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More sobering is Anne Frank House where for just over two years Anne Frank lived with her Jewish family and a couple of riends lived in a secret annex at the back Prinsengracht 263 during the Nazis occupation of the city in WW2. The childhood diary of Anne Frank account of her incarcaration is legendary as sadly they were betrayed and sent to their deaths at concentration camps. (see Auschwitz and Birkenau Guid ).

Magere Bridge, is the most famous of Amsterdams classic wooden draw bridges. Built in 1871 to replace a smaller 1670 bridge It spans the river Amstel near the Carre Theatre between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht During the day it is raised 2 or three times an hour. At night is floodlit and popular with lovers! The splendid Amsterdam Royal Palace situated in the centre of Amsterdam in Dam Square was built in the second half of the 17th century as the city hall. Artists and Sculptors including Rembrandt were commisioned to decorate its interior. In 1806 duriing the citys occupation by Napoleon it was renovated and converted to a palace. Some of the Emperors original furnishings remain to this day. Check website for opening times.

The Netherlands Maritime Museum has dozens of ships that were part of the Dutch Navy during the country's imperialistic era. One replica ship moored on the jetty outside has actors re-enacting the role and life of sailors.

Probably the most fascinating part of Amsterdam is the The Begijnhof Courtyard which dates back to the 14th century. The earliest suriving building in this completely enclosed courtyard is dated 1420. The Begijnhof was built as a sactuary for the Begijntjes, a Catholic sisterhood who a lifestlye similar to nuns but without taking vows. On the southside of courtyard there is a 15th century English Church still blessed with its original tower. Children will appreciate the Kinderboerderij De Pijp (Childrens Farm) at Lizzy Ansinghstraat 82 Tel. 020 664-8303. The animals mentioned above, kids can get close to include donkeys, ducks goats peacocks pigs ponies and turkeys. The farm is open Wednesday to Monday from 1 to 5pm; admission free.

Restaurants In Amsterdam

Eating out in Amsterdam can be expensive by European standards but there are a few places which are competively priced but do not cut corners on quality. One such establishment is Bakkerswinkel at Warmoestraat 69, Telephone 02048-9-98000. It opens from around 8am and closes late afternoon Tuesday - Sunday and is best described as a bakery that doubles up as a country tearoom. Here you can buy breakfast, lunch or tea, sandwiches cakes or quiche. Popular with locals and can get very crowded. Another bakery slightly more expensive but probably even by Amsterdams high standards one of the more notable is the Pancake Bakery at Prinsengracht 191 Tele 020 625 1333. The wide choice of pancakes is complimented by dozens of toppings. Situated next to a canal this is one to note. Another daytime option fairly priced is the vegatarian Soup en Zo at Jodenbreestraat 94a, Telephone 020 422 2243. Healthy dieters will appreciate the organic soups, whole grain bread washed down with real fruit juices.

There are plenty of Indonesian restaurants to choose from in Amsterdam. One that is often mentioned is Kantjil at Spuistraat 291-293 Telephone 020 620 3074. A couple of our visitors have reported that the food is above average and the portions generous. The service is good with prices reasonable for both the food and the wine.The Combodja City at offers Cambodian Thai and Vietnamese specialities. The note here is that the food is not over spicey and to hot to enjoy. The combination of vegatables and herbs is clever enough to give you fully flavoured food without pain!. Albert Cuypstraat 58-60. Not expensive Sorry we lost the phone no!

If you have slighly more adventurous and exotic tastes the African themed Pymga Lion at Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 5a, Tele 020 420 7022 with its fare of antelope crocodile and Zebra may appeal. These dishes are expensive but the alternative vegatarian dishes are averafely priced. Booking advisable. Los Pilones at Kerkstraat 63, Tele 020 320 4651 is another establishment that patrons with a sense of adventure will appreciate. The jury is out on its claim to be mexican but its cactus salad was very agreeable as were the range of margaritas and tequillas. Very fairly priced.

One exceptionally fashionable restaurant is the French La Rive within the Amstel Inter-Continental Hotel, Professor Tulpplein 1 Tele 020 520 3264. It has a reputation for sophiscated French and Mediterranean cuisines. The cooking here is of the highest standards and we found the roasted rack of lamb a rare feast - however at nearly 100 euros for a five course meal it should be. Dinner suits essential. Booking up to three weeks in advance advisable. Popular with the famous and celebrated.

One of Amsterdams not widely known little gems is the Aleksander at Ceintuurbaan 196 Tele 020 676 6384. Here Eastern European dishes - mainly fish and grilled meats and strong liquors are on offer at very fair prices. The food is substantial and visitors will note its popularity with locals. Steakhouse Piet de Leeuw at Noorderstraat 11 Telr 020 623 7181. This restaurant has been established for over 50 years and proudly offers some of original menu's choice. It has always been fanous for its Beefsteak and Fried Sole but the recent addition of Fried Mussels and Sweetbread are the subject of good reports as well. Dependable and low cost.

In May 1940 Holland was invaded by Nazi Germany. During the Nazis occupation Jewish areas of the city were gutted and thousands of Jews deported to concentration camps. As many as 100,000 Dutch Jews are thought to have perished this way. There are accounts that towards the end of the war many people had to eat their own cats and dogs to survive the food shortage in the city.

Today visitors to Amsterdam are able to see many examples of it historic architecture. The 14th century Begijnhof Courtyard (see sighteeing and attractions) being one of the most intriquing.

The main red light area Rosse Burt also is home to some quite aesthetically pleasing architecture even if the church in its midst seems a little out of place!