DK Travel : Amsterdam

Amsterdam has an appeal that is absolutely unique. It’s a vibrant place, a treasure-trove of extraordinary artistic riches, and the living embodiment of 900 years of history, during which it rose to become the centre of a huge global empire. After a period of decline, it matured into today’s relaxed and tolerant modern metropolis. Elegant and serene, Amsterdam also has its seamy side, and this too is part of its character, as much as its famous network of canals. Whatever you are looking for, this small city packs a big punch.

Green Planet

Bright, modern and full of greenery, this veggie caférestaurant is 90 per cent organic. Perfect for a drink, a quick snack or a hearty meal.
Greenpeace Building

Gerrit van Arkel’s eyecatching 1905 building is a fine example ofNieuwe Kunst , the Dutch version of Art Nouveau. Built for an insurance company, it is now the world headquarters of the environmental campaigner Greenpeace.
Greenwich Village

In the same gay enclave of Kerkstraat, the Greenwich Village provides simple, friendly accommodation at a very reasonable price. There are 11 clean but plain bedrooms.
Greenwoods

Australian-run, typically English tearoom-style café that serves great breakfasts and high teas. Service can be painfully slow, but worth the wait.
Grimburgwal

This peaceful corner of the Oude Zijde at the convergence of three canals was a popular spot for medieval convents: appropriately, one of the side streets is called Gebed Zonder End (Prayer Without End). If you need to rest, there are benches on Oudezijds Voorburgwal, just beyond the Huis op de Drie Grachten.
Grouchos

The best steak I've eaten. Several branches around the town, but head to the central square for the main one - great atmosphere on three floors.
Haarlem

Centred around the Grote Markt, with its buzzing pavement cafés and lovely buildings, the historic centre of this lively, wellheeled city is a delight. Highlights include the Frans Hals Museum, the Grote Kerk with its magnificent decorated Müller organ, and the Art Deco train station. Also well worth a visit is the Teylers Museum, with its excellent collection of science, technology and art exhibits.
Haarlemmerbuurt

In recent times, the bustling streets of this stalwart residential neighbourhood have seen the arrival of all manner of shops, mixing bric-a-brac withhaute couture , New Age with funky furniture and specialist food with local groceries. On Haarlemmerstraat is Westindisch Huis, once the headquarters of the Dutch West India Company. To the west is Haarlemmerpoort, a gateway – now converted into flats – built in 1840 for the entry of William II. Beyond it lies peaceful Westerpark, and Westergasfabriek, former gasworks turned arts centre.
Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum

Seen through a cloud of incense, exhibits in this tiny but fascinating museum chart the history of hemp (marijuana) from its earliest use some 8,000 years ago to the 20th-century drug wars. Ashennep , it was used in Holland for making lace, linens, fishing nets and fabric for sails, and processed by special windmills calledhennepkloppers . There are displays about smuggling, an array of hookahs and reefers, and a “grow room” where plants are cultivated.
Hash Marihuana Hemp Museum

Seen through a cloud of incense, exhibits in this tiny but fascinating museum chart the history of hemp (marijuana) from its earliest use some 8,000 years ago to the 20th-century drug wars. Ashennep , it was used in Holland for making lace, linens, fishing nets and fabric for sails, and processed by special windmills calledhennepkloppers . There are displays about smuggling, an array of hookahs and reefers, and a “grow room” where plants are cultivated.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €90
- €90–€140
- €140–€200
- €200–€250
- over €250
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€45
- €45–€60
- over €60