The Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam.

The Heineken Brewery is a museum in Amsterdam and this brewery is listed in the European Route of Industrial Heritage and can also be used  for meetings and events. The brewery is built in 1867 and was used for the beer production of the famous Dutch Heineken beer until 1988. After the beer production moved to Zoeterwoude, the brewery is completely renovated since 1991 and got the name Heineken Experience in 2001.  The Heineken

Heineken museum in Amsterdam

Heineken museum in Amsterdam

experience is meant as a tourist attraction and a meeting center for companies.

The museum offers guided tours, interactive exhibits and two bars. You receive two glasses of Heineken, which are included in the entry fee. The Heineken Experience tells you everything about the history, the different generations of the family Heineken and especially  the world most famous beer.
 
Five meeting rooms varied from 60m2 until 450m2 are situated on the top of this building. The capacity of the Heineken Experience is a maximum of 650 people per event. The 450m2 meeting room has a large balcony that gives you an amazing view over the centre of Amsterdam.

It is easy to reach the Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam from the central station or the RAI Congress Centre with public transport, or you can park your car on the public parking of the Heineken Experience with a capacity of 250 cars. You can also arrive with the boat right in front of the museum at the Heineken Experience landing stage.

Dancing the night away in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is Europe’s largest music conference for electronic music and the biggest club festival in the world. The event yearly has got more than 700 artists and DJs in 40 clubs in Amsterdam with over

Amsterdam dancing

Amsterdam dancing

90,000 visitors and 2,000 music professionals from 42 countries. The Amsterdam Dance Event 2009 takes place from 21st of October till the 24st of October. Amsterdam Dance Event is organized by the Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation.

This event offers professionals the opportunity to meet international business partners en perform for an international audience with new music and new trends. The event takes place  in the centre of Amsterdam at the historic canal side Felix Meritis building and the luxury Dylan hotel .

Buma Culture is the initiator of the Amsterdam Dance Event. This foundation is responsible for the promotion and support of the Dutch music industry. Buma also defends the rights of the Dutch music industry and protects the copyrights.  Buma or Buma Stemra initiates, contributes to and sponsors a couple of Dutch and abroad projects.

For all the people who like the electronic music industry it is a must to be on this huge event in Amsterdam on the 21st of October until the 24st of October.

5 Cinemas in Amsterdam

When you have your holiday in Amsterdam and you would like to visit a cinema in Amsterdam? There are thirteen cinemas in Amsterdam. This is a top 5 of this cinemas in Amsterdam.

1. Cinema De Uitkijk – Cinema De Uitkijk is a small movie house situated on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. This cinema has one cinema room. The price for a ticket is 8 euro.

2. Kriterion – The cinema Kriterion on the Roetersstraat in Amsterdam is run by students. This cinema is open from 12.00am until 12.00pm. The prices range from 6,50 euro until 8 euro.

3. Pathé De Munt – Pathé De Munt in Amsterdam is a cinema with 2415 seats spread over 13 cinema rooms. This cinema is open from Monday until Friday from 11.45am and on Saturday, Sunday and in the holidays from 10.00am. The prices for a ticket range from 5 euro for a movie in the morning till 9,50 euro for a normal ticket.

4. Studio K – Since 2007, two cinema rooms, a theater, a stage and a bar / restaurant with terrace are located on the Timorplein. The price for a ticket is around 7,50 euro. This cinema is open on Sunday until Thursday from 11.00am until 01.00am and on Friday and Saturday from 11.00am until 03.00/04.00am. You can lunch here every day from 11.00 am until 04.00pm. The restaurant is open from Monday until Sunday from 06.00pm until 10.00pm

5. The Movies – The oldest in use cinema is Haarlemmerdijk and has four cinema rooms. The Movies is an arthouse cinema with night movies, children’s matinees and a restaurant. The prices range from 6,50 euro until 9,50 euro. More on Amsterdam cinema online and Amsterdam accommodation is available with Holiday Velvet.

Blog SAIL Amsterdam

From 19 until 23 August 2010 the eighth SAIL Amsterdam will take place. On this moment, the organization is very busy with the preparations for the event.

The initiative for the organization of Sail Amsterdam, for the first time in 1975, arose during the preparations for the celebration of the Amsterdam’s 700-year

Boating in Holland.

Boating in Holland.

anniversary. During these preparations there was a proposal to organize an event in the port of Amsterdam. The focus would be on the port and the city of Amsterdam. For the “Sail Amsterdam” sailing ships from around the world were invited. The event was a great success.

After the great success of Sail Amsterdam 1975 there was decided to organize a second Sail in 1980. For this second SAIL Amsterdam a permanent organization “Stichting Sail Amsterdam” was established in 1977. Since then, Stichting Sail Amsterdam found a successful way to organize a Sail in 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005. With more than 600 ships and 2.5 million visitors in 2005, SAIL Amsterdam was a great success.

The many Tall Ships were welcomed in IJmuiden by a huge fleet of ships, of all types and models, from all over the world. Under guidance, the ‘Parade of Sail’ takes place. This is the traditional start of Sail Amsterdam.

After arrival at the IJ-haven of Amsterdam, the festivities start, which are closed every night with spectacular fireworks. In and around the IJ-haven, there are many activities and a pleasant activity with the coming and going of many ships. SAIL Amsterdam is visit by people from all over the world. The five-yearly event is visit by a wide audience. Next to the many boat lovers, many people visit the event because of the atmosphere and charm. Also the youth program at the Sea of Friend Ships is well attended.

The highlights in the program of SAIL Amsterdam are the “Parade of Sail ‘, the tours of the ‘Varend Erfgoed’, the ‘Pieremachocheltocht’ and the ‘Tall Ships’ in the IJhaven.

Try the famous Dutch Cookie in Amsterdam.

The ¨Stroopwafel¨ has been famous since 1784, originally from the town Gouda. As most people purchase this delicacy all around the world in vacuum packed containers, most do not realize its origin.

Dutch cookies.

Dutch cookies.

This famous syrup coated cookie is best enjoyed fresh and homemade. In Amsterdam, you can find them at any coffee shop or local market, still warm coated with a sweet layer of syrup.

This delicacy is usually enjoyed with a cup of coffee, cacao or tea, but some enjoy them anytime of the day.

So what makes these cookies so special? The answer is simple: It is a wonderful combination of crumbs, spices and syrups that leave a wonderful aftertaste in your mouth.

Traditionally invented amongst the poor people, but now enjoyed by all. Latest statistics state that the average Dutchman eats 20 of these cookies a day.

Plan your holiday with a Stroopwafel from a local market in Amsterdam. No one leaves Amsterdam without trying this famous cookie, do not miss out.

Amsterdam Property of the Month

Amsterdam has many excellent apartments to choose from if you are visiting for a holiday or vacation. This months property of the month though is an apartment which goes by the name Canal View.

The apartment has an extraordinary view overlooking the canal and sleeps up to 4 people in 1 bedroom and in the livingroom. Furthermore there a fully equipped bathroom.

The amenities of this villa are overwhelming and make your stay even more comfortable. To give you an example the apartment comprises of:

  • Living room (with a double bed)
  • TV with satellite
  • Broadband internet access
  • Stereo
  • Kettle
  • Microwave
  • Towels
Canal view Amsterdam, Holland

Canal view Amsterdam, Holland

The apartment is situated in the polular Jordan area, very close to Dam Square and withing walking distance of the Leideseplein. Close by you find plenty of bars, restaurants and shops. Learn more about the Canal View apartment in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Sauna and shopping in Paris

I am not sure about you but I love December. It might be colder here in Amsterdam but there is the sense of Xmas and a great atmosphere. The Xmas markets are good and lights make the city even more colourful. December (and also January and February) are also excellent for sauna.

There are some great saunas in Amsterdam. My two favourites are:

Amsterdam sauna

Amsterdam sauna

I am heading out of Amsterdam for a few days to do some shopping and to find some Paris accommodation for family when they come over from England. Can anyone recommend anywhere specific to visit in Paris? Also any thoughts on Amsterdam saunas worth visiting?

Ice Skating in Amsterdam

Unfortunately for the Dutch, it’s not cold enough all year round to go ice skating on the canals. When the barometer drops below zero, the Dutch go crazy and can’t stop staring at the weather and conversations rest solely on  that ultimate skate feeling.  In short, Dutch people like ice skating and some of them go wild just thinking about it. What better way to enjoy the sights of Amsterdam with your family or loved one than skating around on the frozen canals, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying the ice.

Ice skating in Amsterdam.

Ice skating in Amsterdam.

Obviously, the ice needs to be really strong to hold all those determined skaters and this only happens when it’s below zero. It’s been a couple of years since people skated in Amsterdam but last winter the canals outside of Amsterdam froze up, strong enough to skate on.

Every Friday during the cold weather periods, there is a skating trip from 15km to 25KM. It starts between 20.15 and 20.30 near to the Cafe Vertigo Film museum in the Vondelpark. It’s free and if you don’t have skates, you can rent them out at Vondeltuin.

However, you don’t have to miss out on the ice-fever if the temperature gets too warm. There are several locations to skate in the center of Amsterdam. There is one at the Museumplein and another one is located at the Damsquare. Both are pretty small but they are free and very romantic.

For those speed merchants, you can check out a larger rink at the JAAP EDEN COMPLEX which can be easily reached by tra (9) and walking a few blocks. You can call or check the website http://www.jaapeden.nl/ (in dutch) for hours/times.

Bring your own or rent there!
Address: Radioweg 64 1098 NJ Amsterdam
Phone: 0206949652
Directions: can be reached by tram 9 and buses 15, 59, 67, 120, 126, 136 and 157. Exit at Kruislaan / Middenweg or Linnaeusparkweg / Kruislaan. (might need to call or ask someone to be sure!)

Amsterdam for kids (Part 2)

Madame Tussaud’s – Everyone knows Madame Tussaud’s and the queues outside show the gallery’s popularity. Local favourites are van Gogh, Rembrandt, Queen Beatrix, Mata Hari and more.

Madame Tussards in Amsterdam

Madame Tussards in Amsterdam

(Madame Tussaud’s, Dam Square; tel: 552 1010; open Jul-Aug daily 9.30am-8.30pm; Sept-June daily 10am-6.30pm; entrance charge is adults 21 euros, children between 5-15 is 6 euros and children under 5 are free).

Children’s Farm – Get right up close to nature in the middle of the city. This miniature waterfront farm on Bickers Island (Bickerseiland) is a wonderful place where children can get to stroke lambs, hold puppies and stare at pigs.

Canal ride – A great way to ease those aching feet, taking one of the many canal boats around the city is a great way to see and experience Amsterdam.

Do not forget that if you are travelling with children, a self-catering apartment in the centre of Amsterdam can be perfect for families and companies such as Holiday Velvet cater for families in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam for kids (Part 1)

Amsterdam is normally viewed as being less family friendly that other city break destinations. The trip you take there is generally not the holiday kind but you and the family can have a fantastic weekend break or longer holiday there with the kids at any time of year. There’s plenty of cheap flights to get there and there’s loads for both kids and parents to do.

The essential things to do when window shopping down the red light district just doesn’t do it for the kids. Must do’s include my following suggestions below:

NEMO Science and Technology CentreThis is a section of the revitalised harbour. The NEMO Centre is a must for kids of all ages. There are loads of intereactive exhibits, from refilling radio-controlled model oil tankers to conducting light and sound experiments and carrying out your own investigations in a laboratory. (NEMO, Prins Henrikkade, tel: 0900 919 1100; www.e-nemo.nl/; open Jul-Aug daily 10am-5pm; Sept-June Tues-Sun 10am-5pm; entrance charge is 11.50 euros per person and children up to 3 years are free).

Artis ZooAn interesting animal habitat in the heart of Amsterdam. You’ll see peacocks to polar bears and there’s also a great quarium and planetarium for those stargazers. They even have an African savannah:

Artis amsterdam

Artis amsterdam

a microplain housing zebras, wildebeests, ostriches and other native birds. (Artis Zoo, 38-40 Plantage Kerklaan, tel: 523 3400; open daily 9am-5pm; entrance charge is adults is € 17,70, for senior (65+) € 16,50 and for children from 3 to 9 years € 14,50).

Tropenmuseum TM Junior – There’s an excellent section on life in tropics that will entertain all kids. The Tropical MUseum is shows the lifestyles and problems in many of the world’s developing countries. The Junior section is aimed at children aged 6-12 and comes with lively hands-on features and activities.(Tropenmuseum, 2 Linnaeusstraat; tel: 568 8215: www.kit.nl. Open daily 10am-5pm; entrance charge over 6 yrs old is 4 euros and 7.50 euros for 18+ years).

Electrische Museumtramlijn (Electric Museum Tram Line) – Far from being borning, this is a “moving” museum onboard antique trams. The trams run during the summer, on Sundays and public holidays, from the old Harlemmermeerstation, just north of the 1928 Olympisch Stadion (Olympic Stadium) at Stadionplein. (Looking for Museum Quarter rentals in Amsterdam?