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A charming and secluded courtyard of houses surrounding a tranquil garden in the centre of the city, the Begijnhof was established in the 14th century as a sanctuary for a lay Catholic sisterhood (see Begijnhof).

A haven of peace, the Begijnhof was built as a refuge for the Beguines, a lay Catholic sisterhood. Amsterdam’s oldest house is here (see Begijnhof).

Fashionable in the late 17th and 18th centuries, bellshaped gables can be flamboyant (Prinsengracht 126) or unadorned (Leliegracht 57).

Forget the nearby Häagen-Dazs parlour – ice cream never tasted this good.

The innovative Stock Exchange building was derided when it was unveiled in 1903, but is now considered a key work of the period and almost universally admired. Designed by the pioneer of Dutch modern architecture, H P Berlage, its functional lines are softened by ornamental ironwork and tiled mosaics. The Stock Exchange has now moved next door, and Beurs van Berlage is home to the Nederlands Philharmonic Orchestra. It is used for concerts and exhibitions, and contains a permanent display on the history of the Stock Exchange. Try to get a look at the amazingly light and spacious interior.

The day afterHerdenkingsdag (Remembrance Day), Liberation Day celebrates the end of the Nazi occupation with impromptu speeches, concerts and open-air markets in the Vondelpark, Leidseplein, Museumplein and Rokin.

Fashionable footwear for folk with big feet.

Far lovelier than the Golden Bend is the stretch of Herengracht between Huidenstraat and Leidsestraat, particularly Nos 364–70, four houses built by Philips Vingboons in 1662. Two of them house the Bible Museum, where apart from biblical artifacts you can admire the early-18th-century interior.

For luxury away from the crowds, this modern hotel in a leafy street might fit the bill. With 124 rooms and suites, all with relaxing Jacuzzi baths, it’s smaller than many of the city’s five-stars, with a friendly atmosphere and an excellent restaurant, De Kersentuin.

A step from the main museums and elegant shopping, this four-star boutique hotel comprises three stylish 19th-century townhouses. Treats include free afternoon tea and a charming terrace.