Where to Watch the World Cup 2014 in Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam....where do you watch the Dutch games for the World Cup 2014?

Here is:

•  tips on where to watch the games;
• Game dates and times;
• A list of places big and open, small and closed;
• Places to watch other games

Tips:

• Check the weather and prepare for rain just in case.
• Wear a little or a lot of Orange (or red, white or blue) on game day.
• Do not wear orange when the team is not playing.
• Talk football with the locals. The worse they can say is 'we don't like football'.

Game Dates:

Friday 13 June 2100hrs Netherlands v Spain 

Wednesday 18 June 1800hrs Netherlands v Australia

Monday 23 June 1800hrs Netherlands v Chile

Saturday 28 June Netherlands v Mexico

Saturday 5 July 2200hrs Netherlands v Costa Rica

Wednesday 9 July 2200hrs Netherlands v Argentina 

Large and outdoor

(photo by twittermania.nl)

Museumplein - Expect large crowds of Dutch visiting from around Amsterdam and a lot of teenagers just finished school. 50 000 to 150 000 are expected to turn up on the square surrounded by museums. For the final in 2010 200 000 were estimated to have watched the game at Museumplein. # late note. There is no game on the square for the Argentina game.

Let's hope we have this problem. Hup Holland Hup.

Hannekes Boom - Located 5 minutes walk to the east of Central Station this outdoor area is relaxed. A perfect place to watch the game if the weather is good.

Roest - Located in the near east a more local feeling is to be experienced. Take tram 9, 14 or 10. 

Small and local

Cafes in the Jordaan area such as Theo Thijssen. Many are small so be prepared to stand. The plus is that you will have the local vibe win or loose.

Small Cafes on the main squares:

Cafe Los - Rembrandtplein

Cafe de Monico - Rembrandtplein

Cafe Luxembourg - Spui

Cafe Spui-tje - Spui

Cafe het Molenpad - Prinsengracht Near Leidseplein

Brouwerij De Prael - Red Light District

Cafe Buurvrouw - near Dam Square

Where to watch other games

Most of the major tourist bars in the Dam Square, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein have the space to cater to many people. Expect these places to be full of travellers and locals from participating teams all throughout the World Cup

Coco's Outback - Rembrandtplein

St James Gate - Rembrandtplein

Pub Aran - Max Euweplein (near Leidseplein)

Satellite Sports Bar - Leidseplein

Hole in the Wall - Leidseplein

O'Rielly's - near Dam Square


When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Related posts:

Amsterdam where to watch the World Cup by country.

Amsterdam top 10 things to eat: a critical approach

When in Amsterdam....visitors always ask what local specialty food to eat and try? 

Our Approach:

• Review websites with a top list of things to eat in Amsterdam
• Collate
• A critical analysis
• Recommend places to try the local delicacy.
• Include options you can try all year and not seasonal food.
• At the end there are a range of food tours for you tick as many off the list in one outing.

10. Patat (Fries)

Although originally from Belgium(hence the name Flaamse Frites) the locals have adopted this local snack. Most street corners in tourist areas will have an outlet. Served in paper cones with an assortment of sauces of your choice.

Be sure to try the Amsterdam topping of Peanut sauce, Mayo and fresh onion. Locally referred to as Patatje Oorlog. 

Recommendation: 

Manneken Pis was voted the best fries in all of the Netherlands. Sadly, it is located on the Damrak rated the ugliest street in Amsterdam. Order and head three blocks to the west to sit on the Single canal and enjoy your fries.

Manneken Pis
Damrak 41, Amsterdam

9. Rijstaffel (Indonesian)

The Jewel in the crown of the Dutch Empire was Indonesia. Indonesian restaurants abound in Amsterdam similar to Indian restaurants in England. 

The Rijstaffel is a colonial invention. No Indonesian would ever serve small amounts of anything on their table. The meal was invented to make the colonial masters satisfied. Nonetheless, you order a fixed menu and an assortment of curries and other small Indonesian dishes are presented in the middle of the table for you. 

When reading reviews of Indonesian restaurants be mindful that many reviewers have never been to Indonesia or have tried the food before. Also, that many Indonesian restaurants reduce the flavour to cater to Northern European pallet. 

Recommendation:

Puri has a simple interior and at times grumpy staff (which is very Amsterdam). However, the Rijstaffel is excellent and recommended by the local Indonesians. It also doesn't have the high price tag that many Indonesian restaurants attach to their Rijstaffel. Probably another reason for the recommendation.

Puri Restaurant

Albert Cuypstraat 58-60

8. Pancakes

Dutch pancakes are thin like crepes but the size of a large plate. Toppings are sweet, savoury or both. You can have them for breakfast, lunch, or all three.

Local's enjoy the mixture of bacon, cheese and topped with syrup on one pancake.

Pancakes are very simple to make so the below is nice old quirky place.

Recommendation:

Pannenkoekenhuis (Pancake House) Upstairs has been at the same location since the 1960s. The charm of the place is the death defying stairs and the little tables.

Pannekoekenhuis Upstairs

Grimburgwal 2

7. Koffie (Koffie)

Yes, it is not an eat. However, it is an integral part of Dutch society. You don't need half a gallon of coffee to keep you going in Amsterdam. A simple black coffee with some coffee milk on the side(is optional) and one biscuit. This is all you need to feel what a majority of the country runs on, coffee.

Recommendation:

Cafe Barones is situated centrally and next to some of the buildings of the University of Amsterdam. Well regarded coffee and a mixture of locals, students customers with a busy bike path at the front to watch the world pass.

Cafe Barones

Torensteeg 2

6. Apple Tart

Dutch apple tart recipes date back to the 1500s. Different from other countries in that there is a biscuit base and lattice top. Also, local appel varieties are often used such as Elstar and Goudreinet. Mixed with cinnamon and lemon juice don't forget to ask for whipped cream on the side.

Many places rate their Apple Tart as the best in town. Some places have built a reputation just on their pie alone. However, like pancakes Dutch Apple Tarts are not hard to make and most places have a very good tart.

Recommendation:

Anywhere in the Jordaan. The Jordaan is a district in the 17th Century area. Every guide book and site lists Winkle 43 as the best apple pie but they are normally filled with tourists. Explore the alleyways of the Jordaan and find a place to yourself and order the apple tart You will find a better experience and as good a slice of pie as the famous places.

Herring from Meer Dan Vis (Photo byAmsterdam Food Tour see below)

5. Herring 

Most cities built from a commodity base. For Amsterdam it was Herring and beer. Once this country pioneer the curing of this little fish it could be sent further as a commodity and exchanged for beer. From this humble start the country becomes a world power in the 17th century to the country it is today.

Note: In Amsterdam we do not hang it by the tail and take bites from it dangling above your head. Custom dictates that you get it cut up into small slices and sample in a civilised manner.

If you are not here from May to July. Get some onion to go with the fish as the new herring is is out of season.

Recommendation:

Meer dan Vis source their fish from small fishing vessels rather than industrial boats. They do this daily so it is sure to be fresh.

Meer Dan Vis
Tweede Eglantiersdwarsstraat 13 (long name for a short street...its in the Jordaan)

4. Ossenworst

Its a sausage. The only EU accredited food to be special to Amsterdam. Have it on a sandwich or as slices for a beer snack. The beef sausage is lightly cured and mixed with pepper and other spices.

Originally ox(hence the name ox sausage) was used when large number of them were imported from Austria and Germany in the 17th century. The boom in the spice trade made a delicious combination. Today the sausage is beef.

Recommendation:

Vet (fat) Butcher is known for their quality meat. Although the only place to sit is the bench at the front. Pop into this unassuming quality Dutch butcher in the middle of Amsterdam's Chinatown. Order an Ossenworst sandwich.

Vet
Zeedijk 99, Amsterdam

3. Stroopwaffel

Originally from Gouda (same place as the cheese) this local favourite dates back to the 1800s when a baker wanted to use leftovers. Today. two thin waffles are stuck together by syrup hence the name syrup waffel.

This is your best gift to take home with you. In the supermarkets these retail for 2 euros depending on the brand. They are a hit with all. Even that person that doesn't like sweets.

Recommendation:

Fresh from the Albert Cuyp Market. You won't be able to take a fresh one home from your travels but you can tell people about the best way to have them. There is one stall holder on the market which does them fresh. Do becareful as the syrup is dangerous when hot.

Albert Cuyp Market

2. Bitterballen/Kroket
Deep fried crumbed beef stew. They come in ball(bitterballen) or log (kroket) shaped. Bitterballen are normally served with bitters (mustard) as a beer snack. Krokets can be a snack or added to bread for a sandwich. 

Bitterballen is generally meat while krokets can come in a range of flavours from shrimp to vegetarian.

Recommendation:

Any Brown cafe. A traditional dutch bar that is brown on the inside. Hence the name, Brown Cafe. Cafe t' Smalle (the Small cafe) is a charming place though normally busy. If it is busy just cruise the near alley ways and look for old cafes.

Cafe t' Smalle
Egelantiersgracht 12

1. Cheese

Of course Cheese is number 1. Cheese in the Netherlands dates back to 2 centuries before Christ. The rich delta pasture has produced cheese famous all over the world. Gouda and Edam are the most popular internationally. Although the later is mainly exported. Aged, young, smoked, spiced there is cheese for every occasion. 

There is a range of cheese shops in Amsterdam. Many cheese shops have sprung up for the tourist market over the last few years. Be sure to taste but don't waste your money.

Recommendation:

Kaaskamer is for serious cheese heads. It is a retail place for you to take away or purchase a sandwich with some tasty cheese

Kaaskamer van Amsterdam
Rundstraat 7


Not a bad list for a city and country not known for cuisine. There is something for everyone. The cheese head, the sweet tooth, the adventurous and the conservative. So when you are asked about Dutch food in Amsterdam you have something to say.



Now you can spend hours navigating Amsterdam on your own trying to find these and other places to get your Dutch treats. However, to do it properly and save time here is a list of food tours so you can tick a number of these and many others off your list while learning something.

Food Tours of Amsterdam

Eating Amsterdam - 75 euro per person, 3-4 hours, 6 stops and a canal cruise. 6-12 people per group

Urban Adventures - 36 euros per person, 2.5 hours. 4 snacks and 1 drink. You get to go to a supermarket and finish at at micro-distillery. 12 people group maximum

Omy Amsterdam Jordaan Food Tour - 50.00 euro per person, 2 - 2.5 hours. 5 stops food drinks included and the history of the Jordaan. 4 people group maximum.

Hungry Bird Tour - 59 euro per person. Snacks and drinks equal to a full lunch. 8 people group maximum

Shop, Cook, Eat Tour. Go to the market with a local chef buy local goodies. Bring them back learn to cook local and eat or invite the rest of the family or friends to eat. 110 euro per person. Eaters are charged additional fee of 45 euros drinks and food included.

Tours by Locals - 290 - 560 euro for 1 to 10 people. 6 stops, 2.5 hours

Other interesting blogs

Beer related things to do in Amsterdam

Things to do in Amsterdam: local tips from famous Amsterdammers

Overcoming the biggest problems to Amsterdam for Visitors

Places to mum for lunch when visiting Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Amsterdam Museum: The Golden Age Exhibition: gateway to our modern world

When in Amsterdam.... the city was the wealthiest in Europe at the beginning of the 1600s. The Amsterdam Museum is currently holding an exhibition of the Dutch Golden Age, the seventeenth century. This exhibition explores a period of history when the  Netherlands influenced the world. This influence still shapes the country and how the world sees the Netherlands today.

The period was an age of economic, social, religious and engineering development. Names such as the Dutch East India Company, Rembrandt, Spinoza rose to fame. These names are still household names today. The exhibition does well to delve into a period rich with content.

The curators have used traditional and contemporary techniques. Paintings and artifacts transport guests back to an age of enormous wealth in Amsterdam. These elements are enhanced by documentary segments hosted on television screens. Interactive touch screens enable guests to explore details of paintings and maps of the Netherlands and Amsterdam. In a year when Amsterdam celebrates the 400th anniversary of the city's world heritage listed canals this exhibition brings to life the period.

The limitations of the exhibition is that Amsterdam as a focus is often lost. The display is almost worthy of a Holland exhibition of the period belonging in the national museum. Everyday life in Amsterdam during the period is segued and focuses on the elite, the riches and the celebrated achievements. How people went about their daily lives such as getting water, disposing of waste, schooling and education for all segments of Amsterdam is the depth missing from the exhibition. There is often a feeling there is no new Amsterdam insights, old displays rearranged and slightly expanded. Limitations aside there is much to learn and appreciate.

The most appreciated part of the exhibition is the recognition of a small country glorifying a Golden Age long past. The 17th Century was a period of war and slavery. The Dutch often encouraged and stimulated violence to enhance financial benefit, the VOC mentality. For centuries this period of influence and power was glorified and taught as the Dutch in their finest hour. This is recognized in the final room of the exhibition.

Another positive to the exhibition is the links of the Golden Age to the present day Netherlands. Female independence and childhood education today are connected to Golden Age developments. Land reclamation projects of the Golden Age surrounding Amsterdam also demonstrate the period's influence on today's geography.

For those interested in more depth the book(of the same name) published in associated with the exhibition is very well done. Normally, exhibition books are a catalog of artifacts and the small descriptions guests have just experienced. The book adds to the exhibition in a way few exhibitions do.

The Amsterdam Museum's Golden Age Exhibition is a wonderful mix of riches of the period mixed with documentary insights when Amsterdam was the centre of European development. It is well worth a visit in a year when much is celebrated in Amsterdam.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

The Golden Age Exhibition runs until the end of August 2013. Admission is 10 euro and 5 euro for children.

Dutch Christmas: Racist or Family Affair?

When in Amsterdam has realised it's that time of the year again. Sinterklaas (Dutch Santa), when the Dutch celebrate the eve of his birthday on 5 December.

When I first visited Holland. I was amazed by this tradition and totally shocked by the 'Black Petes' running around handing out candy. Black Petes are Sinterklaas's helpers.

Seeing grown European men and women blacken their faces, slap on red lipstick, and jump around helping an old white man took me back to the images of theatre in America in the 19th century making fun of black slaves.

This year I realised I am becoming more Dutch. The Black Petes didn't worry me at all. I saw a small boy dressed in an harlequin outfit with a blacken face. The tourists saw him, took lots of photos and caused a commotion on the bike path. I didn't look twice. This year I didn't get stirred up about the racial undertones of this family holiday. Instead I looked at the happiness in the eyes and on the faces of small children.

The race issue is still heavley debated here in the Netherlands and in Dutch communities around the world. This year 5 people were arrested in Amsterdam for interrupting the arrival parade of Sinterklass. They wore t-shirts that said 'Black Pete is racism'. http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/%E2%80%9Cget-lost-you-black-pete%E2%80%9D-0

In Canada too there was controversy this year regarding the festival.
  New Westminster Sinterklaas event cancelled due to Black Pete Concerns

Most blogs in English, or any language other than Dutch, about Amsterdam or the Netherlands cover this issue at least once. They more or less describe the same main points. Lets cover these points quickly.

Who is Sinterklaas?
St Nicholas - A Greek/Turk who spent his life giving away his objects and helping children in need. The patron Saint of Children, fishermen and sailors.


Where is Sinterklaas from? 
Turkey, the old Greek part but he retired to Spain.


What is Sinterklaas doing in the Netherlands?
He arrives two weeks before his birthday and comes to  reward the boys and girls of the Netherlands if they have been good.


Who are Sinterklaas helpers?
Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) there are many of them. They are black with curly dark hair and wear red lipstick. The Zwarte Piets tell St Nick if a child has been good or bad and help carry the old Saint's bag of goodies for good children and beat and put in a sack bad children to take them back to Spain.


What happens on 5 December?
Families meet for lunch or dinner. Simple presents are left by Sint sometimes sarcastic poems are attached to the gifts.

This year I sat down to Sinterklaas dinner. It was a table of 12 people that spanned three generations. I realised that I was the only non-Dutch person at the table. Instead of debating the racist over(under) tones I simply asked them what they liked about Sinterklaas?

Here is what they said about the Sinterklaas festival:
'presents, poems and fun'
'spending time with siblings and parents'
'celebrating with 25 cousins'
'a surprise party for family and friends with lots of food and presents'
' Dutch national day'
'a nice tradition'
'pepernoten, marcipan and other candy that is not good for you'
'as a child we would leave our shoes at the door for three weeks.In the shoe we would put a carrot or an apple or turnip. If we were lucky we would get something in return.'

No matter your standpoint on this Dutch festival it is hard to escape the political debate. What I do know is that children love this holiday. Furthermore, when it comes to dressing up the children always want to dress up as Black Pete rather than Sinterklaas. Black Pete has all the candy and is a mischievous character. Right or wrong you can see why the children love him.

The final word on this topic is left to the gang from the famous Amsterdam comedy house, Boom Chicago.

When in Amsterdam... Enjoy