Amsterdam City Town Guide Amsterdam displays all the colourful bourgeois opulence of a major city. With its face turned toward the sea, yet open to the world and to the world of ideas, this cosmopolitan city has managed to preserve the hidden charms of its canals, forming parallel streets of unparalleled calm, oasis that resound with Flemish history and tradition. The omnipresent flowers add a Pointillist touch to this "tableau vivant", an allegory of all that is best about the gentle Dutch way of life. Five ideas for discovering another side to the city -  Take a walk through the flower market alongside the Singel canal, then take a break at the Papeneiland, a genuine, history-laden café whose dark interior first opened its doors in 1643! -  Discover the secrets of Rembrandt's daily life by visiting his beautiful Renaissance home. Profit from your visit by admiring sketches and engravings that are rarely exhibited elsewhere. -  Settle yourself into one of the plush armchairs of the splendid Tuschinski cinema, with its exuberant Art Déco interior - a masterpiece of the 1930s. -  Admire the work of the Flemish diamond workers, and the breathtaking jewelry on display, at Stoeltie, for example (one guided visit is conducted each day). -  Take a stroll among the calm houses in Jordaan. Dealers in antiques and other secondhand goods add to the intimate charm of this old-fashioned neighborhood. Time difference Amsterdam is one hour ahead of GMT during winter, and two hours ahead during summer. To call Amsterdam Dial the international code followed by 31 for the Netherlands, then 20 for Amsterdam and the 6 digits of the person you are calling. Climate Temperate maritime climate. Average temperature in July: 17° C. Average temperature in January: 2° C. There is no dry season as such in the Netherlands. As a rule, it is drier in spring time than at other times of the year. Holidays - 1 January: New Year - Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary) - 30 April: Queen's birthday - 1 May: Labour Day - 4 May: Sovereign's Day - 5 May: Liberation Day - Ascension (date varies) - 5 December: Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) - 25 and 26 December: Christmas With the exception of Good Friday, most shops are closed on holidays. Getting around The best ways of getting around are on foot or by tram. Amsterdam Tourism Office Amsterdam Tourism Office Tel : (international n° +31) 20 551 25 12 Amsterdam on the Web http://www.holland.com http://www.visitamsterdam.nl See our Cultural calendar Back