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.

Anne Frankhuis

The plight of Jews like the Franks, forced into hiding by the Nazis, was brought to light by Anne’s poignant diary; the house where they hid for 25 months is now a museum (see Anne Frankhuis).
Anne Frankhuis

This world-famous yet movingly simple museum is dedicated to the young diarist who hid here from the Nazis with her family (see Anne Frankhuis).
Anne Frankhuis

The hiding place of Anne Frank and her family, before they were discovered, arrested and sent to their deaths, is today a deeply moving museum (see Anne Frankhuis).
Appelgebak

Puddings are very popular, particularly the classic apple pie, accompanied by a large dollop of whipped cream (slagroom ). By common consent, the bestappelgebak in Amsterdam is served at Winkel.
April

A large, modern, comfortable gay bar that’s great for reading a newspaper in the day or meeting up for drinks pre-clubbing. Unusual feature: the circular back bar revolves when it gets busy.
Arena Hotel

Dating from 1890, this cool three-star hotel on the east side of town was originally a Roman Catholic orphanage, and later an asylum. On Fridays and Saturdays the madness continues, when some of Amsterdam’s top DJs spin at Tonight, the hotel’s adjacent two-floor “church-club”. A bit of a trek if you’re staying centrally, but worth the effort.
Aronson Antiquairs

David Aronson opened this prestigious gallery around 1900; now it is run by his great-and great-great-grandsons. Early Delftware, continental 17th-and 18th-century furniture, plus Chinesefamille verte andfamille rose porcelain – much of it rare.
Around Oudeschans

From Centraal Station, discover a quiet part of the old city by taking Binnenkant, lined with fine houses, and then, passing Montelbaanstoren, walking along Oudeschans to reach the Rembrandthuis. Pause at De Sluyswacht, the crooked café on the bridge, before exploring the old Jewish quarter, Jodenbuurt, or continuing to Nieuwmarkt.
Artis

If you want to give human culture a break, the zoological garden makes a terrific contrast. About 900 species are kept in reasonably naturalistic surroundings, including a recently created African landscape. Watch the Japanese monkeys grooming one another, the reptiles slithering in their steamy jungle, or the polar bears lazing with menacing unconcern. There are plenty of places where you can shelter from the rain, including the Planetarium, Geological and Zoological museums, and the Aquarium, home to more than 2,000 mesmerizing fish.
Artis Zoo

Children really love this action-packed zoo, where they can pat the animals in the children’s farm, brave the steamy reptile house, see the stars in the planetarium, and marvel at the fish in the vast aquarium (see Artis).