The city is in fact the center of some of the great museums of Netherlands, and with a quarter of the city's territory where canals, waterways and lakes can be found, it's no wonder that Amsterdam is now known throughout the world as the "Venice of the North". Aside from drugs, sex, museums, canals, lakes and waterways, the great city of Amsterdam is also peppered with restaurants and hostels. They also publish scholarly articles of around 7,500 every year. As it is highly claimed, the fundamental academic research of the university is top of the international league in a number of respects. And, in terms of their applied research programmes, it has been noted that these programmes are often of interdisciplinary nature and they generally often focus on the social issues. Thus, it is best that you book your Amsterdam hotel well in advance. Here is a short list of the most preferred hotels in Amsterdam. Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam - This hub currently has the most media coverage of all the Amsterdam hotels. It is very well situated, being nearer to the center of the city, with direct public transport connections. Amsterdam Central Bed and Breakfast Amsterdam Central Bed and Breakfast Inn is located in the heart of the city, less than five minutes walking distance to the central station. It offers well appointed bed and breakfast rooms, as well as apartments for the guests, and there is in guest kitchen, self service, or lots of different food available for dining. The heart of the city, the Amsterdam coffee shops sell the cannabis with prices that tend to be a little higher especially in places that cater for tourists. That involves both the connoisseur's shops and rip-off joints. It is also worth noting that the Amsterdam coffee shops are prohibited to promote or advertise their wares and most have removed their menus from their web sites. It is also interesting to know that local dishes are also served in the restaurants, and include stampot, a down to earth meal consisting of mashed potatoes with carrots, onions, bacon and smoked sausage. The poffertjes, small hot pancakes covered in powdered sugar are also delicate and sold by vendors at fairs or similar events.