Curator’s statement
Amsterdam is a city of the unique and unexpected, which is always exciting for me. I have a dear friend who lives there and has shared her favorite spots and discoveries with me during my frequent visits over the years. She has helped me to fall in love with all that Amsterdam offers. There are many famous and well-known museums and landmarks in Amsterdam (including the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum) and I do recommend visiting all of them, though for this guide I will focus on the lesser-known spots.
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Where to stay in Amsterdam
The Dylan Amsterdam
A stylish yet cozy Amsterdam hotel with beautifully appointed suites and a convenient location for exploring the city.
De L'Europe Amsterdam
Luxe property from the 19th-century overlooking the Amstel River with refined rooms and suites.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam
A longtime favorite and award winner for its striking architecture, modern style and central location in the Museum Square district.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Overlooking Prinsengracht canal and spanning 25 17th-century homes, this is a hotel lover’s hotel.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rosewood Amsterdam
Rosewood Amsterdam is a luxury hotel offering elegant accommodations and exceptional service in the heart of the city, blending historic charm with modern amenities.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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Things to do in Amsterdam
Our Lord in the Attic Museum - Hidden in the heart of the city center, this museum showcases a secret historical church, commissioned in an attic of a 17th-century canal house during a time when it was forbidden to practice the Catholic faith
Wereldmuseum - Formerly known as Tropen Museum, Wereldmuseum focuses on how people live worldwide. Colonialism and its impact are important themes in the museum and exhibits, along with topics such as global trade, migration, climate change and urbanization
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam - One of the world’s oldest botanical gardens
Foam Photography Museum - Contemporary photography museum
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat - Five blocks packed with art galleries, antique dealers and vintage goods
The Nine Streets - Picturesque streets connecting the canals, filled with unique boutiques, cafes and galleries. Food options: de Kaaskamer (cheese shop); Cafe de Doffer (old Dutch cafe) and my favorite candy store (see below)
Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje - Charming old candy store with an entire wall of black licorice varieties — for my fellow black licorice lovers, it is a must visit. There are dozens of candy jars with options upon options. The owner will help you choose a variety based on your likes.
Zaanse Schans - Rent a bike and ride along the canals on the outskirts of town; it will take about an hour to pedal out to Zaanse Schans, a village that is an open-air museum where people also live, with working windmills and museums
Take a walk along the canals in the early morning and enjoy the serenity before the action of the day starts
Visit a canal house museum (or two). Some options: Rembrandt House (where he lived and worked), Museum Van Loon (17th-century patrician family home and garden) and Huis Willet- Holthuysen (17th-century patrician mansion)
Canal cruise is a must — preferably one of the small private boat options
Day trips
Keukenhof, home to one of the world’s largest flower gardens
Delft, city of Vermeer
Antwerp, city of Belgian avant-garde fashion and diamonds
Places to eat & drink in Amsterdam
Bakkerji Mater - Good bakery/coffee
Cafe Krom - Historical Dutch cafe with 1920s interior — stop for a coffee and apple pastry
Cafe de Klepel - No menu, just one selection per night along with a great wine selection
De Kas - Vegetable-focused, farm-to-table restaurant inside a greenhouse
Cafe Schiller - Art Deco/Art Nouveau cafe restaurant with classic bistro fare
D & A Hummus Bistro - For a lunchtime hummus feast
Cafe Kadjik - Some of the best Indonesian food in town — Indonesia used to be a colony of the Netherlands, hence the many Indonesian restaurants in town
Cafe Parlotte - Dutch/French bistro with seasonal set menu that changes daily, paired with oysters, charcuterie and wine
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Travel Advisor
Kara Kassuba
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Amsterdam. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Sicily in April.