3 hours in ...
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Houseboats along the canals, Dutch bicycles in place of cars, coffee shops that don’t just sell coffee – Amsterdam is a liberal, cosmopolitan capital. And while it is a mecca for the world’s youth, the city still embraces its historical and traditional roots. Some things are allowed in Amsterdam that are forbidden elsewhere. It is built around the saying “moet kunnen” – it must be possible. If you like discovering new things, you will love Amsterdam.
Cafés & Restaurants
Café t’Small
Located in a smart row of old buildings along one of Amsterdam’s canals, the Smalle is quite an institution. It first opened in 1786 as a distillery and was carefully restored in the ‘70s. An ideal place to while away the day or chat with philosophy students at the next table.
Egelantiersgracht 12, phone +31 20 6239617, www.t-smalle.nl
De Zwart
Artists, authors, actors and wannabees come here to sip and sample liqueurs. It’s the place to be in the west of Amsterdam.
Spuistraat 334, phone +31 20 6246511
De Jaren
Grand café in a former bank. Where mortgages and bonds were once the order of the day, customers now enjoy high-quality coffee specialties and relax on the terrace overlooking the Binnen-Amstel.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22, phone +31 20 6240801, www.cafe-de-jaren.nl
La Rive (Hotel Amstel)
The restaurant at this exclusive hotel serves up top quality French and Mediterranean cuisine and offers a fine view of the Amstel. If the weather is fine, a table on the terrace is a must. But book first!
Pro. Tulpplein 1, phone +31 20 6226060, www.restaurantlarive.nl
Le Pecheur
An excellent fish restaurant in a former depot for horse-drawn carriages. The impressive old garden with a view of the canal is a particular highlight.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 32, phone +31 20 6243121, www.lepecheur.nl
Running – Cycling – Skating
Amsterdam’s Vondelpark boasts a popular jogging route that takes you through the heart of the city. And it’s great for skaters and cyclists, too. Dutch bikes are available for rent at central station, from Stalling Oostzijde (to the right of the station).
phone +31 20 6248391
A typical Dutch alternative to a jog in the park is a visit to an artificial skating rink. The Dutch love ice-skating and Jaan Eden Baan is a popular meeting place for young and old alike.
Radioweg 64 1098 NJ Amsterdam, phone +31 20 694965 2
Ice skates are available to rent.
Culture
Hermitage Amsterdam
This year’s highlight on the Amsterdam culture scene – a dependency of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Opened in June, it is a multifunctional museum located on around 9000 square meters inside the renovated Amstelhof. The inaugural exhibition At the Russian Court runs until January 1, 2010 and presents around 1,800 artifacts from St. Petersburg.
Amstel 51, phone +31 20 5308755
Pathé Tuschinski cinema
More than just a movie theater. Built in 1921, the art deco theater still retains its ‘20s charm. In fact, there’s so much to see that Hollywood flicks seem to pale into insignificance: from peacock rugs, to enormous chandeliers, to giant wall murals. And in addition to international movies, there are also regular jazz concerts.
Reguliersbreestraat 26, phone +31 20 09001458, www.pathe.nl/tuschinski
Shopping
Flower market
Whether you’re after original tulips from Amsterdam or any other type of flower, a visit to Europe’s only floating flower and plant market at the Koningsplein is a must.
Jacob Hooy & Co
Herbs and spices, flavors and fragrances – from all over the world. As you step in to this quaint old shop, you are engulfed by a cloud of chili, pepper, cloves, vanilla, and cardamom. It opened in 1743 and its range of exotic wares is testimony to the Dutch colonial era.
Kloveniersburgwal 10-12, www.jacobhooy.nl
Houseboats along the canals, Dutch bicycles in place of cars, coffee shops that don’t just sell coffee – Amsterdam is a liberal, cosmopolitan capital. And while it is a mecca for the world’s youth, the city still embraces its historical and traditional roots. Some things are allowed in Amsterdam that are forbidden elsewhere. It is built around the saying “moet kunnen” – it must be possible. If you like discovering new things, you will love Amsterdam.
Cafés & Restaurants
Café t’Small
Located in a smart row of old buildings along one of Amsterdam’s canals, the Smalle is quite an institution. It first opened in 1786 as a distillery and was carefully restored in the ‘70s. An ideal place to while away the day or chat with philosophy students at the next table.
Egelantiersgracht 12, phone +31 20 6239617, www.t-smalle.nl
De Zwart
Artists, authors, actors and wannabees come here to sip and sample liqueurs. It’s the place to be in the west of Amsterdam.
Spuistraat 334, phone +31 20 6246511
De Jaren
Grand café in a former bank. Where mortgages and bonds were once the order of the day, customers now enjoy high-quality coffee specialties and relax on the terrace overlooking the Binnen-Amstel.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22, phone +31 20 6240801, www.cafe-de-jaren.nl
La Rive (Hotel Amstel)
The restaurant at this exclusive hotel serves up top quality French and Mediterranean cuisine and offers a fine view of the Amstel. If the weather is fine, a table on the terrace is a must. But book first!
Pro. Tulpplein 1, phone +31 20 6226060, www.restaurantlarive.nl
Le Pecheur
An excellent fish restaurant in a former depot for horse-drawn carriages. The impressive old garden with a view of the canal is a particular highlight.
Reguliersdwarsstraat 32, phone +31 20 6243121, www.lepecheur.nl
Running – Cycling – Skating
Amsterdam’s Vondelpark boasts a popular jogging route that takes you through the heart of the city. And it’s great for skaters and cyclists, too. Dutch bikes are available for rent at central station, from Stalling Oostzijde (to the right of the station).
phone +31 20 6248391
A typical Dutch alternative to a jog in the park is a visit to an artificial skating rink. The Dutch love ice-skating and Jaan Eden Baan is a popular meeting place for young and old alike.
Radioweg 64 1098 NJ Amsterdam, phone +31 20 694965 2
Ice skates are available to rent.
Culture
Hermitage Amsterdam
This year’s highlight on the Amsterdam culture scene – a dependency of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Opened in June, it is a multifunctional museum located on around 9000 square meters inside the renovated Amstelhof. The inaugural exhibition At the Russian Court runs until January 1, 2010 and presents around 1,800 artifacts from St. Petersburg.
Amstel 51, phone +31 20 5308755
Pathé Tuschinski cinema
More than just a movie theater. Built in 1921, the art deco theater still retains its ‘20s charm. In fact, there’s so much to see that Hollywood flicks seem to pale into insignificance: from peacock rugs, to enormous chandeliers, to giant wall murals. And in addition to international movies, there are also regular jazz concerts.
Reguliersbreestraat 26, phone +31 20 09001458, www.pathe.nl/tuschinski
Shopping
Flower market
Whether you’re after original tulips from Amsterdam or any other type of flower, a visit to Europe’s only floating flower and plant market at the Koningsplein is a must.
Jacob Hooy & Co
Herbs and spices, flavors and fragrances – from all over the world. As you step in to this quaint old shop, you are engulfed by a cloud of chili, pepper, cloves, vanilla, and cardamom. It opened in 1743 and its range of exotic wares is testimony to the Dutch colonial era.
Kloveniersburgwal 10-12, www.jacobhooy.nl
Lisbon
Lisbon
This fine city on the river Tejo was once capital of half the world. It may be showing its age here and there, but it is exactly this charm that makes the place so likeable. Since Expo 1998, Lisboa has found its feet as a modern, hip metropolis. Like Rome, it is built on seven hills – so there are lots of steep inclines. But an elevator and a tram make it easier on the legs. Typical for a port, Lisbon boasts a large number of bars and cafes. And as the famous Portuguese saying goes: Coimbra studies, Braga prays, Porto works and Lisbon parties.
Cafés & Restaurants
Cervejaria da Trinidade
A large, lively pub in a former cloister. The walls are decorated with beautiful azulejos – painted wall tiles often depicting historical events or scenes from everyday life.
Ru Nova da Trinidade 20, phone +351 213 42 35 06, www.cervejariatrinidade.pt
Café A Brasileira
Lisbon’s most traditional cafe. Artists, writers, politicians and journalists have been coming here since 1906. The most famous guest was Portugal’s acclaimed author Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935). His visit is commemorated with a bronze statue on the terrace, which shows him enjoying a cup of coffee.
Rua Garrett 120, phone +351 213 46 95 41
Tivoli
In addition to its excellent cuisine (we recommend: sela de Borrego, saddle of lamb), the restaurant in Hotel Tivoli boasts a fantastic view across the city’s rooftops, stretching as far as Rio Teyo, from its sixth-floor terrace.
Av. da Liberdadade 185, phone +351 213 19 89 00, www.tivolihotels.com
Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém
The home of Portuguese delicacy pastéis de nata (custard-filled pastries). These sweet treats may be available all over Europe, but this place sells the originals.
R.de Belém 84-92, phone +351 213 63 74 23, www. pasteisdebelem.pt
Faz Figura
Large helpings of traditional Portuguese cuisine (lots of meat, lots of fish, few vegetables). And an impressive view of the river Tejo from the restaurant’s terrace.
R. do Paraiso 15, phone +351 218 86 89 81, www.fazfigura.com
Running – Cycling – Skating
The most popular routes are along the river Tejo – for example, in Parque das Nacoes, the site of Expo 1998. For those who prefer a greener setting, Lisbon’s highest hill Monsanto offers some beautiful trails.
Culture
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
The pomp and riches of the former world power are reflected in this fantastic building. The spectacular cloister, built in the 16th century, is decorated from top to bottom with intricate patterns. Its large church, which has three naves, houses the graves of national heroes Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camoes. A must see – even for those who usually find churches uninteresting.
Praca do Império, Belém, phone +351 213 62 00 34, www.mosteirojeronimos.pt
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
A huge range of exhibits from a variety of cultures. You’ll find Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Oriental works. But you’ll also see paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and Monet. The surrounding park is well worth a look, too: sculptures blend in perfectly with the partly landscaped, partly wild garden. There is currently a Pedro Morais exhibition.
Av. de Berna 45, www.gulbenkian.pt
Shopping
Solar
Lovers of the traditional, usually blue-painted, azulejos will find everything they could possibly wish for in this store in the Bairo Alto district. Original tiles from the 16th century or brand new goods. And the price spectrum is just as broad, ranging from €8 to €325 a piece.
R. D. Pedro V 68-70, phone +351 213 46 55 22
Centro Comercial Colombo
Enormous shopping mall, typical for Portugal. Colombo is the largest center of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula, housing hundreds of shops and restaurants of every type.
Avenida Lusíada.
This fine city on the river Tejo was once capital of half the world. It may be showing its age here and there, but it is exactly this charm that makes the place so likeable. Since Expo 1998, Lisboa has found its feet as a modern, hip metropolis. Like Rome, it is built on seven hills – so there are lots of steep inclines. But an elevator and a tram make it easier on the legs. Typical for a port, Lisbon boasts a large number of bars and cafes. And as the famous Portuguese saying goes: Coimbra studies, Braga prays, Porto works and Lisbon parties.
Cafés & Restaurants
Cervejaria da Trinidade
A large, lively pub in a former cloister. The walls are decorated with beautiful azulejos – painted wall tiles often depicting historical events or scenes from everyday life.
Ru Nova da Trinidade 20, phone +351 213 42 35 06, www.cervejariatrinidade.pt
Café A Brasileira
Lisbon’s most traditional cafe. Artists, writers, politicians and journalists have been coming here since 1906. The most famous guest was Portugal’s acclaimed author Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935). His visit is commemorated with a bronze statue on the terrace, which shows him enjoying a cup of coffee.
Rua Garrett 120, phone +351 213 46 95 41
Tivoli
In addition to its excellent cuisine (we recommend: sela de Borrego, saddle of lamb), the restaurant in Hotel Tivoli boasts a fantastic view across the city’s rooftops, stretching as far as Rio Teyo, from its sixth-floor terrace.
Av. da Liberdadade 185, phone +351 213 19 89 00, www.tivolihotels.com
Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém
The home of Portuguese delicacy pastéis de nata (custard-filled pastries). These sweet treats may be available all over Europe, but this place sells the originals.
R.de Belém 84-92, phone +351 213 63 74 23, www. pasteisdebelem.pt
Faz Figura
Large helpings of traditional Portuguese cuisine (lots of meat, lots of fish, few vegetables). And an impressive view of the river Tejo from the restaurant’s terrace.
R. do Paraiso 15, phone +351 218 86 89 81, www.fazfigura.com
Running – Cycling – Skating
The most popular routes are along the river Tejo – for example, in Parque das Nacoes, the site of Expo 1998. For those who prefer a greener setting, Lisbon’s highest hill Monsanto offers some beautiful trails.
Culture
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
The pomp and riches of the former world power are reflected in this fantastic building. The spectacular cloister, built in the 16th century, is decorated from top to bottom with intricate patterns. Its large church, which has three naves, houses the graves of national heroes Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camoes. A must see – even for those who usually find churches uninteresting.
Praca do Império, Belém, phone +351 213 62 00 34, www.mosteirojeronimos.pt
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
A huge range of exhibits from a variety of cultures. You’ll find Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Oriental works. But you’ll also see paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and Monet. The surrounding park is well worth a look, too: sculptures blend in perfectly with the partly landscaped, partly wild garden. There is currently a Pedro Morais exhibition.
Av. de Berna 45, www.gulbenkian.pt
Shopping
Solar
Lovers of the traditional, usually blue-painted, azulejos will find everything they could possibly wish for in this store in the Bairo Alto district. Original tiles from the 16th century or brand new goods. And the price spectrum is just as broad, ranging from €8 to €325 a piece.
R. D. Pedro V 68-70, phone +351 213 46 55 22
Centro Comercial Colombo
Enormous shopping mall, typical for Portugal. Colombo is the largest center of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula, housing hundreds of shops and restaurants of every type.
Avenida Lusíada.