Andrew Bender

This is a travel guide that should be able to fulfill all your needs for information on what to do, how to do, where to go, where to eat, where to sleep, etc... when you are visiting Amsterdam. The authors did a magnificent job putting together this excellent travel guide.

The book is structured in four blocks. First one is called "Plan Your Trip". Second one is "Explore Amsterdam", followed by "Understand Amsterdam" and finally "Survival Guide". On "Plan Your Trip" the authors list 10 top experiences, facts that you need to know, main facts on the city, some suggestions for itineraries if you have four days. They also talk about outdoors and travelling with children. After this initial introduction, the authors start describing places to visit, starting with Neighbourhoods at a Glance, Medieval Centre & Red Light District, Nieuwmarkt, Western Canal Ring, but also covering Southern Canal Ring, Jordaan & the West, Vondelpark & Around, Old South, De Pijp, Plantage, Eastern Island & Eastern Docklands and Oosterpark & South Amsterdam. Each segment has a detailed map, as well as top tips, best places to eat, best places to drink and best places to shop, costs for attractions, hours of operations, etc. The "Understand Amsterdam" block brings information on history, Dutch painting, canal architecture, architecture in general and music. Finally, the "Survival Guide" gives you general guidelines on transport, money, visas, travelers with disabilities and language, among many other topics.

This is an outstanding result for a combined effort from two different authors and it was published by Lonely Planet in March 2012. This is a must have book for those who are serious about planing their trips and also for those who want to remember details on previous travels, while wishing they can return to Amsterdam some day in the future.

Amazon.com was kind enough to provide this book for me through their Vine Program for reviewing and I was not request to provide a positive review. Opinions expressed here are my own.… (mais)