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.

Mechanisch Speelgoed

A fascinating, nostalgia-inducing collection of mechanical toys and good old-fashioned children’s playthings. Simply put: life before Gameboy.
Mediterranee

This small, rather plain French-Moroccan bakery and coffeeshop, serves irresistable croissants and cakes.
Meeuwig & Zn.

Stockists of a prodigious range of olive oils selected from small farmers around the Med. Also, vinegars, mustards and spices.
Melkweg

This former milk factory now churns out live music. Plus there’s a cinema, theatre, gallery, cafébar, upstairs bar and pint-sized video room (see Melkweg).
Melkweg

As well as regular parties that take place throughout the various rooms of this multimedia venue, DJs play before and after the live bands that appear on both stages. Most Saturdays there is a late-night dance party (see Melkweg).
Meneer Pannekoek

Pancake House, the decor is cosy and original with art nouveau lamps hanging over the tables, black and white pictures of Hollywood stars on the walls. The staff are young and friendly. The delicious pancakes are cooked to order with a large variety of both sweet and savoury fillings. The most delicious are served with a pot of advocaat!
Metz & Co

The great attraction of this ponderous late-19th-century building (apart, of course, from the five floors of luxury goods on sale) is its sixth-floor cupola and café, with superb views of the canal ring below. Originally built for an insurance company in 1891, it was taken over by Metz & Co in 1908. Gerrit Rietveld added his splendid glass cupola in 1933. In 1973, Liberty of London bought the business, renovated the building and commissioned Cees Dam to design the sixth-floor café.
Metz & Co

The city’s most impressive canal views are from the sixth-floor café and the cupola perched on top (see Metz & Co).
Michiel de Ruyter

This revered Dutch admiral (1607–76) set fire to the English fleet in the Medway in 1667.
Mid-1960s: Provo Demonstrations

The radical Provo movement took off in the 1960s, fuelled by antagonism to the city’s transport and housing policies. Street demonstrations turned into fullscale rioting on 10 March 1966, the day of Princess Beatrix’s wedding to German aristocrat Claus von Amsberg. The Provos won seats on the city council, but their popularity was short-lived.