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Known for its intricate waterways and romantic, bohemian lifestyle, Amsterdam has long been christened “the Venice of the North”. Yet, the city’s complex past and colourful lifestyle make it truly distinguishable from other European hotspots. Ranked fourth within Europe’s most visited locales, Amsterdam bears one of the largest historic city centres, with over 7,000 registered buildings in one central location.

The Dutch capital serves as the home to an impressive number of art museums, classic architecture, specialised open-air markets, diamond shops, delightful eateries and stellar nightclubs. From its early beginnings as a fishing town to its current existence as a renowned cultural destination, Amsterdam has easily embraced a modern, progressive culture while still maintaining its historic roots.


GO THERE FOR

The Water - With a name derived from the Dutch phrase Amstelredam, or “area abounding with water”, the waterways of Amsterdam are quite a sight to see, with four main city centre canals and numerous dams and lakes spread throughout the urban and greater areas. Though the canals are pretty by day, they become spectacular by night when many of the canal houses and bridges are illuminated.

The Windmills - A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without a trip to the most recognisable staple of Dutch culture: the windmill. Amsterdam is home to eight such windmills, built in the 17th and 19th Centuries. Most are located in the west part of the city and two - the De Otter and Sloten – can be visited both inside and out.

The Museums – Amsterdam is known for its incredible museums, showcasing everything from art to architecture and flowers. Whether you’re interested in the Golden Age artists, photography or even the origins of the tulip, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

The Jewellery – Once the diamond capital of the world, Amsterdam has been a major diamond centre since the 16th Century. There are about a dozen or so diamond factories in the city boasting some of the world’s best gems (five of which offer guided tours daily from 9am-5pm).


DON’T MISS

Rijksmuseum - Home to nearly one million works of art, including pieces by the Dutch masters Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer, the Rijksmuseum is the largest museum of art and history in the Netherlands. Open daily 9am – 6pm and Fridays until 10pm.

Anne Frank House – Perhaps the most haunting and powerful attraction in Amsterdam, Anne Frank House is visited by people all over the world who have been touched by the teen girl’s story of struggle and faith during World War II. The house not only shows the Franks' hiding place but also provides an exhibition of the life of Anne Frank, as well as a space devoted to education on discrimination.

Van Gogh Museum - This museum showcases 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 letters composed by the famous artist himself, as well as work by other popular painters of the period including Monet and Corbet. The main exhibition details the phases of Van Gogh's life - from his childhood, through his various emotional stages and, finally, his death. Celebrated works include The Potato Eaters and one of the three Sunflower paintings.

Royal Palace - The Royal Palace was designed as the most prestigious town hall of its time. A large and important cultural and historic building of 17th Century Amsterdam, it was commissioned by Napoleon’s brother Louis during the French occupation of Holland. Though the Royal Family now lives in The Hague, the building has been known as the Royal Palace ever since.


BASICS

Quintessentially UK:
10 Carlisle Street, London, W1D 3BR, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)845 299 4555
Email: askq@quintessentially.com

Country Code: + 31
City Code: (0) 20
Emergency: 112 (Police, Fire and Ambulance)
Directory Enquiries: 0900 8008
Electricity: 220V; Two pin
Language: Dutch
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Exchange Rate: 1 GBP = 1.20 EUR, 1 EUR = 0.83 GBP
Time: CET (UTC +1)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol:
General Enquiries: 0900-0141 (Within Netherlands), +31-207940800 (International)
Luchthaven Schiphol, Evert v/d Beekstraat 202, 1118 CP Schiphol, Nederland
http://www.schiphol.com


GETTING AROUND

From the Airport…
Taxis and limousines are standard, though the ride into the city centre costs about EUR 40. Cheap and convenient options include a direct rail service connecting Schiphol International Airport to Amsterdam Central Station. Trains run every 10 minutes and cost EUR 3.60 for a single journey. The airport also offers direct shuttles at EUR 11 one way.

Around Town…
Amsterdam is strict about its taxi service, marking specific spots in which cabs are to pick up and be hailed. The average taxi price is EUR 1.94 per kilometre. However, the best way to see Amsterdam’s quaint buildings and parks is on foot or by taking a boat from one of the canal bus or water taxi companies, which cost around EUR 16 a day and are valid until noon the following day. For the ambitious traveller, cycling is a popular, and often preferred, mode of transport. As the narrow streets and canals make car travel difficult, over half of the city’s population take to their bicycles each day to get about. Bike rentals are about EUR 8 a day with discounts for longer rentals.


WHEN TO GO

Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures but tend to be rainy. The average summer temperature is between 20 and 25°C with over 200 hours of sunshine a month. If you don’t mind the crowds, July and August are the best times to visit.

Public Holidays:
1st January – New Year’s Day
Variable – Good Friday
Variable – Easter
30th April – Queen’s Day
5th May – Liberation Day
40 days after Easter – Ascension Day
7 weeks after Easter – Pentecost
25th-26th December - Christmas


WHERE TO STAY

The Dylan
Keizersgracht 384
This gorgeous 17th century landmark is located near the city centre’s famous canals, making it the ideal spot for a stay in Amsterdam. The combination of modern luxury and contemporary design has long been a favourite of many visitors, who frequently return to check out the boutique hotel's hip, enjoyable atmosphere, as well as its newly Michelin-starred restaurant  Vinkeles. Each of the hotel's 41 rooms and suites are individually designed to meet the tastes and preferences of every guest, with rooms based on type (loft, garden room, Manhattan-style) and colour. The Dylan also provides special services such as a fully-equipped fitness centre and personal canal tours, and there is an excellent selection of bicycles available for hire if you want a leisurely ride round the canals.  

InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
Prof. Tulpplein 1
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam is one of the most prestigious hotels in the Netherlands, if not Europe, and is justifiably proud of the celebrities who regularly visit. This stately hotel is found in a quiet, though central, section of the Amstel River bank, and situated just within walking distance of the famous Dutch canals. The restaurant ‘La Rive’, serves an impressive menu of modern French Mediterranean cuisine. Three authentic canal boats are also available to guests wishing to explore the waterways of Amsterdam.

Hotel de l’Europe
Nieuwe, Doelenstraat, 2-8
This picturesque 19th century hotel is a unique mix of aged dignity, modern comfort and grand style. With its red and white façade, Hotel de l’Europe is one of Amsterdam’s most recognisable sights, located just at the point where the Amstel River flows into the city's canal. Hotel de l’Europe has 100 elegant rooms and suites, along with a romantic bridal suite and a two-level penthouse with a stunning view of the Amstel. The hotel is home to two restaurants, one bar and a hotel lounge with spectacular sights of the river and Munt Tower from a large terrace. The hotel also offers a fitness centre, pool and spa featuring a number of luxurious amenities.

Hotel Seven Bridges
Reguliersgracht 31
Though it may look like a simple canal house on the outside, the interior of The Seven Bridges is so classic and ornate that guests will feel as if they have stepped back in time to a 19th century townhouse. Each room is decorated in a different style with Baroque and antique furniture framing large windows overlooking a gorgeous garden and two of Amsterdam’s famous canals. Guests are able to choose their own room for optimum comfort and a unique historical experience. Quintessentially recommends Garden Room 5, decorated with ornate gilded ceilings and a 17th century Dutch Rankenkast, as well as the Art Nouveau-inspired Canal Room 6, replete with tables and chairs from the famous Salvia Café in Prague (which modern writer Franz Kafka is said to have frequented).

The College Hotel
Roelof Hartstraat 1
Situated close to all major museums and the famous shopping street PC Hooftstraat, The College Hotel is a prime spot for Amsterdam luxury, and has played host to the likes of Beyoncé and MTV presenters. The hotel mixes modern elements with classic architecture, presenting 40 rooms and three suites with stunning interior décor. The bar and restaurant offer superb Dutch cuisine with a unique twist. Originally built as a schoolhouse in 1894, The College Hotel is run by students under the supervision of world-class professionals.

The Grand Sofitel Demeure Hotels
0udezijds Voorburgwal 197
Located near Dam Square in the heart of the city’s historic and cultural districts, as well as Amsterdam’s major financial institutions, this majestic hotel is a classified historic monument: Her Majesty Queen Beatrix was married here in 1966. There is a restaurant-brasserie, lounge bar and 19 meetings rooms for up to 350 people. There is also a swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath and golf course nearby.


WHERE TO EAT

La Rive
Prof. Tulpplein 1
One of Amsterdam's finest restaurants is this Michelin-starred delight situated by the Amstel River. Situated within the high-class Amstel Hotel, Roger Rassin's excellent cooking is innovative, playful and well deserving of all the plaudits that it has gathered over the years. A typical tasting menu might encompass such delights as langoustines with Jerusalem artichokes and carrot chutney, or roast venison loin served with its leg as a kind of miniature cottage pie accompanying it. The wine list is spectacular, and contains a good number of vintages across its pages; the ever-willing sommelier is more than equipped to cope with all your questions.

Excelsior
Nieuwe, Doelenstraat, 2-8
One of Amsterdam's grandest hotels, the Hotel de l'Europe, has a restaurant that has long been regarded as one of the city's greatest. It's not at all hard to see why, with its combination of excellent, somewhat formal European cooking, a superb wine list and respectful, classical style of service. The view over the canal is stunning as well. Please note that 2010 is planned to be a time of fairly major upheaval for the restaurant under its dynamic new food & beverage director Kees, and that the relaunched Excelsior promises to be distinctly 21st century in all its aims and appearance.

Utrechtsedwarstafel
107-109 Utrechtsedwarsstraat
Fortunately for the weary traveller, the most complicated aspect of this restaurant is its name. Since Utrechtsedwarstafel doesn’t have a standard menu, diners tell the chefs what they would like based on cuisine complexity and the price range of 3-, 4- or 5-course meals. Though the fare is mostly French, the wine selection comes from all over the world and is specially matched to whatever entrée has been ordered. Meals are prepared as ‘simple’, ‘mid-range’ and ‘gourmet’, which could mean anything from rib-eye beef to foie gras. With its uncomplicated ‘menu’, this restaurant is perfect after a long and stressful day.

In De Waag
Nieuwmarkt 4
Originally built in 1488 as one of Amsterdam’s three city gates, this characteristic castle-like structure now houses the popular restaurant In de Waag. Lit by 300 candles and high-hanging candelabras within an ornate, historic structure, the monument-turned-restaurant is great for a delicious Dutch dinner, cocktails with friends or a morning coffee. From housing members of the city’s militia to serving as the Jewish Historical Museum, this building has been a staple of Amsterdam for centuries.

Restaurant As
Prinses Irenestraat 19
Part of the Platform 21 experimental programme for intriguing fashion and design, Restaurant As is about maintaining a creative, communicative and aesthetically innovative dining experience. As offers a menu of organic cuisine that changes with the seasons, meals are cooked in a Tuscan oven while diners sit at long wooden tables in the design-conscious, modern dining room. The three- to five-course menu changes daily.

Altmann
Amsteldijk 25
Though the Altmann is not centrally located in the city, the restaurant maintains the chic, luxury and glamour of immediate city living. The restaurant hosts a VIP deck with four tables on a raised platform, while the surrounding décor is set in neutral tones, which are complemented by the former garage's many candles. Upon arrival, guests are encouraged to sit back and enjoy a cocktail or two before their meal. Dinner favourites include the chateaubriand with fried zucchinis and chantarelles, and, if there's still room for dessert, the vanilla hangop with marinated red fruit and honey.

Suite
Sint Nicolaasstraat 43
Because Amsterdam began as a fishing village, leaving the city without tasting the seafood would be nothing short of scandalous. Fortunately there’s Suite, a new, funky seafood restaurant and cocktail bar with a great menu sporting everything from fish soup to Buluga caviar. Suite has a spacious, modern interior of clean, white walls, comfy sofas and a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere. Don't leave without a taste of the famed 'Tuna Wakamore', which consists of raw tuna served with an avocado mousse. If you’re visiting on a weekend, have a drink or two in the Arabian-styled lounge, lined with cushions and couches.

Panama
4 Oostelijke Handelskade
Known as the "Manhattan of Amsterdam" because of its New York loft feel, Panama is a multi-room restaurant, nightclub and theatre located in a spacious former Port Authority building on the edge of the city. The crowd is generally laid-back and young, and the affordable meals - ranging from steamed kipflers to pan-fired garfish to blue cheese shortbread with a grape salad - keep both locals and visitors coming back for more.

Tujuh Maret
Utrechtsestraat 73
The super friendly staff and reasonable prices are a great reason to head to Indonesian restaurant Tujuh Maret. Be sure to try the exotic ‘rijstaffel’ – an assortment of 18 different dishes ranging from mild to hot and spicy. The atmosphere is definitely not luxurious, but it’s undoubtedly cosy and the explosion of tastes and smells is a great way to enjoy many dishes at once.


BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

Bar Bep
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 260
Located in the hip Nieuwezijds voorburgwal district, Bar Bep is a small lounge bar which draws in the arts-media types. A combination of friendly staff, juicy cocktails and soothing soul music make this the perfect place for pre-club drinks. Enjoy a drink al fresco on the terrace, or head inside to watch the bartenders work their magic with the cocktail shakers.

NOA
Leidsegracht 84
The elegant and airy NOA (‘Noodles of Amsterdam’) is reminiscent of a hip New York lounge with an oriental twist. The glass tables, white floors, cosy fireplace and low-slung comfy chairs make this the perfect place to unwind after a long day. But be warned, this ultra-chic bar can get packed on weekends, as DJs spin out the latest tunes and a trendy, yuppie crowd comes to enjoy the mean mojitos.

Supper Club
Jonge Roelensteeg 21
Supper Club is perhaps the hippest spot in Amsterdam, acting as a restaurant/club/DJ bar/art gallery all at once. With such an identity crisis, it’s easy to see how the Supper Club borders on the unconventional, though its patrons are far from pretentious. The club’s dining area is painted completely white and beds act as substitutes for tables and chairs. The cosy bar beneath is done in similarly lush style with mirrors, pillars and couches, giving the club a relaxed, sultry feel. Live DJs spin electro-inspired beats until late, making the club one of the hottest in town.

Jimmy Woo’s
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18
Furnished with black leather sofas and gorgeous oriental antiques, the interior of this famous nightspot is reminiscent of an 18th century oriental opium den, but with a sleek, modern twist. Mixing urban beats from an award-winning sound system with an environment that is nothing less than cosmopolitan, Jimmy Woo’s is the epitome of Amsterdam cool. Though the guest list is hard to get on, Jimmy’s is the place where the top names from in - and out - of town come to see and be seen.

Freddy’s Bar
Hotel de l’Europe, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-8
Named after Freddy Heineken, the former president of Heineken beer, this super-chilled bar is widely acknowledged to be the best hotel bar in Amsterdam. The classic style, complete with traditional wooden bar, leather furniture, and heavy red velvet and brown curtains, makes for a pleasant, informal atmosphere. Kick back with a refreshing glass of beer and enjoy the soft tinkling of the piano in the background.

Mansion
Hobbemastraat 2
This trendy club-restaurant is located in a Gothic-style house with a wild, unusual interior of ostrich leather and gold leaf covered walls. The ceiling paintings are even reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel. Mansion has many levels set to match any mood: the basement houses the Dim Sum Club, which serves up steaming dumplings in time with hot beats spun by the floor's DJ; the ground floor is a drinks emporium featuring four separate bars; and the top floor is a Chinese restaurant serving noodles, duck, pork and prawn dishes. Mansion frequently hosts themed parties and events as well as club nights each weekend so, no matter what night it is, something great is bound to be happening.

NL
Nieuwezijdse Voorburgwal Centre
Undoubtedly one of the hottest venues in Amsterdam, beautiful people flock to NL on a regular basis. A vibrant hub of the media and fashion set, come here to relax on the comfy leather sofas with a cocktail or to let loose on the dance floor where resident DJs play the hippest tracks of the moment. Just be sure to dress the part – NL is renowned for operating a strict door policy.

Sinners
Wagenstraat 3-7, Grachtengordel East
Sinners is Amsterdam’s self-proclaimed jet-set club, frequented by everyone from models to movie stars, football players to soap stars. Located on a narrow side street, it attracts a chic crowd of young scenesters every weekend. The interior is pristine and trendy, filled with mirrors and some designer furniture set against sultry red lighting. The club spans three dance floors, each with their own bar and resident DJs. Club nights are held Thursday through Saturday. Visitors must show up early and dress smartly to be admitted.

More
Rozengracht 133
The latest addition from the owners of Supper Club, More attracts a beautiful international crowd, who gather to dance the night away to the season’s hottest tracks. The bright décor, complete with shocking pink flooring, adds to the funky atmosphere, whilst the decadent VIP area on the second floor features a super-kitsch oriental twist. However, the club maintains a strict door policy, so it’s best to be on the guest list.

Moko
Amstelveld 12
The scenic setting is the main attraction of this cosy bar and restaurant, which was once a stable for Napoleon’s horses. Towering trees on one side and Prisengrach on the other, make this the perfect venue for those seeking privacy and romance. But for those who fancy a tipple there’s also a vast cocktail list.

Escape
Rembrandtplein 11
Escape has had a huge impact on Dutch nightlife since its opening in 1986, having become a club staple among Amsterdam’s younger crowd. The club accommodates over 2,000 people and offers exclusive parties, music, light, and trendy decor. The club hosts several weekly and monthly themed parties. There is also a stylish lounge filled with comfortable chairs where you can relax with a glass of wine or a cocktail. Opening at 11pm Thursday to Saturday, the party starts late and goes on until the wee small hours of the morning.


WHERE TO SHOP

Though it is no longer the diamond capital of the world, Amsterdam is still one of the major centres for diamond cutting. In fact, the largest diamond ever discovered - the Star of Africa - was cut in Amsterdam. Some of city’s most popular diamond shops include:

Coster Diamonds
Paulus Potterstraat 2-4, Open daily 9am-5pm.

Stoeltie Diamonds
Wagenstraat 13-17, Open daily 9am-5pm

Van Moppes Diamonds
Albert Cuypstraat 2-6, Open daily 9am-5pm.

Gassan Diamonds
Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175, Open daily 9am-5pm.

Kalverstraat
One of the most popular and central streets in The Netherlands, Kalverstraat has existed as a shopping area for more than six hundred years. Kalverstraat is home to almost 200 chain, boutique and specialised local shops and department stores offering everything from fashion, jewellery, health and beauty, music and books, toys and souvenirs. There are also several museums, movie theatres and monuments. For those who love to shop, Kalverstraat has enough on offer to fill a whole day of shopping.

The Nine Streets
The Nine Streets, or De Negen Straatjes, are situated in the heart of Amsterdam's canal district. A short walk from the Royal Palace, the streets are home to some of the city’s best boutiques and businesses. With everything from designer boutiques and specifically tailored fashion shops to art galleries and cafes, the Nine Streets are an afternoon adventure worth taking.

Braez Boutique
P.C. Hooftstraat 106, 1071 CC
The fastest growing newcomer in the world of Dutch fashion is represented on posh shopping street P.C. Hooftstraat. Heavy Italian influences and creative use of materials are the ideas behind the label's signature look.

Firma P.G.C. Hajenius
Rokin 92-96, 1012 KZ
A cigar shop located in a historic building, Hajenius has been one of the reigning Dutch cigar brands since 1826. The shop has been housed in a beautiful Art Deco building since 1914.

Spiegelkwartier
If you collect antiques or modern art, the Spiegelkwartier is the place to go. Located just across the bridge leading to the Rijksmuseum, Spiegelkwartier has been the centre of the national art and antiques trade for the past 80 years. Over 70 specialised art and antique dealers offer 17th century furniture, glass and Dutch Delftware, oriental art and Art Nouveau, tribal art, contemporary art, archaeological finds, medical instruments, clocks, jewellery, paintings and old master prints.

Markets

Albert Cuyp
Albert Cuypstraat, in De Pijp neighborhood
Established as a trading market in 1904, this iconic open-air street market now features nearly 300 vendors selling everything from food to clothing, jewellery, shoes, bike accessories and fabrics. The market is open Monday to Saturday from 8am-6pm. Even if you’re just passing through, the market is worth a quick browse – you never know what you might find.

Aertplein-Spui
Spui, between Kalverstraat and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
Every Sunday at the open-air Spui exhibition, visitors can see the recent works of over 60 Dutch and international artists. All techniques, including paintings in oil and acrylics, water colours, graphic arts, sculpture, ceramics and jewellery, are displayed on a weekly basis.

Bloemenmarkt
Singel, between Koningsplein and Muntplein, Central Canal Belt
Since 1862 this market has developed into one of the most famous flower markets in Holland. Everything that grows or blooms can de found here - from Dutch tulips and geraniums to indoor cypresses and ‘mano’ bulbs from the Easter Islands. In December, look for Christmas trees in all shapes and sizes.


WHAT TO SEE

Canal Tours – Enjoy beautiful views of Amsterdam’s famous canals by taking a canal tour with one of the shipping companies on the Damrak or Rokin. A basic tour will cost around EUR 10, with special arrangements like 'candle light cruises' available for a romantic evening. For a DIY tour, paddle boats are available at central areas of town (Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum).

Bridge of 15 Bridges – In the canal belt of the city there is one bridge that gives a view of no less than 15 bridges at the crossing of the Reguliersgracht with the Herengracht. Be sure to visit both in the day and at night: in the evening, the display is even more festive when the bridge arches are lit with hundreds of lights.

The Narrowest House in the World – This tiny house, complete with a typical Amsterdam bell-gable, is just two metres wide and six metres deep. Only one metre in breadth, the narrowest house in the world is barely wider than its front door, though behind the façade, the house broadens out to more normal dimensions. Regardless, the home is a curious sight to behold.

Zaanse Schans – For total immersion into historic Dutch culture, a visit to the village of Zaanse Schans is a must. One of the top tourist destinations in the Netherlands, Zaanse Schans is filled with characteristic green wooden houses, bridges, tradesmen's workshops, quaint shops and historic windmills, giving the full impression of a Dutch village in the 17th and 18th centuries. The area is also home to several museums with opportunities for boat rides and windmill tours.

Cinema – For modern films played in a historic site, visit the famous Tuschinski Theatre. Considered one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world, the theatre boasts a stunning mix of architecture and decor modelled in an Art Deco style. For the dedicated film buff, a stop by the Nederlands Film Museum is a must. With the largest film library in the Netherlands, the Film Museum collects and restores ‘treasures from the past’ and also hosts thematic programmes examining the history of film and contemporary cinematographic developments.

The Red Light District – It’s hard to go to Amsterdam without coming across the Red Light District, which occupies most of Amsterdam’s oldest areas in the centre of the city. Ladies stand behind huge windows, advertising their “services” in the distinctive sort of way that has made the Amsterdam red lights famous. Nearly everyone who visits Amsterdam takes a stroll through this area - if only to have a look - and there are plenty of bars and pubs in the area to retreat to.