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.

Exploring the Central Canal Ring

Morning

This compact area is focused on Amsterdam’s most famous canals, so why not start the day with a canal tour. Amsterdam Canal Cruises start and end on Singelgracht, opposite the Heineken Brewery. From here, it’s a short walk to Leidseplein and welcome refreshment at the Café Americain.

Leaving the hubbub of Leidseplein, walk along Prinsengracht (passing the Paleis van Justitie, once the city orphanage) to elegant Leidsegracht. If there’s time, investigate the antiques market, Looier, in Elandsgracht. For lunch, try brown cafés Van Puffelen or Het Molenpad, or designer hang-out Het Land van Walem.

Afternoon

Plunge into the Negen Straatjes for some serious shopping in its frivolous shops. You may not be able to resist the cakes and chocolate on offer atsalon de thé ; Pompadour. Pop into the Woonbootmuseum, moored on Prinsengracht opposite Elandsgracht, to marvel at how a bargeman and his family could have lived in such a tiny space. Then cross to Herengracht, which you will have seen earlier from the water, and stroll along, admiring its architectural gems around the Bijbels Museum and Golden Bend . If it’s before 6pm (9pm on Thu, 5pm on Sun), end the afternoon with a bird’s eye view of your day’s exploration from the sixth-floor café at Metz & Co .
Exploring the Eastern Canal Ring

Morning

On a fine stretch of the Amstel River, dainty Magere Brug makes a good spot to begin. Walking north, follow the river’s curve, pausing at Amstel 104 and its equally crooked neighbours. Reaching Munttoren, wander along the Bloemenmarkt, then head down Reguliersbreestraat, where you can check your email at easyEverything (No. 22) before checking out the incredible Tuschinski Theatre a little further along the street.

Chic Utrechtsestraat, with its appealing selection of restaurants, cafés, delicatessens, boutiques and galleries, is perfect for both shopping and lunch. The best Indonesianrijsttafel in town is served at Tujuh Maret.

Afternoon

From Utrechtsestraat cross to Amstelveld, where the wooden Amstelkerk lends a countrified air, and Reguliersgrachtintersects picturesquely with Prinsengracht. Make your way along Prinsengracht, cross Vijzelstraat, and dive into Weteringbuurt. On the other side of Prinsengracht, admire elegant Deutzenhofje (Nos 855–99), erected in 1695 for destitute women.

From here, it’s only a short walk to the Museum Van Loon , or a little further to Museum Willet-Holthuysen , after which you can wind down with a drink in jolly Rembrandtplein. Best cafés are Schillerand De Kroon.
Exploring the Western Canal Ring

Morning

Beat the queues and be first to arrive at the Anne Frankhuis , which opens at 9am. Afterwards, you could take a contemplative walk along Prinsengracht to the Western Islands, perhaps first climbing the tower of Westerkerk . On the way, drop in on two peacefulhofjes , Zon’s and De Star . For refreshment, visit Papeneiland, a tiny brown café founded in 1642, at the junction of Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht.

On the Western Islands, stroll round Prinseneiland and along Zandhoek on Realeneiland, where you could lunch very well at De Gouden Reael (Zandhoek 14). If you are with children, visit Dierencapel, the children’s farm on Bickerseiland.

Afternoon

En route to the Jordaan, hardened shoppers will first want to stop in Haarlemmerbuurt, with its mix of shops, both smart and tatty. Don’t miss a peak at over-the-top Café Dulac (Haarlemmerstraat 118), and the world’s narrowest restaurant, De Groene Lanteerne (Haarlemmerstraat 43).

Spend a couple of hours exploring the endlessly picturesque Jordaan, then join today’s breed of young Jordaanese in one of the trendy cafés around Noordermarkt – Finch or Proust, or the wildly kitsch Café Nol in Westerstraat. If it’s dinner time, head for De Reiger, the locals’ favouriteeetcafé .
Felix Meritis

In 1777, the Felix Meritis society was founded to promote the arts and sciences. Ten years later, its wealthy members had this canal house specially built. To this day it stages international dance performances, theatre, lectures and electronic media events (see Felix Meritis Building).
Felix Meritis Building

The splendid Neo-Classical façade of this building comes as a surprise on gabled Keizersgracht. Designed in 1787 by Jacob Otten Husly as a science and arts centre (the name Felix Meritis means “happiness through merit”), it flourished until the late 19th century. Later, it became headquarters of the Dutch Communist Party (CPN), and in the 1970s was home to the avant-garde Shaffy Theatre Company. Today, it houses the European Centre for Arts and Sciences – its arts complex and Summer University courses mean it is always humming.
Ferry across the IJ

Join the locals on the five-minute ferry ride from Centraal Stationto North Amsterdam or to the Java Eiland.
Fifteen

Jamie Oliver extended his restaurant empire to Amsterdam in 2005, setting up shop in a beautiful converted warehouse overlooking the Amstel.

The food was stunning, huge meze platter, delicately flavoured pasta and then locally sourced meat. By the time you get to dessert you'll never want to leave. Don't expect a quick dinner - this is leisurely fine dining with a cool and modern twist
Film Museum

Situated in the fabulous Vondelpark, the Filmmuseum Amsterdam is the national centre for cinematography in the Netherlands. In its collection are over 35,000 film titles which, together, add up to more than 60,000,000 metres of film. The collection also comprises photos, posters, newspaper clippings, magazines and many other items relating to film history.

The international collection spans the complete history of cinematography from 1898 until today. In addition to this the collection is expanding with new film titles being added every year.

In the summer months there are often open air showings of classic films that are free to the general public. Furthermore there is also a very pleasant café called 'Vertigo' situated beneath the main building.
Filmmuseum

Don’t miss the live musical performances to silent classics, or the open-air screenings from the historic building’s balcony in summer.
Finch

This small but popular watering-hole on the edge of a scenic square can get decidedly crowded. In summer, the hip local clientele spills out onto the square.