Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and is famous for its 100 kilometers of canal, 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. Amsterdam has plenty for everyone to visit and experience: its canals, famous residents, like Anne Frank, and culture.
Top Places to Visit
Anne Frank Museum – This iconic museum is one of the most visited places in Amsterdam with over one million visitors every year. It opened in 1960 and preserves Anne Frank’s hiding place as well as having a permanent exhibition of her life and times.
November to March, the museum is open everyday from 9am to 7pm (9pm on Saturdays), and April to October, the museum is open everyday from 9am to 10pm. Tickets cost € 9 for an adult, € 4.50 for children between 10-17 and free for under 10’s. It is recommended to book your ticket in advance online, however tickets are also available from the museum entrance after 3:30pm.
Rijksmuseum – This museum is dedicated to the art and history of Amsterdam. Attracting about 2 million visitors each year, this is a must for any lover of art and paintings. It has 8,000 pieces on display, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Jan Steen, and Johannes Vermeer.
Open daily from 9am to 5pm, even on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Tickets cost € 17.50 for an adult and under 18’s are free. You can buy tickets online, which means you don’t have to queue at the ticket counter (which can get very busy, especially during the weekend and holidays), or you can buy your ticket on the day.
Vondelpark – This is the largest park in Amsterdam and welcomes ten million people every year. Located in the centre of the city, this park is well loved by tourists and locals alike with plenty of space to walk (or cycle). It’s also one of the locations included on the City Bike Tour, if you want to learn more from an experienced guide.
There are free concerts during the summer at the open-air theatre or the bandstand, as well as statues, six play areas, and the historical Pavilion with a restaurant open during the summer. It’s the perfect place to get away and enjoy being surrounded by nature.
A Place to Stay
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam – This five star hotel is in the heart of the city and consists of 6 17th century canal palaces on the Herengracht, one of the three main canals. There’s a luxury Guerlain spa with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness centre and massages on offer.
When it comes to dining, this hotel is hard to beat with a two Michelin star restaurant, Librije’s Zusje Amsterdam, featuring the finest local produce meshed with rare and exotic ingredients, techniques and influences. There is also Goldfinch Brasserie for a more relaxed dinner, Peacock Alley for an intimate yet lavish meal, and Vault Bar which has a wide range of the finest wines and spirits.
A Place to Eat
De Silveren Spiegel – This high end Dutch restaurant dates from the 17th century and is renowned for its delicate approach to traditional Dutch cuisine. With core values of elegance, tradition and hospitality, this is one of Amsterdam’s finest dining experiences.
There are both tasting and a la carte menus, with no a la carte available on Friday and Saturday to ensure speedy service. For the tasting menu, there is an option of 4,5, 6 or 7 courses, with courses such as North Sea Crab and Scallop Saint Jacques on offer. The price for a tasting menu ranges from €48-125.
Both the tasting menu and the a la carte menu are available to peruse on their website and it is recommended that you reserve a table, which can either be done via phone or their website.