Page 77 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2016 - Amsterdam

Amsterdam for Free ❮❮ 75

Rijksmuseum Gardens
7 TOP 10 BUDGET TIPS
Map D5
Adorning several acres, the new- 1 Accommodation
look gardens make for a stunning Hotel rooms in Amsterdam can be
outdoor gallery. They combine pricey and limited; be sure to book well
lawns, ponds and sculptures from ahead to get the best prices (see p143).
the original 1901 design with city 2 Eating
relics, a giant chess set and a One of the many Italian, Indonesian
contemporary water maze. This and Chinese restaurants is often the
secluded oasis is free to wander best bet for a budget meal.
and is the perfect setting for ever- 3 Drinking
changing exhibitions of works by Avoid the bars near Centraal Station and
world-famous sculptors (see p18). on the Damrak – these are locally known
to be high-priced tourist traps.
EYE Film Institute
8 4 Sights
Sleek and slick and home to
The I amsterdam City Card (www.
some of the city’s best art-house iamsterdam.com), available for 24-,
cinema, the EYE Film Institute is 48- or 72-hour periods, gives great
Amsterdam’s proudest modern value on city transport and attractions.
building. Cinema tickets don’t 5 Museums
come for free, but exploring this Keen on museums? Save money with
wonderful building doesn’t cost the excellent Museumkaart (see p142).
anything and neither does the 6 Internet
display on the EYE’s extensive film Free Internet access and Wi-Fi is
collection. Best of all, the views commonplace throughout the city
back over the city are simply and can be found in hotels, cafés,
splendid (see p131). restaurants and bars.
7 Street Entertainment
Bloemenmarkt
9 The best buskers and free concert
performances are on Leidseplein.
Amsterdam’s world-famous
flower market occupies a series of 8 Show Tickets
floating barges that march up along The Stadsschouwburg ticket office on
the Singel canal. This is the place to the Leidseplein has great last-minute
come for your bulbs and your deals on theatre and show tickets.
blooms, though of course it’s the 9 Shopping
tulips that are the real favourite. The Bargain-hunt at the outdoor markets
usual suspects can be found on sale of Albert Cuypmarkt, Waterloo plein
here too – all the typical tourist and Noordermarkt (see pp72–3).
souvenirs, from Dutch clogs to 10 Transport
garden gnomes (see p112). Single tickets on public transport are
the most expensive option – day
Walking Tours
0 passes or the I amsterdam City Card
(www.iamsterdam.com) are better
If you are short on time,
one of the best introductions to value for money.
Amsterdam is a guided walking
tour. A number of companies offer
tours that take in the famous
sights and also the hidden gems,
with knowledgeable guides who
work just for tips. Try the Free
Original Alternative tour to take
in sights such as street art
and the Red Light District, or
Original Amsterdam Tours for
more sedate attractions (www. Street entertainers
originalamsterdamtours.com).

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