You are now standing in front of RAI Amsterdam. The RAI Amsterdam complex, situated on what is commonly referred to as the “Zuidas” (south district), is nowadays one of the busiest trade fair and conference centers in the world. RAI Amsterdam regularly hosts major national and international trade fairs, such as the “IBC” and the “Marine Equipment Trade Show”. The venue also accommodates a theatre in which a variety of performances are given throughout the year. Since its opening in 1961, RAI Amsterdam has received over 90 million visitors! Looking for a quick snack or a refreshing drink? Close to the RAI, in the “Scheldestraat” you will find many restaurants where you can drop by for every option imaginable. If you fancy a trip to the beach, go to “Strand Zuid” located behind the RAI complex.

RAI Amsterdam

Ready for a real local feel? We would like to tell you a bit more about the Amsterdam area which is called the “Rivierenbuurt”, translated the neighborhood of rivers, where you are walking right now. This neighborhood is part of the urban district Zuideramstel and is situated in the southeast of Amsterdam. The “Rivierenbuurt” was built in the 1920s and ‘30s as a primarily middle-class residential area, part of the “Plan Zuid” urban expansion programme designed by Dutch architect H.P. Berlage. The streets in this neighborhood were named after Dutch rivers, such as the Maas, Waal, Schelde and Rhine. With its quiet wide lanes, trees and Amsterdam School architecture, the “Rivierenbuurt” is a great place to live and very popular among young families. In this street, the Scheldestraat, there are multiple great places to have a nice lunch, quick bite or great diner. For instance, enjoy a delicious Italian sandwich or salad at one of the best Italian deli’s in Amsterdam: Feduzzi. Feduzzi is a shop reminiscent of those you’d find in Italy. You can enjoy your lunch there, whilst sipping on an Italian cappuccino. Or take your sandwich to go. Also, you can purchase unusual wine, olive oil and vinegar there. It is situated on your right side.

The 'Rivierenbuurt'

Did you already notice that many people in Amsterdam enjoy viewing the city from the water? Locals often hop on their boats, especially when the sun is shining! They share their boats with friends and enjoy the city while sipping a beer or a glass of wine. Did you know that you can pick up a freshly made pizza with your boat at Pizzeria San Marco, located on this bridge along the canal? The bridge you’re now standing on divides the “Rivierenbuurt” area with “De Pijp” area. “De Pijp” is one of the most vibrant districts of Amsterdam and starts at the end of the bridge. This area is home to fantastic cafés, exotic restaurants and the famous street market, the “Albert Cuyp”. The further you walk towards the city center you will see more and more canals. Amsterdam originated in history from the river Amstel, the many canals were used to drain the water from the city, were used as a sewer but most importantly to transport al the goods from the trade routes in the far East and all over the world to the many packing houses in the old city. This 17th century period is also called The Golden Age of Holland. If you fancy a nice tour on the old canals of Amsterdam you can book a canal cruise on a full electric sloop at KINBoat Amsterdam. They are situated all across town and you can hop on any time, you can also book a tour online. You will find out that your Amsterdam experience from the water is totally different and very relaxed. Drinks and bites are on board.

Bridge from 'Rivierenbuurt' to the 'Pijp' neighbourhood

Thirsty? Right in the middle of “De Pijp”, here on the Cornelis Troost square, you can drink locally brewed beer at “Brouwerij Troost”. “Troost” means “comfort”, and comfort you will surely find here. It's not only a brewery, it is also possible to grab a bite, chat and socialize with your friends and of course…meet the locals. “Brouwerij Troost” is located in a former convent, although the fun and vintage interior does not betray this.

City Brewery 'Troost' 

Did you know that we have over 880.000 bicycles in this city and only 790.000 inhabitants? The preferred method of transportation in Amsterdam is definitely the bicycle. Whether it’s rainy or not, the Dutch can be found criss-crossing Amsterdam on their rusty two-wheeled friends. The streets can be quite hectic, especially if you’re not used to Amsterdam – style traffic. But cycling in Amsterdam is practical and fun so discover the city as a real ‘Amsterdammer’ by renting a bike from one of the many rental shops around the city! For instance, you can rent a flashy red bike or electric bike at ‘Mac Bikes’. They have multiple rental locations in the city. The Ceintuurbaan is filled with cafés, shops and bars. Also for your groceries the Ceintuurbaan is a great spot. Marqt for example, at the crossing on your right hand side, is a the perfect place for your organic groceries including fruits and veggies. Marqt sells ethical food that is produced with respect for people, the environment and the animals. Currently there are 4 stores in Amsterdam and it seems that more are popping up in the future.

'Ceintuurbaan' crossing

The young, the old. Artists and families. Business men and young couples. All have chosen to make this buzzing area their home. This is the reason that house prices in this area are amongst the highest in Amsterdam. Nowadays, over 150 nationalities are represented. One of the main streets in this area is the “Ferdinand Bolstraat”, where you are now walking. It is named after the artist Ferdinand Bol in 1872. Ferdinand Bol was a Dutch artist and etcher. Although his surviving work is rare, it displays Rembrandt’s influence; Bol favored historical subjects and portraits. The FEBO, located in this street on your right hand side, is a typical Dutch fast-food chain and was also named after this artist. FEBO is most notable for its automatic format. The primary automat-vended items are “frikandellen”, hamburgers but also the famous Dutch “bitterballen”.

Ferdinand Bolstraat

On your right hand side you‘ll find the “Albert Cuyp Market”. Experience the ‘real’ Amsterdam and be sure to visit Holland’s most popular street market with its typical Amsterdam sense of humor and atmosphere. The market features 300 vendors selling everything from food to clothes from all corners of the world and of course famous Dutch cheeses and tulips. Take a typical Dutch haring at the fish cart or get yourself freshly made “stroopwafel”. The street and market are both named after Albert Cuyp, a painter from the 17th century. With a history of over 100 years, the Albert Cuyp Market is the largest and most popular outdoor market in The Netherlands. Beginning as an ad hoc collection of street traders and pushcarts in 1904 it expanded over the years. In 1912, the market became a daytime market open six days a week. Nowadays, the Albert Cuyp is opened from Monday through Saturday from 09.00 am to 18.00 pm. The market attracts more than 40,000 people on an average busy Saturday.

Albert Cuyp streetmarket

It is very likely that you have heard about the Amsterdam Red Light District (locally known as De Wallen). An area bustling with groups of tourists and plenty of sex shops, peep shows and brothels. The Ruysdaelkade, where you are now, also has a small prostitution part next to the famous Albert Cuypstraat. That’s why you see prostitutes who offer their sexual services from behind a window or glass door. These one-room cabins are a large tourist attraction in Amsterdam. If you are standing on the bridge and you're looking to the right, in the distance you can see the ‘Rijksmuseum’, one of the most breathtaking museums in the world. Not only because of the impressive collection but also because of the building’s structure. In the past the museum went through many transformations and remains now, especially after its complete renovation, the attraction you should not miss during your trip to the Netherlands.

Ruysdaelkade

On your left hand you will see a church which is worth a visit! It’s the Old Catholic Church, founded in 1914. It’s not only an interesting historical building in the middle of the city, but also a fascinating monument of art and architecture. It is open to the public every Saturday afternoon and it also hosts cultural events such as classical concerts. On this square there is also a great place to have a bite to eat, called ‘Loetje’. It’s very well know in Amsterdam for their great steaks!

Old Catholic Parochie Amsterdam

You are now facing The Royal Concertgebouw. The Royal Concertgebouw is considered one of the three best concert halls in the world, famous for its acoustics and its first-rate international programming. With more than 700.000 visitors a year it’s also one of the most well-attended concert halls of the world. Since it’s opening in 1888, the Concertgebouw has been a private enterprise; 6 wealthy citizens took the initiative to build the Concerthall and they selected the architect Dolf van Gendt to design it. The original plans were to built two concert halls at a maximum cost of 200.000 guilders, about 90.000 euro’s. Because the city’s Zuid (south) district, where the building now stands, had as yet not been built, the Concertgebouw was built in the middle of farmland used for pasture. Once the construction was completed, the city needed an orchestra. On 11 April 1888, the Concertgebouw saw the performance of its very first concert in the Main Hall. By the early 1980’s, it had become clear that the Concertgebouw’s foundations were in such poor repair that the building would soon collapse if nothing were done. A fund-raising campaign was organised which succeeded in raising ƒ 25 million, so that the Concertgebouw could undergo major renovations. The Main Hall has 2000 seats and the seats can be taken out for events such as sit down dinners, with a maximum capacity of 550 guests. The Recital Hall has a maximum capacity of 478 seats. Over 700 concerts and 300 events such as conferences, dinners and party’s are organized each year in the Concert hall. Programming offers something for everyone: in addition to world famous orchestras and soloists there is room for jazz, chamber music, young talent, children’s concerts and educational activities.

The Royal Concert Building

The Museum square in Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, and unites 4 of the city’s most prominent cultural institutions. We just told you about the Royal Concert building, let us now introduce to you the 3 museums on this well know location: The Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s grandest museums and has reopened its doors following 10 years of renovation. The museum's internationally revered collection includes art by Vermeer, Frans Hals and most famously Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’. You can visit the museum every day from 9 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon. If you don’t wish to go inside, you can also walk through the building whilst having a peek inside through big glass windows. Don't be surprised If you hear a musical wizzkid play the violin or saxofon in there, where the acoustics are quite great! Also a fun fact….not only by foot, but also the bicyclists in Amsterdam can pass through the building by a bicycling-road! On the museum square you will also find the Stedelijk Museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design. It is housed in a white futuristic-looking construction that has been nicknamed ‘The Bathtub’. Highlights include works by Malevich, Edward Kienholz, Willem de Kooning and Andy Warhol. The stedelijk museum is open every day from 10 o’clock in the morning until 6 o ‘clock in the evening. On Thursdays you can even visit them until late in the evening. They are open until 10 o’clock at night! Also the iconic Dutch post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh has his own museum dedicated to his work, showcasing his impressive oeuvre on this square. Worth a visit, if you don’t mind waiting a bit due to the big queues of enthusiastic art fans. The Van Gogh museum is situated right next to the Stedelijk Museum. The museum is open every day from 9 o’clock in the morning until 6 o’clock in the evening. On Friday and Saturdays you can also pay a visit until late in the evening, because they will be open until 10 o’clock! The Museum Square as a location is one of the largest public parks in the city and is surrounded by restaurants, galleries and shops. Often this square is used for large public events such as festivals and concerts. Though this square enjoys a long history, the Museumplein was reconstructed recently, in 1999, by Swedish/Danish landscape architect Sven-Ingvar Andersson. Enjoy the atmosphere on this great location, where a lot of locals enjoy a picknick on the green grass in the summer time, or ice skating in the winter by placing a big ice skating range on the green grass.

The Museum District

We are now going to walk through the south district of Amsterdam, towards the famous Museum district of Amsterdam, where the ‘Rijksmuseum’ and Royal Concert Building are situated. First we are going to walk through the Scheldestraat, a street full with restaurants, shops and bars. With the RAI on your left side, walk towards the crossing with the traffic lights and cross the street.

Walk towards 'Scheldestraat'

Just walk straight forward, and cross the street ‘Churchill-lane’. In front of you, you will see a bridge.

Cross the Churchill-Lane

 Just walk straight forward. You are now walking in the street called: Ferdinand Bolstraat. 

Walk straight forward and cross the busy Ceintuurbaan. Watch out, this is a very busy street with lot’s of trams, bicyclists and cars that are passing by. After crossing the street you are still walking in the Ferdinand Bolstraat, where a lot of shops are situated on both sides of the street. 

Walk straight forward and cross the 'Ceintuurbaan'

Just enjoy the Ferdinand Bol Straat and walk straight forward. At the end of the shopping street, turn left in to the ‘Albert Cuyp Straat’. Before turning left, take a look on your right side. This is a road where no car-traffic is allowed and where the famous Albert Cuyp Market is situated. The next audio fragment will tell you a bit more about the market. 

Walk towards Albert Cuyp Market, and go left

Make a left turn in to the Albert Cuyp Straat. Keep walking until you see a bridge that crosses a canal. This canal is called the Ruysdaelkade.

Turn left in to the 'Albert Cuyp Straat'

Cross the bridge over the canal and keep walking straight ahead. The street is called ‘Ruysdaelstraat’

Cross the bridge

Turn right at the church, in to the ‘Johannes Vermeer straat’. The street is named after a famous dutch painter. Keep walking in the Johannes Vermeerstraat, after a few minutes the road will bend to the left, where it is called the ‘Gabriel Metsu Straat’. Keep walking in the Gabriel Metsu Street. After a few minutes you will see the Royal Concert Building in front of you.

Turn right at the church to the 'Johannes Vermeerstraat'

Keep walking the Gabriel Metsu Street until you reach the Royal Concert Building. You are now standing on the Museum Square, one of the main attraction area’s in Amsterdam. This is the end of the Audio Guide route. The next audio fragment will tell you more about the Museum District, where you are now. 

You have reached the Museum District

Welcome to Amsterdam, a lively bustling European hub, rich with unparalleled amounts of history and culture. Lined with breathtaking canals and exquisite architecture, this city never ceases to amaze. This audio-tour guides you through the South district of Amsterdam in approximately 35 minutes. It is powerd by RAI Amsterdam, the exhibition & congress venue in the centre of the city. The tour has it's starting point at the RAI Amsterdam, and will guide you through the neighbourhood 'de Pijp'. The finish is at the Museum District. Soak up the local culture and take your time to stroll through this city’s 17th century streets! Enjoy!

Amsterdam

Walk from RAI Amsterdam to the Museum District

Overview:

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