Central
Library (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam; see here ) . The Westerkerk —described on
here and convenient for anyone visiting the Anne Frank House—has a climbable tower
with fine views. The tower of the Old Church (Oude Kerk), the top floor of the Kal-
vertoren shoppingcomplex,andtherooftopterraceatthe NEMOsciencemuseum also
provide good views.
Updates to this Topic: Check www.ricksteves.com/update for any significant changes that
have occurred since this topic was printed.