Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
The Jordaan from the tower of the Westerkerk
Right
Leidseplein by night
Walks and Cycle Rides
Jordaan
Start at Westerkerk
(see
p91)
, perhaps climbing its tower
for a bird's-eye view of the area.
Work your way north to pictur-
esque Brouwersgracht
(see p92)
.
Herengracht, where you can see
no less than 15 romantically lit
bridges. Continue to Amstelkerk,
finishing in Utrechtsestraat, with
its many appealing cafés and
restaurants
(see p61, 110, 111)
.
Shopping Walk
Beginning at Noordermarkt
(see pp63, 92)
, take Prinsengracht
to the Negen Straatjes
(see p100)
with its quirky shops. Have a look
at De Looier antiques market in
Elandsgracht
(see p62)
before
heading down Lijnbaansgracht to
Leidseplein. Turn up Leidsestraat
and make for Metz & Co, with its
top-floor café
(see p99)
- then
on to Bloemenmarkt
(see pp63,
108)
, ending at De Bijenkorf on
Damrak
(see p62)
.
Around Oudeschans
From Centraal Station,
discover a quiet part of the old
city by taking Binnenkant, lined
with fine houses, and then,
passing Montelbaanstoren,
walking along Oudeschans to
reach the Rembrandthuis
(see
p77)
. Pause at De Sluyswacht,
the crooked café on the bridge
(see p80)
, before exploring the
old Jewish quarter, Jodenbuurt
(see p48)
, or continuing to
Nieuwmarkt
(see p77)
.
Nightlife Walk
Start at the entertainment
hub, Leidseplein
(see p101)
,
before moving to the bright
lights around Rembrandtplein
(see p107)
. Wind down at the
junction of Reguliersgracht with
Herengracht
Shortest and most fascin-
ating of the Grachtengordel
(see
pp8-11)
, the Herengracht is lined
with beautiful buildings, such as
Bartolotti House
(see p91)
, the
Bijbels Museum
(see p99)
and
the mansions of the Golden
Bend
(see p8)
.
To Ouderkerk aan de
Amstel
For a tranquil cycle ride, follow
the Amstel from the city centre
(start near Blauwbrug) to
Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
(see
p128)
. The route passes Amstel-
park and the De Rieker windmill
(see p127)
before entering
attractive countryside. About
20 km (12 miles) round trip.
The Oude Schans
64