The city of Amsterdam is famous all over the world for their coffee shops, red light district and cute canals. But the capital of the Netherlands has so much more to offer. Whether you are planning your meeting here or just want to explore the city, spending the day in Amsterdam gives you a lot of business and leisure options.
Facts
Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands
7 of the world’s top 500 companies are based in Amsterdam
Motto: Valiant, Steadfast, Compassionate
Population: 810,909
Getting there
Amsterdam is easy to reach via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. From there you can take a train, bus or car to the city centre.
Meeting and business venues
The city offers a wide variety of meeting venues, hotels and inspirational conference rooms. With it’s traditional architecture and atmospheric canals it will be easy to find a venue with great views of the city’s activities.
New
There are a lot of places to stay in Amsterdam and new hotels open their doors every so often. In the last year hotels Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Hyatt Place Hotel Amsterdam Airport and Holiday Inn Amsterdam opened their doors.
Classics
Staying in Amsterdam? You might want to consider Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre. The hotel has a spectacular view over the city and river IJ and lies within walking distance of the historical city centre, the central station and several cultural hotspots. If you are looking for a venue for a large group of people (up to 10,000 pax) you could have your meeting at Amsterdam RAI, Beurs van Berlage or Westergasfabriek.
Hidden secrets
How would you like a meeting in former monastery or modern loft? There are many more inspirational and special venues in the port city. On our hidden secret page we collect all of them for you.
After your meeting
Amsterdam is a great place to spend a day. They have a broad range of museums, shopping areas, restaurants and sights.
Museums
City’s main museum (famous for their Dutch Masters collection) – Rijksmuseum
The house of the famous Anne Frank – Anne Frank Huis
Photography – FOAM
Paintings by the well known Vincent van Gogh – Van Gogh Museum
Film – Eye Film Institute Netherlands
Shopping areas
City centre – This is where you find the big shopping streets, like the Leidsestraat, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk. There are many well-known (international) fashion chains as well as less well known fashion shops. This is also the district to go for shoe shopping.
Jordaan – This eternally cosy ‘people’s neighbourhood’ harbours countless small designer shops, ranging from alternative to exclusive. If you have sophisticated tastes, the Jordaan is definitely the place to visit. You will be spoiled for choice!
Zuid – Amsterdam-Zuid has chic shopping streets like the PC Hooftstraat, Van Baerlestraat and Beethovenstraat. Here you will find a wide selection of international top brands. If you have deep pockets, you can fill your wardrobe to bursting here.
Spiegelkwartier – The Spiegelkwartier district lies just behind the Rijksmuseum. Countless art and antiques shops jostle for space in a few narrow streets. From classical to exotic to contemporary art, you will find it all here.
Albert Cuyp Market – The absolute number one is the ‘Albert Cuyp’ market in the district ‘De Pijp’. It is the largest outdoor market in Europe. You can find anything from tropical fruit and fish to books and electronics here. The vendors are well known for their typical Amsterdam humor, which you probably won’t escape from. The Albert Cuyp market is open every day of the week except Sundays.
Restaurants
Casual or Michelin star restaurant? City vibe or intimate setting? A view at the canals or from the canals? Amsterdam has it all. Throughout Amsterdam you can find many restaurants. But these restaurants are very popular:
Bridges – Michelin star / seafood / wines
Antrep Sofrasi – Turkish / spicy / passion
Restaurant de Kas – greenhouse / architecture / private dining
The Beer Factory – casual / beers / chicken / industrial
Amsterdam red light district
Sights
When you are in Amsterdam it is almost impossible not to spot the famous canals and bridges. Don’t forget to visit Dam Square where many historical events happened, the most famous park of Holland: Vondelpark and the 8 hidden, but stunning windmills in the city centre. You can end your day at Rembrandtplein or Leidseplein. Those squares are packed with pubs, bars and terraces.
A day in Amsterdam..
With all these tips I am almost sure you need a few extra days of stay in Amsterdam. Have fun and let me know your favourite part of our capital city!
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