Amsterdam City Walk

I downloaded Rick Steves App and added the Amsterdam City Walk to my Playlist. Put your earphones in and follow the 2-hour tour. It's a great tour and you don't need WiFi to follow it.

Start at Centraal Station. It was built in the late 1800s on reclaimed land that was once the mouth of the harbor.

The left tower has a weather vane.

Facing the city, look to the right and find the Ibis Hotel.

In front of it is a multistory parking garage for bikes. Parking is free, courtesy of the government.

Look to the left to find the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

Walking down Damrak Street, you'll find the Sex Museum. It tells the history of sex since Roman times.

The Stock Exchange or Beurs was built in 1903 and is made of 9 million bricks.

The Beursplein is the plaza in front of the Beurs. In 1984, the stock exchange building was turned into a cultural center and the stock exchange moved to the Euronext building next door.

You'll find a bull in the plaza.

The Euronext building now houses the Stock Exchange.

In Beursplein, you'll find another huge bike park.

Continue down Damrak to Dam Square and the Royal Palace, the former Town hall. It became known as the Royal Palace in 1806. This is one of 4 official royal residences and is open to the public.

The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) is actually 600 years old, but it is 100 years younger than the Old Church, located in the Red Light District.

Step inside the gift shop to get a glimpse of the interior. To see more, you'll need to pay the admission fee, which we didn't do--Rick Steves said the interior was barren. This church is where many of the Netherlands' monarchs are married and all are crowned.

The De Bijenkorf (the BeeHive) is a department store opposite Dam Square.

The National Monument to honor WWII casualties was under renovation.

Madame Tussaud's also occupies a corner of Dam Square.

Walk down Kalverstraat, a pedestrian-only street near Madame Tussaud.

De Papegaal Hidden Catholic Church (Petrus en Paulus Kerk) dates from an era when Catholics were forced to worship in secret from 1578-1700s. While technically illegal, catholicism could be worshipped as long as it was in humble, unadvertised places.

The church got its name from a parrot over the entrance.

Archway that leads to the Amsterdam Museum and Amsterdam Gallery.

Amsterdam's coat of arms--since WWII, the 3 Xs represent the 3 virtues of heroism, determination and mercy. Prior to that, the 3 Xs were thought to represent the 3 threats of fire, flood and plague.

The relief above the door dates from 1581. It shows boys around a dove, reminding everyone that this was once an orphanage.

The entrance to the Begijnhof.

The Begijnhof courtyard lined with houses has sheltered women since 1346.

The English Reform Church located in Begijnhof.

The Catholic Church was a low-profile hidden church.

Begijns were simple women who removed themselves from the world to dedicate themselves to God.

The city's oldest house, dating from 1477, is located across from the Begijn statue.

Spui Square is a popular spot for nightlife.

van Wonderen is famous for stroopwafels, but they were a gouge at €6.95 each.

Look down to find these bronze plaques, a memorial to Jewish citizens who perished during WWII.

Walk into Kalvertoren Mall to find the elevator.

Take the slanting elevator to the top floor and the Blue Amsterdam Restaurant.

Within the Blue Amsterdam Restaurant, you'll get a bird's eye view of Central Amsterdam.

The Mint Tower marked the end of the medieval walled city and served as one of the city gates. The steeple was added in 1620 and this has become a favorite gathering place for the marijuana crowd.

Near the Mint Tower is the Flower Market.

You can take some of the bulbs back to the US--just be sure it has a sticker that indicates it is safe to bring back.

In addition to flowers, there are stores selling magic mushrooms.

At the end of the flower market, you'll find Koningsplein and a herring stand.

Raw herring served with pickles and onions. I chose a sandwich--€5.50. The herring was not pickled and had no taste. The pickles were the best part. One and done--don't need to have it again.

Beautiful views of Amsterdam's canals.

At Keizersgracht 508H, you'll find When Nature Calls, a smart shop that sells natural products, some of which are mind-bending.

Heinen Delfts Blauwat is located at the next canal at Prinsengracht 440. Stop inside to find the traditional blue & white delft ceramics. I picked up a Christmas ornament.

A half block down, you'll find FEBO, a popular snack stop.

The vending machines dispense hot snacks and are refilled quickly.

Leidseplein's huge Apple Store.

Stadsschouw is the city's main theater. It dates from 1890 although the theater company is from the 17th Century.

Finish your walk at the Bulldog Cafe and Coffeeshop.

It once housed the police bureau. Today, it is a city-licensed "coffee shop," where marijuana can be sold and consumed. Marijuana has been legal in Amsterdam for over 4 decades.

One thing I noticed walking around town were the number of candy shops. They were everywhere.

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