Rembrandt or Not? Old Drawings, New Names

When in Amsterdam...it is the home to Rembrandt. The old master spent most of his life in this town. Currently the Rembrandt House Museum is holding an exhibition Rembrandt or Not? Old Drawings New Names.

The exhibition addresses how art historians attribute work to certain artists. The exhibition is the first of its kind in the Netherlands. The exhibition presents 60 drawings that were made by Rembrandt, his apprentices or contemporaries. All of the drawings were initially accredited to 17th century artists. The exhibition is the work of Peter Schatborn who was the head of prints and drawings at the Rijksmusum.

The style and similarities can be seen in the drawings. Apprentices had to learn the style of the master. Rembrandt's apprentices were many. Among them were Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flink.

It is easy to see how art historians have mistakenly attributed drawings. It makes you think how the more valuable paintings are attributed to artists of the period. Looking through these drawings posted on this blog which artist would you think drew them? Go to the Rembrandt House Museum to find out and learn about the process.

The exhibition runs  1 February to 27 April 2014.

Our Tip:

Visit the Rembrandt House Museum before you visit the Rijksmuseum. Step back in time to see and feel the environment before seeing the masterpieces in the national museum, Rijksmuseum.

Open hours and prices can be found here at their website for Rembrandt House Museum.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Similar blogs:
Rembrandt House Museum

Amsterdam's Jordaan: Saturday Market

When in Amsterdam...one of the most beautiful parts of Amsterdam is the Jordaan. A working class district constructed in the early 17th century. 

Jordaan Market, Amsterdam.

The neighborhood was under threat from destruction in the 1970s. The local municipality wanted to modernize the area.

Locals got together and saved what was possible. Saturday is market day. Locals and visitors flock to the neighborhood by local produce and shopping for an array of items.

Our travel tip: On Saturday visit the Anne Frank House and book your tickets online so you don't have to line up. After, head up to the Jordaan market and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Jordaan. 

If you wish to visit the Jordaan join the Omy Amsterdam Jordaan sightseeing walking Tour. Groups are limited to 4 people. This allows you to pop into local places and experience the beauty of the Jordaan. 

For more information visit our website:
www.omyamsterdamtours.com


When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

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This Day in Amsterdam History: 31 January 1696

The Amsterdam City Council had decided to impose tax early in the month on the burial of people and businesses engage in funerals. Industry people spread the word that the poor would be unfairly affected.

People that had suffered under previous taxes revolted at the new tax. On 31 January 1696 furious  set upon the house of Mayor Jacob Boreel on the Herengracht. They thew all of his belongings into the canal. The mob then descended on the house of city Captain. He was already hated for his heavy handed approach.

The City Council acted fast. The city militia was allowed to shoot on the crowd. Two rioters who had gained entrance to the weigh house on Dam Square were thrown out of the window.

The riot stopped as suddenly as it had started. The end result was that the tax on the dead was repealed.

Photo: from Amsterdam City Archives (no google+ account)
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www.omyamsterdamtours.com 
#Amsterdam       

Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam: small and local

When in Amsterdam....best coffeeshop questions have always been asked. Mindful that most Amsterdammer do not smoke weed. We sent out a resident specialist guide from the Amsterdam Coffeeshop Industry Tour to check out the best of Amsterdam's famous cannabis coffeeshops. Please note that the Tour is not a smoking tour but a tour on the development of the industry in Amsterdam.

The criteria was simple find Amsterdam Coffee Shops that :

1. Are known for their quality.
2. Are small and local. Not the well marketed high profile sites.
3. Finally, are known for consistent and high quality.

Utopia Coffeeshop

Located in the old historic centre this unassuming place is easy to miss. Smoking locals and regular toking visitors to Amsterdam have always had high regard for this cannabis and hash Coffeeshop. Always known for their friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere the shop is only open from 6pm due to new 2014 restrictions. Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 132.

Voyagers

Located at the top of town in front of the Eastern end of Central station. This Coffeeshop is multiple award winner of the prestigious 420 Best Coffeeshop Award. Their product is blue ribbon material. Opening hours are not set. They open and close when they wish. True professional stoners. Address: Geldersekade 2.


Worthy mentions outside City Centre


1e Hulp

Located in the inner west. 1e Hulp, translated to 1st Aid, has been a locals' favourite for many years
Also, a recipient of bronze and silver 420 medals this is a typical local hangout. The 1940s interior and relaxing environment and quality product has meant 1e Hulp makes our list. Address: Marnixstraat 194.


Club Media
Located just off the famous Albert Cyup Market in the now trendy De Pijp neighbourhood.  Club Media is a clean and local the place has a menu full of organic weed. Famous for affordability and organic produce. Address: Gerard Doustraat 83 85.

If you wish to make your own decision feel free to analyse on a community board called The Amsterdam Coffeeshop Directory.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Amsterdam Sightseeing Guided Tours: an overview

When in Amsterdam...a sightseeing walking tour is always recommended. The compact old city centre has a surprise around every corner. Amsterdam is also a great base to explore the surrounding countryside.

This post is an overview of the tours available in Amsterdam. It is not an exhaustive list but a guide to your choices and the pros and cons of your choice.

Why take a tour in Amsterdam:

• You learn something.
• You get a real person with which to talk. No recorded messages that have replayed for years.
• There is no stress for you about directions.
• You cover a lot in a small amount of time.
• You get your bearings and tips to enjoy the rest of your time in Amsterdam.
• You receive local recommendations instead of what is on the web. We notice that Amsterdam web recommendations are always the same. This is because many people writing on the web do not live in Amsterdam.
• Always recommended on the first days of arrival.

Types of sightseeing walking tours:

• Large group mainstream tours

Large group is defined as any tour of more than 12 people. Normally 15 to 50 is the regular size for this group. This is specific to Amsterdam or any small town.

Pros

- value for money

- provide an overview of the city 

- hit main sights

- you can tick a lot off your list
- cater to large travelling groups

Cons

- You are limited to staying outside for most of the tour.

- Interaction is limited with the guide due to the number of people.

- You are prone to up-sells. 

- The guides are working the commissions

- The places you are taken are designed to cater to mainstream tourism.
- Not so flexible. You are on a strict schedule.

The main players in this group are:

Amsterdam City Tours

Started by a family it is now one of the largest tour agencies in Amsterdam. They cater to travellers and business groups in an wide range of languages.

Tours and Tickets

This company burst onto the scene a few years ago. You will find there offices at all the main locations in Amsterdam. They teamed up with Lindbergh Tours in 2013. Most of the tours you will find advertised on the internet will filter back to this large organisation.

Lindbergh Tours

This company teamed up with Tours and Tickets. It is an older company than Tours and Tickets, they are an incoming tour provider. They also can organise hotels and transfers.

Sandman's New Europe Tours

A large multinational headquartered in Berlin. They provide free tours and smaller paid topical tours. Groups are normally 30 people or more. Lead by local youngsters these tours are frequented by the budget traveller or college student.

• Small Group Sightseeing Tours

Small group sightseeing tours are defined by groups of fewer than 12 people.  This group also includes independent tour operators. These operators may do a tour of more than 12 people but rarely. Becareful, when searching 'small group tours' in Amsterdam many are not that small. Remember the city is small so the smaller the group the better for this category.

Pros

- Cover more in a short amount of time

- Get out of the weather. Amsterdam weather is always changeable. Small groups let you escape the worst of a storm in a local hangout cafe. 

- More time to talk and ask questions of the guide

- Personalised feeling.
- Can also provide private sightseeing tours of Amsterdam.

Cons

- You may not like the guide

- Not a large group of travellers with which to interact.

Some of the many independent sightseeing guided tour operators in Amsterdam:

Omy Amsterdam Tours

Established by guides that worked for the mainstream companies. They take small groups to the extreme with groups of 4 or 6 people maximum depending on the tour.

Joy Ride Bike Tours

Highly rated local Amsterdam company that prides itself on good customer service. Rated #1 Bike Tour company in Amsterdam.

Amsterdamsel

A former student at the local University of Amsterdam. Amsterdamsel has built up a netwok of guides and locals to cater to her ever growing demand.


Final Point

Whether big or small there is an activity for you to do in Amsterdam. Have a look through review sights like Tripadvisor or Yelp. Always remember to read the reviews with a grain of salt. Most importantly....


When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

European Travel Shoe Tips

When in Amsterdam...you walk a lot. A European trip always means time on your feet. Shoes are important. Your first line of defence against the dreaded blister.

Do not wear those white sneakers! Leave those white tennis shoes at home. Walking through Europe the comfy white sneaker does't cut it.

• They stand out and scream tourist.
• Once they are wet and dirty they look wet and dirty.

Everyone wants to look good. Yet, there will be times you need to chase down that train, plane or bus. You need a shoe that is comfortable, durable, but stylish.

We have asked our guides what shoes they wear. We also searched "best travel shoes for Europe" and synthesised the results.

What to look for:

• Rubber soled shoes
• Shoes that can be worn to all occasions. From walking tour to a nice dinner.
• Leather. Always looks good and great for those rainy days.

Women's' shoes

• Rubber soled flats. They get you over the cobbled stones and look good on most women.
• Loafers. They come in a range of colours and styles.
• Ankle high boots with rubber sole. 
• Coloured sneakers. Show your personality.

Men's shoes

• Leather loafers
• Dark leather sneakers

Recommended shoe brands for travel:

• Keens
• Eccos
• Blundstones
• Campers
• Rieker
• Rockports
• Nike
• Aravon

Tips:

• Break those shoes in before you leave.
• Socks are important too.
• Rub soap on the inside of your sock where you are prone to blisters.

Here is a list of webpages to further your reading:
- The savvy backpacker
- Walking Shoe Guide

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

All-time Top 10 Things to do in Amsterdam: a critical look

When in Amsterdam has realised that every website associated with Amsterdam travel has a top list of things to do in this city. Some websites only have Top 5 or 10 lists.

When in Amsterdam could provide our own list but honestly there is no Top 10 list. Waking up in Amsterdam the list changes day to day because of mood, weather and the place in question.

So we are going to give you the All-time Top 10 list of things to do in Amsterdam (updated November 2015).

Our approach is simple: 

• Collation
• 100 web pages were analysed.
• Search Terms were “top things to do in Amsterdam”, ‘top 10 things in Amsterdam’
• To qualify the page needed to have in its title top things to do in Amsterdam. For Example: Top 5, Top 10, Top 20 things to do in Amsterdam.

We collated the results then ran a critical look at the list to provide you with an alternative.

Counting down from 10 to 1.



Timmer's Flowers and Plants: Amsterdam Floating Flower Martket
photo: Sonia Hermosin

10. Amsterdam’s Famous Floating Flower Market

The last market in Amsterdam still on the water. A wonderful place for colour and it is central. The Dutch are famous for cut flowers and bulbs. The 1637 stock market meltdown because of speculation on tulip bulbs made the Dutch synonymous with the Turkish flower.

Critical look:

• The market has no educational aspect at all.
• The market is not really floating.
• A retail market servicing mostly tourists from Europe.
•  Custom’s regulations restrict other visitors from taking back bulbs to their countries.
• It is worth a look if in the area especially for the Timmer's family stall famous for their quality cut flowers and plants.

Alternative:

•  Alsmeer Flower Market: An hour by bus outside Amsterdam it is the World’s largest flower market and the world’s 4^th largest building. You can’t help but learn on the self-guided tour.

·         

9. Vondel Park

Named after the famous 17 century poet and playwright Vondel it is Amsterdam’s central park. The park was created in 1864 after Victorian England made such gardens popular. It has a Picasso sculpture, wonderful bike paths, the film museum and a theater.

Vondel Park, Amsterdam

Critical look:

• As is commonly reported Vondel Park receives 10 million visitors a year. 
• On a sunny day finding a quiet spot in Vondel Park is not possible.
• The smell in parts also demonstrates the lack of toilet facilities. This has been added to over the last few years.(thanks to comments section)
• The high numbers of visitors and its central location, the park attracts people that want to be noticed. Unsocial behaviour and drunkenness does occur at the end of a hot day.

Alternative:

• Westerpark is central and large like Vondel Park. The east-west layout results in more sunshine hours, if you are lucky to get a sunny day in Amsterdam. Large range of bars, eateries and toilets.

8. Visit the Albert Cuyp Market

With over 220 stalls and situated within the old Latin Quarter of Amsterdam, the Albert Cuyp market is the largest street market in the Netherlands and professes to be one of the largest daily markets in Europe. Named after the 17^th century painter the market has operated since 1905.

Critical look:

• It is not the most affordable of Amsterdam street markets.
• Expensive nature means working class Amsterdammers go to other street markets.

Alternative:

• Dappermart: cheaper, more rustic, fewer tourists, rated top 10 shopping streets in the world by National Geographic 2007.
• The new Foodhallen opened in late October 2014. Indoor food market similar to New York's Chelsea Market. Great for a meal and indoor activity.

7. Ride a bike

With an estimated 600 000 to 1 million bicycles circulating in Amsterdam, the city is one of the bike capitals of the world. The compact and flat nature of the city makes biking a fast and affordable travel option in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam bike

Critical look:

• Most anger from locals towards visitors is about biking or walking in bike paths. 
• Many Amsterdammers believe that visitors should take a test before being allowed to rent or ride a bike in Amsterdam.
• Riding a bike in Amsterdam City Centre traffic is not for beginners.

Alternative:

• Walk smaller areas and take Amsterdam trams in between – bike riders don’t mess with trams.
• Take a guided walking tour of Amsterdam's Old City Centre  with a private, small or larger group tours. 
• Take a countryside bike tour or a neighbourhood bike tour and enjoy Amsterdam with good bike paths. Dutch biking the way it is supposed to be, enjoyable.

6. Heineken Experience

The second or third largest beer maker in the world depending with whom you talk started in Amsterdam. The old brewery has a tour called the Heineken Experience.

Heineken Experience, Amsterdam

Critical look:

• They have not made beer in this brewery since the 1980s.
• The tour concentrates on the advertising and marketing power of this international brand.
• The tour only includes two half pints of Heineken. Trying to make friends with people who don't like beer on a brewery tour. Just to savour more of the product is a thirsty persons dilemma.

Alternative:

• Spending the price of entrance to the Heineken Experience at one of Amsterdam’s active micro-breweries or quality beer bars will result in more beer. 
• Amsterdam’s micro-brewery scene is building: Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Prael, De Bekeerde Zuster (the twisted sister) are well worth visit for beer lovers. Some Breweries conduct tours for groups and or individuals.
• There are beer tours as well as pub and club crawls for the young.

5. Canal Tour

Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North. Even though the canals do not smell and the canals are not deep like Venice 20% of Amsterdam's surface is water. With over 100 kilometers of canals, around 90 islands and 1500 bridges traveling by water is a great way to see the city.

Critical look:

• Few Amsterdammers use their canals.
• There are three main canal tour companies in Amsterdam. They run tours that are similar with recorded messages, and their boats have no historic relevance to Amsterdam.

Local Boating Experience, Amsterdam

Alternative:

• Find a local Amsterdammer with a boat. Finding a local boat cruise is easier to find when the weather is good. Inquire with other tour providers you may use. Amsterdammers' have a network of boat operators in the city. 
• Visit Het Grachtenhuis (Canal House Museum) learn how Amsterdam's world heritage listed canals were created.
• Rent your own boat and captain yourself. Sleopdelen, Boaty. Becareful, when the weather is good on a weekend, out come the party boats.

4. Red Light District
Situated in the oldest part of Amsterdam this area provides an eclectic mix of sex shops, brothels, coffeeshops, hotels, gay bars and around 300 red light windows. Since 2000 Amsterdam legalised sex workers. The Red Light District is the main centre of this industry in Amsterdam.

Critical look:

• There is more to Amsterdam than the Red Light District. The area is often full of young men peering at the scantly clad women.
• On weekends the neighbourhood can be over loaded with travelling parties of men and women. Exciting for early evening walk.

Alternative: 

• Take a guided walking tour of the Red Light District. The area is the oldest in town and full of hidden secrets. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way compared to peering into the bewitching red lights.
• Go during the day and see the shopping, art and history side of the area.

3. Rijksmuseum

The greatest collection of Dutch art and history in the Netherlands. Normally ranked in the top 20 of museums in the world. The Rijksmuseum was under construction between 2003 and 2013. The masterpieces are layed out in a new style with focus still on the grand hallway of Masters. Classics by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Vermeer are well represented.  

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Alternative:

• Rembrandt House: Comparable there are no crowds and you can see what sort of bed the old master Rembrandt slept in and toilet he used. Also the largest collection of Rembrandt etchings in the world.
• For practile information on how to avoid the queues of the Rijksmuseum and not be disappointed read this blog. Rijksmuseum Critics: What you need to know before you visit.

2. Van Gogh Museum
The expressionist painter was famed for his rough style, sharp colours and considered a trail blazer for modern art. This museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings under one roof and tells the story of the man from child hood to his end at 37 years old.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Critical look:

• Van Gogh did not spend a lot of his life in the Netherlands.
• His fame has only come about through Van Gogh's influence on 20th century art.
• Expect large lines.

Alternative:

• Pre-purchase your tickets at the tourist information centre at the front of Central Station. Go late to avoid the crowds. 
• On Friday night the museum is open to 10pm with a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
• Go on a day trip to Kroller Muller Museum to experience the largest private collection.

1. Anne Frank Museum
The location of the Jewish Frank family hiding place during WWII. Teenage Anne documented her experience from the annex of this Amsterdam house during Nazi occupation. The book has become one of the world's most widely read. This popularity accounts for approximately 1 million visitors a year to this museum.

Anne Frank House Museum, Amsterdam.

Critical Look:

• For a small museum there are a lot of people at certain times. 
• The museum has a difficult job balancing the broader context of the period.
• It is more of a pilgrimage than a museum.

Alternative:

• Avoid the long lines and buy on line. Go late in the evening or arrive early before it opens and the school groups arrive. 
• Resistance museum provides you with a greater snap shot of World War II in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Rated one of the best museums in the Netherlands don't expect long lines here maybe just a school group now and then.
• The Jewish Historical Museum provides detail on the Jewish community's influence on Amsterdam through the centuries. Ticket to this museum includes entrance to the Portuguese Synagoge and nearby Deportation centre.  

Overview of Amsterdam's Top 10 Things to Do:

• The 'Big 3' as the industry calls them, fill out the top three. 
• Sex, alcohol and boats are four, five and six. 
• Bikes, markets, parks and flowers round out the list. 

Quite a range for a small city of less than 1 million people. Have you got a suggestion? Let us know what you enjoyed in Amsterdam.

For more things to do check out the following:

November in Amsterdam

December in Amsterdam: What to do

Top Things to do in Amsterdam: Winter

A Lovers' Guide to Amsterdam: things to do

Amsterdam Top 10 things to Eat: a critical approach

Things to do in Amsterdam: Local tips from Famous Amsterdammers

Overcoming the biggest problems for Visitors to Amsterdam

All Time Top 10 Things to do in Amsterdam for Teenagers: A critical approach

If you are bringing a teenager who reads books click here

When in Amsterdam.....enjoy!