Most visitors arrive in Amsterdam at the Central Station, and then walk south over the streets Damrak and Rokin. In medieval times, both these streets actually were the final end of the Amstel river. They used to cut Amsterdam in half: east of the Damrak-Rokin-axis was the Old Side (Oudezijde) of Amsterdam, the oldest part of the city dating from the 13th century. West of the Damrak-Rokin-axis was the New Side (Nieuwezijde), which was constructed later, but still dates from the late Middle Ages.

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Bob's Youth Hostel, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 92 (New Side, Tram: Nieuwezijds Kolk), ☎ +31 20 623 0063 (booking@bobsyouthhostel.nl). Breakfast, shower, dorm bed at €22 a night. Private rooms with a kitchen are €70 for two persons and €90 for three people.

De Oranje Tulp, Damrak 32 (New Side, Tram: Central Station), ☎ +31 20 428 16 18. Expensive, but posh. €50.