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.

P G C Hajenius

Dutchman Hajenius fulfilled his 1826 pipe dream, and his store is now one of Europe’s most famous cigar houses. A must for all cigar connoisseurs, but worth a peek just for the art deco interior.
P96

This peaceful bar opens around 8pm in the evenings and stays open later than most. The premises extend in the summer to an outdoors terrace on a fairy-lit barge.
Paleis Het Loo

Built in 1686 by Stadholder William III as a hunting lodge, Het Loo, near Apeldoorn, was a royal summer residence until the 1960s. Behind a sober façade lies a sumptuous interior, with rooms decorated to reflect the different eras of occupation, from the 1680s to the 1930s. There are also superb formal gardens to enjoy.
Paleis van Justitie

This sober, monumental building in Empire style is a conversion of the Almoners’ Orphanage by city architect Jan de Greef.
Panama

Monied 30-somethings with a penchant for champagne make the trek to this lavish, vaudeville theatre-style club with attached bar and restaurant on the east side of town. Entry is expensive; the drinks aren’t cheap either.
Pancake Bakery

Although unashamedly touristy, you could do a lot worse than this restaurant in a former 17th-century warehouse named “Hope” to sample the local fare.
Pannenkoeken

Pancake houses offer an astonishing variety of fillings – try the Pancake Bakery for an excellent selection. The traditional Dutch favourite is a large pancake topped with a thick syrup calledstroop . If you have room for more, there are delicious, sugarypoffertjes , the mini pancakes sold in summer from brightly painted stalls and from permanent stands at Dam Square and Leidesplein.
Paradiso

One of Amsterdam’s bestloved live music spots. Velvet Underground, Buzzcocks and Macy Gray have all played here. The intimate upstairs hall often has unknowns before they go big.
Paradiso

Formerly a church, now predominantly a live music venue, DJs spin here after the bands have been on – with an emphasis on Alternative music. The programming for parties can be erratic – anything from Moroccan dance nights to cinema-club evenings (see Paradiso).
Paradox

A paradox in itself, this coffeeshop shows few traces of serving “the herb”. Fresh fruit and veg shakes, healthy food and a bright interior make it a perfect place for breakfast or lunch.

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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