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Not a hotel but a service offering a variety of accomodation: an apartment on Nieuwe Achtergracht (near the Theater Carré), several studio apartments in the city centre, and an exclusively gay B&B on Vijzelstraat.

This nun-run Chinese Buddhist temple takes pride of place on this otherwise junkie-riddled street. Take a respectful peek one afternoon (you can keep your shoes on), or dine at their adjacent vegetarian restaurant.

A great little place tucked away in this narrow street. Delicious, healthy food, including a wide range of vegetarian options.

See Ajax at their remarkable 50,000-seater stadium.

The elegant Louis XIV-style Frankendael is the last survivor of an enclave of exclusive early 18th-century houses, which were built south of Plantage Middenlaan on reclaimed land called the Watergraafsmeer. Although closed to the public, the ornamented façade and the fountain, made by Ignatius van Logteren, are worth seeing. However, the rear gardens are open to the public, and offer a peaceful – if slightly untidy and overgrown – refuge of shrubs and ancient trees.

Much loved for his technique of capturing character and fleeting expression in his sitters, Frans Hals (1580–1666) brought a new realism to portraiture in the 17th century. His fine group portraits of civic guards are displayed in the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem.

A testament to taste, this decorative arts shop was featured in an issue ofWallpaper * not so long ago.

Named after the late Freddy Heineken (he of beer fame), who was a frequent guest, this quiet city-centre classic, complete with piano music, leather upholstery, soft lighting and discreetly friendly barman, is ideal for a classy pre-dinner drink. Dress up, act suave, and bring someone you want to impress.

An effective politician, William of Orange’s youngest son (1584–1647) becameStadhouder in 1625.