Amsterdam, Netherlands

Key Highlights

Hotels 350
Total Sleeping Rooms 37,700
Largest Exhibit Space 87,000 Sq. Mtr.
Average Hotel Room Rate EUR 223
Average Daily Meal Cost EUR 136
Average Weekly Car Rental EUR 488

Amsterdam, Netherlands Meeting Planning Overview

Managing to blend urban sophistication with historic charm, Amsterdam proves to be an alluring destination for both business travelers and leisure tourists. The financial and business capital of the Netherlands and home base of seven of the world's top 500 countries, it ranks as the 5th best European city to conduct international business. At the same time, the renowned art and culture scene, historic cityscape and happening nightlife help place Amsterdam among the top 10 busiest tourist destinations in Europe with 4.2 million visitors annually.

Amsterdam's appeal undoubtedly begins with its accessibility. The city is served by three key airports, the largest of which, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, operates flights to over 260 destinations in 91 countries. In the city itself, guests are greeted by a comprehensive network of public transportation services that operate 24 hours a day. Roughly one million commuters use public transport company GVB's network of buses, metro trains, ferries and trams to reach points of interest within the city and beyond. Affordable one-, two-, three- and four-day unlimited travel tickets make it easy for visitors to explore Amsterdam.

Aside from ease of transportation, Amsterdam's meetings-friendly reputation stems from a host of world-class convention and conference facilities. Leading the way in traditional venues is the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre. Host to 500 events annually, the Amsterdam RAI boasts 87,000 square meters of exhibition space and 25 conference rooms. Meanwhile, the Amsterdam ArenA, a top venue for entertainment, sports, and music, is the city's largest functional event space with room for up to 68,000 people.

Planners seeking overnight accommodations in addition to their event space can take advantage of Amsterdam's roughly 350 hotels. Ranging from luxurious boutique properties to trusted brand names, Amsterdam's lodging options combine well-appointed guest rooms, extensive meeting space and business-friendly amenities. The historic 1867 InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam has 79 posh guest rooms and six meeting rooms, three of which have river views. Meanwhile, the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers 280 rooms, over 400 square meters of meeting space, and a convenient connection to the arrival and departure halls of the airport.

Amsterdam's non-traditional venues also make it easy to break with tradition and energize attendees in a new environment. Go wild at the Artis Zoo's Tiger Hall or Flamingo Sun Lounge, both available for group functions. Mingle with famous Dutch personalities at Madame Tussauds Amsterdam. Or, host a cocktail reception at House of Bols, the oldest distilled spirit brand in the world. Here, attendees can sample jenever, the traditional liquor of the Netherlands, as they mingle and network after a long day in the boardroom.

A hub for international business and finance, Amsterdam is home to several large Dutch corporations including Akzo Nobel, Heineken International, ING Group, TomTom and Philips. Amsterdam also boasts the world's oldest stock exchange, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, which is located near Dam Square. The city has two universities, the University of Amsterdam and the VU University Amsterdam.

About Amsterdam, Netherlands / Additional Info

The capital and largest city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam has a population of nearly one million people. Derived from Amstel dam, meaning a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam's name fits both its geography and its history. During the historic Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam was one of the most important ports in the entire world and was considered a leader in nautical trade. With this role in mind, early city expansion efforts combined beauty and function to create an extensive network of navigable canals.

Today, Amsterdam's canal system spans one hundred kilometers, resulting in its nickname as "Venice of the North." Over 1,000 monuments and attractions can be viewed along the canal routes, so it's no surprise that exploring the city by water is a popular activity. Guests can hop aboard the City Canal Cruise, offered by Amsterdam City Tours, to explore the 17th century buildings and merchant houses in and around the Old Harbour.

Amsterdam by land is just as attractive. In fact, tourists who travel to Amsterdam always remark upon the buildings, which are rather unique compared to those of other European countries. In the 16th century, wooden structures were replaced with brick buildings constructed in the popular Renaissance style. However, the Dutch made this style their own by adjusting building façades with a decorative point at the top that resembles a stairway.

Guests can observe Amsterdam's distinctive style at buildings such as the Westerkerk, designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, a pioneer of the movement, or in the canal houses of the Gachtengordel. Make a quick stop in De Wallen to see the Oude Kerk, or Old Church, the oldest building in Amsterdam. Or, visit Begiijnhof to see Het Houten Huis, the oldest wooden building in Amsterdam and one of few examples of Gothic architecture.

For non-architecture buffs, what lies inside Amsterdam's historic buildings may be most exciting. Noted for its large collection of paintings by artists such as Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals, the Rijksmuseum is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The Anne Frank House is another must-visit. Though its popularity often means waiting in lines that trail around the block for admission, it's more than worth it to experience a historic account of the Frank's secret life in hiding.

When a desire to explore the city becomes a desire for good food and drink, visitors are happy to discover that in Amsterdam they are never far from a terraced bar or inviting bistro. A variety of restaurants populate the streets, serving everything from international fare to traditional Dutch cuisine, which includes pea soup, dinner pancakes and meat croquettes. Stop by the popular Albert Cuyp Market to experience it all. Here, vendors selling fresh Dutch cheese and Vlaai, a sweet pastry, mingle with ethnic restaurants and cafes serving Moroccan, Cambodian, Serbian and other global cuisine.

As day turns into night, guests can also stop into one of Amsterdam's famed brown cafes. Similar to the pubs found in London, these casual gathering spots are the place to enjoy a regional beer, a light snack, and good conversation. For a more boisterous night on the town, Amsterdam's over 1,000 bars and discotheques are sure to please the most avid club hopper. Offering intoxicating cocktails, live DJs and bass-thumping beats, the city's club scene keeps the party going until the sun rises.

 
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