Lonely Planet Amsterdam: City Guide [Paperback]

Rob Van Driesum (Author)

Book Description

Series: City Guide | Publication Date: July 1997

Packed with up-to-date information, this new guide has all that's needed to get the most from a visit to this radical and picturesque city. Lively background notes on the history and culture of Amsterdam are included, as well as a great selection of suggestions on where to dine, sleep, and get the best bargains. 17 color maps. Photos.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Most people don't know it, but they're attracted to Amsterdam because it is gezellig. As the author of Lonely Planet's first guide to this human-scaled city explains, "The phrase 'cosmopolitan melting-pot' is often used carelessly for cities around the world but it is particularly appropriate for Amsterdam, which has traditionally enticed migrants and nonconformists. Despite (or because of) this transient mix, people accept each other as they are and strive to be gezellig, a nigh-untranslatable term that means something like 'companionable,' 'chummy' or 'convivial,' a mood often experienced by people warmly chatting over a drink or two in a cozy 'brown' café."

This book offers concise and useful history and art notes, an insider's view of entertainment options (what is a brown café* anyway?), detailed walking tours, accommodation options for all traveling styles, where to eat (from Assyrian to "Za"--as in pizza), the best ways to get around, day tripping (and otherwise tripping), plus 18 full-color maps. With this guide, you won't get lost, and you will not be at a loss for something to do.

*A brown café is "stained by smoke, has sand on the wooden floor, and provides an atmosphere conducive to deep and meaningful conversation. There might be Persian rugs on the tables to soak up spilled beer."

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Lonely Planet; 1st edition (July 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0864424442
• ISBN-13: 978-0864424440
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,377,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From History to Hemp: a comprehensive guide, December 30, 1999

By 

Gretchen Mullendore - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Amsterdam: City Guide (Paperback)

I used this Lonely Planet guide on a recent trip to Amsterdam; it was invaluable! I planned most of my excursions based on the in-depth information provided and was never led astray. I liked how the author didn't make assumptions about my personal tastes, but covered all sorts of museums and coffeeshops and shopping leaving me free to choose my path. I also appreciated the interesting history of Amsterdam included with the book and sprinkled in throughout the neighborhood descriptions. If you are a traveller that savors the anticipation of the trip, this guide provides hours of reading before you even arrive! The maps included were all I needed to navigate the city.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Functional but dry and non-comprehensive..., December 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Amsterdam: City Guide (Paperback)

Lonely Planet guidebooks have been very helpful to me when travelling throughout Asia and Europe in the past. However, I've been reading this particular guidebook on Amsterdam to plan on a vacation, and I feel like it is lacking spirit. Also, as I am a budget traveller, it only lists like three hostels to stay at..and doesnt include much information on them at all. I am somewhat disappointed...Moon Guidebooks are more interesting and comprehensive, it seems...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars traveling, December 19, 2000

By 

"katja_r" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Amsterdam (Paperback)

I am on holiday in Amsterdam as I write. This book has been invaluable in my stay. I am residing at the Hotel Prinsenhof. I doubt I would have had the good fortune to find this cozy hotel without the Lonely Planet Guide. It is faithful to the Lonely Planet format, providing detailed information including address, phone and fax numbers. There are also tips which have saved me money. One was to purchase a Year Pass for the museums. I now may visit any of the major museums as often as I like, for free. I like free. ;D If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam, or would simply like to find some things you may not have tried, yet, this book will be interesting to you.