Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels

Guidebook corrections:

Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.

Admission to the Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels is now 8 Euro, or 13 Euro for the CombiTicket that includes the new Rene Magritte museum. The Audio Guide is now 4 Euro, making the total visit 17 Euro. With that said, it's all totally worth it- I thought the new Magritte museum was amazing. Note that in the wake of all the remodeling, the original Modern Arts section is in a bit of disarray for the moment.

Dave K in Atlanta, GA USA 03/08/2010

Rick's book says your passport must be valid 6 months after your ticketed return date. However, the Us. Dept. of State travel site states:The Netherlands ( and Belgium) is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter the Netherlands for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. If you are traveling for any other purpose, you may need to obtain a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.

Jan in Lake Forest, IL USA 01/27/2010

The two christian youth hostels in Amsterdam do not have an age requirement. They say intended for people under 40, but as long as you can climb into a top bunk, anyone is welcome.

Alisa Roost in New York, NY USA 01/19/2010

The Groeninge Museum in Bruges was open when we visited in December 2009, but many of the paintings listed in the guide book were not on view. The museum found some sort of worm bugs in these pieces and they are fumigating them. (The smell of gas in the museum gave me a headache). The museum entrance fee was lowered to 6 euro.

Matti in Chicago, USA 12/24/2009

To get a parking ticket in Haarlem, one has to park in one of the approved garages, then go to the Carlton Hotel to get the ticket to use when you exit the garage. It is cheaper to buy a ticket for a week, because you get in and out privileges, and it is less than buying a daily ticket.

Catherine in Edmonds, WA USA 12/16/2009

No

Catherine in Edmonds, WA USA 12/15/2009

The Welcome hotel in Brussels will not always offer a discount with the mention of Rick's book. Apparently this is done at their discretion. Actually the person who I corresponded with was quite rude about it. Ended up staying at LeMeridian (top notch!!!) because a co-worker I was with had a great rate through their friends and family program.

Monica B in Zionsville, IN USA 11/29/2009

Amsterdam Strippenkaart, or strip tickets, are indeed still available and widely in use. A strip of 15 now costs €7.30- and is still one of your best Amsterdam transport values. I bought a strip at the GVB office near the Central Station two days ago. Eventually the system will be phased out in favor of new magnetic Chipkaarten, but I don't think it will be anytime soon.

Dave K in Atlanta, GA USA 11/13/2009

Re: The Historic Triangle on page 277 of 2009 Amsterdam etc. book.

You should advise readers that on the boat trip to Enkhuizen the MS Friedland makes two stops. The first stop is at the Museum entrance but the boat stops only for a short period of time before it goes to a second stop, the parking area for local visitors to the Museum as well as the train depot. We had the misfortune to be slow getting to the boat exit at the first stop on the assumption that everyone was getting off. In fact only a small number disembarked and as we arrived at the gate the boat was already pulling away from the dock. There was no announcement in english. Fortunately the crew advised us to get off at the second stop, a ten minute trip, and we were able to take the shuttle boat to the Museum.

Bill in Andover, MA USA 11/06/2009

Amsterdam Eating Place, Top Thai at Jordaan has changed their address from Herenstraat 22 to Herenstraat 28, just a few doors down the same street. We also found an even better Thai place nearby - Thai & co at Haarlemmerstraat 54.

Mike in Macungie, PA USA 10/23/2009

It may not be legal to smoke marijuana in the streets of Amsterdam, but that doesn't seem to be much of an impediment to people doing it unfortunately. Couple of times the smell gave me a headache.

Bikers may be required to walk their bikes through pedestrian areas. Doesn't actually seem to happen very much.

Charles in Darien, IL USA 10/22/2009

As mentioned many times before, almost all prices are up from those in the book. Also, closure days for restaurants and stores are not entirely accurate, and can be misleading; e.g., the chocolate shop Dumon in Bruges is described as being closed on Wednesdays, so we decided not to go there. However, we were in the neighborhood and checked on it, and found it was open. I asked, and the proprietor responded that they were too busy to close that day. Adding the modifier "typically" closed might be more appropriate.

Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/14/2009

As mentioned many times before, almost all prices are up from those in the book. Also, closure days for restaurants and stores are not entirely accurate, and can be misleading; e.g., the chocolate shop Dumon in Bruges is described as being closed on Wednesdays, so we decided not to go there. However, we were in the neighborhood and checked on it, and found it was open. I asked, and the proprietor responded that they were too busy to close that day. Adding the modifier "typically" closed might be more appropriate.

Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/14/2009

Did not receive 10% discount at the Moon Hotel in Brussels as stated on page 428 of 2009 guidebook. My son and I stayed in a 3 person room (room 24) from Sept 30 to October 4. We had reservations. Asked for discount at checkout but they said since we had reservations, no discount would be given when I showed them the book. We were charged 95.50 E for 4 nights. Total 382E. Otherwise, good and convenient place to stay. Guidebook was very helpful in our travels to Amsterdam, Haarlem, Brussels, and Bruges. Would recommend them and will use them again in future travels. I watch your travel shows on PBS and they are great! Thanks for the helpful guides. Jeannine Willis

Jeannine Willis in Houston, TX USA 10/07/2009

Bike Koffieboontje Bike Rental on page 315 is to be avoided. They have a very nice write up on the book that mentions maps, a museum combo ticket, and a discount for having a Rick Steves book.

They no longer offer the combo ticket and don't have maps. I didn't get the discount for the Rick Steves book. In fact the clerk counted by change back to me and was off by 15 euro (stand there an count your change before you walk away if you have to). I can't believe that something like that would be an accident. Given the other bike rental places in Bruge, I think it's worth it to give some of them a chance in your book and drop Koffieboontje.

I've used Rick Steves books in France, Italy, and now Belgium. Mona Winks is an excellent Museum book. Europe through the Back Door is wonderful. If someone is going to Europe, I tell them to get one of these books. These books have never let me down. But I have to say that I really just don't agree with listing Koffieboontje. The way it is right now is a scam and there are better values in other places in the city.

Otherwise, this book is great. I could suggest some other places in Bruges and Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, I know that everyone suggests MacBike to for bike rentals, but they actually sent me around the corner to a very good place called Starr bikes because Starr is open later. I know that you can't put every bike place in your book, but it is useful if you bike north of the city and will get back later.

Craig in New York, NY USA 10/04/2009

The strips of transport tickets are no longer available. We got one of the last ones.

Susan in Ledford, MT USA 09/21/2009

Yes. In Amsterdam, for the 2009 version, there is a mention of pancakes (pannekoeken) at "Le Soleil". The address indicated in the book: as of 9/4/09 when we were on the street, that establishment is closed, and something is being renovated in that address. It is next to a "Soup en Zo" but unfortunately is closed on Sundays.

C Kuo in San Jose, CA USA 09/15/2009

The currency exchange process and difficulty with use of public telephones which are non-existent.

Jan Larson in Worthington, MN USA 08/26/2009

The currency exchange process and difficulty with use of public telephones which are non-existent.

Jan Larson in Worthington, MN USA 08/26/2009

In addition to being valid for three days, the 15 euro museum combo ticket in Bruges now covers more than just five museums. It covers entrance into most of the museums and sights in Bruges, including the bell tower, so it's an excellent deal. The only thing that I couldn't use it for was entrance to the treasury of the Basilica of the Holy Blood, since that was a church-run attraction.

Also, I tried out the bike ride from Bruges to Damme. While the directions from Bruges to Damme were fine, I'd recommend that you encourage readers to get a map of bicycle paths if they're going to bike to the Belgium-Netherlands border from Damme. I tried following Rick's instructions to the Dutch border (basically, to follow the canal for 40 minutes) since they seemed quite simple and was unpleasantly surprised when the canal ended at a fork a little bit out of the city! I made my best guess, but ended up at a wildlife preserve far from the border.

Aimee in Kirkland, WA USA 08/20/2009

In Brussels, we went to the royal museums of fine arts. I was particularly excited about seeing David's "The Death of Marat" painting, which is in the modern section of the museum according to Rick's latest guide book. However, after searching throughout the modern section, we determined it is actually located in the ancient section, a few rooms over from Rubens' work. If you are interested in seeing this fabulous painting, ask someone who works in the ancient part as the room arrangements can be a bit confusing.

Sarah in Bethesda, MD USA 08/16/2009

Just got back from a trip to Brugge, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Haarlem. The book was a great help! One thing I noticed, however was that with the exception of the tram ticket in Brugge, everything (public transportation and admission costs) costs more than advertised in the latest 2009 edition. Inflation at work I guess. It's not a huge deal, but it got me in trouble more than once.

Anonymous in Traveler, CT USA 08/10/2009

In your map of Delft in the latest edition, the locations of the Old Church and New Church are reversed.

Allan Gray in Bowling Green, OH USA 06/13/2009

page 165-Hotel Alexander--no longer has free internet access. They sell you a 4 Euro card which gives you a password and 1 hour of access. (the tricky computer is also somehow hiding the log-off button so your hour gets used up even if you only are on a few minutes) Otherwise, this is a nice hotel with friendly and helpful staff and a good location.

Paul Overmyer in Fort Collins, CO USA 06/09/2009

€15 bike rental and museum combo ticket in Bruges is no longer available according to the TI.

Also the fee for adults to climb the bell tower is now €8 rather than €5 listed in the 2009 guide. We had a discount coupon book from our hotel and only paid €6 (student rate)

Jennifer H in London, ON Canada 06/04/2009

The Groeninge museum charges 9 euros for admission and 4 for the audio tour. Also, bag check costs 1 E.

Ann in Arlington, VA USA 05/26/2009

The WIndmills and Lace section in Bruges (P. 326) gave directions to the windmills from streets that were not on any of the maps in the book. We tried to follow Cammerstraat out from the map in the front but that didn't lead to any of the streets mentioned on Page 326.

Anne in Montgomery, IL USA 05/18/2009

As with all of your guidebooks we have used, Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels was invaluable. In Bruges, we discovered two updates: Tom's Diner was closed on Monday and Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant offers a large lunch plate for 11 euros and a small plate for 10.4 euros. We talked with the owner and shared your write-up on Lotus with her. She did not understand the tie-dye comment! We explained, but don't believe she understood! Very nice option for vegetarians

Julie Russell in Birmingham, AL USA 04/09/2009

Always love your books & programs, but was taken aback when reading Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels, 2007, when on page 53 when describing the Great Synagogue's Torah, it was called "....the Jewish Scriptures, including the first 5 books of the Christian Bible." Although Christians certainly accept the "Old Testament" as their own, their contribution is the New Testament and the Old Testament is and always will be the Jewish Bible. Please make this correction wherever it may appear in all of your great guidebooks and in your thinking. Thanks.

Rachel Lesser in Cleveland, Oh USA 03/24/2009

My earlier post didn't show up correctly. I went to Amsterdam in Feb 2009. 3 updates that I discovered are: 1) Green Lantern fondue restaurant is closed, as others mentioned. 2) Anne Frank House is now 8.50 euros. 3) Van Gogh museum is 15 euros for an adult ticket, there is a minimum of 25 euros to use a credit/debit card for ticket payment. They were open until 10 PM on a Thursday, and they now have Starry Night on loan from NY and are showing it for about 6 months. It is part of the exhibition that starts on the basement floor, not the main floor. Enjoy!

Heather in London, UK 02/24/2009

Yes - see below

Heather in London, UK 02/24/2009

Bruges, Belgium: Coffee Link doesn’t exist anymore.

Dave W. in Seattle, WA USA 01/20/2009

I would like to send you up-to-date information on the opening of the extended Hermitage Amsterdam in June 09 for your new edition coming out in March 09. Please give me an e-mail address where I can send the latest info.

Pascale Bousquet in Paris, France 01/20/2009

In Haarlem, Eko eetcafe (page 224 of 2007 Amsterdam book) has closed. A shame - this was a great restaurant. But it looks closed for good, and I did not see a moved-to-this-address notice.

JAE in Groningen, Netherlands 09/29/2008

The change in the boat connection with the Hoorn steam train has already been submitted.

Nancy in San Carlos, CA USA 08/14/2008

Many of the museum prices and open/close times have changed. Several of the museum tours no longer match the exhibits. Please note that Dumon has several locations in Bruges, and only the original is worthwhile. We, too, had the same rude experience at the wrong location until we checked the book and found the REAL Dumon and the great service!!!

Trevor in Roswell, GA USA 08/12/2008

When we arrived in Bruges, the guide book said it was an easy 15 minute walk to the center of town. Well, maybe without luggage or kids. The cobblestone is hard to roll luggage on, as well as the narrow sidewalks, and we got lost. Took us 45 minutes with our two kids (6 and 11). We recommend the bus.

[Editor's Note: Perhaps your were using an old guidebook? Our latest edition reads, "It’s a 20-minute walk from the station to the center--no fun with your luggage."]

Carolyn Fick in Hood River, Or USA 07/25/2008

Ruhe Delicatessen (p.176) isn't there anymore. Musseumkarts save $

Steve Roddy in Penn Valley, CA USA 07/18/2008

Amsterdam: 1. Rijksmuseum is only open now until 20:30 (as also noted by another reader) 2. Strippenkaartes are not accepted on trains from Haarlem to Amsterdam Central (we bought a large -45 strip -card for this purpose, only to be told that they would not accept this. Thankfully, the conductor was so kind, she did not charge us for a ticket). 3. There was no mention of the Holland Pass, which is what we chose to buy in lieu of the I Amsterdam card. For some people, this may make more sense from from an economical standpoint. 4. De Vrije Vork is no longer in business. There is another restaurant in that location.

Haarlem: The "Die Raeckse Hotel" will NOT honor your discount. The only discount they now offer is 5% off to those who pay in cash. Other than that, as always, we love the work you do and are still Rick fans!

Stacy in Freiburg, BW Germany 06/04/2008

Lots of entry fee prices have risen.

Kate Buechler in Winnipeg, MB Canada 05/22/2008

Amsterdam Bruges & Brussels 2007. On page 238 for getting to the Kroller-Muller Museum, you state that it takes (2/hr, 60 min). Isn't that 3 hours? From Amsterdam Central station the train actually took 1 hour to Ede-Wageningen then the #108 bus and a 20 minute ride to the edge of Otterlo. When we got off there a small shuttle bus took us through the small village of Otterlo to a point where a short walk to the museum took only 5 minutes. At the end of our visit we rode the white bikes back to the main gate to catch the little shuttle bus back to the stop where we caught the bigger bus back to the Ede-Wageningen train station. The day trip Kroller-Muller Museum will be posted as one of the best days of our lives. Note: the attendant at the Amsterdam train station mentioned that traveling to destinations on weekends is cheaper. We paid 51 Euros for a Friday trip instead of 39 Euros on Saturday. But she agreed that it would be more crowded.

Dug Waggoner in El Cerrito, CA USA 05/12/2008

1. Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum no longer allow photography of any kind at all (leave all cameras at home).

Winston & Suzie in Seattle, WA USA 05/11/2008

Rijksmuseum is now open only until 20:30, and includes special programs. Below is a quote from the Rijksmuseum webpage.

"The Rijksmuseum is open every Friday evening. Apart from visiting the museum, you can enjoy a varied programme between 18.00 and 20.30 that includes guest speakers, musicians, actors, snacks and drinks. It is worth noting that, unfortunately, the lectures and talks by guest speakers will only be given in Dutch. The admission fee is the same as the normal admission fee (€ 10). The ticket counter is open until 20.00."

I loved the unexpected opportunity to listen to the tenor in a tuxedo singing opera, accompanied by a pianist at a baby grand while I was viewing some of the world's most amazing works of art! Serendipity!

My guest from the States, however, was dismayed to have only one and a half hours in the museum when we'd planned for three, and was uninterested in the music, but in seeing the paintings behind the performer, and hearing the audio guide comments on it all.

That'll teach me to always double-check the website before planning a visit to a major museum or attraction, as Rick suggests!

Mary Freelove in Wiesbaden, Germany 05/04/2008

You can't take pictures in the Rijkmuseum anymore. Someone threw lighter fluid on a painting last year and destroyed a painting, of which they were able to fix.

Amy in Anoka, MN USA 05/01/2008

If you are staying in or near the Leidseplein area and need to get to the airport, it is easier (and maybe cheaper) to catch the #197 bus directly to Schiphol from the Leidseplein bus stop than to truck your bags down to the train station to take the express train (especially with all of the construction confusion down there just now). You can use your stippenkaart (it's only a few strips) or just pay the bus driver. Also the AMB/AMRO Banks in the City will not change your excess Euros for dollars unless you are already a bank customer, possibly because they seem to have a monopoly on the exchange at the airport where there is a minimum 3.40 Euro charge for the privilege. All three of the self-guided walks for Amsterdam were terrific!

kc in San Francisco, USA 04/11/2008

The easyInternetcafe is out of business. Also, the Heinecken Brewery tour is closed until summer of 2008.

Mary in New YOrk, NY USA 03/23/2008

could you give more clear directions about how to get to the Van Gogh museum for someone taking your central city tour? The tour takes you to the main museum, but it doesn't do enough to help the visitor who wants to go to the Van Gogh instead.

You might also want to point out that the #5 tram passes right by the Van Gogh museum.

Craig Oren in Cherry Hill, NJ USA 03/21/2008

The guidebook needs to note that although the Hotel Keizershof in Amsterdam accepts credit cards when making a reservation, the traveler needs to be prepared to pay for the room in cash. Credit cards are not accepted as payment for the room. Also Mary (an excellent hostess otherwise) should be encouraged to change her website to indicate this so that her guests can be prepared to pay her.

Beth TX USA 03/07/2008

De Groene Lantaarn (Green Lantern) has changed. The restaurant is now called "Restaurant Bloemgracht" and serves a creative/fusion menu. (www.restaurantbloemgracht.nl) Dumon Chocolates are now 21 Euro per Kilo.

Mark Adams in Maple Grove, MN USA 11/12/2007

Yes. On page 242 of the 2007 version of this book, it says that "The Hague—the Netherlands' capital,...: Amsterdam is the capital, not The Hague. Sources: U.S. State Department Background Notes on The Netherlands; Embassy of The Netherlands

Maureen in Alexandria, VA USA 10/27/2007

Hi, just wanted to let you know that in Amsterdam, restaurant DeGroene Lantaarn is no longer that & is now called Restaurant Bloemgracht- still at the same address in the Jordaan. But they now only take reservations. I went there the first week of Sept.'07. Sorry, I actually didn't eat nor did I inquire about current pricing. On page 175 of the Amsterdam guidebook

Johanna Ehlhardt in Seattle, Wa USA 10/24/2007

We were told at the Heiniken Beer Experience that they will be closing this month for renovation, and will not be open until next June, and the cost will be going up. To me, the Amsterdam History Museum needs at least two hours to see just a fraction of what is there. This museum deserves at least two triangles.

Tom Kilory in San Diego, CA USA 10/14/2007

Trip to Edam from Amsterdam...10/10/07 Bus #110 took 1 hour; bus #114 took only 25 min. Cheese market was very disappointing...only 1 cheese vendor. De Prinsen Bar and Eetcafe'(recommended in RS guide for cheese sampler or light lunch, serves NO food! Maybe only in summer?

Millie in Bay St Louis, MS USA 10/10/2007

Re: Outdoor museum at Arnhem (Kroller-Muller)

The guidebook states a 70 minute trip from Amsterdam to the site. Due to rail repairs week-ends have interupted train schedules. It took us almost 3 hours.

Eileen Engel in Hammond, LA USA 10/10/2007

Joopes Hotel in Haarlem is now called the Ambassador.

Julie in Provo, Ut USA 09/04/2007

The Hotel New Amsterdam is now called Chic and Basic

Donna comar in Pleasant Hill, CA USA 09/02/2007

We just got back from Amsterdam, and used the AMsterdam Bruges & Brussels 2007 Guidebook. While we found the book very useful (we had previously used your Italy Guidebook, and found that to be great), there were a few errors. First, in the Amsterdam City Walk section, p. 76, Metz & Co. is located at the intersection of Leidsestraat and Keizersgracht, not Herengracht. In the section on the day trip to Arnhem, under Kroller-Muller Museum and Nationaal Park de Hoge Veluwe, p. 237, the cost of a combo ticket is now 14 Euros, rather than 12. On p. 238, it is the #108 bus, not #107 that you take from the train station at Ede-Wageningen to Otterlo, not the #108. When you get to Otterlo, the bus to the park comes immediately behind the #108. On the way back from the park, you can take the bus back to the Otterlo station and the #108 to take you to the train station at Ede-Wageningen picks you up right away.

Ken Werner in West Hartford, CT USA 08/04/2007

Too many people must be reading Rick's recommendation about going to the Anne Frank House after 6 pm to avoid the lines. We went after 6 pm and still had to wait about 20 minutes - but it was still worth it!

Chris Towne in Harmony, PA USA 07/29/2007

Openbare Bibliotech Amsterdam on Prinsengraht is closed, a new central branch opened 7/7/07 near the central train station.

Anne Frank House: you can get tickets ahead online for a 1/2 euro surcharge. Big advantage.

Rijksmuseum (at Phillips) was not the same as described in your book, the collection has changed a bit.

Cindy in Shurleff, Wa USA 07/13/2007

Medemblik: the location of the ferry in relation to the steam train has changed. Not sure if this is permemant or not, but when you get off the steam train, you get to the boat by crossing the tracks and heading over the hill and you are right there.

Centraal train station does not provide schedules if you go to a person at the counter. I requested it several times and they don't have it. They also cannot provide connection information. If you want schedules use the German rail site ahead of time to get a range of leaving and return times. The NS site is OK, but harder to navigate, I used the German rail site to figure out the stops and schedules and then verified on the NS site.

Stephen Heverin in Oreland, PA USA 06/19/2007

A few corrections to mention: 1) The canal boat tour that Rick recommends (Rondvaart Kooij) does not have seats that face all forward...you actually sit at a table with benches on both sides. I saw other tour boats with seats like that were mentioned; the price is now 7.50 Euros, and they run every 30 minutes, not 4 times an hour. 2) The Heiniken Beer Expereince opens at 11am, not 10am and now cost 11 Euros. 3) It was very difficult to get 24 hour passes for the trams on the trams.

Amanda Krug FL USA 06/09/2007

Food prices were higher across the board in Brugge. This does not take exchange into account.

Dave Huthwaite in Leesburg, VA USA 06/07/2007

The Rembrandthuis is 11.50 euro, not 7.50 euro. But, it is complete with an audiotour (wireless headset) which doesn't appear to be as it was described in the guidebook. With the audioguide, I would rate the attraction as two triangles, not just one. We very much enjoyed it.

Joni Valerio in Cranford, NJ USA 05/25/2007

YES Page 10, Exchange Rates: 1 euro is currently = about $1.50 (I just got back from Holland) To roughly convert prices in euro's to dollars, add 50 percent%.

Page 10, Banking: Most credit card companies are adding a 1 percent fee for international credit card transactions.

Page 10, Banking: You need to mention the transaction fee added by banks and exchange facilities each time you exchange US cash to euro's. GWK Offices provide a coupon which waves the fee for a 2nd transaction at their offices.

Bill Schmidt in Norfolk, VA USA 05/22/2007

Under the sleeping section "In and near the Jordaan," the hotel "Truelove Antiek & Guesthouse" email is listed incorrectly in the 2007 book. The listed email is "...@zonnnet.nl". The correct email, as listed on their site, is "...@zonnet.nl". Just thought you might like to know.

Sarah Kinsman in Woodstock, GA USA 05/06/2007

The Gruuthuse Museum in Bruges, Belgium is closed for renovations for 2007.

Kristin in Philadelphia, PA USA 04/27/2007

As of April, the Amstel Botel in Amsterdam did NOT move as they had announced earlier this year.

Also, according to www.brugge.be (official site of Bruges), the Gruuthuse will be closed until November 2007 for renovation.

Melissa Berry in Maryville, TN USA 04/25/2007

You cannot buy tickets for the Connexxion bus at Amsterdam's Schipol airport from the driver. There is a booth inside the terminal where you must purchase your ticket now.

Tom Barclay in Smyrna, GA USA 04/24/2007

Pg. 162 - Hotel Keizershof - takes credit cards for deposit only - requires cash for payment - made reservations for Aug 24 - 29, 2007.

Charles M Carter in Seattle, WA USA 04/11/2007

Pili Pili in Bruges is under new management. Allan Hilderson and Gianna Sanry are a husband/wife team that provided the best Italian food I've had in years. Sanry serves the food and gives very special attenion while Allan cooks. Highly recommended.

Bob Gallagher in Indianapolis, IN USA 04/04/2007

As further evidence of how to speak the name of the "Provo"cative corner of Amsterdam called Spui (page 61): Not only did the tramcar announcement I heard upon arrival at Spui sound more to me like "Spow" than "Spy", but also the narration of the 2006 documentary 'Rembrandt - 400 Years' (shown recently by Oregon Public Broadcasting) pronounces the vowel sound "ui" in the name of Rembrandt's patron Huygens as "HOWgens", and in the name of Rembrandt's wife Saskia van Uylenburg as "OWLenburg."

I suspect that Dutch tolerance extends to how the "ui" sound in Spui can vary between "Spow' and 'Spy', though comparatively the Dutch words 'huis' and 'uil' make more sense in English when they are pronounced 'house' and 'owl'. While some Amsterdammers may prefer to call this bookish, well-lighted area "Spy", the origin of Amsterdam's Spui - a former sluice or whirlpool in the old city moat - reflects the name's watery kinship to the English word 'spout'.

(Similarly, New Yorkers may prefer to "Spite the Devil" when they speak of Spuyten Duyvil, a former creek found in the Bronx...but that name derives likewise from 'Spuitende Duivel' - the Devil's Sluice or Spout - to describe the swirling currents where the creek met the river. The accent and vocabulary of Nieuw Amsterdam still owe much to the speech of Oude Amsterdam.)

Rick Klaastad in Portland, OR USA 02/18/2007

A couple of corrections I'd recommend for the guidebook: Obviously, we went during winter, which isn't the most popular time to go- but we went on the Roondvaart boat tour which was mentioned in the book as having all seats facing forward. This is no longer true, the seats face both ways and it was the only boat that fogged up badly during our tour (we saw many boats on our walks around the city, none as foggy as the Roondvaart)- something worth mentioning? Also- a few of the restaurants and small coffee shops were closed for the holidays until after the New Year, this may be something to tell readers just so they have a heads up if they plan to travel around the holidays (we were in Amsterdam 12/26- 12/31.

Stacey Mazuelas in Saint Paul, MN USA 01/18/2007