traveldk.com

You can peer down into the lovely Rijksmuseum garden from the plain rooms at the back of this modest hotel occupying the top floors of a Victorian house. The Museumzicht’s greatest asset is its splendid location.

Live music or top DJs make a good start to an evening of clubbing (see Clubs).

Amsterdam’s spectacular new concert hall for the 21st century has a unique position on a peninsular on the IJ, which gives it magnificent views. As well as a 735-seat main auditorium there is a smaller 125-seat hall, foyer decks overlooking the IJ and a café restaurant, the Star Ferry, with a waterfront terrace. Its programme will concentrate mainly on contemporary works.

When all else is closed, these night cafés open their doors through the wee hours, though tread carefully – some may be a little seedy.

Most of Amsterdam’s state-run museums participate in this scheme, run by SMK (Stichting Museumkaart), to offer free or reduced-price entry for one weekend. Details are published through the Tourist Board in mid-March.

Literally, Naked Tummy Button: a fruit liqueur traditionally taken when a mother-to-be shows off her bump to family and friends.

Made popular by Philips Vingboons, this gable has a raised centrepiece;Oude Turfmarkt 145is an example.

For anyone who loves ships, the maritime museum is a must. Where sails, ropes, guns and munitions were once stored is now an Aladdin’s Cave of nautical treasures. Don’t miss the Royal Barge on the ground floor and the East Indiaman Amsterdam, moored outside. The museum is closed for renovation from 2005 to 2007.

Holding the largest collection of boats in the world, and crammed with fascinating objects, the Nederlands Scheepvaart became a museum in 1973, when the Dutch Navy vacated the building. Solid and four-square, Daniel Stalpaert’s imposing classical-style arsenal was built for the Admiralty in 1656 during the Golden Age of Dutch maritime history. Among the museum’s treasures are weapons, paintings and meticulously accurate models (see Nederlands Scheepvaart Museum). The museum will be closed for renovation from late 2007 until 2009.