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.

In ’t Aepjen

This unusual bar is located in one of the oldest wooden houses in the city (1551). Sailors would pay for their stay in monkeys – hence the primate theme in evidence throughout (see In ’t Aepjen).
In’t Aepjen

One of two remaining wood-fronted houses in Amsterdam (see Het Houten Huis), In’t Aepjen was built in 1550 as a sailors’ hostel, and is now a bar. The name means “In the monkeys”: when sailors couldn’t pay, they would barter – sometimes with pet monkeys (see In 't Aepjen).
Jacob Hooy & Co

Established in 1743, this chemist’s store is simply the best place in town to pick up herbs, homeopathic remedies, tea and essential oils.
Jacob van Ruisdael

Born in Haarlem, Jacob van Ruisdael (1629–1682), though not highly regarded in his own day, has come to be seen as one of the finest landscape and seascape painters of the Dutch school. His works are filled with restless skies and naturalistic details. Even calm scenes such asThe Windmill at Wijk have a sense of dramatic grandeur.
Jan de Witt

A leading politician in the Anglo-Dutch Wars (1625–72), he was killed by a mob.
Jan Six

Poet, playwright (1618–1700) and friend of Rembrandt, who painted his portrait.
Jan Steen

A prolific painter of the genre (everyday) scenes so popular in the Dutch 17th century, Jan Steen (1625–79) was an innkeeper as well as an artist. His often bawdy tavern and household narratives were packed with hidden messages (red stockings for prostitution, oysters for sexual liaison, broken eggshells for mortality), creating allegories with a moral purpose.
Jan van Scorel

After prolonged stays in Germany, Venice and Rome, where he studied the works of Giorgione, Michelangelo and Raphael, Jan Van Scorel (1495–1562) returned to Utrecht in 1524. He introduced the techniques of the Renaissance to the Northern Netherlands; his portraits fuse Italian solidity of form with Netherlandish delicacy.
Janvier

A relaxed, stylish and friendly place, perhaps the service is a bit slow but that’0s part of its subdued charm. A perfect atmosphere for sitting back and spending a peaceful afternoon, especially on a sunny day when you can sit on the wonderful terrace overlooking tranquil Amstelveld. The food is New Dutch, mixing French and Eastern elements with traditional Dutch dishes (see Moko).
Janvier

Enjoy excellent New Dutch cuisine in this friendly relaxed resaurant with outside tables.

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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