Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and numerous bike paths abound.
STAY
THE CONSERVATORIUM Set in a former music conservatory with a Neo-Gothic facade and interiors designed by Milan-based interior architect Piero Lissoni, this chic, contemporary hotel has a striking glass atrium, 2 restaurants, and a bar. There is also a posh spa with an indoor pool, a hammam, and a gym.
HOTEL OKURA Eastern and Western influences are uniquely entwined at this hotel. Rooted in the art of Japanese service, and located in the cosmopolitan De Pijp neighborhood, rooms overlook the Amsterdam skyline for unparalleled city views. The four acclaimed restaurants hold three Michelin stars between them. The property also includes the Nagomi Spa & Health, a gym, and a swimming pool.
DE L'EUROPE Established in 1896, making it the oldest luxury hotel in Amsterdam, and recently renovated by The Nicemakers. The amazing bookstore Mendo is also part of the hotel as is the florist The Wunderkammer. Stylish rooms and suites embrace local heritage with replicas of Dutch Masters paintings adorning the walls and bold hues of reds and blues. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant has outdoor seating along the river Amstel.
WALDORF ASTORIA Spread out over six stunning buildings on the banks of one of Amsterdam’s most memorable canals, the Waldorf Astoria is a historic landmark turned hotel with elegant décor and views. The property also includes a Guerlain spa with an indoor pool, four restaurants, and manicured gardens.
THE DYLAN This eclectic and ideally situated hotel pays homage to Amsterdam’s storied history both in architecture (it’s housed in a former theater that dates all the way back to the 17th century) and décor (antiques and original art everywhere). Guests get to pick between five distinct room styles to fit their individual needs, though we’re especially fond of the breezy, wood-beamed loft rooms. Dylan’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Vinkeles, is nestled in the lush courtyard and deserves a visit even if you’re staying elsewhere.
THE HOXTON The first Hoxton location to open outside of London, located in the 9 Streets neighborhood. The 111 rooms are spread out over five historic canal houses. The true appeal here, though, is in the communal areas: There’s a cocktail den, lobby bar, and Lotti’s, an excellent Italian-inflected restaurant that just happens to be under Soho House supervision.
HOTEL V There are two locations of Hotel V in Amsterdam, one in Centrum and one in Grachtengordel. Each is decorated with a mix of modern and vintage Scandinavian furniture alongside quirky accent pieces like antique portraits and decadent chandeliers.
ANDAZ A former library, the Andaz is located on the canal and designed by Marcel Wanders. The property includes Bluespoon restaurant, a bar, a spa, and lovely gardens.
MAX BROWN The eclectic mix-and-match décor, dim lighting, and hipster staff make this boutique hotel feel a bit like the Dutch equivalent of the Ace Hotel chain. The on-site bar is frequented by locals and often plays host to local bands. They also have a Museumplein outpost is just as fun.
PILLOWS HOTEL A boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Amsterdam with a scenic private garden, making it truly feel like a home away from home.
HOTEL TWENTYSEVEN More is more at Hotel TwentySeven. Set in a turn-of-the-century building in Dam Square, this boutique property is made up of 16 suites. Visitors include royalty and the Owner is the two-time winner of the Hotelier Of The Year award, Eric Toren. Fabrics are brought in from Paris, wallpaper from London, and carpets from Nepal. The marble bathrooms – complete with smart toilets and double rain showers that transform into a steam room – come stocked with Lanvin products.
HOTEL PULITZER AMSTERDAM A hotel that stretches through 25 houses, between two canals. Most rooms have views and each comes decorated with modern art from the hotel’s collection.
AMBASSADE HOTEL Set in a row of 10 adjoining canal houses opposite the Herengracht, this upscale hotel features traditional, decorative furnishings, and canal views, as well as a library with a bar and 18th-century furniture, plus an upmarket French restaurant. Herengracht 341; ambassade-hotel.nl
DINE | DRINK
LOTTI'S Brunch, coffee, cocktails & brasserie dishes are served at this relaxed restaurant in The Hoxton Hotel.
SHAFFY RESTOBAR Shaffy Restobar is set in one of the most famous and iconic buildings in Amsterdam, which used to be a safe haven for artists to explore and create. Today, you can enjoy small, unique dishes made for sharing. The restaurant itself is understated luxury and the smaller plates make it easy to share and ideal for lunch or a romantic dinner.
MOMO Amsterdam’s answer to Nobu is nothing short of a culinary delight, with a menu of perfectly executed Asian-fusion dishes and minimalist interiors. The menu offers a generous selection of sushi and ceviche alongside seafood, meat and vegetable dishes, as well as small plates and dim sum to start. Must-orders include the seared wagyu with a trio of sauces (especially the truffle-spiked soy) and the lobster Bermuda (a rich, salty, succulent dim sum).
THE DUCHESS Located in the historic, cavernous former KAS Bank, just under the W Hotel and only a few doors down from Amsterdam’s Soho House outpost. Inspired by the Belle Epoque, massive modern chandeliers draw the eye to the breathtaking tiled ceiling. Having been awarded a Michelin star last year, The Duchess promises substance as well as style, with a plethora of Italian and southern French “nouveau-Niçoise” cuisine. Order the ricotta and spinach gnudi and sautéed prawns with Champagne butter sauce, and if you save room for dessert try The Duchess’ famous ice-cream trolley. Also recommended is the Duchess Afternoon Tea.
DE KAS Located in Frankendael Park, this farm-to-table restaurant is an experience. In fact, the dining room doubles as a glass-ceiling greenhouse. Guests can tour the gardens, or, from May to October, eat outside on the patio. The starters consist solely of vegetables and the mains come adorned with fish or meat.
BUFFET VAN ODETTE The perfects spot for lunch after touring museums. Try to snag a seat on the outdoor patio.
THE SEAFOOD BAR As the name implies, we suggest ordering a catch of the day from the seafood bar or the fruits de mer seafood plates, The fried cod and simple grilled fish dishes are also excellent. Enjoy with a cold glass of crips Sancerre.
DE REIGER While strolling the streets of Jordaan, stop in for a pint of local Dutch beer at this casual pub. The corner building dates all the way back to 1896, and still has some of the ornate, Art Deco flourishes to show for it. The spare ribs are their claim to fame.
BALTHAZAR'S KITCHEN Another Jordaan spot ofering seasonal three-course menus by chefs Karin Gaasterland and Alain Parry. Expect farm-fresh crudité and risotto. The open-kitchen, hand-written menus, and snug seating arrangement make for the perfect date night spot.
LITTLE COLLINS A newer addition to De Pijp, this relaxed spot has Australian roots and a fresh, American-inspired menu. The true standout here is the brunch, with beloved dishes like smashed avocado toast, an elevated take on the bacon-egg-and-cheese, and cinnamon brioche French toast. The Bloody Mary can be had four ways, including one that’s spiked with Sriracha and garnished with kimchi.
BAKERS AND ROASTERS The menu at this cafe is New Zealand meets America while the bright interior (and living wall) is a nod to one of the owner’s Brazilian roots. In true Kiwi tradition, the flat whites are excellent.
TOSCANINI While you may not associate Amsterdam with traditional Italian food, the fresh pasta, and imported antipasti. Spring for the chef’s six-course tasting menu accompanied by Italian wines.
MARIUS Marius is a cozy spot with checkered tablecloths and the focus is entirely on Chef Kees Elfring’s French meets Mediterranean fare, which is prepared using organic ingredients and served in four wine-accompanied courses.
KARTIKA Indonesian food is quite popular in Amsterdam, and Kartika, which has been around for decades, is still the best of the best. The specialty here is the rijsttafel (the Indonesian answer to dim sum).
REE 7 A cafe serving locally sourced food and coffee to stay or to go.
THE PANCAKE BAKERY As the name implies, the specialty here are the poffertjes (small flapjacks) and oversized Dutch pancakes.
SALMUERA A large bi-level Latin American restaurant serving up corn and ceviche amongst other dishes.
LA RIVE Beneath the InterContinental Amstel hotel, thirestaurant offers a delicious six-course tasting menu. The elderflower and caviar-topped white chocolate mini magnums filled with foie gras are just the start. The tasting menu allows you to choose from “La Rive Gauche” and “La Rive Droite” Gauche is fish heavy, Droite is meat heavy, and there is no right way to go.
PANNENKOEKENHUIS UPSTAIRS Stuffed away in what feels like the attic of a 16th-century house, this is a bit of a novelty, but the pancakes are incomparable.
TOKI The best coffee in town, and a great place to set up shop and work or read.
SUPPER CLUB If having dinner on a large white bed, in a bright pink old church, with loud music and nude dancers performing around you appeals to you, then this is your spot. After dinner, this cavernous space turns into a club.
SUPER LYAN Ryan “Mr Lyan” Chetiyawardana’s of London’s award-winning Dandelyan, serves up his siganture cocktails at the Kimpton De Witt hotel in central Amsterdam set within a 17th-century Dutch house. Our favorite tipple is the simple Lyan Spritz.
THE BUTCHER A locals only speakeasy and burger restaurant.
GARTINE Tucked away in a narrow alley, Gartine is an institution, serving breakfast and high tea.
RON GASTROBAR ORIENTAL A buzzy Asian restaurant from star chef Ron Blaauw serving dim sum.
GLOUGLOU A natural-wine bar with dark wood walls, elegant Jugendstil-esque windows, and wooden tables at which to sip a glass of sparkling pét-nat.
FOODHALLEN Amsterdam’s food hall, located in a former tram depot with two dozen stalls, many occupied by well-known local businesses. For lunch, try De BallenBar’s truffle bitterballen (traditional Dutch croquettes), and a local craft beer from Oedipus Brewing. Then proceed to Viet View for banh mi, and finish with a drink at the gin-and-tonic bar, where the made-in-Holland Vording’s Gin is served in a Spanish-style goblet garnished with red-apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
CHOUX An airy bistro serving a multicourse menu including highlights such as vacherin melted atop wood blewit mushrooms with crisp artichoke thistle and purslane.
OBA A lunch stop at the public library near Centraal Station where there’s a rooftop terrace with a spectacular view of both the old and new parts of the city.
DE KAASKAMER VAN AMSTERDAM Within Amsterdam's picturesque canal-side shopping district, De 9 Straatjes ("The Nine Streets"), you'll find De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam, a wonderful cheese shops. Gouda, much of which is organic, along with homemade salads, sandwiches, and snacks, specialty hams, and wines are on display.
SPECTRUM Chef Sidney Schutte cooks with finesse and flair, giving the odd surprising twist to a local ingredient – such as crispy tulip bulbs or a white asparagus dessert.
CAKE ATELIER By appointment only, Natasja Sadi makes exquisit cakes and sugar flowers. In fact, Clients fly her around the globe to bake custom cakes for their special occasions. These culinary masterpieces are created in the kitchen of Sadi's picturesque, Dutch canal house dating from 1776. The baker started her career as a wedding dress designer, but after several years realized her passion had moved from the dress to the edible design element of the day—the cake. Wedding gowns are often kept by the bride as a keepsake, or passed on to future generations, and Sadi has adapted this experience to the cake in the form of her incredibly sculptural sugar flowers—made by hand and often taking several weeks to complete—these edible decorations can be kept (frozen) for years, or re-used perhaps on a birthday cake down the line.
LITTLE COLLINS Aussie-Dutch owners serve up kimchi toasties at this cafe.
CAFE 1E KLAS Brasserie-style dining in Centraal Station's former 1881 waiting room with grand Art Nouveau decor.
CT COFFEE & COCONUTS A 1920s-era building that formerly housed a cinema, and is now a bustling cafe.
POREM A speakeasy serving classic cocktails, whose only sign is a discreet golden plaque beside a buzzer.
BOCCA COFFEE ADutch roastery where baristas pull perfect espressos, accompanied by tasting notes for your beans.
TWENTY THIRD BAR A tiny bar perched on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Okura, and the perfect place for a nightcap- perhaps after dinner at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ciel Bleu. Classic cocktails such as the Mojito, Old Fashioned or Pepper Drop Martini are standouts.
HANNEKE'S BOOM A casual café with a cosy open hearth on an odd island in the Eastern Docklands. The perfect spot for drinks, dinner and maybe music and dancing if you’re lucky.
KOEVOET A café that dates back to the pre-gentrified Jordaan days, complete with Tiffany lampshades serving Sicilian style homemade pastas and sausages.
DE TUIN An old-fashioned Jordaan neighbourhood café with eight beers on tap. Try one of the Texels beers, from a craft brewery on one of the northern Frisian islands.
JD WILLIAM'S WHISKEY BAR The couple behind this Jordaan bar (the initials "J" and "D" stand for their sons and William for one of their fathers) love whisky, and it shows. Behind the bar, open shelves drilled into an exposed brick wall belie rows and rows of backlit whisky bottles, so the selection is endless.
APT. A glitzy, "American-style" bar, part of the Odeon building, a historical building that's been standing along Amsterdam's central canal since 1662. Before dinner, it's a classy cocktail bar with a jewel-toned Art Deco vibe. Later on, things get a little more raucous, as it stays open until the wee hours. Check out the cocktail "laboratory" in the back, where bartenders prepare craft cocktails under an operation lamp.
TOKI The mantra at Toki is "go slow," which largely fits this laid-back neighborhood café where they serve coffees and teas from around the globe, as well as craft beer.
CANNIBALE ROYALE Order the charcuterie and a local Dutch beer at this pub.
SCREAMING BEANS COFFEE ROASTERS While it’s not especially difficult to get your hands on a solid cup of coffee around these parts, the skilled staff at this teeny café really know their way around an almond milk latté, and coffee snobs will be especially impressed by their stellar pour-over technique. There's a second location in Haarlemmerbuurt.
HEADFIRST COFFEE ROASTERS Amsterdam is full of great hipster coffee shops, but Headfirst is a standout for a few key reasons. First, the coffee is so good—strong but not bitter, plus they have alternative milks like almond or soy. Their Helmersstraat location shares a space with an adorable interior shop, so you can test out some Scandinavian couches (both new and vintage) while you sip your latte. Bonus: Plenty of WiFi.
LA PERLA Wood-fired pizzas, pasta & salads served in a buzzing, no-frills restaurant with outdoor seating. Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 53; pizzaperla.nl
BREDA The Chef’s Menu offers modern, international cuisine made solely with local Dutch produce. Singel 210; bredagroup-amsterdam.com
CAFÉ DE KLEPEL Klepel is really all about the wine – the food is classic French bistro fare. Prinsenstraat 22; cafedeklepel.nl
ALEX + PINARD A cozy, intimate wine bar. Dapperstraat 10; alexpinard.nl
RAYLEIGH & RAMSAY Named after two Scottish chemists who discovered that oxygen is lighter than argon gas, which R&R uses to prevent oxidisation. Taste wine and order cheese, charcuterie, shucked oysters, tinned sardines and shrimp croquettes to share. rr.wine
CAFÉ DE CEUVEL Café de Ceuvel is set in an award-winning, sustainable planned workplace for creative and social enterprises on a former shipyard on the Johan van Hasselt kanaal off the river IJ in Amsterdam North. deceuvel.nl
KLAPROOS Wood-fired pizza & pasta in a hip, roomy Italian restaurant with a waterside patio & a bar. Papaverweg 15A; klaproosamsterdam.nl
ART | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
REMBRANDT HOUSE MUSEUM The museum building was once the home and studio of artist Rembrandt van Rijn from 1606 to 1669, and underwent restoration work in the 1990s so that would it could continue to look and feel like a house from the 17th-century. Here, you'll see many of Rembrandt's etchings, graphical pieces, and paintings.
ANNE FRANK HOUSE Walk through the house where Anne Frank hid for more than two years—along with her family, the Van Pels family, and Fritz Pfeffer. Although areas of the house have of course been refurbished, many original objects remain, as well as photographs, important historical documents, and handwritten notes and letters, including the diaries Anne wrote from 1942 to 1944.
VAN GOGH MUSEUM You'll see many of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings (Sunflowers, Irises, The Potato Eaters) in the museum's permanent collection, as well as fascinating, lesser-known works in the evolving exhibition wing. There are also pieces by Van Gogh's contemporaries (e.g., Émile Bernard, Paul Gaugin, Maurice Denis) on display.
FOAM Housed in a beautiful old canal-side home, Foam is the place to visit to see interesting photography of every medium—from both established photographers and up-and-comers.
STEDELIJK MUSEUM Amsterdam’s modern and contemporary art museum, featuring definitive works from Van Gogh, Chagall, Matisse, Pollock, Warhol and more.
KRÖLLER-MULLER Only an hour outside of Amsterdam by train, and worth it. The museum was a lifelong dream of a woman named Helene Kröller-Müller, who had one of the largest private collections of art the 20th-century— nearly 11,500 works of art. The museum, which opened in 1938, is located in Hoge Veluwe National Park. The Kröller-Müller sculpture garden is one of the largest in Europe, with more than 160 sculptures on display from artists like Aristide Maillol, Marta Pan, and Pierre Huyghe. The museum is also home to the second-largest Van Gogh collection (after the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam), as well as works by Monet, Seurat, Picasso, Mondrian, and more.
DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA AND BALLET Housed in the canal-side Stopera building, which is also home to Amsterdam's City Hall, the Dutch National Opera and Ballet took on its current name in early 2014 to reflect the official partnership of the Dutch National Ballet, The Amsterdam Music Theatre, and De Nederlandse Opera (also renamed to the Dutch National Opera).
HORTUS BOTANICUS This meticulously manicured oasis in a quiet neighborhood also happens to be one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Here you’ll find countless flower species, a butterfly habitat, tropical hothouses, and gigantic, night-flowering water lilies.
VONDELPARK A long, narrow park, which is easily accessible from most parts of the city, and one of the best places to get a feel for the city—you’ll find locals everywhere.
RIJKSMUSEUM Dedicated to the art and history of Amsterdam, this must-see museum has thousands of works of art on display, including Rembrandt’s "The Night Watch," and an incredible visual history of the Dutch East India Company. The Rijksmuseum is the Louvre of the Netherlands—meaning you won't see it all in one go, and it's worth returning to again and again. The Rijks first opened in 1800 under a different name but it's been in its current building since 1855. The heart of the museum is Dutch art from the Middle Ages all the way through the 20th-century.
FOTOGRAFIEMUSEUM Dutch painters of the 17th century are renowned for their mastery of light, a skill that is now celebrated in a more modern medium. This photography museum, set in a handsome canal house, packs a fascinatingly wide range of works into its rotating exhibitions.
OCCII Various independent groups command the stage nightly with events that hit nearly every note on the alternative musical spectrum, from death metal to jazz trios and post-punk to East-European folk.
NXT MUSEUM The Nxt is located in the Noord and focuses on multimedia.
TROPENMUSEUM An ethnographic museum located in a historic 1864 building with temporary exhibitions, including modern and traditional visual arts and photographic works. Linnaeusstraat 2; tropenmuseum.nl
WESTERPARK Westerpark blends green spaces, a lively creative and nightlife scene, and iconic architecture. Along with its regular exhibitions, markets and festivals, the converted Westergasfabriek gasworks contains indie shops, eclectic eateries, an art-house cinema, a brewery and a dance club. Nearby, the Museum Het Schip is the focus of a residential area of red-brick Amsterdam School buildings.
NOORD A lively neighborhood known for its redeveloped wharf area, with trendy restaurants, art galleries, and DJ events around the NDSM cultural center. Overlooking the IJ, the striking Eye Film Museum offers screenings, a poster gallery, and movie-related exhibitions, while the 20-story A’DAM Lookout has an over-the-edge swing. Noorderpark is a green space with a swimming pool, playgrounds, and guided nature walks.
EYE FILM MUSEUM A huge collection of Dutch and foreign movies and film posters are displayed in a contemporary, waterside culture center. IJpromenade 1, eyefilm.nl
SHOP
ALBERT CUYP MARKET Stroopwafels, colourful fabrics, and vintage clothes are all for sale at this eclectic shop.
THE FROZEN FOUNTAIN A collectible design and furniture gallery with national and international designers, including Dutch ceramic artist Floris Wubben.
ATHENAEUM Athenaeum has the best selection of international magazines.
SALON HELEEN HULSMANN Heleen curates the best vintage designer pieces.
BIJENKORF Bijenkorf is a luxury department store located at the Dam Square. There’s also a great café, a hair salon, and art gallery.
MENDO A bookstore and publisher with a focus predominantly on fashion, design, architecture, and photography books.
WILDERNIS A modern, dizzyingly beautiful interpretation of a gardening store— from tools, to planters, to actual plants. There is also a cafe with coffee and homemade cakes.
STUDIO HEAR HEAR A tiny two-story shop specializing in sustainable brands that fit owner Rena Noordermeer’s aesthetic.
THE OTHERIST The walls are decked out from floor to ceiling with framed curiosities of all kinds, from brilliant blue butterflies to delicate beetles and stick bugs as well as antique globes, unique cutlery, and stationery.
P.C. HOOFTSTRAAT This is Amsterdam’s grandest shopping street, where all the usual suspects—Chanel, Valentino, Cartier, Prada, and more—are well represented.
GERDA'S FLOWERS AND PLANTS It’s likely you’ll get a whiff of Gerda’s freshly picked blooms while strolling around 9 Streets before you actually see it. Whether you’re looking to pick up a quick hostess bouquet or elaborate centerpiece (these guys provide florals for tons of fashion events all over the city), beautiful results are guaranteed—high praise considering flowers are serious business in Amsterdam. While they make really great use of wildflowers, the selection of orchids and other exotics is excellent.
DENHAM It’s been said that Jason Denham makes the kind of jeans other denim designers want to wear. What makes Denham denim so special is that it's mostly selvedge and comes from boutique plants in Japan and Italy. The Denham Concept Shop is located just a few doors down from the men’s and women’s denim bars (clients are encouraged to customize their jeans to perfection) and features shoes, some accessories, and a really neat little espresso bar. Their flagship store, which carries the brand’s complete collection, is located just a few blocks away at Hobbemastraat 8.
LIKE STATIONERY As the bricks-and-mortar outpost of graphic designer Sanne Dirkzwager’s online shop, this beautifully curated stationery store sells collectable journals, cards, calendars, prints, writing utensils.
MAISON RIKA Maison Rika is a chic boutique and gallery by former stylist and designer Ulrika Lundgren.
SKINS COSMETICS Nestled in the luxe shopping corridor inside the Conservatorium hotel, Skins Cosmetics is a fragrance and cosmetic store.
MARIE STELLA MARIS Paraben-free skin care and bath products served alongside the Marie-Stella-Maris brand of natural mineral water.
MOISE A boutique with a collection of highly curated luxury designers.
BOERENMARKT An organic weekly market on Noordermarkt square, Dutch farmers and food purveyors set up booths overflowing with quiches, live crayfish, wild Seussian mushrooms and giant wheels of Dutch cheese.
GATHERSHOP Art, clothing, and potted plants are on display.
HUTSPOT A two-level concept store that encourages lingering with a spacious lunchroom, gallery space, photo booth and on-site barbershop.
NEEF LOUIS DESIGN A vintage fashion and antique store in the Noord district.
VAN DIJK EN KO An antique store, complete with an entire room of lampshades.
BRIGHT SIDE GALLERY Housed in a former garage overlooking the canal, featuring rotating exhibitions like a recent solo show of somber paintings from the up-and-coming Dutch artist Wouter Nijland.
GO GALLERY The city’s pre-eminent street art space presents genre-busting works ranging from provocative to psychedelic, and is across the street from a cute multistory mural by the London Police group.
FLEA MARKET ON WATERLOOPLEIN Browse antique bric-a-brac (brass bowls, old porcelain), bicycle parts, second-hand leather coats, old jewelery, silk scarves, Peruvian knitwear, and vinyl aplenty.
LOVE STORIES A Dutch lingerie brand housed in a bi-level canal house with a setup that is equal parts punk and French boudoir.
THE AMERICAN BOOK CENTER While you may stop in with the intention of quickly picking up some train or plane reading material, the selection of English-language books—which spans three floors and just about every genre—has been known to keep book lovers browsing for hours. Check the ABC site before your visit for special events like book signings, author readings, and their famously generous sales.
DROOG A shop, design collective, gallery, café, garden, and hotel spread out over three floors of a single historic house. The shop is stocked with home décor accessories and furniture from notable Dutch makers, as well as an area devoted to under-the-radar fashion labels, and a “spa” for beauty products of European origin. Connected to the retail space you’ll find the Fairy Tale Garden—a real-life garden designed by Claude Pasquer and Corinne Détroyat to look like something out of a pop-up book. Set up right next to the garden is Roomservice—a truly special little nook for grabbing a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or something more substantial, like soup and salad.
FABIENNE CHAPOT A dutch designer, based in Amsterdam, with unique prints, designed in house. The sustainable brand is known for rich colours, and feminine tailoring. fabiennechapot.com
ANNA + NINA In the heart of De Pijp, this beautiful concept store is a treasure trove of jewelry, clothes, gifts, home furnishings and delightful trinkets. anna-nina.nl
HARLEMMERSTRAAT and HAARLEMMERDIJK Haarlemmerstraat – and its extension, Haarlemmerdijk - is Amsterdam's hip alternative shopping district. Offering independent boutiques and speciality stores, little salons, delis, trendy but affordable restaurants, bars and the oldest cinema in Amsterdam. Nearby, Westerpark and the surrounding Westelijke Eilanden boast plenty of green space and riverside views to escape the crowds. Haarlemmerbuurt is the perfect neighbourhood for hours of relaxed browsing, dining and bar-hopping.
GERARD DOUSTRAAT A charming street in The Pijp with restaurants and boutiques.
SPA
SAUNA DECO The breathtaking Art Deco stained glass panels, gilded details, and winding wrought-iron staircase at this canal-side sauna were rescued from Au Bon Marché in Paris before it underwent a top-to-bottom renovation—the resulting space is a hybrid of immaculate Dutch craftsmanship and Parisian refinement. In addition to the various baths and relaxation rooms there are infrared saunas, a solarium, and the option to book a private massage.
AKOSHA HOLISTIC WELLBEING SPA AT THE CONSERVATORIUM HOTEL The Conservatorium boasts the luxurious Akasha Holistic Wellbeing offering spa treatments, gym and more. It includes an 18m/60ft long lap pool, hammam, sauna, and jacuzzi. Paulus Potterstraat 50; conservatoriumhotel.com
DE L'EUROPE A sanctuary for luxurious body treatments and sublime skincare. Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14; deleurope.com
SPA ZUIVER The largest spa and wellness center in Amsterdam, complete with a modern gym. Koenenkade 8; zuiveramsterdam.nl
THE CITY STREET SPA This teeny offshoot of The City Street Spa offers a slimmed down version of the treatment menu: manicures, pedicures, and brow shaping—that's it. The purpose of The City Street spa is to provide all the services one might look for in a traditional spa, but in an urban setting with busy schedules in mind. The treatment menu includes massages, facials, waxing, eyebrow shaping, and mani/pedis—all performed in a tranquil, minimalist environment.
DAY | WEEKEND TRIPS
THE HAGUE The Hague is a city on the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands. Its Gothic-style Binnenhof (or Inner Court) complex is the seat of the Dutch parliament, and 16th-century Noordeinde Palace is the king’s workplace. The city is also home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, headquartered in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court. Visit Mauritshuis museum to see Vermeer’s famous “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” Head across the street for lunch at the elegant brasserie.
Text: Veronica H. Speck, Kim Tas