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Sparta Rotterdam is the oldest professional football team in the Netherlands, established on April 1, 1888. Until the 2002/2003 season Sparta Rotterdam had always played at the highest level, but they were relegated from the top-level Eredivisie in 2002. Sparta returned to the Eredivisie for the 2005–06 season.
Sparta has won six national titles (1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1915 and 1959) and three national cups (1958, 1962 and 1966). Sparta is one of three professional football clubs from Rotterdam, the others being Excelsior (est. 1902) and Feyenoord (est. 1908), the latter playing in the Eredivisie.
Because Holland is such a small country with such easy travel possibilities, all of our tours are based on arrivals and departures from Amsterdam.
DUTCH RAILWAYS
Travelling through The Netherlands by train is fast, comfortable and very affordable. Holland has a dense, efficient railway network with modern, fast trains that interconnect cities several times an hour. Trains reach many cities, towns and villages. Another advantage: you'll always get off the train in the centre of the town. So there's no need to look at your map too much: you're always near the museums and the historic sites you want to visit. Day Ticket A Day Ticket allows you unlimited travel around the country for one day; the ‘OV Day Ticket’ is valid for bus, trams and metro, as well. You can also buy the 5 Day Ticket what basically comes down to 5 separate Day Tickets you can use on different days. Weekend Return The Weekend Return is the same as a Day Return, except that it is valid from Friday 7 pm to Monday 4 am.
AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE Taxis: Are available at the rank outside the arrivals building. The journey time into the city centre is 20-25 minutes with fares starting at 40.00 EUROS.
Rail: There is a direct service from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central station. Trains operate every 10 minutes with a journey time of 20 minutes and depart from platforms 1 and 2 in the main arrival plaza. A single fare will cost €3.50. Have change on hand to use the ticket machines and avoid paying a 50 cent surcharge at the ticket office. If you do not have a valid ticket with you on the train you will be liable to a fine of €35.00.
Coach: Airport shuttles operated by Connexion depart every 10 minutes with services to more than 100 hotels throughout the city. Tickets cost €12.00 one-way or €19.00 return and can be purchased inside the main arrivals plaza. Guests of major hotels should first check the shuttle area to see if their hotel provides a complimentary service.
AMSTERDAM AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Tram: If you have to go anywhere in the city centre, the tram is the most convenient means of transport. They are frequent, fast and dependable. You can buy a ticket from the driver, the conductor at the back of the tram, or a machine in the middle of the tram, depending on the sort of tram it is. However, it is considerably cheaper if you buy a 'strippenkaart' from a GVB ticket or information office, newsagent, post office or railway station beforehand.
Bicycles: Bicycling in Amsterdam is a way of life for most Dutch and still the best way to get around. There are dedicated bike paths throughout the city and few hills to conquer. A number of companies offer bicycle rentals for around €8 per day with discounts for longer rentals.
Taxi: Taxi stands are available at most tourist hubs including Leidseplein, Dam Square and Central Station. Hailing a taxi is quite difficult and virtually impossible on weekends, but cab service is generally prompt if you call ahead (city cab: 0900.677.7777). Rides cost €1.80 per km regardless of the time of day and a 5%-10% tip is expected. For a truly Dutch taxi twist, catch one of the many bicycle taxis around the city. The pedal powered taxis can carry up to two people and are actually cheaper than conventional taxi.
City Centre to the Amsterdam Arena Metro 54 to Gein (stopping at Strandvliet, Bijlmer and Duivendrecht) links the Amsterdam Arena directly to the centre of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Arena is also served from outlying districts by buses 29, 59, 60, 62, 137, 158, 174 and 175, Bijlmer stop.
TOURIST OFFICES Stationsplein 10 Centraal Station
EMERGENCY SERVICES Emergency number, Police, Fire and Ambulance 112 24 hour medical service 0900 724 474 65
BRITISH CONSULATE Koningslaan 44, Amsterdam 676 43 43
BANKING HOURS Business hours differ between banks. Most banks are open from Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and 4 pm. On Mondays business hours start mainly at 1 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays banks are closed.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Rijksmuseum The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands, with more than a million visitors each year. The Rijksmuseum is currently in a prolonged renovation, but a small part of it remains open. Its exhibition called The Masterpieces shows the most famous pieces of Dutch art from the 17th c., usually called the Golden Age of the Netherlands. Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals reflect in their work different aspects of Dutch national character. You may also see the museum treasury, beautiful doll houses from the period and the traditional Delftware.
Dam square The Dam is the very centre and heart of Amsterdam, although there are arguably prettier sights in the city. As an historical site however, it is fascinating and worth taking the time to appreciate. The Dam has seen many historical dramas unfold over the years, and was for example, the reception area for Napoleon and his troops during the 1808 take-over of the city. The impressive history of the square is well documented in the Amsterdam Historical Museum. The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) which dominates the square was originally used as the town hall and its classical facade and fine sculptures were intended to glorify the city of Amsterdam and its government. In contrast to its turbulent history, the square is now a peaceful place and is home to hundreds of pigeons and tourists resting their tired feet.
Anne Frank House Prinsengract 267. When in Amsterdam take some time to educate yourself in the life of a special young Jewish girl. The queues are long, the exhibition is moving and upsetting, but it will make most people more determined that one person can have an influence. Tram 13 or 17 from central station.
Canal Trips Canal Bus operates a regular service along the canals on three routes, the Green Line, the Red Line and the Blue line. The 14 stops are located near the major museums, attractions and shopping centres, including the Riijksmuseum, the central station and Leidseplein. With a day pass which is valid until 12 noon the following day, you can hop on and off as often as you like. On board there is commentary providing interesting information about Amsterdam. Tickets for adults cost €16 and €11 fro children. With the pass you also receive discount coupons on Amsterdams major attractions worth over €100.
Sexmuseum, Amsterdam, Damrak 18. We’ll leave the description of this attraction to your imagination.
World of Ajax Arena Boulevard. The tour gives you a look at the Amsterdam Arena, one of the largest multi-functional stadiums in Europe and into the history of the legendary football club that calls it home. The walk-in tour is held several times a day, no reservations are necessary. You can call 31 11 336, 24 hours in advance to find out what times the tours will be leaving. Take metroline 54 from central station to the Strandvliet/Arena stop.
Van Gogh Museum Open daily from 10.00 am until 6.00 pm and until 10.00 pm on Fridays. There is no other place in the world where you can see so many of the great artists’ paintings under one roof. The museums collection is divided into three sections. The Van Gogh collection, work from other artists and the collection concerning the Van Gogh museums history. 2009 admission prices €12.50 for adults, €2.50 for children, 13-17 years of age and free admission 0-12 years. I Amsterdam card holders, free admission
Heineken Experience Costs €15.00, you get two complimentary drinks and a free gift, and you also learn the history of Heineken. There is even an interactive section where you can send pictures of yourself or group to e-mail addresses. The self guide tour will last approximately 75 minutes. You can find the brewery at Stadhouderskade 78. www.heinekencorp.com. Closed Mondays. From Central Station take trams 16, 24 or 25 and get off at Heinekplein. Open 11:00 am-7:00 pm seven days a week, last ticket sales at 5.30 pm.
BARS
Mulligans Irish Music Bar, Amstel 100. Tram 4, 9 or 14 to Rembrandtplein. Open since 1988, just what you would expect from an Irish bar.
The Tara, Rokin 85-89, can be found close to Dam Square. Tram numbers 4,9,14.16, 24 and 25 stop close by. The Tara has four big TV screens in the corners of the main section of the bar for all major sporting events - especially international football and rugby matches. There is another even bigger TV screen in the old church section and regular TV screens are strategic located throughout the building. The Tara is a safe haven for all genuine sports fans. Fans of Irish sports will be delighted to see the The Tara offers full coverage of Gaelic football and hurling seasons.
O'Reilly’s, Paleisstraat, 102-105. O'Reilly's is located a couple of minutes from dam square. Walk to the left of the palace, past the pedestrian shopping street (Kalverstraat) and you will find it about 100 metres away up on the left hand side.
The Blarney Stone, Nieuwendijk, 29 The Blarney Stone is one of the oldest and most authentic Irish bars in Amsterdam. Unlike most of the Irish theme bars that litter Europe and other parts of the world, the Blarney is the type of bar you'll find in most rural parts of Ireland. The owner, Paddy, comes from Tralee, co. Kerry and has lived in Amsterdam for many years, Little Paddy, the manager, from Kildare has also been here for a long time. The bar has been in existence since 1989. The staff is very friendly and come from various parts of the world. We are situated in the centre of the city, two minutes from central station, five minutes from Dam square and ten minutes from the red light district.
Three Sisters Grand Pub, Leidseplein 2, Tram 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 or 10 to Leidesplein. English style pub with a New York Steakhouse upstairs.
Café Belgique, Gravenstraat 2. Tram 1, 2, 5, 6, 13 or 14 to Dam Square. Tiny pub behind the Nieuwe Kerk, serving 8 draught beers (Including La Chouffe at 8%) and 40 plus bottled beers.
RESTAURANTS AND CAFES
Atrium, at Grimburgwal Cheap sustaining food is served in this self-service student restaurant on the ground of Amsterdam’s old university. The menu mixes standard Dutch fare like salads and pea and ham soup with exotic influences like filled Indonesian croquettes.
Brasserie de Poort, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 176-180. In a former beer hall across from the Royal Palace, this restaurant has been serving steaks and Dutch favourites for more than 100 years. Each of its steaks are numbered and if the number on yours is a round thousand, you’re the winner of a free bottle of wine.
De Silveren Spiegel, Kattengat 4-6, Traditional old restaurant, one of the best known in Amsterdam. The menu offers freshly prepared seafood and meat dishes such as sole filets with wild spinach, and trilogy of lamb with ratatouille.
Akbar, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 15 The best Indian restaurant in the Leidesplein area. Consistently good cuisine, tandoori, curry, vegetarian and seafood. The set meals are good value and there is also a take-out service. Open daily 4.30 pm to 00.30 am. (www.akbar.nl)
Memories Of India, Reguliersdwarsstraat 88. Top flight Indian cuisine, charging moderate prices with an attentive staff. The Khan family earned their spurs in the competitive London market and have now exported their ward winning formula to Amsterdam.
Cafe Luxembourg, Spuistraat 22-24, Offers huge portions of food at reasonable prices. Soups, sandwiches, and dishes such as meatloaf are available as well as specialities such as Chinese Dim Sum and Indonesian grilled satay chicken.
Grand Cafe L'Opera, Rembrandtplein 27-29, The menu includes salads, steaks and mushrooms, croquettes and mussels and Thai chicken curry. A good spot on the square for outside eating in good weather. Open Sun-Thu 10:00 am-1:00 am and Fri-Sat 10:00 am - 2:00 am. www.l-opera.nl.
Rose's Cantina, Reguliersdwarsstraat 38-40. Serves typical American and Mexican favourites such as hamburgers, meatballs, enchiladas, burritos, tortilla chips and salsa.
Casa di David, Singel 426. The ambience is very romantic and typical Italian, dark panelling, red and white checked tablecloths and wine casks. There’s a view of both the Singel and Herengracht canals from the restaurants two floors. Casa di David is most famous for it’s freshly made in-house pasta and pizzas for one. Open daily 5:00 pm-midnight. www.casadidavid.com.
Hostaria, Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat, 9. A little piece of authentic Italy serving the kind of cuisine Italian mothers only wish they could equal. The menu includes fish soup, lightly grilled eggplant, prawns and shellfish from the local market, homemade pastas and duck cooked Roman style. Open Tue-Sun 6:30 pm-10:00 pm. Reservations recommended at weekends, credit cards not accepted.
Nam Kee, Zeedijk 111-113. Modestly priced food that is both authentic and excellent. The menu has 140 items including steamed oysters with black bean sauce, Peking duck, and duck with plum sauce. Open daily 11.30 am to midnight. www.namkee.nl.
Treasure, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 115-117. Rated amongst the best restaurants in Amsterdam by Avant Garde. It offers a wide array of classic Chinese choices in a classic Chinese setting. You can eat dishes from any of the four main styles of Chinese cooking, Beijing, Shanghai, Cantonese and Szechuan. Open daily noon-11:00 pm.
STAYING IN TOUCH – INTERNET CAFES
Easy Everything, has 2 internet cafes, at Damrak 33
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