We asked Amsterdam’s top concierges to share their personal recommendations for the perfect day in the Dutch capital
MICHAEL WIGMAN
”Here at The Dylan, we help our guests build tailor-made itineraries to create the perfect day or weekend.
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“The best way to see Amsterdam is from the water, so we always recommend taking a private boat tour along the canals. Other daytime activities we recommend include one of The Dylan’s unique walking tours of hidden churches and gardens, or a visit to one of the major museums. Both the Hermitage Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum often have inspiring exhibits. An afternoon stroll through the Nine Streets offers the elite traveler the chance to peruse a variety of unique shops, from vintage clothing to cheese shop De Kaaskamer, which sells 300 different varieties. The area also boasts many amazing art galleries. From 3pm to 7pm, we recommend guests enjoy a sampling of savory bites from the Vinkeles kitchen accompanied by The Dylan’s signature High Wine. A wonderful selection of seasonal combinations and flavors, High Wine consists of four food and wine pairings. For those looking for a night out on the town, we recommend hotspot Jimmy Woo.”
Best Restaurants
Vinkeles
Cuisine: French
The Dylan, Keizersgracht 384, 1016
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Bussia
Cuisine: Italian
Reestraat 28-30, 1016
De Kas
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097
Best Shopping District
The Nine Streets (two minutes from the Royal Palace)
For: Vintage shopping
P.C. Hooftstraat
For: Designer labels
Best to Do
The best way to see Amsterdam is from the water. Depart from The Dylan’s private landing dock for an exclusive tour of the canals in The Kleijn Amsterdam, a luxuriously appointed 100-year-old classic canal boat.
JULIETTE RÖSCHARD-MIRKA & EEF SPARLA
“Begin your day at 9am with a guided bike tour around Amsterdam.
“Your expert guide will show you the historic city center as well as examples of contemporary urban planning along Amsterdam’s waterfront, Het IJ. Afterwards your guide will drop you off at the beautiful Vondelpark to enjoy a delicious champagne and oyster picnic prepared by our Hoofdstad Brasserie chef Alexander. After lunch our private shopper will collect you from your picnic and guide you around the best shopping areas at PC Hoofstraat and Nine Streets.
After you have freshened up at the hotel, an antique Landau carriage will take you on a romantic pre-dinner city tour with champagne and appetizers, prepared by our Chef Thomas. Once back in your room a beautiful sunset dinner will be served on your balcony overlooking the Amstel River. When you are ready to explore Amsterdam’s nightlife, our guide will escort you to the most exclusive Amsterdam clubs.”
Best Restaurants
Bord’Eau
Cuisine: French
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, 1012 De Silveren
Spiegel
Cuisine: Dutch
Kattengat 4-6, 1012
Aan de Poel
Cuisine: International
Handweg 1, 1185 Amstelveen
Best Shop
Van Ravenstein
For: Innovative, chic clothing
Keizersgracht 359, 1016
Best to Do
A private tour of the city via our antique saloon boat, truly the limousine of the Amsterdam canals, which departs from De L’Europe’s waterside terrace.
UDO ESHUIJS
“A perfect day in Amsterdam begins with a delicious breakfast at Gartine, a mere five-minute walk from Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam.
“Open only for breakfast, lunch and a delicious high tea, Gartine is a testament to slow food served up by a friendly couple that grow their own vegetables and herbs. Very simple and very special. The best way to see Amsterdam is by bicycle. Become Dutch for a day and rent a bike and a private guide; wheeling down the little streets of this beautiful city is pure magic. Some great attractions easily accessible by bike are the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House; the unique boutiques in Nine Streets and the tiny picturesque streets in the upscale Jordaan district of the city.
Of course, the Netherlands are much more than just Amsterdam. Rent a car with a private driver / guide and get out and explore this fascinating country. Admire the beauty of the Keukenhof (flower gardens with more than seven million flowers) or become enchanted by the windmills at the Zaanse Schans in north Holland; or enjoy a haring (salty raw fish) in a typical fishing village like Volendam.
Looking for an unforgettable experience? How about a fabulous private lunch on a fully restored 1920s wooden saloon boat while cruising through the narrow canals of Amsterdam? Your captain will order and collect each course of your lunch at various top restaurants and serve you on board. An extensive wine and champagne list is also available.
Best Restaurants
Bridges
Cuisine: Dutch and French
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, 1012
Incanto
Cuisine: Italian
Amstel 2, 1017
Le Restaurant
Cuisine: French
Tweede Jan-Steenstraat 3, 1073
Best Shop
The Nine Streets For: Everything!
Best to Do
The best thing to do in Amsterdam is to simply enjoy the beauty and charm of the city. Stroll down the small streets of the Jordaan, marvel at the intricacy of the Grachten Gordel – Amsterdam’s canal network – placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. And visit stunning Vondelpark with its open-air theater on a beautiful summer’s day.
MR. AAD VAN DEN BERG
Head Concierge, Intercontinental Amstel Amsterdam
+31 20 622 6060
“Begin with a guided tour around the old city via a luxury canal boat, before visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam’s Old South (Oud Zuid) district.
“Your boat will wait for you to finish your visit, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Rive. After a rest, why not work off lunch in the Amstel’s Health & Fitness Club for an hour or two. Once you’ve freshened up, we recommend a light dinner at Keyzer Bodega restaurant, followed by a classical concert at the world-famous Concertgebouw.”
Best Restaurants
Restaurant La Rive
Cuisine: Mediterranean / French
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, Professor Tulpplein 1, 1018
De Kas
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097
Ron Blaauw
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Sophialaan 55 hs, 1075
Best Shopping
De Bijenkorf
For: Luxury fashion, beauty and home collections
Dam Square 1, 1012
Best to Do
A city canal tour in an authentic canal boat.
