Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most beautiful and vibrant cities famous for its tolerance and picturesque canals. It is also overflowing with achingly trendy and stylish hangouts, subcultures and creative types and… 2 Unlimited, but the less said about them the better.
Museums, art galleries, bike rides and uber-stylish eateries are a far cry from stag weekends, sex shows and spliffs and at just under an hours flight from Birmingham its the perfect weekend getaway. With 48-hours to explore here are our picks of the must sees and do’s of the Dam.
Get on your bike
By renting a bike you can experience the city like a local. The bicycle is undoubtedly the most practical means of transportation in Amsterdam and the best way to see the city. The MacBike Shop is ideally situated opposite Amsterdam Central Station where its bright red bikes make it apparent to everyone that you are a novice cycling tourist. On the plus side also means it is easier for the locals to know well in advantage to get the heck out of your way – especially when navigating past the narrow footpaths near the canals.
Supperclub
Eat
Supperclub: If you you prefer a bit of performance art with your food then this is the place for you. My usual version of ‘supper’ is a bit of marmite on toast and a 2 finger Kit-Kat, but this places takes it into the realms of “art”.
On arrival you’re asked to wait in the dark, leather clad S&M styled bar, before you embark upstairs to an uber-modernist white room with psychedelic backdrops. DJ’s spin ambient house music while performance artists play instruments to accompany the sounds all while you relax on beds and eat your 5-course surprise tasting menu (the night we went it had an oriental influence). If it all sounds a bit achingly trendy and Nathan Barley-esque then prepare to be surprised as it’s completely unpretentious and great fun! The pace picks up when the plates are washed and the BPM’s shift up a couple of notches giving you the opportunity to burn off the calories on the dancefloor.
Wine Time
The Dylan: Try High Wine at one of the World’s original boutique hotels. Situated in a 17th Century landmark building on the ‘Keizersgracht’ canal, in the heart of the trendy ‘nine streets’ district High Wine at The Dylan offers excellent wine and food pairing in luxurious surroundings. Sample four wines with accompanying amuse style bites (small plates) of food all in the opulent Michelin awarded restaurant Vinkeles. Ceasar Salad with King Prawn, Duck breast with Spring beans and raspberrys with processco and fresh mint is a hint of what to expect.
If you want to push the boat out – literally – then you can step out of Vinkeles and on to a completely renovated 19th century saloon vessel called ‘The Muse’ for a gastro evening on the water. €925 gets you a The Muse and a skipper for four hours. The 6 course menu with accompanying wines is an additional €225 per person which also includes the service of the chef and Maitre-D along with a glass of champagne – perfect luxury!
High Wine is served every day between 3pm and 7pm at the Dylan Hotel and costs 39.50 Euros per person (£35.49 per person). To make a reservation, call +31(0)20 530 2010 or visit www.dylanamsterdam.com
Shop
Droog (Staalstraat 7a/b, Amsterdam, 1011 JJ) With a selection of no-nonsense conceptual design, lighting, furniture and studio-work projects that have been extensively published in interior and style magazines and collected by museums all over the world Droog is the place to go to fit out the most stylish canalside warehouse apartment.
Get A History Lesson
Het Grachtenhuis (The Canal House) covers 400 years of the cities canal history in 40 minutes. A fascinating and fun multi-media experience all housed in a beautiful 17th century canal house (of course). The perfect introduction to the fascinating cityscape of the Netherlands capital city and perfect to whet your appetite before you embark on a trip along one of its many many canals.
The scaled model of the city comes alive via digitally enhanced projections and is soundtracked through your own personal headset. One of the cities newest attractions where history and new technology collide to make for a quick but informative history lesson. Space is compact so it’s advised to buy your ticket in advance. Stichting Het Grachtenhuis, Herengracht 386, 1016 CJ Amsterdam
For more information about Amsterdam please visit www.Holland.com
David O’Coy
