The DoubleTree is one of the largest hotels in Amsterdam. This brand new 4-star hotel has various cafés and restaurants plus 553 rooms with deluxe suites and own terrace. The building is composed of four parts situated around a small courtyard. Spectacular are the large spans above the road and the garden patio on the fourth floor with a ‘flying bridge’. This magnificent building was designed by London architects Bennetts Associates and is characterized by its transparency and versatility. The design shows the striking angles and notches that arise from the master plan for the Oosterdokseiland designed by Erick van Egeraat. Each room, meeting room and all of bars and restaurants in the hotel feature large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing lots of natural light to enter the hotel and which also offer a view of the city. Also several outdoor areas such as waterfront terraces, balconies, gardens and private roof terraces, allow the guests to enjoy the serenity of the city.

Amsterdam Doubletree Hotel

Following the bridge, you’ll find the floating Chinese restaurant on your right.

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It’s hardly surprising that this is the biggest restaurant in Amsterdam, it has 3 floors. The Sea Palace is the first floating restaurant in Europe and has been around since 1984. On the ground floor there is an open bar and restaurant. The second floor can be reserved for larger groups, weddings and events and the top floor houses two private rooms. In total the restaurant has room for about 100 people! With its Chinese kitsch interior and it’s over the top décor you can enjoy a real ‘Dutch Chinese’ meal. Their specialties are Cantonese cuisine. But many guests of the restaurant love Beijing duck, hot pot or seafood, like lobster. They also serve traditional dim sum, made in house by their dimsum chef.

Floating Chinese restaurant

You don’t have to walk far, the Amsterdam Library is just on your left.

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The spectacular main library should not be missed. This impressive building was designed by architect Jo Coenen. But also director Hans van Velzen had a lot of influence, he toured around the whole world to visit libraries to find inspiration. If you look at the exterior of the building you will notice rubble, glass and wood dominate. As is also shown in the interior of the building. In the exterior as the interior there is a tension between action and peace. The tension is noticeable in the striking combinations and surprising corners and furniture. Feel free to enter and wander around this beautiful designed building, with its large open spaces and fantastic views of Amsterdam from the top floors. After strolling and picking up a book here and there, or going through one of the 200 different newspapers, you can have a drink and eat in the restaurant on the top floor or simple lounge about on the sofa’s and secretly take a nap in the largest public library of the Netherlands!

Amsterdam Library

Next to the library on your right you will find a big glass window building, this is the Amsterdam conservatory of music.

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Can you hear the music? This is the Amsterdam's Conservatory of music. The school is the music division of the Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten, the city’s vocational university of the arts. This is the largest music academy of the Netherlands, offering programs in classical music, jazz, pop, early music, music education and opera. Look at the tall building. This interesting building was built in 2008 and was opened by Queen Beatrix. The first thing that you will notice are the large windows, which transmits sufficient daylight into the rooms. Next to the outer walls you will find corridors where the concert halls, study rooms and classrooms are situated. This design is based on the ‘Engawa model’ a Japanese method of building. It was designed by Dutch architect Frits van Dongen. His concept was ensure that students could study without being disturbed while the corridors kept the noise out. The location was chosen because of its cultural area, including the ‘Musical building’ along the IJ waters with three concert halls for classical music and jazz, and of course the public library next door. This building enables students to organize solo or ensemble concerts and create interesting projects with other music students or students from other art related disciplines. They also make their own posters and flyers, sell tickets, or record their concerts in one of the concert halls. Have you heard of Cara Emerald, she is a dutch singer, she attended the academy as well.

Conservatory of Amsterdam

Now turn around, can you see the big green building just across the bridge. This is Nemo the Science Center. No walk towards the quay. 

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Look at this large building, it doesn’t really look like a museum but it is. It’s a big green ship! This museum has its origins in 1923. But not in this building. This building which was designed by Renzo Piano, is built in 1997. You can find out everything about science in this museum! It contains five floors filled with continuously updated exhibitions, theatre performances, films, workshops and demonstrations. These five floors it makes it one of the largest museums in the Netherlands and throughout the year it attracts around 500,000 visitors! Nemo also has a surprise on the outside. Can you see that large rooftop? When you climb to the top you can visit an outdoor café and enjoy the spectacular views over the city. Throughout the summer, the roof also becomes the highest city beach!

Science Center NEMO

Now turn left across the Oosterkade and walk across the bridge, on your right you will find Hannekes Boom. 

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Welcome to the most beautiful spot of Amsterdam! This spot has been known as Hanneke Boom, in English Hannekes Tree. This spot marked the small harbour where vessels would enter the city. At night, the entrance would be barred by letting a tree float in the water. Hence the name Hannekes Tree. The new restaurant which opened its doors in 2011 has been built solely out of recycled building material. All of the products are local and on the roof there is a herb garden. The new Hannekes Tree is 21st century proof. With its sunny terrace along the waterfront, excellent views, good prices, politically correct food and regular parties, it’s not surprising that Hannekes Boom has become such a popular spot.

Hannekes Boom

We are at the end of our tour. Thank you for listening to some interesting facts about the different architecture here in the east of Amsterdam. This tour was brought to you by whatsupwithamsterdam. A website filled with the best places to go out, to go shopping and to learn about the hidden treasures of Amsterdam. Enjoy your stay!

Closing

Welcome to this tour about the architecture of Amsterdam. Just east of Amsterdam Central Station, following the Oosterdokskade, there has been a lot of development. You will pass some very interesting architecture include the Amsterdam Doubletree hotel, the public library (OBA), the Amsterdam music conservatory and Science Museum Nemo. To start this tour, stand with your back to Central Station, walk towards your left towards the east. The first building you will see is the Doubletree Hotel on your left hand side. Enjoy!

Amsterdam

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