Amsterdam

There’s much more to the Netherlands’ capital than its canals and gabled houses; Amsterdam offers diverse neighborhoods, shops, bars, and restaurants, with masses of greenery just a short ferry ride away.

Morning:

Leave the crowds and enter one of Amsterdam’s beautiful secret gardens built around historic almshouses, called hofjes. Most people are unaware of them, apart from the most famous, the immaculate Begijnhof, as they are usually hidden behind plain doors. Almost 20 are in the Jordaan neighborhood, including little Sint Andrieshofje, completed in 1617, Hofje van Brienen, dating from 1797, and Karthuyzer Hofje, which boasts two 17th-century water pumps. Zon’s Hofje has an old clock depicting animals entering the ark.

Afternoon:

Some of Amsterdam’s best art galleries and museums – the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum – are conveniently clustered together. But there are many small ones to discover, too. Children will love Het Muizenhuis (The Mouse Mansion), with its intricate papier-mâché mouse homes. Electric Ladyland features fluorescent art and naturally luminescent rocks. Foam Photography Museum features fab photography in all its guises, from documentary to fashion, contemporary to historical. Nxt Museum is an experimental art space presenting groundbreaking immersive installations by pioneering contemporary artists. Annet Gelink Gallery represents a dynamic roster of both emerging and established international artists.

Evening:

Sip an inviting cocktail in the frescoed and stained-glass interior of swish Flying Dutchman Cocktails before rounding off the evening at Daalder, a Michelin-Starred restaurant with a striking interior using neon lights and street art, and where Chef Huwaë’s Indonesian roots influence his innovative dishes.

Morning:

Amsterdam has some wonderful shops, including Dutch fashion store Stieglitz, where bright colors, wild patterns, and exciting fits are displayed among 1970s-inspired interior design. Studio HENK designs beautiful, sustainably crafted furniture. The Nine Streets area (De Negen Straatjes) has vintage stores, concept shops, and independent boutiques.

Afternoon:

Hop on the free ferry behind Centraal Station for a short ride across the IJ river to Buiksloterweg in northern Amsterdam. Here, you can explore regenerated shipyard NDSM Wharf, which has cafés, bars, exhibition spaces, street art, and sculptures, and film culture center the Eye Filmmuseum. Rent a bike – paths lead to green expanses and charming villages, just minutes away from the center of crowded Amsterdam.

Evening:

Before dinner, visit Café Hoppe, established in 1670. It’s a bruin café (or brown bar), a traditional Dutch pub with a cozy interior, typically with wood paneling. Complete the evening at Michelin-Starred restaurant Hatsune, where Chef Mitsuhiro Narita creates exquisite Japanese dishes.

Morning:

As an alternative to the usual boat tours on offer, discover Amsterdam’s central historic canals on a personalized private cruise just north of the city among the picturesque Zaanse Schans windmills with Dutch Boat Tours. It’s like stepping back in time as you glide past the peaceful village dating back to the 17th century, where endless green fields sit under a clear, blue sky, just like a Dutch Old Masters painting.

Afternoon:

A stroll around bohemian neighborhood De Pijp is a delight, and you can sample a traditional stroopwafel (a waffle with a crispy outer shell and caramel center) at sprawling Albert Cuyp Markt. Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter has always been a popular haunt of creatives; these days, they are making their mark with the colorful street art in the area.

Evening:

Sample jenever (Dutch gin), a juniper-flavored liqueur at De Drie Fleschjes (The Three Little Bottles), established in 1650. Then head for De Silveren Spiegel (The Silver Mirror) to experience traditional Dutch cuisine translated into modern dishes. Only fresh, seasonal, local Dutch ingredients are used – the langoustines are highly recommended.