AmsterdAm’s best… mArkets 4 10
Frederik Hendrikbuurt
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De Wallen 13 3
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Amsterdam
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Noordermarkt is a flea market located in the hip Jordaan neighbourhood offering a mix of antique goods and handmade crafts. It’s very popular, so make sure to get there early in the morning for unhindered shopping.
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Oude Pijp
Opposite page, from top: Rijksmuseum facade; Tulips in Keukenhof Gardens; View of Amsterdam canals with bridge and typical Dutch houses. This page: Old bicycles and a canal view.
Images: Shutterstock
mUst-dOs If you’re new to the city, there is no better way to discover its countless attractions than with a canal tour. Among the main waterways are Prinsengracht (1), Keizersgracht (2), Herengracht (3) and Jordaan (4). Lined by trees and gabled canal houses, Prinsengracht is among the city’s most attractive canals: stop off to visit the Westerkerk (5), or Western Church - the view from its tower is breathtaking. For those wanting to stay on dry land, the city is made for cycling and there are plenty of tours to choose from. Amsterdam is brimming with world-class museums and galleries: head to the museumplein (6), in the heart of the Museum Quarter, to find its most impressive offerings. There you will find the Van Gogh museum (7), which chronicles the artist’s life and has the most extensive collection of his works. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the size and quality of offerings at the rijksmuseum (8): 80 halls hold 8,000 items narrating the story of 800 years of Dutch art and history, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. And for fans of modern art, there is stedelijk museum Amsterdam (9), home to impressive 20thcentury works: from Picasso to Chagall. Art isn’t the only beauty to behold in this city, though. The tulips of Amsterdam have inspired artists and musicians for generations: head to the Amsterdam Tulip museum (10) 74 May 2013 Kanoo World Traveller
Boerenmarkt is one of Amsterdam’s biggest organic farmers’ markets. From seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, to freshly-baked breads, pastries, organic olive oils and fragrant pestos, it’s definitely a foodie’s paradise. spui art market is a weekly open-air gallery showcasing the works of up to 25 artists: from oil and watercolour works through to photography, sculpture and jewellery. This hub of creativity is not to be missed.
to find out more, or, if you visit in early May, take a tour to the Keukenhof Gardens (11), located just out of town, and cycle through tulip fields. Back in the city, follow the crowds to Vondelpark (12), the largest green space in the city. A cultural hub – complete with a cinema, Picasso sculpture and entertainers – it’s the perfect place to picnic and people watch. For quieter environs, there is Beginhof (11), Amsterdam’s secret garden, or Artis Zoo (12), which is in bloom this year: to celebrate its 175th birthday it is planting hundreds of thousands of new bulbs. The city-centre zoo boasts 19th century architecture and more than 900 species of animals. Music lovers will fall head-over-heels for the Concertgebouw (13). Its incredible acoustics are worldrenowned, as is its spellbinding Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (also 125 this year). Alternatively, find some of the best Dutch cabaret artists, touring operas, and plays at the Koninklijk Theater Carré (14). And if you don’t want to go home empty-handed, head to high-end department store de Bijenkorf (15) on dam square (16) – look out for creations by Dutch designer Bas Kosters.
WHere tO stAY Conservatorium Hotel (19) (conservatoriumhotel.com) is in the heart of the museum square, with unrivalled access to the capital’s cultural destinations. Formerly a music conservatorium, the hotel is a mix of modernism and contemporary chic. de L’europe Hotel (20) (leurope.nl) is regally decorated, with three-tiered glass chandeliers and famous artwork of Dutch masters. Referred to as the ‘royal palace of Amsterdam’, it boasts beautiful views of the Amstel river. And its restaurant Bord’Eau is Michelin-starred.
WHere tO eAt Beddington’s (17) (beddington.nl) creates fusion cuisine inspired by countries worldwide, from Italy to Japan. Bursting with flavour and innovatively presented, the restaurant’s everchanging menu is a favourite with foodies. de Kas (18) (restaurantdekas.nl) is set in a beautifully renovated greenhouse. With ingredients sourced from the surrounding vegetable and herb gardens at sunrise every day, its Mediterranean cuisine is exquisitely fresh and delicious.