The Amsterdam Experience

This is the original description by the host

Hi Everyone!

Just a short tram ride south of Amsterdam Central Station takes you into one of the most cosmopolitan and vibrant districts of Amsterdam. Welcome to 'De Pijp'!

Formerly a working class quarter built to ease the overpopulated Jordaan in the 19th century and to house labourers, de Pijp as we Amsterdammers know it today is without doubt a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. Thanks to previous settlers such as Heijermans, De Haan, Bordewijk, Mondriaan and scores of students in search of a cheap room to rent, de Pijp continues to breathe life as the lively bohemian district known as the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter, Paris) or El Borne (Barcelona). The young, foolish, the old, students, artists, and families have all chosen to make de Pijp their home, just far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of central Amsterdam, this homely alternative is very appealing.

Like the neighboring district Jordaan, De Pijp is brimming with fantastic cafés, culinair restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Of course, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the Albert Cuypmarket, flanked by over 100 shops. If you wander down Albert Cuypstraat and Ferdinand Bolstraat, the main streets in de Pijp, you'll find many exotic and authentic Syrian, Moroccan and Surinamese restaurants, to name but a few, and a typical Amsterdam pub is located on almost every corner. Also in abundance are the Islamic butchers, Surinamese, Spanish, Indian and Turkish delicatessens and grocery stores.

De Pijp is a lively district where people from all walks of life come out to go to the Sarphatipark (located in the middle of De Pijp), eat out, sit outside, read, talk, chill and simply enjoy the good life.

Within walking distance from my appartment you will find popular sites such as the Heineken Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, The Albert Cuyp Market, Vondelpark, The Royal Concerthall, Paradiso, Leidseplein and the Rijksmuseum. Also I live close to MacBike (where you can rent bikes to discover Amsterdam).

The discrict De Pijp is easy to acces from Amsterdams two big main train stations: Central Station (about 5 stops by tram 16 or 24) and Amstel Station (about 6 stops by tram 12). This means about 10-15 min travel time to either station. From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport it will take you about 30-35 minutes to the appartment by public transport (± 5-10 Euro's) and about 10-15 minutes by taxi (± 30-35 Euro's). If I have time I can pick you up from the Airport myself.

The appartment is located on the first floor and is about 55m2. You don't need to share anything with anyone, the place will be yours completely. It has a great open outside terrace with faces the sun! This means you can have breakfast in the morning sun and say cheers over a nice home made meal at night! From early April the temperature is good enough to sit outside and enjoy it!

The place is ideal for 1 person, or a couple. If you want to stay with more people, that is no problem. I can provide a two persons airobed with linnen, etc. You will have two seperate sleeping area's. The place has all you need to enjoy your stay in Amsterdam, including fast and wireless internet, a HD TV and DVD player with tons of DVD's, modern equiped kitchen, washing machine and a Senseo coffee machine and a fine espresso machine.

The rent includes the following: use of bed linnen, towels, toilet paper, tea/coffee, soda for the wash and dishwashing machine and a bottle of nice wine in the fridge! I will leave you a manual with all the instructions of the appartment together with some handy and up to date tips about Amsterdam, not just from me, but also from previous guests. Check in and check out times are flexible!

If you have any questions about your possible stay, please feel free to ask them!

Cheers!

Philipe