DK Travel : Amsterdam : Western Canal Ring

For many, the Western Canal Ring is the area of Amsterdam that perfectly encapsulates the city’s relaxed yet stylish air. Construction of the Grachtengordel, Amsterdam’s 17th-century ring of three fashionable canals, began here, with the marshy area just beyond reserved by city planner Hendrick Staets for workers and their unpalatable industries; Huguenot refugees who settled here – like others fleeing religious persecution – were said to have named itjardin (garden), later corrupted to Jordaan, and today it is one of Amsterdam’s most fascinating – and bohemian – districts. Its narrow streets and oblique canals might seem random, but they followed the course of old paths and drainage ditches. North of the charming Brouwersgracht lies the recently revitalized district of Haarlemmerbuurt, and, further afield, the Western Islands, Bickerseiland, Prinseneiland and Realeneiland, created in the mid-17th century to provide much-needed warehousing.

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Meeuwig & Zn.

Stockists of a prodigious range of olive oils selected from small farmers around the Med. Also, vinegars, mustards and spices.
Noordermarkt

By the entrance to the Noorderkerk, a stillflourishing Protestant church, a sculpture commemorates theJordaanoproer (Jordaan riot) of 1934, in which seven people died during demonstrations against cuts in unemployment benefits. Today the tranquil surrounding square, a market site since 1627, comes to life during the Monday flea market and the Saturday bird market andboerenmarkt , selling organic produce.
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.
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.
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.
Pasta Panini

A fabulous Italian deli. Great for freshly-filled ciabattas at lunchtime or hand-made pasta for supper. Plus a tantalizing range of cookies, soup, sauces and wine.
Sauna Deco

A flashback to 20's Paris in the heart of Amsterdam.

The interior of Sauna Deco is made from the brass and stained glass art deco fittings of Paris's original 'Au Bon Marche' department store.

Like being transported back to the twenties (naked!), this is something truly unique.

Upon entering you are given a towel and a locker key, then left to roam. There are various steam and spa rooms as well as warm and cold plunge pools, foot baths and, my favourite, the outdoor sitting areas.

Take your time, lie on the loungers, doze, sit outside with your skin steaming. Read, enjoy some fruit salad and tea from the bar or maybe go for a relaxing treatment. This is not an experience to be rushed.

My top tip is to go there between 12noon and 3pm for the early discounted price of 16euros. Full day spa packages are also available.

Enjoy.
Simon Levelt

There are a staggering 160 types of tea and around 25 types of coffee to choose from in this pleasant, aromatic store. The company has been importing the stuff since 1817.
Sjaalman

A trendy Thai that looks across the canal to the Westerkerk. A tad expensive, but the food is authentic.
Small World

Simply the best quick-stop in town for sandwiches, carrot cake and other delicious offerings. Eat in at the counter or take away.

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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