aMStERdaM - In Your Pocket

Straddling the east end of the city centre and the west end
of Amsterdam East, the Plantage is one of Amsterdam’s
prettiest and most affluent neighbourhoods. It’s home to
leafy boulevards, a host of cultural institutions and museums,
as well as the Artis Zoo and the Hortus Botanical
gardens. The area began as a new housing development
in the late 17th century, but its reclaimed swamps didn’t
appeal to everyone, so it was designated as a special
park area where Amsterdammers could relax in the great
outdoors without the sights and smells of the city. For
a time it even became a hotspot for illegal prostitution,
drinking and nightlife, but it eventually evolved into a cultural
centre popular with writers, artists and wealthy Jews.
Unfortunately, this vibrant religious community was nearly
destroyed during the Holocaust, but many of its most
precious buildings and monuments like the Portuguese
Synagogue have survived and even experienced a revival.
Explore museums, admire natural beauty and enjoy excellent
café culture in the Plantage
Arriving in the Plantage
You can easily reach the Plantage on foot, but if you’d like
to save some time then you can take either tram No.9
from the Central Station or tram No.14 from Dam Square
to the Plantage Kerklaan stop.
Hotels
Although the Plantage is a posh section of town, it’s also
known for its budget hotels, some better than others.
Amsterdam Hotel Parklane I-6, Plantage Parklaan
16, tel. (+31) 206 22 48 04, fax (+31) 206 26 78 27,
info@hotel-parklane.nl, www.hotel-parklane.nl. Located
only steps away from the Hortus Botanical Gardens and
the Artis Zoo in the prestigious Plantage neighbourhood,
this two-star hotel could be a good, economical option if
you'd like to stay in a posh area for a decent price. The
old manor house is no longer as grand as it once was, but
some if its 19th-century character remains in its singles,
doubles and triples. All of its 12 rooms include coffee and
tea sets, a refrigerator and a private bathroom and some
also have good views. Q 12 rooms (doubles from €75).
JA6LGW hh
Budget Hotel Barbacan I-6, Plantage Muidergracht
89, tel. (+31) 206 23 62 41, fax (+31) 206 27 20 41,
info@barbacan.nl, www.barbacan.nl. Only a block away
from the entrance to the Artis Zoo, you'll find this budget
hotel offering 8 budget rooms with shared toilets and showers
and 14 standard rooms with private facilities as well as
TV, phone, safe and wireless internet access. Another four
computers are available in the reception area if you don't
have a laptop or iPad with you. Q 22 rooms (8 budget, 14
standard). JAGW hh
Budget Hotel Hortus I-6, Plantage Parklaan 8, tel.
(+31) 206 25 99 96, fax (+31) 206 25 39 58, info@
hotelhortus.com, www.hotelhortus.com. If you're looking
for a budget room in an historic building that overlooks the
Hortus Botanical Gardens then you've come to the right place.
Although other hotels in the area claim to offer accommodation
for an affordable price, Hotel Hortus truly lives up to this
claim. Clean private rooms with a TV and safe are available as
well as dorm rooms and bathroom and toilet facilities can be
found in the hallways. Unfortunately, the hotel doesn't accept
credit cards so be sure to bring cash! Q 21 rooms (singles
€40 - 45, doubles €70 - 80, triples €90 - 105, 4 - 6-bed dorms
€30 - 35/person). JXW
www.amsterdam.inyourpocket.com
centrum: plantage
Cafés & Restaurants
The Plantage has plenty of eating and drinking options
from trendy cafés to proper restaurants.
Bloem I-6, Entrepotdok 36, tel. (+31) 203 30 09 29,
info@bloem36.nl, www.bloem36.nl. Space here is limited
both inside and out on the terrace near the draw bridge,
but the good location and smooth service make it worth
the wait. The speciality of the house is the cheese fondue
and people with big appetites can even order extra free of
charge. Apart from this, the menu is a bit limited so if you’re
not into fromage, this probably isn’t the place for you. That
said, the pastries served here are absolutely delicious.
QOpen 07:30 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 24:00. (€14 - 19).
TJALBKSW
Coffee to Walk I-5, Plantage Middenlaan 44, tel. (+31)
611 51 00 53, info@coffeetowalk.nl, www.coffeetowalk.
nl. Opposite the entrance to Artis Zoo is an espresso bar with
the unusual name of Coffee to Walk. Don’t worry, it also offers
a cosy place to sit down and consume your drink. Free wireless
internet, a selection of international newspapers, fresh
bread, smoothies, works of art on the wall, a kids’ corner and
even a travel agency are are all at your disposal to ensure
that you’re never bored here. QOpen 08:00 - 18:00, Sat,
Sun 08:00 - 17:00. (€3 - 7). TJKSW
Elkaar (Each Other) J-6, Alexanderplein 6, tel. (+31)
203 30 75 59, info@etenbijelkaar.nl, www.etenbijelkaar.nl.
Although this French and Mediterranean-inspired
restaurant hasn’t been awarded a Michelin star yet, it has
been quite close for years. Of course cooking at such a high
level breeds expectation and this brings in a certain kind of
clientele who don’t seem to mind a juicy bill at the end of the
evening or taking out a second mortgage to pay for one of
the vintage bottles on its wine list. But for anyone who can
afford it, this cosy restaurant guarantees a first-class culinary
experience. Delicious dishes and tasteful furnishings lay the
groundwork for a pleasant night out with other foodies or a
special occasion with friends or family. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00.
(€25). PALBK
Helena Primakoff K-4, Lijndenstraat 28, tel. (+31)
648 95 96 94, helenaprimakoff@yahoo.com, www.
helenaprimakoff.nl. Let’s be honest here. There aren’t too
many reasons to visit Czaar Peterstraat, a recently renovated
street, with perhaps the exception of its shops and interesting
history. Another reason would be Helena Primakoff for
breakfast, simple lunches or just a quick coffee. Located on
an intersection in a small building, the majestic feel of the
place is surprisingly grand. You’ll find some locals here ‘working’
on their laptops, but overall, it never really gets too busy
here. QOpen 08:30 - 16:30, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 16:30. LB
The café at the Hortus Botanical Gardens M.Zaprauskis
Summer 2012
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