Tour of Amsterdam (looking at facades)

Run on March 2, 2015, with the goal: to admire facades! Walk the route on Monday, as it is least crowded.

The route starts and ends at the central station. Cross diagonally to St. Nicholas Church and follow the Zeedijk from there. At the end, turn right into Bloedsteeg by the Waag. Continue along the route through the red-light district, where you will arrive at Damrak (beautiful Art Deco buildings!).

Go to the Dam and cross it; you can do so to the right of the palace, then you'll emerge at Magna Plaza (a beautiful building in itself - turn left there and then right into Raadhuisstraat), or walk along the left side of the palace and enter Raadhuisstraat there.

This street was established at the end of the 19th century, and you can see that in the buildings, including the impressive shopping gallery.

It’s worth deviating from the route and walking a bit over one of the canals, then returning to Raadhuisstraat via the first bridge.

We pass by the "Ouwe Wester," often sung about. Go around it to the right, admire the sculptures above the doors, and don’t forget the plaque in honor of Willy Alberti!

We do not turn right at Prinsengracht (Anne Frank House, including the queue), but turn left instead. We see facades and houseboats, and at Elandgracht, we see a painted object that you must really walk around. There stand the statues of the famous folk singers of the 20th century: Tante Leen, Johnny Jordaan (after whom this square is named), Manke Nelis, Johnny Meijer, and the duo Jan and Mien, or Mien and Bolle Jan Froger, René’s father. There are plans for a statue of Willy Alberti as well. The statues were made, among others, by Kees Verkade.

Through Runstraat, Keizersgracht, Leidsegracht, and Herengracht with sometimes very richly decorated canal houses, you will finally reach the Singel with the flower market. Feel free to check out the many different (mainly) tulip bulbs, but keep in mind that you should best buy them in autumn, and gently squeeze them to feel if the bulbs are still firm...

We approach Munt and see again numerous Art Deco buildings. Cross the busy Muntplein and head towards Reguliersdwarsstraat, where (in my opinion) the most beautiful building in Amsterdam stands: the Tuschinski Theater.

This building is still used as a cinema, and just visiting it is an impressive experience! The building is a mix of Jugendstil, Art Deco, and Amsterdam School and was opened in 1921. This is evident both inside and outside, including exclusive lighting and stained glass.

Around the turn of the century, it was renovated and restored as closely as possible to the original style.

We continue on to Rembrandtplein, where you can eat and drink excellently, and further to the Amstel. Across the bridge, we turn left towards Waterlooplein with the famous market. Through Raamstraat, you reach Kloveniersburgwal, where you can already see the Waag lying there. Go there, pass the Waag (building on your right) and enter Zeedijk.

In this Chinatown, there are restaurants and small shops. In various places, Peking ducks are hanging to dry behind the windows. My favorite is Dim Sum Court. For ages, you pay 8.50 for one hour of unlimited eating. The quality sometimes varies and the selection is not large, but for so little money, it's worth it. It looks like a canteen, you sit side by side against the wall or at a long table. Those who want something a bit classier can also eat cheaply at Nam Kee.

Through Zeedijk, you will return to the station.