The Portuguese Synagogue is a stunning testament to the Jewish culture of Amsterdam. Completed in 1675, this place of worship was constructed after Jews from Spain and Portugal fled from religious persecution in the 1500 and 1600s. The Jews fled to Holland due to their understanding of religious freedom and general tolerance for all. During this time the Netherlands, also known as the Dutch Republic, and Spain were in conflict, so the Jews decided to name the synagogue after the neutral territory of Portugal. The …More

Jew made up more than 10% of the population in Amsterdam up until the Holocaust. During the 16th and 17th century many Jews that faced persecution in other parts of the world including Spain and Portugal found refuge in Amsterdam. Synagogues gave them a sense of community. Gerald Dou is one of the oldest Ashkenazi shuls in Amsterdam. At the end of the 19th century, the first Jews settled in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam's newer neighborhoods at that time. One of the few reasons that the synagogue survived the Nazis …More

Amsterdam is full of hidden spots that tourists don’t want to miss out on. Become an insider and visit some of these in-the-know spots. Zen Gardens located in the Pulitzer Hotel is one of the most beautiful places to relax. People come here for peace of mind. The hotel has three gardens to unwind. Enjoy some pastries, lunch and an espresso. There’s nothing like peace and quiet. The hotel was recently been awarded for having the best terrace of Amsterdam, and the best hotel terrace of the …More

Get a look inside the world of one of the most famous artists at the Van Gogh Museum. The museum has more than 200 paintings including self-portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. While many people think that the museum is completely focused on Van Gogh, it also focused on other artists, including Vermeer, Rembrandt, and the other Dutch masters. This gives a fuller exploration into his life by exploring some of the other artists that inspire him. Before even stepping foot inside the museum, take a minute to …More

Many automatically think of The Red District when they think of Amsterdam but there is so much more to this city. The city is full of luxurious bars, cozy bars and hidden bars. To really impress a date, visit the Twenty-Third Bar voted Best Cocktail Bar. The bar is located in Hotel Okura. Sommelier Noël Vanwittenbergh and Bar Manager Marc Wüst have put together a lovely selection of cocktails, wines and champagnes to be savored in this stylish trendy interior with a spectacular view of the city. Many …More

After the war, it was estimated of the 107,000 Jews that were deported from the Netherlands between 1942 and 1944 that only 5,000 survived. The Anne Frank Museum brings to life these numbers. The site is a huge tourist attraction—In 1967, Anne Frank House received a record 100,000 visitors. This total climbed to 250,000 in 1975. Just ten years later, the museum opened its doors to a half a million people. By 2007, it had reached the millionth mark. The Secret Annex is where Anne Frank lived. Many visitors …More

Travelers looking for an eclectic hotel need not look any further than the Dylan Hotel. Each room has its own style and design, so guests can change a room for their personality and character. There are six different types of rooms ranging from the Kimono Style room to the loft style rooms. All rooms are unique. Some of amenties include free Internet access, mini-bar, TV and many other useful facilities. Hotel guests have free access to the fitness room and an enclosed garden—a perfect place to relax and …More