Amsterdam Attractions

Vondelpark
Named after a famous Dutch poet, the Vondelpark is known as the ‘green lung' of Amsterdam. It contains 49 hectares (120 acres) of ponds, gardens, lakes, playgrounds, cafés and a bandstand. During summer, there are regular free concerts. At times, palm readers and buskers (African drummers, classical quartets and jazz singers) provide entertainment. Also look out for theatre and film performances. Just a short walk from the Leidseplein, the Vondelpark is an ideal place for visitors to get away from it all.

Vondelpark, Roemer Visscherstraat 
Website: www.vondelpark.nl
Opening hours: Daily dawn until dusk.
Admission charge: N.

Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
Despite its name, the building of the original church that stood on this site was started in 1408, as the congregation had outgrown the Oude Kerk (Old Church). The present structure dates to the 17th century, the previous wooden church having been badly damaged by fire. One of the most interesting pieces inside the church is the pulpit. Rising to a height of more than 10m (33ft), it took sculptor Albert Jansz Vinckenbrinck almost 20 years (1645-1664) to create. A close look at the carved ‘rope' of the handrail will reveal mischievous angels sliding down it. Located next door to the Royal Palace, on the Dam, the Nieuwe Kerk has been used for the inauguration of Dutch monarchs since 1815 - Queen Beatrix was crowned here in 1980. The church is also renowned for excellent exhibitions and it is rated as one of top three exhibition locations in the Netherlands.

Dam Square
Tel: (020) 638 6909.
Website: www.nieuwekerk.nl
Opening hours: Fri-Wed 1000-1600, Thurs 1000-2200.
Admission charge: Y.

Roemer Visscherstraat
Also known as United Europe, or Seven Countries Houses, the extraordinary street of Roemer Visscherstraat was built in 1894 by architect Tjeerd Kuipers, with the intention of focusing on the history of European architecture. Lying between the Vondelpark and Leidseplein, numbers 20 to 30A of this street provide a one-minute excursion through seven European cities. Number 20, with its Gothic windows, is based on romantic German architecture. Number 22 is a miniature French Loire chateau, while 24 is a Moorish masterpiece reminiscent of Granada's Alhambra. There is an Italian palazzo at number 26, next door to which, with its onion-shaped dome, is a house reminiscent of a Russian cathedral. Number 30 is a Renaissance-style Dutch house, while 30A is an English cottage.

Roemer Visscherstraat 20-30A