Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels Guidebook
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.
From April 28th, 2012, until mid-2014 the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague will be closed for renovation. Part of the collection will be moved to the Gemeentemuseum, also in the Hague. The painting Girl with a Pearl Earring will only be at the Gemeentemuseum from April 28th 2012 until May 28th 2012. The painting then leaves for a tour of the USA and Japan.
Eric in Dana Point, CA USA 02/04/2012
I have both the 2008 and 2011 editions of the Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels Guidebook. I noticed that the Bruges: Orientation chapter from 2011 is missing the info about locating ATMs ("Money"), which is contained in the 2008 version. I spent the better part of the day searching for ATMs in Bruges, so I suggest reinserting that section!
Also: Of the two boat tours in Bruges referenced in both versions of this guidebook: I repeatedly dropped by both docks to try and hop on a boat.... but there was never anyone at either dock. (Instead, I kept seeing other boats full of people cruise down the canals, but no one could figure out where they were coming from. The boats were always white with a red chevron tip.) Perhaps only one embarkation point is operating in late fall/ early winter?
Stacey Oziel in Santa Monica, CA USA 11/25/2011
No.
Michael Jones in Coquitlam, BC Canada 10/08/2011
The taxi to the airport from approximately de Broukere metro stop is over 50 Euros on Saturday morning with no traffic as of Sept. 2011. I'm giving the metro stop for distance -- we weren't up to schlepping our suitcases on the train for the trip to the airport and we knew about what to expect.
Kate McCain in Philadelphia, PA USA 09/10/2011
In both the Amsterdam, Brussels & Bruges book as well as Europe Through the Back Door, please stop referring to "Flemish" as a separate language. Although a reference is included to say that it is basically like Dutch, it makes it confusing for visitors. The official languages in Belgium are Dutch, French and German. No government documentation refers to the Flemish language and the language is taught to non-speakers as Dutch rather than Flemish. To say one speaks "Flemish" is a political statement of cultural identity - Dutch is the language just as in the Netherlands.
Unlike the differences between British English and American English, there are not even any spelling differences between the Dutch used in the Netherlands and in Belgium. It's only a matter of accent/pronunciation and the choice of some words. The Dutch and the Belgians understand the other's peculiarities in word choice and sometimes chuckle, but that's it is the extent.
I think it might be daunting for a potential visitor to Dutch-speaking Belgium to believe that they have to learn phrases in yet another language if they consistently read that Flemish is spoken by a majority of Belgians. Changing all references to the Flemish language to the Dutch language is one step in the right direction.
Leo in Waterloo, Belgium 09/01/2011
In you Gent chapter it state tram ticket can be purchased from the driver. In fact drivers will not sell tickets.
Michael in New Paltz, ny USA 05/24/2011
Cannot use cash or American credit card to by train tickets from machine, need to by from ticket agent. Post office in Haarlem closed. Everything priced 20 - 25% higher than in book.
Kathleen in De Pere, WI USA 05/05/2011
Yes. Cafe Bistro Terrastje in Bruges claims that their kitchen is closed from 2pm to 6pm. The 2009 guidebook states that they have food from 1200-2100 hours which is incorrect. The proprietor of the restaurant sent us 'packing' when we sat down for food...any food...at 3pm.
Lance Stronk in Northfield, CT USA 04/28/2011
Hotel Fita--As of April 1, 2011, new owners are Roel and Martin de Haas, who are continuing free laundry service.
David Forester in Columbia, MD USA 04/16/2011
My experience at Hotel van Onna in Amsterdam was slightly different than what you experienced. I stayed in room 43 where the window faced the courtyard. The first night I was there (Saturday 4/2/11), the neighbors had a huge party until 2:30 a.m. and I could practically participate in the conversations, it was so loud. My friend stayed in the room below me (33) and the people were right outside her window. It was awful. The rest of the nights were quiet. Also, throughout our week there, 9 times out of 10, we could not get WiFi.
Paula Sabino in Glenview, IL USA 04/15/2011
In this book, Rick mentions the generic nature of canal tours in Haarlem. My husband and I visited in September 2010 and discovered Haarlem Canal Tours (http://www.haarlemcanaltours.com/en/home) which was then in its first season of operation. We enjoyed this tour very much. The boat is small (holds 12-15 people) and open - a lovely change from the huge covered barges and canned commentary in Amsterdam. The small boat size also allows travel along the "back streets" - the smaller canals that other boats can't enter. The young owner/guide is charming, friendly, and most informative. He is happy to answer questions, and provides much interesting about Haarlem and its history. In short, I would love to see Rick recommend this company!
Angela Mairs in Lynnwood, WA USA 03/22/2011
The listing for Hotel the Moon in Brussels has several problems: wrong website (I used it and my critical info went flying into cyberspace but didn't reach them). Use: www.hotelthemoon.com not www.memon-hotels.be. No more 10% discount for using Rick's book. I am still in process of finalizing my reservations but just thought others should be aware of this.
Sue in Plymouth, MI USA 02/06/2011
Rick's guidebook suggests to those going to Brussels during the summer months that the two TI's will be able to provide dirt cheap hotel rates since the businessmen and politicians are not in session. This has changed since the guidebook was published. The TI outside of Grand Place no longer even has hotel booking abilities. The TI inside of Grand Place (a crowded hectic spot) does have a hotel booking "service." But the woman at the desk explained to me that it offers no deals, it is essentially an online booking agent like we would find here in America. This was my first time arriving in a city and not having a hotel already booked. The gamble did not pay off, Brussels has changed their TI-Hotel policy.
Jeffrey Walz in Aurora, IL USA 02/05/2011
As always, your information was spot on, and much more accurate than my French friends La Routard guide.
Shawn Broda in Downers Grove, IL USA 11/19/2010
The Brugges Bell Tower is 8 Euro instead of 5 The book states the Brugges train station lacks ATMs, but there are 2 right in the middle
Steve in La Crescent, MN USA 09/19/2010
strippenkaart are no longer sold in Amsterdam. You need to buy a digital card. I am disappointed in the guidebook because it says "updated May 2010" at which time the end of the strippenkaart in June 2010 was apparently widely publicized (see http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/amsterdam-says-goodbye-strippenkaart for example) but the book devotes an entire page (p. 38) to the non-existent strippenkaart and nothing to what tourists can actually use.
Mike in San Diego, CA USA 09/04/2010
Many attractions were more expensive than listed in the book.
Rebecca in Washington, DC USA 08/28/2010
Bruges: The Groeninge Museum is temporarily closed :(
Tom Bruno in Whitefish Bay, WI USA 08/08/2010
The guidebook says that on the weekends and holidays, the a single day Metro/tram/bus pass is good for two people. However, the people working at the Metro stations and hotels say that this is no longer true. Given that there is a $75 dollar fine if you are on the metro without a ticket and get caught, it would make sense for the guidebook to be updated (if it is true that the two-for-one arrangement is no longer in effect).
Joe in New York, NY USA 08/05/2010
In Brussels, the Atomium does not close at 19:00, later in summer, last entry one hour before closing. In July, it closed at 18:00, last entry 1/2 hour before closing.
Steve in Beverly Hills, CA USA 07/27/2010
Bruges--Bike rental at Rick's recommended Koffieboontje. They still offer the great deal of 24 hours for the price of 4 hours. But it's now 9 Euros, not 8 Euros.
Lisa in St. Louis, MO USA 07/24/2010
The strippenkaart survives in Arnhem but is no longer available in A'dam. I bought a 4 day pass on arrival and a 1 day on my last day before return. 26.5 euro total and worth it...As you might expect, museum prices have all gone up
David W. Madsen in Seattle, WA USA 07/16/2010
I am an expat in The Hague who often takes visitors to Amsterdam. The Our Lord in the Attic church is undergoing major renovations but is still open. There are exhibits all about the renovation which are interesting. You can still get a sense of this hidden church, but it is all torn up.
Robin Peabody in The Hague, Netherlands 07/04/2010
Brussels - it may have been me, but we got confused using the brussels map in the book to look for the La Mort Subite pub (the tourist map from our hotel wasn't much of a help either). It took us about an hour to locate the place after walking around in circles. It seems that some of the streets in the Brussels Map may be misaligned.
Matt Rogers in San Diego, CA USA 07/01/2010
Our Lady in the Attic (Amsterdam) is undergoing significant renovations, and the actual church is not available for viewing. The admission price is 1 euro lower as a result, but in my opinion not worth the total price, especially if your time in this city is limited.
Furthermore, the Rijksmuseum branch in the Amsterdam airport is unavailable (also undergoing extensive renovation).
Carissa in Silver Spring, MD USA 06/10/2010
Strippenkaart are NOT used in Amsterdam any more!!!! You can buy chip cards for 1 trip (E 2.60!), or for 1,2,3,4,5,6 0r 7 days. A 6 day chip card costs 26 Euros.
Inge Adams in Kelowna, BC Can 06/08/2010
The Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels guidebook recommends the best time to visit the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are Friday nights after the crowds have diminished. I tried to visit the Rijksmuseum on Friday, May 21 and a sign was posted on the door stating that the museum now closes at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. We hit the Van Gogh instead, which is still open late on Fridays.
Colleen M. in St. Paul, MN USA 06/08/2010
Just returned from the Netherlands and Belgium on 6/2/2010. I'm not sure that this information is correct, but our B&B hosts told us that strip tickets (Strippenkaart) no longer work in Amsterdam--that they have gone to all digital cards.
Susan in Longmont, CO USA 06/04/2010
In the Netherlands you must at times drive on the red part of the road.Its known as the fietspad, and as you want to turn right, you must merg in with the bikers to turn.I had an old book around 1995,ended up living in the Netherlands 9 years.
Denise Skelly in Douglasville, Ga USA 05/16/2010
For the historical triangle tour, Intercity trains leave Amsterdam for Hoorn at 9:09, 9:39 and 10:09 arriving in Hoorn at 9:42, 10:12 and 10:42 respectively. The steam train, the boat, and the Zuider Zee museum are all covered by the Museumkaart Pass, which at 19.50 for the train and boat and 14.00 for the musuem almost pays for the pass. However, it can't be purchased at the Hoorn station; I bought my pass at another museum at the far end of Hoorn. With all of the sightseeing covered, it was slightly cheaper to buy 2 single rail tickets (Amsterdam-Hoorn and Enkhuizen-Amsterdam) than a day return Amsterdam-Enkhuizen and not use the Hoorn-Enkhuizen portion. Of course if you have a rail pass, this is covered.
Nomi in Toronto, ON Canada 05/06/2010
Carrie Kleinjan in West Chester, PA USA 04/17/2010
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