Central station borders on the river 'het Y'. The place is so buzzing that there are no traffic rules. People have to find their own way without getting damaged. Suprisingly this works like a clock. You have to see it with your own eyes to believe it.

As of 1245 people all over the world came to visit Amsterdam Some came over the river Amstel. Many came over the see. Hannekes tree is and was the gateway for many old sailor. At night the city closed at Hannekes Tree.

Until recently, the Naval Site was not open to the public. It wasn't even visible on Google Maps. This is where the VOC ships were built and the city's ammunition was stored. Less than a kilometer from the city center! Recently, it has become a recreation area. The officers' buildings are rented out to startups focusing on water quality worldwide. There are some great hotels, and the harbor has become a public swimming pool. Here, we toast to a pleasant day. Anyone who's interested can take a refreshing dip. (Bring a towel!)

An old, restored VOC ship lies in the harbor. It's hard to believe that such a small ship brought Amsterdam so much prosperity and fame.

Then we continue towards the Kromboomsloot. In the Middle Ages, this was just outside the city gate. Now it's the Waag (weigh house) on the Nieuwmarkt. In the 1970s, demolition was threatened due to the construction of a highway. Local residents and squatters revolted. Now, there are no cars rushing through here, but there are a lot of tourists. We don't stay long but quickly cut through via the always bustling Zeedijk to the Singelgracht.

We zigzag along the quays and bridges of the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals. We see large warehouses, small houses, alleyways, and red-light windows. We're in the heart of the city, yet it's peaceful. Here, you experience the Amsterdam of the past.

We pass the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht.

From Anne Frank's house, we dive into the Jordaan district. Famous for its traditional Dutch cafés, narrow streets, tiny houses, and hidden courtyards. At the end of the Jordaan is a brilliant café. We'll have a drink and afterwards we walk to my house. A gorgeous House built in 1880 where we will share a 2 course diner, enjoy the view over the canals and enjoy each other.

We'll conclude the walking portion of the tour at the legendary Café Papeneiland in the Jordaan district. This is one of Amsterdam's last authentic traditional pubs. At the Noordermarkt around the corner, you can find fresh catch from the North Sea and local produce every Saturday.

Vanaf het balkon van mijn amsterdamse appartement heeft u vrij uitzicht over de Jacob Catskade en de Singelgracht. Hier glijden plezier boten, rivierschepen en de kano's richting het IJ. Hier serveer ik een huisgemaakt 3 gangen diner met een goed glas wijn voor u en uw gezelschap. (min. 3 max. 10)