DK Travel : Amsterdam : Eastern Canal Ring : Editor's choice

Backstage

A bizarre café-cum-crochet store run by Gary, one half of the legendary “Christmas Twins”, a US cabaret duo. Pop in here for some “foam in rome” (cappucino), a spontaneous horoscope reading by Gary, or simply for cake and gossip.
Bloemenmarkt

The legendary floating flower market.
Concerto

Simply the best record store in town; new and secondhand.
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.
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.
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.
NH Schiller

The bar and restaurant are a gorgeous Art Nouveau escape from touristic Rembrandtplein. Owned for the best part of the last century by painter Frits Schiller, it was a regular meeting place for artists, and still has something of that atmosphere. Schiller’s paintings are displayed throughout the premises.
Soup en Zo

This one-stop modern soup kitchen is just a short walk from the Rijksmuseum. Great for takeaways, but some seats are available. Over half the soups are vegetarian.
The Otherside

For a perfectly pink joint, head to the city’s only gay coffeeshop – a bright, modern, friendly place.
Village Bagels

Delicious bagels and fresh juices are served at this New York-style bagel shop.