Tourist Information Service

For about two years the Jewish Frank family together with another family who were friends of theirs and a single man all hid from the Gestapo in a back room which served as a pharmacy. They lived in the smallest of spaces in constant fear of being discovered. On 4^th August 1944 German soldiers raided the hiding place and the hideaways were deported. Otto Frank, Anne’s father, was the only one to survive the holocaust. Anne Frank died in 1945 at the age of 15 in Bergen-Belsen. Her diary was preserved for the world, it has been published as a book in every language and serves as a reminder of the horrific deeds of the Nazis.

Bartolottihuis

Herengracht 168
Tue–Fri 11 am - 5 pm, Sat/Sun 1 am - 5 pm
Tel : 62 23 51 04
Tram 13, 1, 20

This house with its magnificent façade is one of the finest examples of Dutch Renaissance architecture. It was built at the beginning of the 17^th century by Hendrick de Keyser and Bartolotti was the name of its first owner. The rooms in the house and neighbouring buildings today house the Theatre Museum. The entrance is at Herengracht 168.

Dam

This throbbing heart of the city is the Venezia olandese’s equivalent to St. Mark’s Square. In the past markets were held here and in the 16^th century the city’s weighbridge was located here. In the centre of the Dam is the national monument which was officially opened by Queen Juliana in 1956. It commemorates the liberation of Amsterdam from German occupation during the Second World War. Its pedestal contains casks with soil from the Dutch colonies. Nowadays on fine days both young and old from The Netherlands and abroad sit on the steps of the monument.

Hortus Botanicus

Plantage Middenlaan 2 a
Tram numbers 9, 14, 20
Mon–Fri 9 am - 5pm, Sat–Sun 11 am - 5 pm Daily in winter 9 am - 4 pm.
Tel : 6 25 84 11

This botanical garden was founded in the 17^th century. The ships of the East Indies Company had brought back countless exotic plants and herbs from the farthest reaches of Asia and Africa so this collection was set up becoming famous throughout Europe. Today you can wander through three weather zones in vast tropical glass houses.

Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace)

Dam
Visits daily from mid June to end of August. 12.30 pm - 5 pm
Guided tours only on request
Tel : 620 40 60
Tram : 4, 9, 13, 14, 16, 24, 25

Amsterdam, the floating city, is built on a huge number of posts. The Royal Palace alone is enthroned on a wooden platform consisting of 13 659 stilts – an architectural masterpiece in the 17^th century!

This classical building was designed by master builder Jacob van Campen. Completed in 1655 it first served as the city’s Town Hall before being chosen as the royal residence under French occupation by Napoleon. The building is surmounted by a domed bell tower. The faades are decorated with pilasters and allegorical designs, the interior is magnificently decorated. Nowadays the palace is used for official receptions and state visits.

Vondelpark

Main entrance: Stadhouderskade

Named after Joost van den Vondel, one of the most important Dutch Renaissance poets of the 17^th century. The park was founded in 1864 by rich citizens. At the time of the Hippies and flower power it was an international meeting place; brightly coloured crowds lay on the lawns, enveloped in clouds of cannabis. This green oasis in a sea of buildings is still a favourite refuge today. Extensive lawns, shady groups of trees and romantic little lakes provide respite from the hectic city life.

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