Amsterdam: Canals, Culture & Cosmopolitan Charm

Fly into Amsterdam and check in at your chosen hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the area around your accommodation—whether it’s the grand Amstel River, the charming canals of the Nine Streets, or the lively De Pijp neighborhood.

For dinner, stay in and dine at your hotel’s restaurant. I always recommend this as a great way to connect with your new home for a few days. Each of these properties offers a unique culinary experience:

Amstel Amsterdam: The La Rive restaurant serves refined French-Dutch cuisine in an elegant setting, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Pulitzer Amsterdam: Jansz offers a modern take on Dutch classics, with dishes like North Sea crab, aged beef, and local cheeses, all served in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Tivoli Doelen: Restaurant Doelen features a menu of contemporary Dutch dishes, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a stylish, relaxed vibe paired with a wine list that celebrates female winemakers.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a half-day private welcome tour to get your bearings. Visit iconic sights like the Dam Square, the Royal Palace, and the Jordaan neighborhood, where your guide can share the stories and history that make Amsterdam so unique.

For lunch, head to Freddy’s Bar Amsterdam, a stylish spot in the city center. Order a cheese plate featuring aged Gouda, Leiden goat cheese, and creamy Edam, paired with a cocktail like their signature Dutch Mule (a local twist on the Moscow Mule, made with Dutch gin). Don’t miss the bitterballen—a must-try Dutch snack. These deep-fried, crispy meatballs are typically served with mustard and are the perfect bar bite: creamy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and utterly addictive. Soooo good!

In the afternoon, embark on a canal cruise to see the city from its most iconic perspective. Glide past gabled houses, historic bridges, and houseboats while learning about Amsterdam’s Golden Age and modern-day charm.

For dinner, I recommend two Michelin-starred gems that celebrate regional Dutch cuisine:

Flore offers a refined, seasonal menu with dishes like North Sea turbot with leeks and caviar, or duck with beetroot and black garlic. The intimate setting and impeccable service make it a standout.

Alba focuses on pure, elegant flavors, with a tasting menu that highlights ingredients like Dutch asparagus, Zeeland lobster, and aged beef. The wine pairings are thoughtfully curated to complement each course. (please bullet these two)

End the night on Reguliersdwarsstraat, the heart of Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. Start with cocktails at Blend, a chic bar with a vibrant crowd and creative drinks. Then, head to Soho, a lively spot with a mix of locals and visitors, great music, and a fun, unpretentious vibe. Cap off the evening at Spijker, a cozy, late-night bar where the drinks flow, the conversation is easy, and the atmosphere is as warm as it is welcoming.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, dedicate your day to Amsterdam’s world-class museums. Start with the Anne Frank House, a poignant and moving experience that offers a glimpse into the life of Anne Frank and the history of World War II in the Netherlands. Note: Book your tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly.

Next, visit the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam’s premier modern art museum. The collection includes works by Dutch masters like Mondrian and Van Gogh, as well as contemporary pieces by artists like Warhol and Kandinsky. The building itself, with its striking white facade, is a work of art.

For your third stop, head to the Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands’ national museum. Here, you’ll find an unparalleled collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. The museum’s grand halls and intricate details make it a must-visit for art lovers.

In the afternoon, stroll along Prinsengracht, one of Amsterdam’s most picturesque canals. The street is lined with boutique shops, from high-end fashion to quirky concept stores. Pop into Rum Baba for unique home goods, The Otherist for indie fashion, or De Kaaskamer for a tasting of artisanal Dutch cheeses.

As the sun begins to set, make your way to Super Lyan, a hidden cocktail bar from the team behind the renowned Lyaness in London. The drinks here are inventive and expertly crafted, with a focus on sustainability and local ingredients. Sip on a Dutch Courage (a gin-based cocktail with apple and black tea) or a Green Beast (a herbal, refreshing mix with cucumber and lime)—the perfect end to a day of culture and exploration.