DK Travel : Amsterdam

Amsterdam has an appeal that is absolutely unique. It’s a vibrant place, a treasure-trove of extraordinary artistic riches, and the living embodiment of 900 years of history, during which it rose to become the centre of a huge global empire. After a period of decline, it matured into today’s relaxed and tolerant modern metropolis. Elegant and serene, Amsterdam also has its seamy side, and this too is part of its character, as much as its famous network of canals. Whatever you are looking for, this small city packs a big punch.

CoBrA Café

Designer café on Museumplein created as an ode to the members of the CoBrA art movement. Wine and dine in the restaurant, or go Japanese at the stylish sushi bar.
Cobra Museum

This museum of modern art in residential Amstelveen is dedicated in part to the influential Dutch movement conceived in 1948. Its founders, including Dutchman Karel Appelamalgamated the names of their home cities – Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam – to create its name: CoBrA. They wanted to promote art that was spontaneous and inclusive, and were inspired by the work of primitives, children and the mentally ill. Paintings in the permanent collection are shown in changing thematic displays, augmented by temporary exhibitions. The light, spare building, by Wim Quist, opened in 1995.
Coffee & Cake

Sometimes there’s no alcohol at all, just tea, coffee and more calories than you’d care to mention.
Concertgebouw

One of the world’s great concert halls, the Concertgebouw was built in 1888, designed by A L Van Gendt in Neo-Dutch Renaissance style with a colonnaded Neo-Classical façade. In the 1980s, the building was discovered to be in danger of collapse. In time for the centenary of both the concert hall and its world-famous orchestra, new foundations were laid, and the building was restored and enlarged. Amazingly, all this took place without its having to close.
Concertgebouw

Every Wednesday at 12:30pm (except in summer) there are free lunchtime concerts here. Atmosphere informal, quality unsurpassed; queue early.
Concertgebouw

Thecrème de la crème of international musicians and conductors appear at this palatial classical music venue – one of the world’s most prestigious. Audrey Hepburn had a season ticket when she lived here after World War II, and it’s not hard to understand why. Don’t miss the free lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays (see Concertgebouw).
Concerto

Simply the best record store in town; new and secondhand.
Condomerie

Stocked wall to wall with a huge, hilarious range of (mostly) novelty condoms of all shapes, colors, flavors, and sizes, the Condomerie is a must-see attraction on an adult tour of Amsterdam and guaranteed to spice up the most jaded of love lives.
Condomerie

A huge, hilarious range of (mostly) novelty condoms guaranteed to spice up the most jaded of love lives.
Condoms

Novelty condoms galore, and in a variety of flavours; the city’s infamous Condomerie will oblige.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€45
- €45–€60
- over €60