Feel the pulse
Only the buildings are old-fashioned
Amsterdam is one of the hippest cities in Europe. Energetic and laid-back in equal measure, the city is famous for its open-minded citizens and beautiful architecture.
Away from the bright (or should that be red?) lights, Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world, boasting over 60in total
The centre of Amsterdam has lots of charming 17th century buildings but that’s about all that’s old-fashioned about the Dutch capital.
Nightlife in Amsterdam is legendary and its dance music scene ranks among the best in the world.
There are an overwhelming number of restaurants, lounges, cafes and clubs to satisfy every taste.
Away from the bright (or should that be red?) lights, Amsterdam has thehighest museum density in the world, boasting over 60 in total.
Highlights include the AnneFrank House, Van Gogh Museum, National Rijksmuseum and Hermitage Amsterdam
For more unusual and light-hearted excursions, rub shoulders with the rich and famous at Madame Tussauds, quench your thirst at the Heineken Experience, or hop on a bike and cycle along the canals like the Dutch do.
Amsterdam boasts a rich and diverse cultural scene, with classical concerts held frequently at Concertgebouw and jazz at Bimhuis, while Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ is a cultural melting pot holding different shows every day.
Built around a 17th century canal network with Unesco status, Amsterdam boasts a fascinating mix of architecture; the works of Dutch architect Berlage and the Amsterdam School architectural movement contrast wonderfully with innovative new projects The Zuidas district and the Eastern Docklands.
And shopaholics certainly won’t be disappointed. Away from the high street fashions of the centre, head for The Nine Streets area, which is a warren of vintage shops, trendy boutiques, designer studios, jewellers, art galleries, specialty foods stores and lots of fine cafes.
High end designer gear can be found on swish PC Hooftstraat, while Cornelis Schuytstraat, Van Baerlestraat and Beethovenstraat offer chic fashion boutiques.
Surprisingly, the Red Light District is also fantastic for shopping. Just a stone’s throw away from the ‘working girls’ is an assembly of young and talented designers based at Red Light Fashion, along the Oudezijds Achterburgwal.