Amsterdam

See and do

Cycle along cobbled streets past narrow houses along Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals or soak up cultural highlights from Dutch masterpieces at the Van Gogh and Rembrandt Museums, poignant WWII memories at Anne Frank House to the Royal Palace flanking Dam Square. From Central Station, discover Amsterdam by tram or book a canal boat tour from the Amsterdam Tourist Office opposite.

Retail therapy

From cool art to vintage clothes, the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes) criss-crossing the canals between Leidsestraat and picturesque Jordaan are a shopper’s paradise. For designer labels, head to P.C. Hooftstraat in the Museum District or shop along Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat streets. For fashion and more, browse Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp and Dappermarkt near Oosterpark.

Eat & drink

Try poffertjes (pancake puffs) in traditional pancake houses, sample Dutch beers in traditional ‘brown cafes’ or snack on raw herring from canalside haringkraam stalls. For global cuisine, head to the eclectic De Pijp neighbourhood or dine at an Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table) in bustling Chinatown. For picnics in Vondelpark, stock up at Saturday’s Noordermarkt Farmers’ Market in the Jordaan.

Hidden gem

Ride the lift to Twenty Third, the low-lit cocktail bar on the 23rd floor of the five-star Hotel Okura where over 20 champagnes and a panoramic view of Amsterdam await.