Time Out Amsterdam City Guide with Pull-Out Map (Travel Guide): Travel Guide with Pull-out Map

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It seems fitting that the Tropenmuseum , a huge ethnographic museum, should be located in multicultural Oost. The Tropen – housed in one of the city’s most beautiful and impressive buildings – has eight permanent exhibitions and hosts a multitude of smaller, temporary displays of visual and contemporary art. In the cosy confines of Zuiver , there’s only one option: a five-course ‘surprise’ menu that changes daily and showcases the very best local and seasonal produce. The food is consistently excellent, and it’s worth shelling out for the accompanying wine pairings.

It’s beautiful, vibrant and bustling, but it’s also very approachable and relaxed. Because it’s small, you can visit everything on foot and by bike, and there’s always something going on or somewhere to explore.’ It comes into its own in summer If time is of the essence, book a Tuk Tuk Safari , a guided tour of the whole island in an electric tuk-tuk. Lasting 90 minutes and complete with witty, informative drivers, the tour takes in Vlieland’s wildlife in all its epic diversity (plus some breathtaking views). Expect seals, birds of prey and the most dramatic cloud formations imaginable. Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is home to one of the world’s largest flower gardens, with 79 colourful acres of blooms and 7 million bulbs planted every year. Though it’s primarily famous for its tulips, with over 800 varieties, there’s plenty more to discover. The last 10 days of the opening season, for example, are taken up by the world’s largest lily show. April is the best time to see the tulips in their wondrous glory. The Netherlands’s second-biggest city has a distinctive, ultra-modern feel, born out of the huge rebuilding projects undertaken after World War II. Some of the 20th century’s most renowned architects have worked here, and the city’s warm, diverse character is shared by the enthusiastic, can-do locals.Housed in a 17th-century mansion that used to be an eye hospital, the 36 rooms of the Eye Hotel are stylish yet homely and come in a variety of sizes to suit all budgets. Details such as walk-in showers and Nespresso machines make it a comfortable base for a day or two of exploring. The best way to take in the magnificent Old Town – particularly Oudegracht – is from the water, and you needn’t restrict yourself to traditional canal tours (although they are great). Kayaks, pedalos and even gondolas are available to rent at various spots around the city centre.

Culturally, Oud-West is as rich as any other neighbourhood, and not simply in terms of high-flown art galleries and museums. Some of the city’s coolest institutions can be found here: there’s LAB111 , a cinema and exhibition space that’s home to various collectives and showcases quirky independent films and documentaries; OT301 , a legal squat that’s now a live music venue, cultural centre and pay-what-you-can vegan restaurant (staffed by volunteers); and De Nieuwe Anita , a retro living-room-cum-bar-cum-basement-venue that hosts everything from live music to taco tasting. Refuel with some Korean street food at The Bab Oud West . When you’re done, head to Lab111 . This cinema shows a revolving mix of classic, contemporary, and cult movies — plus its bar is an excellent place to sit with a drink and discuss what you’ve seen, both on the screen and in the city. A traditional, small inn in nearby Lisse, Het Wapen van Noordwijkerhout is known for its friendly, helpful staff and great-value, fuss-free food. Parking is free, and the breakfast spread is sumptuous (as is everything else served here).Originally built in the 17th century to house immigrants and the working class, this area has since been transformed into the city’s most expensive neighbourhood. Jordaan brims with elegant townhouses and spacious apartments and is dotted with art galleries, expensive boutiques and classy restaurants. But it’s not all extravagance and luxury; there are plenty of charming little stores and restaurants attracting younger crowds who live a little further west. If a sedate pace and upscale lifestyle are what you crave, this is the place to be. Ah, Amsterdam. Our love affair with this city never ends, from its innovative food scene to its most well-known attractions. Perhaps most famous for its art galleries and museums, from the Van Gogh Museum to the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam stands proudly as one of the most culturally significant cities in Europe, but, of course, it’s got a poppin’ nightlife scene too.

For dinner, chow down on some otherworldly tacos at the delightfully vibey Coba , or get a slice from the hip EUROPIZZA . Again, make sure to book in advance. ADE – Amsterdam Dance Event – is one of the biggest EDM festivals in the world, with many artists playing all over the city. In August, we celebrate love with hundreds of thousands of people during Pride – we are incredibly proud as Amsterdammers to celebrate Pride together as one. And November brings Museumnacht– museum night – when almost every museum in Amsterdam opens long into the night. Imagine seeing a Frans Hals painting while dancing!’ Interview by Derek Robertson.

You’ll find many great restaurants here, but for authentic local flavour head to Markthal , a food hall in a striking residential and office building. The various stalls cover everything from sushi to tapas, pizza to vegan salads, and should you wish to do some grocery shopping, there’s also an excellent selection of produce stands.

Nothing is more ‘De Pijp’ than just chilling out, and the small but perfectly formed Sarphatipark is the perfect place to do it. Grab some food and coffee to go – try Scandinavian Embassy , CT Coffee & Coconuts or Little Collins – and bag a spot in this tranquil inner-city haven; on a nice day, there is nothing finer. And while you’re here, wander around some of the cute little boutiques on the surrounding streets. If exploring the official garden isn’t physical enough for you, opt to rent a bike and cycle through the commercial bulb fields that surround Keukenhof. There are several routes to choose from (ranging from 4km to 7km), and whizzing past tulips in full bloom on two wheels is about the most Dutch experience possible. A multi-storey car park might not seem the best spot for a bar, but Waterkant proves otherwise. Best enjoyed in warmer weather, they have a glorious, spacious terrace lit up with fairy lights. By day, it’s the perfect place to watch canal traffic sail serenely by, but it gets boisterous at night as a hip young crowd comes to the party. Amsterdam is well-loved for its great food, scenic cycles and poppin’ nightlife, but often, its USP is its uber-cool, uber-chill and completely unique coffeeshops. And for those who aren’t yet familiar, we’re not talking about trendy croissants and latté art in the shape of little seahorses. Sure, they’ve got coffee in Amsterdam . But when we talk about coffeeshops, we mean licenced cannabis cafés, where you can choose from extensive marijuana menus. Arriving in the early afternoon, the first thing on the agenda is hitting some cultural highlights.Unlike some cities, visitors to Amsterdam often find themselves wanting to go again and again and again. This city is known for its innovative food scene and great attractions, but the thing that will forever linger in your mind? Amsterdam’s bars. The nightlife scene here is second to none, and there’s a bar for (literally) every mood. It's time to explore some of Amsterdam’s bruin cafés . These gezellig bars are the heartbeat of the Jordaan, and walking between Cafe de Laurierboom , Cafe Chris , Cafe de Nieuwe Lelie , Cafe 't Smalle , Cafe de Tuin , and Cafe Tabac is the perfect way to explore the area’s winding, narrow streets. If I’m with friends or family, I often visit Café de Ceuvel in Noord. On a warm summer day, we bring our swimsuits and take a dive. One thing the Dutch are famous for is apple pie, and you’ll find the best at a café called Waargenoegen in Noord’s Neef Louis vintage design store.’ ... and there’s always loads of art to see It’s also one of Europe’s most popular cities for a weekend break – which is no surprise, given the staggering amount of restaurants , bars and things to do here. And while the Dutch capital is known to many visitors as either ‘the Venice of the North’ or ‘the City of Sin,’ the reality is altogether different. Take a step away from the traditional tourist beat and you’ll discover a place that exudes both a stylish modernity and a sense of cosiness the locals call gezellig.