City Square

The main square is situated in the very heart of the city of Mons.

It was built in 1450 and is surrounded by lovely 15th-20th-century houses.

This is where a dragon battle called ‘Lumeçon’ takes place every year on Trinity Sunday.

Magna Plaza - The shopping mall

the shoppers kingdom

This Renaissance building was designed by Peters at the end of the 19th century.

For some time this was the General Post Office, but in 1990 it was turned into the shopping mall.

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182

Directions: behind the Royal Palace

Website: http://www.magnaplaza.nl/#

NH Doelen Hotel

This is another hotel in the city centre.

Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24 (ex Golden Tulip Doelen)

Price: US$80-120

Website: http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/the-netherlands/amsterdam/nh-doelen.html

Die Port van Cleve

This hotel is in the heart of the city.

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 176 -180

Website: http://www.dieportvancleve.com/

The former stock exchange

the entrance

This long red-bricked building to the left of the Damrak used to be the Stock Exchange. It was built between 1898 and 1903, and named after its architect, a pupil of Cuypers.

This imposing building is considered a milestone in modern Dutch architecture.

Address: Beursplein 1

Phone: +31-20-5304141

Website: http://www.beursvanberlage.nl

The leading Catholic church

Sint Nicolaaskerk

The church was built in 1887. Its two towers and large dome can be easily seen from every part of Amsterdam.

Directions: The Prins Hendrikkade canal

Website: http://www.ns.nl

The authentic monument

When you step out the train, this is the first tourist attraction you’ll see in Amsterdam - the Central Station.

This monumental building is in fact a masterpiece by Pieter Cuypers, the architect who also designed the Rijksmuseum. It was built at the end of the 19th century and was erected on three artificial islands.

Website: http://www.ns.nl

The Concert Hall

a view from the park

This elegant building was built in the 19th century, thanks to the six Dutch businessmen, who wanted to prove to everyone that the inhabitants of Amsterdam have the knowledge of art, and that the Dutch musicians can play.

The first concert was held in 1888 by the new National Orchestra, directed by Willem Kes. Great artists such as Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra or Frank Zappa held their concerts here.

Conferences, exhibitions, business meetings and political conventions are also held here.

Address: Concertgebouwplein 2 - 6

Phone: +31-20-6718345

Website: http://www.concertgebouw.nl/

The Tower

This large tower was built in 1620, by the architect Hendrick de Keyser, on the place where one of the oldest gates of Amsterdam used to stand.

Munttoren

Mint Tower

Today it houses a Delft ceramic shop, ‘De Porceleyne Fles.’

Address: Muntplein

Directions: From the Dam square follow Kalverstraat

The statue of Rembrandt

The statue, sculptured by Royer, was erected here in 1876. This was the reason why the square changed its name.

The square itself, full of cafés, restaurants, night-clubs and discos, is usually crowded by day and noisy at night. 

Address: Rembrandtplein

The waxworks museum

This museum offers a different way of finding out more about the history of Holland. Here, you can see how people lived during the 17th century, aka the Golden Century, meet Rembrandt himself, or some other famous artists.

There is a beautiful view of the Dam from the window on the fourth floor.

Opening hours:

Monday to Sunday 10.00 am – 6.30 pm (entrance closes - 5.30 pm)

Prices:

Adult €23,00

60+ €20,00

Children 5 - 15 €17,50

Children up to 5 Free

Groups or family bookings

Pack A (2 adults, 2 kids and a Madame Tussauds Guidebook) €70,00

Pack B (2 adults, 3 kids and a Madame Tussauds Guidebook) €82,50

Address: Dam 20

Phone: +31-20-5230623

Website: http://www.madametussauds.nl

The Coronation Church

This is where the Kings and Queens of The Netherlands are crowned, and where numerous famous Dutchmen are buried.

The basilica was built in the 15th century, and has been badly damaged in several fires since then.

The real jewel of the church is the pulpit that took its creator 13 years to complete. It shows the four evangelists surrounded by the images of Hope, Charity, Faith, Justice, Prudence and Strength.

Conferences, exhibitions and debates are held here.

Address: Dam 34-38

Directions: corner of the Dam

Phone: +31-20-6386909

Website: http://www.nieuwekerk.nl

The Royal Palace

This imposing building dominates the famous square. It was built in the 17th century, according to Van Campen’s designs, and served as the city’s seat of government for over a century. It is now used for official ceremonies.

Koninklijk Paleis

On the façade, you can see numerous allegorical sculptures by Artus Quellijn, and inside, there are several Halls, the magnificent Citizen’s Hall, where the present Queen Beatrix celebrated her wedding in 1966, the Minor Affairs of State Hall and the Judgement Hall, where judges used to meet to pronounce death sentences.

The palace is open from mid-June to mid-September.

Address: Dam 1

Directions: about 10 minutes from the Central Station

Phone: +31-20- 6204060

Website: http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl

The home of Van Gogh's work

This is the main reason I decided to visit Amsterdam. I’m simply fascinated by the work of this genius... and being so close to the paintings like Irises, Wheatfield with Crows, The Potato-eaters, The Harvest, Sunflowers, The bedroom or Self-portrait with Felt Hat is an extraordinary experience.

In this world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh there are more than 200 paintings, including many very famous masterpieces, about 500 drawings and over 700 personal letters (occasionally put on view). All paintings are arranged in chronological order, so one can witness the painter’s development during the last ten years of his life.

There are also the works of art by other 19th-century painters and sculptors, who have something in common with Van Gogh’s work.

The original building, designed by Gerrit Rietveld and opened in 1973, holds permanent exhibitions, while the new, elliptic shaped wing, designed by the Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa, and opened in 1999, was built for temporary exhibitions.

the entrance

a view from the park

Opening hours:

Daily 10-18, Fridays 10-22

Admission fee for adults! (it's possible to order the tickets online to avoid standing in queues)

It is not allowed to take photographs or film; large bags and umbrellas must be left at the cloakroom.

Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7

Directions: tram lines 2, 3, 5 and 12, or bus numbers 145, 170 and 172

Other Contact: info@vangoghmuseum.nl

Phone: +31 (0) 20 570 52 00

Website: http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl

The Northern Charm

Numerous canals, specific architecture, important edifices and lots of contrasts make this open air museum so magnificent!

At the horse's tail

At the top of Wenceslas Square is the statue of St. Wenceslas with four patrons of Bohemia (St. Prokop, St. Adalbert, St. Ludmila and St. Agnes) by Josef Václav Myslbek.

St Wenceslas was a Czech King propagating Christianity. He ruled over Prague in the 10th century, until his brother had him killed.

Directions: top of Wenceslas Square

Website: http://www.prague.net/wenceslas-square

At The Three Fiddles

This used to be the home of the violin-makers, the Edlingers. They were so successful that they exported their products abroad.

It’s said that during the full moon you can still hear mysterious tones of violins.

Address: Nerudova 12, Mala Strana

The heart of Prague

This square looks more like a boulevard, because it’s 60m wide and 750m long. It’s packed with hotels, boutiques, fashion stores, cinemas, theatres and night clubs.

The square has witnessed a lot of most important political events, such as the demonstrations in the 1960s. This is where you can find the monuments to the victims of communism, including Jan Parlah who set himself on fire in 1969 when the country was occupied.

Address: Vaclavske namesti (Wenceslas Square)

Directions: Metro line C station Narodni muzeum or line A station Mustek.

Website: http://www.vaclavak.cz/

At The Red Lion

This house has got a red lion holding a golden cup in his fore paw, thus the name.

It used to be the home of Petr Brandl, famous Czech painter, whose work can be seen at the Church of St Margaret in Prague-Brevnov or the Church of St James.

Address: Nerudova 41, Mala Strana

At The Two Suns

This was the home of Jan Neruda, a famous Czech poet and journalist who wrote many short stories about this Prague district.

The house sign is among the most beautiful ones.

Address: Nerudova 47, Mala Strana

Directions: upper part of the street

Charming corner

This was once the main road leading to the Castle.

It was named after the Czech poet Jan Neruda, who lived in the house At The Two Suns.

Other houses have similar names: At The Three Fiddles, At The Golden Cup, At The Golden Key, At The White Swan etc.

Address: Nerudova

Directions: From metro station Malostranska (green line A) continue by tram (no. 12, 20, 22, 23) to the next Malostranska. Nerudova street is just up the hill.

Other Contact: http://www.prague.net/nerudova-s

Website: http://www.prague-spot.com/nerudova-street

Lesser Town Square

This is the upper one of two small squares in Lesser Town. It’s surrounded by architecturally important buildings.

Plague Column

There used to be a fountain here, but in the 17th century it was replaced by Plague Column, with sculptures reproducing the Holy Trinity and the Patron Saints of Bohemia by Geiger and Mayer.

Website: http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=663

Little Quarter

Lesser Town (Mala Strana) is a very interesting part of Prague, situated below Prague Castle with famous Neruda street, St. Nicholas Church and many other fantastic places.

a view from the Castle

It was founded in the 13th century by Premysl Otakar II, who wanted to create a home for the German colonists. At the time of Charles IV it expanded and soon the nobility and the wealthy chose this area as their permanent residence.

Charles Bridge connects it with Old Town.

Other Contact: http://www.prague-spot.com/lesse

Website: http://www.prague.cz/prague-lesser-town.asp

Picturesque Street

While at the Castle, visit the famous picturesque Golden Lane, with its 16th-century houses, now turned into museums and galleries, and the small souvenir shops.

One of the most famous residents here was Franz Kafka. You can easily find his blue house at number 22.

According to one version, King Rudolph II had the houses built for his 24 guards, while another version has it that in fact craftsmen, traders, artists and the king’s servants lived here.

As for its name, it probably got it because of the alchemists and goldsmiths who lived here in the 17th century.

One more thing – if you get to the Castle after 6p.m. you’ll be able to enter the street for free and avoid the crowds.

Address: Zlata ulicka (Golden Lane)

Directions: Prague Castle

Website: http://www.hrad.cz

The musical church

The Loretto complex was built around the 'Casa Santa' in the 17th century, and has been the place of pilgrimage ever since.


The large bell-tower contains the diamond carillon of 27 bells, aka the Prague Sun, weighing over 12 kilos and embellished with more than 6,000 diamonds.

Address: Loreta, Loretanske namesti 7.

Directions: Castle Hill (Hradcany), 5min west from Prague Castle.

Website: http://www.prague.net/the-loreto

Royal Canonry

The Monastery of the Premonstratensian Order at Strahov also consists of the Church of Our Lady and the building of Strahov Library with the 17th-century Theological Hall and the 18th-century Philosophical Hall.

The 1st monastery was founded here in the 12th century. This is where the educated and pilgrims used to come. In front of the monastery there were the guards, thus the name (‘strahovat’ = guards).

The library houses a lot of old and historically valuable manuscripts, like the 10th-century Gospel Book.

Address: Strahovksy klaster, Strahovske nadvori 1

Directions: From Prague Castle: Hradcanske namesti, Loretanska street, Pohorelec.

Website: http://www.strahovskyklaster.cz/webmagazine/home.asp?idk=257

The Toy Museum Hracek

This 16th-century building used to be the Supreme Burgrave’s House, the supreme burgrave being the highest official and deputy of the king. Its west wing is now the home of the Toy Museum, 1 of the largest of this kind in the world. Here you can see different toys, ancient or modern, wooden or tin, including a large collection of Barbie dolls.

Opening hours:
Open daily from 9:30 to 17:30

Admission fee:
60 CZK for adults, students and retired.
children under 15 enter free.

Address: Prazsky hrad, Jirská 4

Directions: You can get there from the east via the Old Castle Steps leading not far from Malostranska metro station (green line A) or from the west along St Vitus cathedral.

Phone: +420 243 722 94 / +420 243 711 1

Website: http://www.prague.net/toy-museum

St George's Convent

Next to St George's Basilica is St George’s Convent, founded in 973 as a Benedictine monastery. The building was destroyed in 1782 and reconstructed in 1976 as part of the National Gallery with the collection of early Bohemian art.


Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm, closed on Mondays

Admission:
Full ticket: 100 CZK
Reduced ticket 50 CZK
Family ticket 150 CZK

Directions: Metro green line A to Malostranská station, Trams No. 12, 18, 22 or 23 to Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)

Phone: +420 257 531 644,+420 257 530 54

Website: http://www.prague.net/st-george-convent-building

The oldest church

St. George's Basilica is the oldest church here. It was founded in 920, but reconstructed in the 10th and 12th centuries.

It now serves as a concert hall.

Address: Bazilika sv. Jiri

Directions: Prague Castle, Malostranska (line A). Then tram 22 or 23 to Prazsky Hrad.

Website: http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=1115

Archbishop's Palace

This elegant building has been the Archbishop’s seat since Ferdinand I bought it in the 16th century. It was built on the foundations of a Renaissance home and rebuilt several times.

A chapel with frescoes was added in 1599-1600.

Take a look at the coat of arms of Prince-Archbishop Prichovsky above which you can see a group of sculpted figures by Platzer.

Address: Prague Castle

Website: http://www.prague.net/archbishop-palace

Schwarzenberg Palace

This building with interesting decoration was built in the 16th century according to the plans of the Italian architect Galli.

Today, this is the home of the Museum of Military History, with rich collections of weapons, cannons, uniforms, medals, flags, military maps and plans of famous battles.

Address: Prague Castle

Directions: trams: 22 or 23, metro

Website: http://www.prague.net/schwarzenberg-palace

Belvedere

Ferdinand I had this remarkable building built as the summer residence for his wife Queen Anne in the 16th century. The architect was Paolo della Stella.

In its garden you can find the Singing Fountain, designed and casted by Tomáš Jaros in 1564-68. The name derives from the melody produced by the water as it hits the basin.

Exhibitions take place here.

Address: Prazsky hrad

Website: http://www.gardenvisit.com/history_theory/library_online_ebooks/ml_gothein_history_garden_art_design/belvedere_czech_republic_prague

Castle Square

This charming square, surrounded by many beautiful palaces, now galleries and museums, is in fact the entrance to the Castle.

There’s the 18th-century Plague Column in the middle of it.

Address: Prague Castle, Hradcanske Square

Directions: trams 22 or 23, metro