Established in the late 19th Century, the building on Stadhouderskade ran as a brewery for the Heineken brand for almost a century, till it shut down in 1988. Following its closure, the brewery was transformed into a visitor center. Nowadays, it functions as the Heineken Experience and serves as a company museum and a meeting and information center. It shows you the history of Heineken breweries; the tour also includes interactive displays as well as product tastings.
Amsterdam's Royal Palace is the crown jewel of the city's cache of architectural marvels from the Dutch Golden Age. The palace was originally constructed in the 17th Century as the new Town Hall, designed by Jacob van Campen as a symbol of the Netherlands' far-reaching influence and its hefty stake in global commerce at that time. The palace is an embodiment of opulence and lavish taste, generously adorned with marble sculptures, vivid frescoes and sparkling chandeliers that illuminate rooms of palatial proportions. Within, are numerous symbolic representations of the country's impressive economic and civic power in the realm of world politics in the 17th Century, including a larger-than-life statue of Atlas. In 1806, Louis Napoleon, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, was named King Louis I of Holland, transforming the former Town Hall into his Royal Palace. Today, the historic abode is one of the three palaces granted to the Dutch Royal House by an Act of Parliament. The Royal Palace hosts visiting heads of state and serves as a venue for Royal Receptions and other events.
Brouwerij is not really your ordinary pub and brewery. Only house-brewed beers are tapped here or sold in bottles. The furniture consists of bare wooden seats and tables next to a simple bar in this former municipal bathhouse. On the large terrace you will find people scattered out, sitting on the ground as well as the tables and chairs. Tours are available as well.
This canal's name translates to Prince's Canal, and was named after William I. He was also known as William of Orange, and was involved in the 80 Years War which resulted in independence for the Dutch Republic. Prinsengracht is the longest of Amsterdam's major canals, forming the outer circle of the canal ring. Some of the city's most notable buildings can be found along it, including the Anne Frank House, Noorderkerk and Westerkerk, making for a picturesque stroll. This canal also forms one of the borders of the picturesque Jordaan area, a former working class district that has been reinvented as a center for the arts and for trendy cafes.
The Portuguese-Israeli Synagogue was built in the period 1670-75 by Elias Bouman. The synagogue is located on the Mr. Visserplein, a busy roundabout between the Weesperstraat and the motorway leading to the IJ-tunnel. This area used to be the heart of the Jewish Quarter. The low buildings around the synagogue enclose a courtyard. The front elevation is subdivided by pilasters, the ones at the corners standing slightly away from the corner itself. The austere elevation formed by the corner bays which recede a little are closed by a cornice above which is a balustrade and an attic. A revered site, the Synagogue stands as a significant religious as well as architectural symbol.
De Hortus Botanicus, created in 1682, has more than 6000 different kinds of plants. There is a huge, almost futuristic, three-climate greenhouse with the flora of the tropics, subtropics and desert. Apart from this, there is a palm house with 300-year-old trees. During the autumn half-term holidays there is a Kabouterpad (dwarf path), a sort of hunt for children around 10 years old. On Wednesday afternoons and all day Saturday, children between 6 and 12 years old can join the Openluchtatelier (open air workshop) for drawing and painting.
Bibliotheca Thysiana contained the collection of Johannes Thysius, a famous lawyer of the 17th Century. He died early, leaving behind some money for the construction of a library. Thus, the Bibliotheca Thysiana was converted into a public library with over 2500 books and manuscripts pertaining to the sciences. It is a brilliant piece of architecture by Arent van ‘s-Gravensande and is listed among the top heritage sites of the country.
Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica is found on the bustling Bloemstraat street. Established by Joost Ritman in the year 1984, the library does not remain affiliated to any other public library or organization. It contains a large compilation of printed material and manuscripts associated with Hermeticism, particularly focusing on Christian-Hermetic institution. The library contains over 23,000 editions on Alchemy, Rosicrucianism, Esotericism, Gnosis and associated areas of interest.
From its transformation of a silo to a rental building by the bay. On this site in the 19th Century, architect Jacob Klinkhamer built two-grain silos that were functional until the mid 20th Century. At the turn of the century the silos were demolished and MVRDV, an architect firm put down a residential and commercial project on this establishment. The attractive colorful building in recent times now offers office space as well as rental apartments. They also provide tours that have an entry fee.
Dating back to 1679, Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal & Liquor Store has been serving a variery of gins and liquors. Tucked away on a side alley, the small tasting room and liquor store is full of distilled beverages in its 17th-century ambiance. Considered to be among the oldest bars in Amsterdam, its vintage tasting room replete with antique bottles and period furnishing is a fabulous place to sip on age old Dutch liqueurs, genevers and draft beers. You can buy these artisan genevers and brandies from their store. They also give guided tours of the distillery and get a glimpse of how these liqueurs are crafted.
Situated in Santpoort-Zuid, Brederode Castle, known locally as the Ruïne van Brederode, was constructed in the latter half of the 13th Century. What was initially not much more than a tower was later revamped and converted into a magnificent castle by Dirk II van Brederode. After the death of Wolfert van Brederode in 1679, the estate was passed on to the Dutch Republic, and the ruins became the Netherlands' first national monument.
The Kasteel De Haar, or the Castle De Haar, in all its grandeur, is one of the most attractive focal landmarks of the country. Including over 200 rooms designed in rich ornaments and architecture dating back to ancient centuries, the castle evokes images of royalty and splendor. It is a true architectural treasure that provides insights into the history of The Netherlands. From the distant past of the early kings to the rich ancient heritage, the castle naturally appeals to anyone who lays their eyes on it. The immense structure is surrounded by a magnificent garden and park with lush green trees that speak of a royal past. Get to this extraordinarily beautiful palace and experience the glory of the place.