Things to do in Amsterdam: Local Tips from famous Amsterdammers

When in Amsterdam....there are so many things to do. Here we have translated advice from famous Amsterdammers of what to do in the city for visitors. These exerts were taken from a book titled: Mijn Plek Amsterdam. 2013. The book was only released in Dutch but is a great gift idea.

Hanna Bervoets

Hanna Bervoets
 Photo taken from film1.nl

Hanna Bervoets is born and breed Amsterdam. She is famous for being a writer, journalist, columnist and appearing on Dutch television.

Hanna's tip: "visitors should go to Cafe-Restaurant Noorderlicht in Amsterdam-North at the NDSM wharf. There, tourists get to see a special and little exposed piece of Amsterdam."

Job Cohen

Job Cohen
Photo taken from nrc.nl

Job Cohen is former social democratic politician and famous for being Mayor of Amsterdam 2001-2010. He was rated European of the Year 2005 by Time for his handling of race tension in Amsterdam.

Job's tip:"a tourist should be directed to the new (eastern) Ij islands. An example for the whole world how an ancient port which no longer serves it initial purpose can be transformed into a modern part of the city. When I started as mayor there was nothing, now it is really beautiful."

Leo Blokhuis

Leo Blokhuis
Photo taken from media.nu.nl

Leo Blokhuis is an expert in the field of pop. He is also a professional graphic designer and a broadcaster.

Leo's tip: "tourists should visit the museums, it's really not normal how much there is to see in the larger museums of the city. Very happy they are open again to the public."

Jeroen Pauw

Jeroen Pauw
Photo taken from talent kitchen

Jeroen Pauw is a journalist and television presenter.

Jeroen's tip: "I hope that tourists see Amsterdam as a relaxed and cheerful village. I get annoyed by people watching and thinking it is dangerous. Walk to Wilhelmina Dok (north Amsterdam) find a cafe and drink quietly a coffee. Then Walk through the park and go to the museum (Film museum)."

Glennis Grace

Glennis Grace
Photo taken from ceo-evenementen

Glennis is a born and breed Amsterdam famous for her singing.

Glennis's tip: "A boat tour is really special. But also a bus or perhaps even by bicycle. A fun and comfortable way to see the city."

Johannes van Dam (deceased)

Johannes van Dam
Photo taken from Het Parool

Johannes was born an Amsterdammer and died in Amsterdam. A journalist and the Netherlands most famous food critic. He had a column for 25 years in the national daily Het Parool. 

Johannes's tip: "Go to the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Hermitage. Then a cruise the canals. For the best croquettes in Amsterdam you need to go to confectionery Holtkamp on the Vijzelgracht."

Tygo Gernandt

Tygo Gernandt
Photo taken from nuphoto.nl

Tygo Gernandt was born in Amsterdam. He is famous for being a voice, television and film actor.

Tygo's tip: "Just the city sweep you up. Walk out of Central Station and just keep walking. Be yourself and do what you want to do. This is what I would advise."


Ellen Hoog

Ellen Hoog
Photo taken from ellenhoog.com

Ellen is a famous for her field hockey talent. She was a member of the Netherlands' European and World Champion national field hockey team

Ellen's tip: "Visit the Nine Streets. When I 'm abroad I look for this atmosphere. The squares, terraces and canals give a very pretty picture of Amsterdam."

Youp van 't Hek

Youp van 't Hek
Photo taken from redlinemusic.nl

Youp is famous for being a comedian and making fun of the rich. He is also a columnist for the national daily NRC Handelsblad since 1988. 

Youp's tip: "At five in the morning take a boat through the city. The students are home, the whores go to bed and sleep. The city wakes up at the same time. Its really great. Get on your bike and go eat somewhere you 've never been without a reservation."

Lnage Frans

Lnage Frans
Photo taken from culturegids.avro.nl

Lnage Frans is born in Amsterdam and is famous for being a rapper and a television presenter.

Lnage's tip: "Cruise through the canals. Just an hour of listening to the tape and admiring all the beautiful things."

We hope this was helpful. If you would like to see the book this came from Mijn Plek Amsterdam. It is a book that asked 25 famous Amsterdammers about their part of Amsterdam. We bought a copy from the Amsterdam City Archives bookshop.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

Other interesting Blog Posts:

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

Amsterdam Top 10 Eats: a critical approach

Amsterdam Museum Cannonballrun: 4. Portugese Synagogue

When in Amsterdam....the Portugese Synagogue is a cultural and architectural masterpiece. The building was opened in 1675 and survived Nazi occupation of Amsterdam during the Second World War.

The main building still does not have any electricity and is lit witth hundreds of candles. Part of the out buildings house the world's oldest Jewish library, Ets Haim.

Amsterdam Portugese Synagogue

Museum Overview/Layout

- the main building of the complex is the Synagogue.

- outbuildings surrounding  the Synagogue house the library and treasure chamber. The later is open to viewing.

Amsterdam Porgtugese Synagogue

Tips
- Your ticket to the Jewish Historic Museum includes entrance to the Portugese Synagogue
- take the free audio tour
- visit the downstairs chamber of treasures
- Remember it is a working Synagogue and is closed early on Friday and all day Saturday.
- Men must wear a Kipa/Jarmulka hat (these are provided at entrance)

Museumnacht tips
- Each year the Synagogue is filled with live jazz music. Combined with the candle light of the main room of the Synagogue this is a must visit if you are in the area.
- Yummy falafel and kosher wine is also served in the courtyard for a price. Get there early as they always sell out.
- Check out our museumnacht blog from two years ago which included the Protugese Synagogue.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Amsterdam's International Students: a few tips

When in Amsterdam...every year in August international students come to live in our beautiful city. OMY Amsterdam Tours and other independent tour operators come together to introduce Amsterdam to our new international students.

Amsterdam has always recognized the importance of international relations. Visiting students become an important part of our community and ambassadors of the city for life.

Welcome new International Students of Amsterdam

However, arriving in Amsterdam to live or visit is daunting. The body's senses overload with new sounds, sights and smells. Bicycles wizz past with little respect for pedestrians and the streets are like a Daedalus Labyrinth.

For our new international students we have these tips:

Culture:

Get a Museum Card.

For just under 50 euros this card is worth every cent. You will have access to most of the museums in the city and hundreds throughout the country. The card allows unlimited access from the time of purchase for 365 days. On the rainy days before class pop into a museum for 10 -15 minutes and learn the history of beautiful Amsterdam.

Put Museum Night in your diary NOW. You will have to buy a ticket but this will be the best night of your semester in Amsterdam. Amsterdam museums open until 2am for one night of the year. Our cultural guardian museums fill with bands, DJs, special exhibitions targeting people 18-35 years old. Most major cities have such a night. Every year this event is sold out. In Amsterdam in 2012 it is November 3. Tickets go on sale October 3. Put it on your calender NOW. You can thank us later.

Transport

Get a bike

You won't be able to beat the all mighty bicycle in Amsterdam over six months so you may as well join us. If you are uneasy on a bike go to one of our open, quiet, squares or parks and practice. Do what the young childeren do when they start, go around and around in circles at different speeds. The cheapest legal bike you can buy is with ASVA. They meet once a week at the Student Information Centrum to sell bikes for around 55 euros.

Invest in good locks

Thousands of bikes are stolen each year in Amsterdam. You don't want to loose bike if you can help it. A two lock system is mandatory.

Learn to lock you bike

Never step away from your bike unlocked. Amsterdammers will attest to this. Always lock to something sturdy so you bike cannot be carried away or tossed into the canals. Always lock the front wheel to the frame. There is nothing worse then wheeling you bike home with one wheel.

Your bicycle will become you best friend in Amsterdam. Many students have fallen in love with their two wheel steeds. At the end of their stay they often ship their old Dutch bike home despite the cost.

Public Transport

Instead of bike you may need to use the public transport network. Get a discount card. For around 50 euros a year you get a 40% discount on public transport. If the website is too much go to the Centraal Station to speak to the people at GVB for advice.


Shopping

Learn your local street market. Every neighborhood has one. The produce, in many instances is cheaper than the supermarket. The marketers are true hardy Amsterdammers. They stand out no matter what the weather. They are small business owners. Entrepreneurial spirit is at the heart of Amsterdam. Support them and Amsterdam becomes stronger.

Buy Flowers at your local market. Amsterdam street markets have access to the largest flower in the market in the world down the road. You can pick up flowers all year around for the price of a pint of beer. You will live in no other place in the western world and buy flowers so affordable.


Albert Heijn

The major supermarket chain in the Netherlands. Not always the most affordable AH is normally the most accessible  Make sure you get a bonus card. What discounts are on offer can only be afforded with a Bonus Card.

Alternative Supermarkets 

Dirk van den Broek is cheaper from Albert Hein by around 30% but no fish or meat.

Lidl is another affordable option.

C1000 is positioned in outer Amsterdam

Cheap Eats

The old city center does not offer to many cheap student meals. A few good places are located around the University of Amsterdam buildings.

T'Pakhuis - simple sturdy pub meals at good prices. Perfect for that night when you want to eat out. Prepare for a wait as the place is always busy.

Broodje Bert - (Single 321) A sandwich that resembles a mountain. This sandwich can not be eaten with your hands it is so big.

Walking Tours:

OMY Amsterdam Tours encourages our international students to learn about Amsterdam. If you have friends or family members visiting bring them on our City Centre, Red Light or Neighborhood Tours.

A 2-4-1 offer on demonstration of your University of Amsterdam student card will be offered until June 1 2013. Mention your student card in booking and bring it to the tour. Maximum of two student cards per tour.

If you have a group of international students and want to take one of our tours we will provide you a competitive price. All OMY tour guides were students. Check out our reviews.

Add to the knowledge

If you have a tips or advice to add please share. This way next year we can pass on your tips to the next international students in Amsterdam.

Most importantly when in Amsterdam ....ENJOY!