Brouwerij 't IJ, Amsterdam

As the birth-place of the world-famous Heineken brewery, now one of the biggest brewers in the world with over 200 brands, a trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without at least a little bit of sampling. And with so many local beers to choose from there’s  a big chance that even non-beer drinkers will find something to quench their thirst. While Heineken is by far the biggest brewer in town, and the Heineken Experience offers an entertaining afternoon together with a few free samples, there are a couple of smaller breweries with a story to tell.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Visitors to Amsterdam’s unique micro brewery, Brouwerij ‘t IJ can join the friendly crowd that regularly fill the terrace outside this local brewery which is located in in an old bath house in the shadows of one of Amsterdam’s last original windmills. The products are also available in local supermarkets. The brewery also offers daily tours and tastings on Friday (15.00 and 15.30), Saturday (15.00, 15.30 and 16.00), and Sunday (15.00 and 15.30). Reservations via info@brouwerijhetij.nl are recommended as they’re very popular.

Brouwerij de Prael

This small brewery is located directly in the middle of the red-light district, close to central station. It brews organic beer using local ingredients and employs people with previous psychiatric problems to help reintegrate them back into working life. Tours are available between Monday and Friday, tastings Tuesday until Sunday and the shop is open every day of the week. In the tasting room  you receive a free typical Dutch snack to accompany each beer.

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 30,  Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Artis Zoo by Night

July 2 and 16

On a few special days during the summer months Amsterdam’s Royal Artis Zoo opens its doors until sunset (around 22:30). During these extended opening hours, not only do you get to the see the animals bedding down for the night during special tours (including the dramatic flock of shocking pink flamingos lit by the sunset), but you get a whole host of other entertainment for free.

Live bands, artists, children’s theatre shows, make-up artists and performers are among the items on the agenda in July. If you don’t have your own picnic with you, there are market stalls dotted around the zoo selling, tapas type snacks, fresh bread, prosecco, wine, soft drinks and more. For the children there’s a special bag of goodies available. So simply find a place under the trees or on a bench, watch the sunset, and enjoy your picnic to the sound of the jungle, aquarium, desert….

The Amsterdam Artis Zoo, which first opened in 1838, is located just a few minutes walk outside of the central district of Amsterdam in the historical Plantage Jewish neighborhood. Adult entrance costs around Euro 19. While you’re in the neighborhood, the botanical gardens (which have a great cafe) are also well worth a visit, as well as a stroll through the old dock warehouses, called the Entrepotdok, which are now converted into apartments.

Historical Village, Broek in Waterland, The Netherlands

Day 1

Don’t pick up the car at Schiphol airport if arriving by plane as the first stop is Amsterdam, where parking will cost almost as much as your hotel. If you have to arrive by car then there are a couple of options. Hotels and B&B’s in Amsterdam North often have free parking and are just 10 minutes by public transport or bike to the heart of the city, or there are a number of park and rides a little bit further out of the city and they charge around Euro 6 for 24 hours.

Day 2:

Head north out of Amsterdam and after 20 minutes you’ll reach the historical and completely preserved village of Broek-in-Waterland with its fabulous wooden houses, which are now exclusively for the super wealthy, and amazing gardens. For brunch share a typical Dutch pancake at De Zwaan before heading to Volendam. If you’re into nature then rent a canoe or electric boat for a couple of hours. It’s the only way to access the extensive wilderness.

Volendam is a traditional harbour town on the IJselmeer. It’s a huge tourist attraction for overseas visitors, but it does provide a real glimpse of life as it used to be in these small fishing towns. Many of the older generation still wear the traditional Dutch dress.

Continue north to Alkmaar. Similar to Edam, but a little bit more visitor oriented, it’s a beautiful small town, a little bit like a mini Amsterdam which still holds a regular cheese auction. You’ve got the opportunity here to take a small side trip to the quaint seaside town of Bergen aan Zee if the sun’s shining.

Head north once again and cross the famous 30 kilometre long Afsluitdijk, which was amazingly built in the 1920s, using horse and cart, to protect Holland from being engulfed by the North Sea. Lookout points along the road provide spectacular views of the ranging sea on one side and what has now become a calm lake on the other. Continue to Groningen.

Day 3

Groningen is a vibrant historical student town with nice architecture and the wonderful Groninger Art museum which is housed in a spectacular modern building. Leave the next day for Kampen.

Day 4

Kampen has one of the best preserved old town centres of the Netherlands, including remains of the ancient city wall (whose gates are still standing) and numerous churches. Also notable are the two bridges over the IJssel which connects Kampen with IJsselmuiden and a windmill (d’ Olde Zwarver). At the end of the day leave for Giethoorn for a some peace and relaxation.

Day 5

Park on the outside of the small village of Giethoorn as this small town is only accessible by boat or foot! Enjoy the morning walking around this quaint village built on the water before heading off to Appeldoorn, home of the Royal Palace. Stay the night in Appeldoorn.

Day 6

Head to Arnhem to the Openluchtmuseum – open air museum. This outdoor museum is host to hundreds of historically important buildings from various centuries that have been transported here, sometimes brick-by-brick. Staff dressed in costume are available with interesting explanations and the village centre offers many traditional crafts. There is a also a simulator which takes you on a full sensory trip through the Netherlands. Spend the night in Arnhem.

Day 7

Head back to Amsterdam. One day in Amsterdam is nowhere near enough!

'Wagonette' at Zeeburg Campsite, Amsterdam

There are just two campsites close to Amsterdam, so you’d do well to be organized and book at least a few weeks ahead, particularly for a weekend. Since the global recession struck a couple of years ago, it’s the first time in many years that both campsites have been forced to regularly turn people away during the peak summer months. Both sites claim to cater for a mix of customers, but from personal experience the majority tend to be younger Dutch teenagers in large groups or backpackers. The staff does try and take this into account and keep the families apart.

Vliegenbos Campsite

Of Amsterdam’s two campsites, this is the closest s to the City Centre. Located around two kilometres from Amsterdam’s Central Station, it can be reached by busses 32 or 33 which run all day until around midnight. Alternatively, by taking the free ferry which runs day and night from behind central station, it’s about a 20 minute walk.

They offer places for camper vans and tents and they also have a number of small wooden huts with two sets of bunk beds and one large hut for groups. There is a small store offering the normal campsite fair and a restaurant offering a basic range of fast food and sandwiches.

Unaccompanied teenagers from the age of 16 are allowed.

Zeeburg Campsite

This site is located around 15 minutes bus journey from Amsterdam’s Central station, or a 1 hour walk. It’s in a picturesque location on a small Island in the IJmeer. However it is close to quite a busy road, so you will hear some traffic in the distance.

They offer places for tents and campers and also have very cute wagonnettes. These are cosy ‘wagons on wheels’ equipped with bunk beds, table, chairs, electricity points and heater with private thermostat. Bedding is included. Each wagonette has its private little covered veranda, so you can sit outside – even when it rains.

A great and cheap alternative to a hostel or hotel is choosing to stay in one of their cabins. These offer a simple, clean and cosy space with bunk beds, table, chairs, electricity points, and central heating and bed linen included.

While it’s not so close to the city, there is a lot to do in the neighbourhood, including some good restaurants, such as Pompstation, kayak rental, and Blijburg beach. It’s also an excellent starting point for bike tours in the Waterland above Amsterdam.

Oh, and they’re open all year if you dare to battle with freezing Dutch winters!

Blijburg Beach, Amsterdam

When considering Amsterdam as a holiday destination, the UNESCO listed historical centre and its huge array of cultural activities plays a dominant role. But there’s another side to Amsterdam that guarantees a true holiday feel – its beaches (stranden in Dutch). In terms of beaches, Amsterdam has something to offer everyone – from families to ultra cool, from water sports to fine dining and from party atmosphere to peaceful nature. Here’s a short overview to help you make the right choice:

City Beaches
These smallish beaches are all easily accessible within about 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station by public transport or bicycle. They offer a beach bar vibe and the opportunity to feel the sand between your toes.

Strand West
14 minutes by bus from Central Station, or a 30 minute stroll along the river IJ. This beach is located on the broad river which passes behind Amsterdam’s central station. It has a large expanse of sand, but swimming in the river isn’t recommended mainly due to strong currents and the possibility of dangerous algae in the summer months. It’s located close by a large student population and therefore attracts a younger crowd and is far more informal and less image conscious than the super hip Strand Zuid. The restaurant on the beach offers mid-priced food in an attractive but suitably relaxed setting. The menu offers a number of typical items such as home made burgers, salads, chicken with peanut sauce (Chicken Sate), steaks and pastas.

Web: www.strand-west.nl/ Stavangerweg 900, 1013 AX Amsterdam

Strand Zuid
Strand Zuid is located in one of the most up-market neighbourhoods of Amsterdam, Oud Zuid, and therefore also attracts a richer crowd and the associated wannabees. There’s a small patch of sand, decking and a riverside location. While the setting itself doesn’t shout beach, the vibe they’re creating does. Chill-out music, different lounge areas and a restaurant with an excellent reputation, albeit on the upper side of the price range, help transport you from the busy city to a place of relaxation.

Blijburg
Just outside the Centre at the end of tram line 24 from central station, you’ll find this large sandy beach located on the Ijsselmeer. The Ijsselmeer used to be part of the North Sea, until the approximately 40km long afsluitdijk (dike) was built to separate it from the sea. Since then it’s gradually become a massive freshwater lake which offers clear water for swimming.

The beach is very much reminiscent of typical backpackers locations in Asia, with giant Buddha’s at the entrance, camp fires with people playing guitars, massage in make-shift wooden shelters and an extremely laid back, almost hippy vibe. They offer different types of parties during the weekends, with dancing on the beach until the early hours.

The restaurant, which is truly in keeping with the hippy vibe, offers an excellent range of quality organic food at very reasonable prices. If the weather takes a turn for the worse there’s also a great inside area with cushions and an open fire.

Het Twiske
Het Twiske nature reserve is for those looking for natural beauty and tranquility. Located about four kilometres north of Amsterdam, this extensive nature reserve offers miles of sandy beaches and lakes which are suitable for swimming. Take your own drinks and picnic as restaurants and cafes are very limited to around 3 in the whole 400 square kilometre reserve. The views are spectacular and reminiscent of the Dutch landscapes painted by the Great Masters, complete with windmills and wild ponies. You’re guaranteed peace and quiet.

Busses run (see link below) to the entrance, but the best way of getting there is by bicycle. It takes around 30-40 minutes from the centre and once you’re there, the bike gives you the flexibility to find a nice quiet spot all to yourself. There are also a number of shallow natural pools which offer special activities for children and sailing and water sports on some of the lakes. There are maps by the entrance which identify the locations of these activities.

Amsterdam Free Concerts - Harbour Festival Ijmuiden

Amsterdam might not be the cheapest city in Europe for a holiday, but with just a little bit of effort, there’s plenty to discover that won’t cost you a cent. And at the same, this added effort will probably take you to many wonderful parts of Amsterdam and its outskirts that other visitors completely miss out on. Below you’ll find three of my favourite free summer concerts in Amsterdam.

Vondelpark Open Air Theatre
Until the August 28, the famous Vondelpark’s open air theatre, which is located in the trees about 10 minutes walk from the Leidseplein entrance, presents three days (Friday-Sunday) of free music, dance, youth performances, musical theatre and stand-up comedy, every week.

Entrance is free, but during the break they do ask for a small donation as you see fit. It’s advisable to get there early and claim your space as the performances are extremely popular. For Euro 2.50 you can also reserve a seat via the website (the tab labeled reserveren). Dutch language is used for most performances involving text, however the music and dance will be largely language neutral.

There’s a small catering pavilion next to the theatre serving drinks and light meals such as salads, filled rolls and tapas.

Website: www.Openluchttheater.nl

Uitmarkt
26-28 August, Leidseplein, Museumplein and Vondelpark.
Uitmarkt Amsterdam is the opening of the national cultural season, and offers a preview of the many upcoming events including dance, theatre, literature, cabaret, sing alongs, big bands and classical music.

The three day event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and the three locations, which host huge temporary stages, are quickly packed with people to watch the televised performances. The location in the Vondelpark is aimed at younger children.

In addition to the main stage, there are also numerous performances held in the theatres around these venues. An English language guide is available from the Uitburo’s International Service Point which is located on Museumplein, near the Van Gogh Museum. Here you’ll find all you need to know about the festival.

Website: www.uitmarkt.nl (also in English)

Harbour Festival, Ijmuiden
27-28 August, Trawlerkade and Halkade, Ijmuiden
Ijmuiden is a historical harbour, complete with a historical lighthouse, located about 30km to the west of Amsterdam. And in keeping with the location it combines cultural activities with a nautical theme. All day long the air is filled with music from shanty choirs to the swinging rhythms of Caribbean singers and orchestras. Hundreds of boats, new and old gather from all around the world to create a party atmosphere, together with street theatre and art. Many performances also take place in old factory premises and onboard peculiar ships and include pop, world and classical music, fine arts, poetry and film. There is also an extensive programme for children.

To get there take bus 82 from Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes around 35 minutes.
Website: www.Havenfestivalijmuiden.nl (also in English)

More Free Things in Amsterdam
If you’ve had your fill of concerts and need more inspiration for other free or low cost adventures in Amsterdam, then take a look at one of my previous blogs that covers free things in Amsterdam that are available all year round.

Fela

1-26 June, 2011

The Holland Festival has been a trend-setting performing arts festival in the Netherlands since 1947, annually presenting exceptional and sometimes ground-breaking work at an international level. This year its 51 different productions offer a cross-section of all the performing arts and more, such as theatre, musicals, visual arts, dance, literature, opera and music. The line up includes a mix of big names and upcoming talent, and styles ranging from classic to daring experiments.

This year the festival willl use 17 large venues around the city including Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, The Muziektheater, Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam, Westergasfabriek, Concertgebouw, Royal Theater Carré, Theater Bellevue, Bimhuis, Orgelpark, Oosterpark and Spui25.

Ticket prices range from free to over Euro 100 and tickets can be reserved via the website (in English) or bought at the venue (not recommended as many performances sell out). It’s advisable to get to venues in advance as they can become very busy with around 100,000 people attending during the festival. Most of the performances are language neutral or with subtitles in English.

Four of the most highly rated productions for this year are:

Musical FELA! The true story of the legendary Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afro beat rhythms ignited a generation. It’s produced by Jay-Z (the most renowned hip-hop artist of the moment) and Will and Jada Pinket Smith. It’s the most critically acclaimed new musical of the season on Broadway and received three 2010 Tony Awards. It is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Fela Kuti’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony-Award winner Bill T. Jones. Inspired by his mother he defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity. You will hear it with your hips, with your rip cage, it’s very energetic and it shows you the real spirit of Kuti!

Mea Culpa is by German Director, Christoph Schlingensief who died of lung cancer last year. Mea Culpa is the last part of a trilogy in which the German director stages a social sculpture of his own disease. This spectacular opera is about life, death and mortality and contains a multitude of layers and perspectives, and music ranging from Wagner to Roy Orbison. The opera covers almost all of his fascinations and will strike a chord with wide sections of the population, incorporating many references to art, film and philosophy. Schlingensief was a German most controversial and provocative media figure and director.

Delusion is a performance of the New York singer, violinist and performer artist Laurie Anderson. In the show she creates her own universe with unearthly music, superb visual design, and her magnetic personality.

The New York theatre company Elevator Repair Service presents The Select. The desperation of the Lost Generation is seen on stage in their adaptation of Ernest Hemmingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises. With a highly inventive staging we see how American correspondent Jake Barnes, impotent from a war wound, has to see how the woman he loves, Lady Brett Ashley, indulges in sexual escapades with other men.

For more information and tickets visit www.hollandfestival.nl

Dance Performance at the Tong Tong Festival

At this year’s Tong Tong Festival in The Hague, Asian food, culture, dance, fashion and markets come together, to provide two weeks of multicultural entertainment. Located on the Malieveld park, opposite The Hague’s Central Station, you may only be a 40-minute train ride from Amsterdam, but you’ll be transported to different Asian countries as you wander through the tent-lined streets.

The centrepiece is the Grand Pasar, a huge market the size of a football field, where the fragrances, colours and sounds conjure up visions of evening market in South-East Asia. Wander through the alleys and discover stall holders selling everything from silver to art, and from cooking utensils to herbs and spices.

Throughout the day and night there are numerous performances from dance groups who have flown in specially for the event, workshops such as batik fabric painting, cooking demonstrations, and talks and presentations, covering everything from native costumes to traditional story telling.  Many of the activities are also suitable for children and most will be in English.

The event runs every day from midday until 22:00 and entrance costs Euro 11.50 during the week and Euro 14.50 at weekends, with reductions for over 65s and children under 11.

Visit www.tongtongfair.nl for further information.

Secret 20s Party, Amsterdam

By Scott Roane

Muziektheater (Music Theatre) Open Day
21 May, 10:00-17:00
The Amsterdam Music Theatre is opening its doors for opera and ballet enthusiasts of all ages. Everybody is welcome to have a look backstage, attend workshops, debates and interviews. Visitors can also enjoy performances by dancers from the Dutch National Ballet and members of Het Koor van De Nederlandse Opera (National Dutch Choir). If you feel like performing on stage yourself, then sign up quickly via the website and the pianist will be ready for your performance on the day! Click here for further information.

Dragon Boat Race
21 May, 13:30-18:00 – Amsterdam IJHaven, Veemkade
Dragon boat racing is an ancient sport which originated in China, and is a great spectacle for all the family. This event will donate all proceeds to the Max Foundation charity. It’s also a great excuse to visit the new docklands area of Amsterdam.

Bootleg Dance Event (Secret Location!)
21 May, 21:30-05:00
‘The Bootleg’ will take place at a secret location in Amsterdam. Go to the website for the password and location  (click here ), then once you’re there, knock three times and re-create the sass of the speakeasy by divulging the secret code! Live bands will transport you back in time at this rockin’ and rollin’ Roaring Twenties party.

London Calling
20-21 May, Paradiso
This is a showcase for the best new bands and trends from the UK. Both the large and small auditoriums at Paradiso, one of Amsterdam’s finest venues, will be used over this two-day festival which has received rave reviews. Click here for further information

Safety tips for Amsterdam - don't leave your bike without locking it to a fixed object

By Scott Roane

In the last few months, a few negative comments from visitors about safety in Amsterdam caught my attention. After discovering the source of their worries to be some older versions of well known guide books, I thought it might be a good time to provide an update.

Signs in the station or announcements over the public address system warning people to beware of pickpockets may leave you clutching your bag as if it contains the crown jewels. But these are simply warnings, and they help to ensure that it rarely happens.

Petty Crime
Compared to other large European cities, Amsterdam is a relatively safe city. Violent crimes rarely occur and in 8 years of living here, with a largish group of friends who are regularly out and about, often until the very early hours of the morning, nobody has even been the victim of any sort of petty crime.

In fact, on one occasion after leaving her bag in the corner of the bar for the whole night (a regular and perhaps foolish habit that I wouldn’t dream of doing in any other city) a friend did come back to find it missing. The next day after finding her address in her diary, the bag was returned sheepishly by a girl whose boyfriend had mistakenly picked it up thinking it was hers (she was apparently to drunk to notice)! I’ve also got many more examples of lost mobile phones being reunited.

Neighbourhoods
In terms of neighbourhoods, there’s not really much difference. Some older guide books may mention the area around Nieuwmarkt, which around ten years ago had a problem with drug addicts, or Amsterdam Noord, which had some cross-cultural issues. Both of these areas are now perfectly safe.

Most of the central areas, the Pijp, Amsterdam Noord, West and Oost are all as safe as each other. The suburbs further out of town are much quieter, so I’d probably avoid walking around late at night. I would give a word of caution to the Red Light Distric, simply because visitors are often distracted and it can be very crowded. If there’s going to be a scuffle in the bar, its most likely going to happen here as it tends to attract crowds of drunken football supporters, particularly the British (apologies to all well behaved fellow Brits, but a fact’s a fact).

Gay
In the news last year there was some negative press over attacks on homosexuals, but this was sparked by one particular attack on an American journalist. While it does happen occasionally, it’s certainly not the norm, and can be avoided by staying to the main streets, and giving some thought to where any public displays of affection take place, particularly in areas of West which have a high percentage of Muslim inhabitants who might take offence.

Women
Amsterdam has one of the lowest incidents of sexual related crimes in Europe. Female friends of mine don’t have any concerns walking home alone at night, or taking public transport. But as with any town or city, simply use your common sense.

Bikes
To finish on a less positive note, bike theft is a problem. It’s mostly opportunist, with people finding a bike with the keys in or an old, easy-to-break lock, when they need to get home early in the morning. If you lock it to a fixed object, there’s a very low risk of it being stolen. After 8 years, I’m still riding around on the same shiny bicycle.

Useful phonenumbers
Emergency (police,ambulance, fire): 112

Police (theft and other queries): 0900-8844

Touristdoctor: (0031)-(0)-20-4275011