The Best of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most picturesque and charming cities in Europe, surrounded by beautiful ancient canals, 17th-century buildings, cutting-edge modern architecture, and a relaxed cosmopolitan vibe. This liberal, open-minded and friendly city is where you’ll find an eyebrow-raising legalised Red Light district mixed together with cutting-edge cool restaurants, trendy bars and vibrant outdoor cafes, set within the same urban landscape.
BEST RESTAURANTS
The city’s dining scene is first class, where you’ll be spoiled for choice with gourmet restaurants, trendy restaurants and cool alfresco cafes which are generally packed during the warmer months. Here is our selection of some of the best restaurants in Amsterdam right now:
1. De Kas Restaurant This concept restaurant on the outskirts of Amsterdam is a favorite among the city’s discerning foodie crowd. A considerably sized restaurant and nursery, De Kas is located in a large greenhouse dating back to 1926, converted beautifully by Piet Boon, giving diners ample space between tables to enjoy an intimate, healthy meal. Homegrown produce features prominently on the daily menu, designed by Michelin starred Chef Gert Jan Hageman, presented in a standard three-course prix fixe or a more indulgently priced ten-course chef’s table menu. Website
2. The College Restaurant Located in The College Hotel in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, this restaurant is helmed by talented chef Schilo van Coevorden, famous for his work at The Dylan Hotel. The seasonally changing menu is rooted in traditional Dutch fare with some creative notes. The restaurant is run by catering students and apprentice chefs from the Amsterdam Hotel Management school as a hospitality training ground, however the sophistication of the contemporary cuisine and the professionalism of the service is on par with the city’s best restaurants. Website
BEST NIGHTLIFE
Amsterdam’s nightlife scene offers everything from happening late-night clubs to stylish cocktail bars and chilled-out cafes. Here is our selection of some of the best nightlife places in Amsterdam:
1. Superclub Nightclub This whitewashed, ultrachic nightlife institution in Amsterdam is a unique electronic dance club with the clientele and service to match its upscale aspirations. The DJ’s beats are hip and fun, lasting late into the night. Spectacular, avant-garde shows take place on a regular basis. Of course, you’re free to simply dance all night-- Supperclub’s philosophy is to harness creative freedom in any fun way possible. Website
2. Vyne Wine Bar As the sister bar to Amsterdam’s trendy Envy restaurant next door, the ultra-stylish Vyne wine bar in central Amsterdam offers an extensive selection of wine sourced from around the world. This long, narrow space features sleek, designer communal tables which stretch from one end of the room to the other with cushioned benches and bar stools offering prime see-and-be-seen views of the room. The wine list has been expertly curated, featuring selections from France, Italy, Spain, South Africa and Australia. Website
3. Door 74 Cocktail Bar Door 74 cocktail bar can be found tucked away behind an inconspicuous and elusive black facade, where you’d be forgiven for thinking that they don’t want you to find the bar at all. However, as soon as you step inside this dimly-lit 1920s style speakeasy you’ll discover a warm, cosy and welcoming atmosphere with a touch of glamour - the perfect setting for sipping expertly crafted cocktails. Door 74’s expert mixologists craft concoctions such as The Liberation with Beefeater 24 gin, homemade marmalade-rose syrup, marjoram and lime. Reservations are required in advance so make sure you either email or call ahead, where the secretive address will be provided when your reservation is confirmed. info@door-74.com
BEST EXPERIENCES
Take a stroll around the narrow, winding cobblestone streets to discover the city’s hidden boutiques, antique stores and designer homeware shops, and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the canals to experience the city’s best sights.
1. Walk The City Amsterdam boasts many fantastic landmarks and sights to visit during your time in the city. Oude Zijds (“Old Side”) is Amsterdam’s oldest neighbourhood where you’ll find the beautiful Oude Kerk church and Saint Nicholas church, along with Amsterdam’s eyebrow-raising Red Light District with sex shops and legalised brothels. The Grachtengordel Canals are a series of four major canals which surround the ancient city center of Amsterdam, which can easily be navigated by boat or by foot. Anne Frank House is a museum is dedicated to the life story of the famous author, Anne Frank, who went into hiding in this ‘Secret Annex’ building in Amsterdam during the war.
2. The Best Museums & Art Galleries Amsterdam boasts a wealth of great art galleries and museums which should be an essential part of your Amsterdam itinerary. The NEMO is a futuristic science museum by architect Renzo Piano cuts an imposing figure on the waterfront in Amsterdam, surrounded on three sides by water. Shaped like a battle ship and with a roof that doubles as a public square, come as much for the architecture as for the exhibitions. The Van Gogh Museum displays the works of celebrated artist Vincent Van Gogh and other celebrated modern artists, set within an understated 1960s modernist building. A dramatic new exhibition wing by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa was recently added to the museum which is a sight in itself. The Rijksmuseum exhibits a great collection of the great Dutch masters. The Stedelijk Museum hosts a wonderful collection of contemporary artists and a cutting-edge photography collection.
3. Take A Canal Boat Trip As a picturesque city surrounded by water, a quintessential local activity in Amsterdam is to enjoy a canal cruise throughout the warren of ancient canals that wind their way throughout the city. Cruising along the labyrinth-like canals is one of the best ways to see the city’s best sights and to sample a taste of the local Amsterdam way of life. Expect to see beautiful 17th-century mansions with large open windows, rustic houseboats, ornate bridges and beautiful architecture ranging from medieval to modern. Taking a cruise around sunrise or sunset will guarantee for incredible views. The Canal Company offer a comprehensive regular boat service around three major routes throughout the city. You can also enjoy a private dinner cruise around the canals for a more personalised, romantic experience. For More Information - Canal Company
