AMSTERDAM: DIZZY DAYS, STARRY NIGHTS
The Netherlands capital is a city of coffee, cycling, carbs and cats, writes Allison Foat
08h00
Coffee
Google “coffee shops” in Amsterdam and a list of marijuana dispensaries will pop up. If all you want is an espresso, type that into your search bar and Coffee & Coconuts will likely be the frontrunner, a popular hangout located within a 1920s art-deco cinema in De Pijp, a 20-minute stroll from Dam Square. It pulls a mega crowd, so get there early for a silky flat white and laptop time.
● coffeeandcoconuts.com
08h30
Breakfast
“Relax your soul and have a bowl.” Whether you’re leaning towards the green or not, Ferdinand Bowls will kickstart your day with their plant-based breakfast bowls, fresh teas and non-dairy coffees.
● ferdinandbowls.nl
09h00
Sightseeing
Dam Square or “The Dam” as locals call it is both a busy commercial centre and a onestop heritage hub, conveniently framed by the 17th-century Royal Palace, the gothic-style Nieuwe Kerk, the WW2 National Monument obelisk and Madame Tussauds. It’s also close to other must-see places like the Nine Streets (vintage and designer shopping), Spui Book Market and the Red Light District.
● amsterdam.info/sights/dam_square
10h00
Shopping
For high-end brands, head to De Bijenkorf department store on Dam Square and the pedestrian-only Kalverstraat, just off it. For a refreshing change, target standout local design and cool locally made craft at shops like Hema, Denham Jeans, Mumami knitwear and BDP (By Popular Demand) for everything from travel accessories to gimmicky toys for kids and stylish homeware and apparel.
● bpdthingsyouwant.com
11h00
Art
The 19th-century Museumplein is a glorious grouping of three of the world’s best institutions: the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. It’s also the site of the I Amsterdam sign. Revel in Rembrandt and the great masters and afterwards head next door to the Moco with its permanent collection by Hirst, Dali and Warhol, and Laugh now, an assemblage of Banksy’s work that’s on view until January 15 2019.
On Sundays there’s a huge antique and craft market on the Museumplein and in winter the pond is turned into an ice rink.
● amsterdamsights.com/amsterdam/ museumplein.html
12h00
Light Lunch
There’s no avoiding carbs in Amsterdam, with such delectable pastries as stroopwafels and pannenkoeken. One of the best (and cheapest) snacks is a plate of traditional frites (fries) dipped in thick mayo at Van Wonderen Frieten on Runstraat, a street with cool boutiques and the newly opened Screaming Beans, an (actual) coffee shop.
● vanwonderenstroopwafels.nl
13h00
Cycle tour
With 881,000 bicycles (four times the number of cars) in Amsterdam, the city is completely cyclist friendly. If you’re pressed for time, a one-hour bicycle tour is a fun way to orientate oneself plus drop a few frites calories as you ride along the canals.
● One-hour tour: https://bit.ly/2SMGyaz
14h15 Floating cat sanctuary
The world famous De Poezenboot is a floating cat sanctuary on the canal that was originally opened in 1968.
Today’s “cat boat” has been specially modified to accommodate street strays that are taken in and nursed back to health and dignity. Visitors are admitted two at a time for 20 minutes between 1pm and 3pm daily. With no entrance fee, donations and e-adoption pledges are much needed to ensure the project’s longevity.
● depoezenboot.nl
15h00
Iconic Design
Droog, the conceptual Dutch design company, needs no introduction to those in tune with design. The eponymous hotel that famously has only one room available to book, is a thrill. Comprising five historic buildings, there is a concept store, exhibition space, a quirky Fairy Tale Garden designed by Claude Pasquer and Corinne Détroyat, and an uber pricey store-within-a store called Menage.
● droog.com
15h30
High Tea
Since you’re in the Droog Hôtel, step into the airy Café Droog on the first floor, an exquisitely designed eatery and events venue where almost everything you see can be purchased. Sink into the all-consuming “Sack Blue Sofa” and indulge in the sumptuous high tea with shots of soup, homemade cakes and sandwiches. You won’t want to leave.
● droog.com
17h00
Swing from the A’Dam Tower
Head up to the observation deck of the 22-storey-high A’Dam Tower, behind Amsterdam’s Central Station, with its unbeatable views across the city, then end your afternoon with a thrilling ride on “Over the Edge”, Europe’s highest swing that hovers 100m above the ground.
● adamlookout.com
18h30
Cocktails
Tippling in stylish surrounds is always a good idea. Head for a cocktail at the Mezzanine Bar at Room Mate Aitana, a design hotel set among an exceptional architectural collective on IJDock. They also have a selection of more than 50 craft beers if you’d prefer a frothy.
The menu is curated by mixologist Alfonso Graça, who comes with an impressive industry pedigree and is always ready to share stories on the evolution of traditional Dutch jenever to gin.
● room-matehotels.com/en/aitana
20h00
Dinner
Spoil yourself at De Kas, an acclaimed restaurant 20 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal and housed within a set of greenhouses built in 1926. Founder and “head grower” Gert Jan Hagerman, a chef with a Michelin star earned at Vermeer, harvests fresh herbs and vegetables from its own nurseries. The menu is prepared by chefs-decuisine Jos Timmer and Wim de Beer.
● restaurantdekas.nl/home
22h30
Late-night Jazz
For serious live jazz and blues, Jazz Café Alto near Leidseplein is a seven-nights-a-week venue that hosts established musos and emerging talent. Entrance is free.
● jazz-cafe-alto.nl