Things to do in The Netherlands
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Café P 96
If you don’t want the night to end, P 96 is an amiable spot to land. When most other cafes in the Jordaan shut down for the night, this is where everyone ends up, rehashing their evening, striking up conversations with strangers and grinning into their beers.
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Oude Haven
The Oude Haven area, near the Blaak train, metro and tram station, preserves the oldest part of the harbour, some of which dates from the 14th century. It's a decent place for a stroll, especially if you take time to look at the large collection of historic boats.
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Duende
Flamenco music (Saturday night), big shared tables and reasonably priced tapas guarantee Duende's popularity. It's great for a party with a big group of friends - or strangers. The front room is the more lively (and attractive) of the two. Note: order at the bar.
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Betty’s
Some consider this the top vegetarian restaurant in the country. The menu’s small on any given day, but there’s always something new. It’s rounded out by tiny tables and a decent wine selection, and everyone says to save room for dessert.
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De Waaghals
The white-walled, vegetarian ‘Dare-Devil’ is stylish enough that even non-veggies might re-examine their dining priorities. The menu concentrates on one country each month, plus a few staples, such as a rich, mushroom-heavy aubergine stew.
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Negen Straatjes
Negen Straatjes, is the tic-tac-toe board of Amsterdam shopping. The straatjes are full of quirky little shops dealing in antiques, fashions, housewares and one-offs including everything from toothbrushes to antique eyeglass frames.
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Sama Sebo
Another reliable old-timer, this Indonesian restaurant’s got the ambience of a brown cafe. It’s also got a wicked rijsttafel comprising 17 dishes (four to seven at lunch); order individual plates if that’s too much.
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La Place
On the 1st floor of the Vroom & Dreesmann department store, this deluxe cafeteria has a little something for everyone: sandwiches, quiches, stir-fries, pastas, all freshly prepared. The ground-floor Le Marché has takeaway sandwiches.
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Amsterdam ArenA
Matches usually take place on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon during the season (early September to early June). The ArenA conducts a one-hour guided stadium tour that includes a walk on the hallowed turf and entry to the Ajax museum.
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Parkheuvel
Some say it's the Netherlands' best restaurant - as one of only two Dutch fancies with three Michelin stars, it's got a strong claim. The French/international menu is especially fab with seafood - red mullet with balsamic dressing, anyone?
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Wagamama
The long rows of rectangular tables, laid out cafeteria-style, are often filled with hipsters fortifying themselves for bike trips or nights on the town. Staples include chicken ramen, Japanese curries and fried noodles or rice.
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Freya
This petite restaurant serves outstanding French and Dutch cuisine, so it’s no surprise that reservations are a must. The hosts are warm and welcoming, and you’re never sure what treats await on the blackboard.
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Sint Janskerk
Sint Janskerk is a small 17th-century Gothic church, one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. A remarkable red colour, it photographs beautifully. Climb to the top (€2) for sweeping views.
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Hap Hmm
Elsewhere €7 might buy you a bowl of soup, but at this wood-panelled neighbourhood place it might buy an entire dinner: simple Dutch cooking (meat + vegies + potatoes), served on stainless-steel dishes.
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Dizzy
Live concerts Monday and Tuesday nights and Sunday afternoons. The evening performances are scorching: everything from hot jazz to fast and funky Brazilian and salsa. There’s regular jazz jam sessions.
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Polman’s
Diners at this grand cafe are welcomed in an elegant former ballroom with ceiling frescoes and extravagant floral displays. French and Italian flavours dominate the menu and the extensive wine list.
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Portuguese-Israelite Synagogue
The majestic Portuguese-Israelite Synagogue was built for the Sephardic community in the 17th century, the synagogue was Europe’s largest at the time and was based on the Temple of Solomon.
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Willemswerf
Walk alongside the water on Boompjes until you see the striking 1998 Willemswerf, the headquarters of the huge Nedlloyd shipping company. Note the dramatic lines casting shadows on its sleek, white surface.
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Oudaen
Set in a restored 14th-century banquet hall, it has a varied menu of salads, steaks and seafood. Best of all, it brews its own beer, which you can enjoy under the high ceilings or outside on the canal.
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Annie’s
At the confluence of canals and pedestrian zones, Annie’s has a prime water-level location with dozens of tables on a floating pontoon. This classy cafe is good for a drink or a casual meal.
reviewed
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Koevoet
Koevoet’s congenial Italian owners took over a former cafe on a quiet side street, left the gezellig decor untouched and started cooking up homemade pastas and seafood dishes.
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Goesting
Celebrities and wannabes flock to Goesting to eat fancies such as spit roast, Dutch asparagus, poached tournedos and 'tame duck' in a crypto-minimalist, high-society atmosphere.
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Concerto
This rambling shop has Amsterdam’s best selection of new and secondhand CD's and records. It’s often cheap, always interesting and has good listening facilities.
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Shirt Shop
On gay Amsterdam’s main street, this funky, two-storey shop sells tight-fitting men’s shirts to make you look fabulous. Look for sale items around €20.
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Jazzcafé the Duke
‘If we don’t have it, you don’t need it’ is its motto, and amid this cool-cat interior of yellowing, vintage jazz posters, the fine live jazz never makes you doubt it.
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