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A housing estate seems an unlikely tourist attraction, but the complex built for the De Dageraad (Dawn) housing association from 1918–23 is well worth a visit – especially for anyone interested in the Amsterdam School of Architecture. Piet Kramer and Michel de Klerk designed sculptural buildings of great originality, with tiled roofs that undulate in waves, and brick walls that billow and curve. The project was part of an initiative chargeto provide better housing for poorer families, in the wake of the revolutionary Housing Act of 1901.

Mari Andriessen’s evocative bronze statue (1952) is a memorial to the dockers’ and transport workers’ strike of February 1941 over the arrest of 450 Jews for the killing of a Nazi sympathizer. The event is commemorated every 25 February.

Tiny, packed to the gills and very loud, “The Devil” attracts a young crowd from all over the world. Once upon a time the draw was hip-hop – and the chance of spotting a famous rap artiste at the bar. Now, times have moved on, the pace has changed, and the music is more likely to be on a classic funk tip. Get on down and shake your booty (see De Duivel).

Cypress Hill and The Roots have joined the boisterous baggy brigade at Amsterdam’s small but legendary hip hop bar. These days, the hip hop is melted down with anything from funk to disco.

This unique hotel’s love affair with philosophy goes beyond its name: philosophers stay and meet here regularly.

A corner-located, split-level designer bar popular with a young arty crowd. Great atmosphere and friendly staff.

Wood, air, glass and light seem the building elements of this spacious, multi-levelled grand café. Have a leisurely through international newspapers at the reading table, pile up your plate at the salad bar, or sun yourself beside the canal on one of the best terraces in town (see De Jaren).

For cheese with a capital C, try “The Cheese Chamber”, where there are over 200 different kinds of one of Holland’s best exports. If it isn’t here, it probably doesn’t exist.