Neighbourhood

In the fifties Café Americain already was the local meeting place in the very heart of Amsterdam; nowadays it is an iconic spot for everyone, with a phenomenal view on the Leidse Square. This famous Art Deco restaurant is a modern-day brasserie that is writing history with its "class and classics", open all day.

At Ferilli's Cicchetti, you’re always in for a good time. The restaurant is a catering concept of Carlo Ferilli, known from the George restaurants among others. At Ferilli's Cicchetti on Valeriusstraat, you can count on artisanal dishes in the tradition of Italian cuisine in a stylish, luxurious setting. Not your average Italian restaurant, we would say.

Café de Jaren opened in 1990 in the heart of Amsterdam, between the Muntplein and Muziektheater. Inside, high ceilings and a spacious set-up create an attractive ambiance. At the back, you can settle down on the balcony and terrace, enjoying the view over the Amstel river. De Jaren has been a favourite among locals for years, thanks to the good quality of the food, the lovely terrace and - not unimportantly - the hospitality.

The authentic tasting room Wynand Focking has retained its 17th century character and product range. Here you can find a huge variety of genevers, and (old Dutch) liqueurs, but also for fruit brandies and tasty draft beers the tasting room isn't a disappointment. Good to know: here the tradition of bowing before the first sip is still being honored. 

A very nice hotspot has recently settled on the Lindengracht, Saint-Jean. In this minimalist café with lots of marble and stylish benches, you can count on delicious baked goods (you have really never tasted anything quite like it) and specialty coffee (organic). As a bonus to your visit, the coffee makers treat you to lots of knowledge and advice. 

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most important museums of the Netherlands. The museum doesn't only highlight world-famous art from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt van Rijn’s 'Night Watch' and Johannes Vermeer’s 'The Milkmaid', but it puts the history of the Netherlands in a world-wide perspective through thousands of historic objects. From the middle ages till now.

When it first opened its doors in 1999, Huis Marseille was the very first photography museum in the Netherlands. The monumental building along the Keizersgracht is at least as surprising and impressive as the changing exhibitions you can find there. From top to bottom, the narrow staircases guide you towards contemporary photography by celebrated and established names.

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is known to be one of the most popular museums in the world. Of course that has everything to do with it large collection of works by Vincent van Gogh. The museum shows more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 letters of Van Gogh.

Photo credit: Travelpixs / Shutterstock.com

In a patrician house at the Keizersgracht, you will find the home of the regent family Van Loon. The house was designed in 1672 by architect Adriaen Dortsman and first inhabited by painter Ferdinand Bol, a pupil of Rembrandt. Marvel at the centuries-old portraits, furniture, refined silverware and porcelain and feel the wealth that the city experienced in those days. 

Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum is the largest museum of the Netherlands that is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design. Admire extraordinary art pieces by world-renowned artists, including a large number of art by major twentieth-century Dutch artists.

Photo credit: posteriori / Shutterstock.com

The Homomonument (Gay Monument), which has been located on the Westermarkt near the Keizersgracht since 1987, is the very first gay monument in the world. The sculpture consists of three pink triangles that are connected and represent the past, present and future. The pink triangle refers to the Second World War, when gay men and women had to wear the triangle in concentration camps. 

The Spiegelgracht, opposite the Rijksmuseum, together with the adjacent Nieuwe Spiegelstraat forms the heart of the Spiegelkwartier; a neighbourhood known for its many galleries and antique shops. In de Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, you will not only find impressive art and antiques, but also a great representation of vintage. Between shopping and strolling, marvel at the romantic narrow town houses with high gables and pointed roofs.

The Waag originated in 1488 as one of the three city gates of the capital; the Sint Anthoniuspoort. In 1617, the wall was converted into the Waag, where goods arriving from the harbour were weighed. In the same period, several guilds settled in the Waag, including the surgeons' guild, whose public dissection Rembrandt van Rijn recorded in his famous painting 'Anatomy lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp'.

Pop temple Paradiso opened its doors in 1968. Not in just any building, but in a former church in the middle of Amsterdam’s city centre. In 50 years' time, the groundbreaking music venue has grown into a legendary pop stage, club and cultural palace all in one. Paradiso's atmosphere and acoustics are world-famous, which is why world-class stars love to perform here.

The Melkweg stands for pop culture, in the broadest sense of the word. The pop podium is located in a former sugar - and later dairy - factory and the only remaining factory building on Amsterdam's ring or canals. The programming is also what makes the Melkweg so special. New talent is alternated with established named and you van find five art disciplines under one roof: music, dance/theater, film, photography, and media art. 

Club Panama is situated in an old warehouse on the waterfront. You can go there for concerts and for good parties with house and techno sounds of both national and international talent. It is a large venue with high ceilings and large windows, thanks to the warehouse history of the location.

Bitterzoet, also sometimes called the Living Room of Amsterdam, is a bar, stage and theatre. The concept of this venue in the Spuistraat is to offer bands, DJs and other musicians a place where they can experiment and perform for a larger audience. All music styles are represented in Bitterzoet, from rock to hip-hop and soul.

You have probably heard of the 9 streets, but did you also hear about the Herenstraat in Amsterdam? A slightly more quiet street with a rich representation of one-off boutiques and great design. Just a tip; take a shopper (or two) with you, because we can almost assure you that you won’t go home empty-handed.

In need of a little relaxation? At Five City Spa you can count on fine facials and great massages, all in a stylish setting. It's a real oasis of relaxation in the heart of the buzzing city centre. At the city spa they are very much in favour of having and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, in which relaxation of course plays an important part.  

The Vondelpark is not only the largest city park in the Netherlands, but also perhaps the most versatile. It is located in the heart of the city and has, in addition to many nice restaurants, more than enough perfect picnic spots and sights. Walk past the statue of Joost van den Vondel, the artwork 'Figure Découpée' by Pablo Picasso or the old music chapel from 1873.

Whether you're in the mood for a serious shopping spree or you just feel like window shopping, Amsterdam's chicest shopping street, also sometimes called "the PC", has fashion-loving shops like Dior, Prada and Chanel to spare. And the best part is: you can find the shopping street right across from our hotel.

Photo credit: Foto credit: Tupungato / Shutterstock.com

On the east side of Amsterdam, where the IJ en the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal cross, traders and explorers once left by boat for the East Indies and America. Today, the area with its remarkable buildings and houses is a real attraction for architecture lovers. Be sure to stop at Kanis and Meiland 3.0 for a coffee and visit Loods 6. 

During Pride Amsterdam, the city is covered in rainbow colours and Amsterdam is all about celebrating freedom, individuality and love. One of the highlights of Pride Week is of course the Canal Parade, but also the Pride Walk, lectures, concerts, expositions and the many festivities are worth visiting.

In December and January, the streets and canals of Amsterdam's city centre are enchantingly lit by the Amsterdam Light Festival. Walk or sail through wintery Amsterdam and admire the most beautiful works of light art by artists from all over the world. Like to learn more about the works of art, artists and stories during the festival? Then choose one of the (walking) tours or special canal cruises.

Every year in October, the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) takes place in our capital. That means five days of biggest international artists, best parties and hottest festivals all over the city. So it's no surprise that this renowned music event attracts visitors from all over the world.