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When to Go:
While Amsterdam is a year-round city, the tourist season is mainly between the months of April
and September. Expect a more hectic scene during these heavier tourist months.
What to Pack: The weather can be quite unpredictable all year round. Be sure to pack a raincoat and an umbrella in your luggage. Passports and Visas: A valid national passport is required for stays of up to 3 months in The Netherlands. Visitors from the EC, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa. Citizens from other countries should obtain visas from their nearest Dutch Consulate or Embassy. Electricity: The standard voltage throughout the Netherlands is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs have two round pins. Health Information: Holland boasts a high standard of health and there is little need to worry about becoming ill on vacation. However, rabies is present in the Netherlands so it is suggested that anybody at high risk should consider vaccinations before departure. Calling Amsterdam from outside The Netherlands: To call Holland, the country code is “31”. The city code for Amsterdam is "020", but if you are calling from outside the Netherlands you need to drop the initial "0". Clothing: The Dutch are generally informal dressers and casual clothing is the norm, with the possible exception of the more exclusive restaurants which may stipulate a jacket and tie. Opening Hours: Normal shopping hours are usually between: 8:30am - 6pm Monday to Friday, and close earlier, at 4pm, on Saturdays. All shops close for one half day each week, often Monday morning. Banking hours are: 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 7pm Thursday. Local Cuisine: It is worth noting that the Dutch usually eat dinner between 6 and 7pm so you may find that some restaurants close at 10pm, taking last orders at 9. Something to Drink: The Dutch are mainly beer drinkers and portions are smaller than in some other countries. If you ask for just "a beer", you will more than likely be given a half-pint glass with a frothy head so it's worthwhile being specific about your order. Local Climate: The weather in the Netherlands features warm summers and cold winters, and rainfall is possible no matter what the season. Medical Care: The emergency number for the Police is 222222 and Ambulance 555555. The doctors, dentists and hospitals are among the best in the world. Safety Information: Amsterdam is generally a very safe place. However, like in most cities, petty crime can be a problem and it is worthwhile being extra cautious, in the red-light district especially. Making a call from Amsterdam: Plenty of telephone kiosks are scattered throughout the city and although some still accept coins, many only accept phone cards so it may be worth investing in one - prices start from around fl.5-. Alternatively, you can make calls from the "Telehouse", located at Raadhuisstraat 48-50, or from one of the various phone centers, although prices may be a little higher. Exchange Information: The best rates of exchange are generally found at banks, as hotels typically charge high commissions. Credit Card Information: Most major credit cards, such as Access/Mastercard, American Express and Visa, are widely accepted. Tipping: Service charge is generally included in all meals, taxi fares and the like, however you may wish to tip a small amount if the level of service warrants it. |
| Amsterdam is one of Europe's most historic cities, though it's young at heart. You'll notice its liveliness as you wander through the picturesque narrow streets of Amsterdam's center, the oldest part of the city, criss-crossed by its dreamy canals, drinking up the relaxed atmosphere. Pop into one of Amsterdam's many "brown cafes" and meet the colorful and cosmopolitan Amsterdammers, known for their good nature, hospitality and tolerance. Depart from the homelike atmosphere of your Barclay International Group apartment to explore the city's landmarks and cultural institutions, including the Van Gogh Museum, The Anne Frank House and Rembrandt's House. At the Amsterdam Historic Museum, you can take a voyage of discovery through the city's past and see its development from a small fishing hamlet to a major world capital. From tulips to diamonds, from windmills to clogs, there's something to interest the sightseer and shopper alike in this unique locale. |
| Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky |
For 2 to 6 people
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| Barclay International Group offers general supplemental services, such as travel insurance and inexpensive car rentals in Holland. For more information, check out our Supplemental Services Page. |
| One caveat: We have written our property reference pages to be as concise as possible. Therefore, if an amenity is NOT listed, chances are it is not offered by the property. Though we attempt to be as accurate as possible and ask each property to recheck the information that they have provided, breakdowns in communications can occasionally occur. For that reason, Barclay International Group cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies contained in the information. If you do uncover mistakes in our information, please bring them to our attention so we may correct them as soon as possible. Also, rates occasionally change mid-season due to currency fluctuations and so forth; we cannot guarantee rates until actual bookings are placed. Consider the rates contained in our rate sheets to be approximate rate guidelines, rather than figures carved in stone. We have included links to country and city information in our pages. While we will attempt to verify these links on a regular basis, we would certainly appreciate it if anyone discovering a non-operational link brings this information to our attention. Thank you. |
