DK Travel : Amsterdam : Eastern Canal Ring

Begun in the early 17th century, the Grachtengordelwas extended further east to reach the Amstel in the 1660s, making new plots of land available for wealthy merchants to build their luxurious if sober town houses. Among the highlights of the area are two such patrician mansions, the Museum Van Loon and the Museum Willet-Holthuysen. Medieval Amsterdam is recalled at the Munttoren, whose base was once part of the Regulierspoort, a gate in the city wall; by contrast, you can see the modern city in full swing in lively Rembrandtplein, formerly a butter market. There are diverse opportunities for shopping among the antiques of the Spiegelkwartier, at the colourful Bloemenmarkt, and at vibrant Albert Cuypmarkt; or you could catch a movie at Abraham Tuschinski’s extraordinary 1921 cinema, now lovingly restored and offering six screens. And to refresh the parts that other beers may or may not be able to reach, you can visit the original Heineken Brewery for a guided tour and a free beer.

Check out new photography museum Foam at Keizersgracht 609.

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Heineken Experience

If you’re here for the beer, this self-guided tour of the original Heineken brewery is a must. Entrance includes three glasses of the famous brew.
Helden

Knock back the cocktails while a DJ spins chillout music and upbeat house at this lounge bar-cumrestaurant serving international cuisine.
Hemp Hotel

Little escapes being hempified at this small, family-run hotel – from the hemp futons to the fresh hemp muffins served at breakfast, and the hemp beer served in the late-opening Hemple Temple Nightbar.
Janvier

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

With its modern take on the brown bar style, this large bar is one of the best watering-holes in the Pijp. Imaginative world cuisine.
Kitsch

Aficianados of kitsch will love the style of this perfectly pink restaurant. Ask for the corner mattress when booking, or a table with its own water fountain.
Lellebel

Amsterdam’s infamous – and only – dragshow bar, the complete antithesis of the testosterone-fuelled Rembrandtplein nearby. At first glance it’s unremarkable, but when Shirley Bassey is turned up on the soundsystem, the bar staff perform quite some routine.
Magere Brug

The city’s best-known bridge – worth a wander for perfect photo opportunites, the stunning views, or simply to watch the drawbridge in action. Romantic at night when it’s all lit up.
Marjan Sterk

An exquisite selection of antique, Art Deco and Art Nouveau jewellery, plus 18thand 19th-century Dutch silver.
Mulligans

If you’re tired of the Rembrandtplein, pop round the corner to this authentic Irish bar for some goodcraic .

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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