I will be commuting to Amsterdam for some considerable time, I am currently staying at Leidseplein. I will be probably spend the occasional weekend there (if and when the family want a weekend away) but my evenings are generally free. Are there any car dealerships it would be worthwhile visiting or car museums, meetings, shows etc I know I could probably get a lot of this browsing the web but I figure that this way I will get recommendations from a like minded group, plus its good to say 'Hi' to you folks.
www.visitamsterdam.nl The Leidseplein is right in the centre. A nice but busy place. Excellent for a good social life. Many bars and restaurants. The Nightwatch in the Rijksmuseum and the van Gogh museum are within walking distance. But I don't think that this is what you mean. On a distance of 5 minutes walking you will find the PC Hooftstraat. This is the most exclusive street in Amsterdam (like Bondstreet in London). Here you have a good change of finding some exclusive automobiles. There is no Ferrari dealer in Amsterdam. But there is lots and lots of things to do. I am from Amsterdam. Drop me a PM if you have any specific questions. Ton
Ton, Thanks for your kind offer, I will be in touch. My access to the internet is limited at the moment - I hope to resolve this shortly. Andy
I visited Amsterdam and it's an incredible city, historic but fun. My company's office is right near the museumplatz (misspelled I'm sure...) The museum area is nice, as Ton mentions, the exhibits are first rate. Also, the Anne Frank House which was right near my hotel (The Pulitzer - which I think was used in the movie 'Oceans 12') was shocking -- the immediacy of being there reminds you that WWII isn't just a story from the history books. A friend took us out on his canal boat, and went bar hopping by water - memorable experience. I get the feeling Amsterdam is best seen by boat, bicycle or on foot. Not sure about the car scene - interested to see what kinds of responses you get. Obviously I have only a tourist-level perspective.
Car-wise there isn't too much in Amsterdam (except a couple of my cars in a secret lock-up grinnn). The Ferrari importer is located in Hilversum which can easily be reached by train from Amsterdam (+ a taxi in Hilversum). It houses the Kroymans collection. It's worth a visit but you need to get in touch with them first as the collection is not open to the general public.
My first port of call next week will be PC Hooftstraat - I am getting to know my way around so I hope to find this without too much trouble. I've been to Amsterdam several times over the last year or two but this visit may extend to a year or two. I've stayed at The Pulitzer a few times and agree that it is a lovely hotel. I've also stayed at the Crowne Plaza & the Renaissance. I have settled on the Marriott as it shortens my journey time (to Amstelveen). I have only seen a handful of Porsche so far, most have been driven 'enthusiastically' - which was nice. I will report back if I see anything interesting.
Ha... only the foreigners like Amsterdam.. ;- ) Amsterdam is very hot the last 2 weeks. Killings amongst bad guys almost every day.
If you don't mind travelling a few miles, the model car shop Autopassion might be an option: http://www.autopassion.nl/
At lunchtime go to Caffe-pc or Patou both in the PC Hooftstraat. At this hour there are sometimes some beautiful cars to see, If you are interested in Italian ( handmade-) clothing, go to Oger for a extensive variety, or go to Ralph Lauren. For a large variety of watches you can go to Schaap en Citroen ( Rolex ,Patek Philippecartier etc. etc.). ( For the largest watch collection go to Amsterdam Diamond Center at the Dam: Rolex, Brequet, Vacheron Constatine, Audemars Piguet and many jewelery always ask for the best price!). Have fun
Just go! Have a long walk and enjoy the sity. It is definitely not a dangerous place. And it is easy to do by foot.