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The Elsewhere Guide

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Canal houses, world-class museums, and the best cycling in Europe

Europe April–May, September $160–$300/day

In Amsterdam, where gabled facades reflect in serene canals and art meets opulence, luxury travelers find an urbane escape like no other. This city, where Rembrandt once roamed, offers sumptuous comforts and cultured experiences. From bespoke canal tours to Michelin-starred dining, Amsterdam is a tapestry of elegance and charm waiting to be unraveled.

Best time to go

Spring, particularly late April to early June, when the tulips are in bloom and the city's parks and gardens are at their most vibrant.

Where to Stay

The Icon

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Herengracht

$1,200 /night

Nestled along the UNESCO-listed Herengracht canal, this hotel offers a blend of historic elegance and modern luxury with its opulent rooms and serene garden courtyard.

Why we love it: Its location on the canal ring provides a quintessentially Amsterdam experience with unparalleled views.

The Design Hotel

Conservatorium Hotel

Museum Quarter

$1,000 /night

Located in a stunning neo-Gothic building, this hotel is where history meets contemporary design, offering a sensory-rich experience in the heart of Amsterdam's cultural district.

Why we love it: Its proximity to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum makes it perfect for art aficionados.

The Boutique Gem

Hotel TwentySeven

Dam Square

$1,500 /night

With just 16 suites, this intimate hotel offers personalized service and lavish interiors that redefine luxury in the heart of Amsterdam.

Why we love it: The bespoke service ensures every whim is catered to, making each stay uniquely memorable.

Seven Days in Amsterdam

Day 1

A Canal-Side Welcome

Breakfast 09:00

Breakfast at The Duchess

The Duchess, Spuistraat 172

💡 Try their signature Duchess Eggs for a lavish start.

restaurant
Morning 11:00

Private canal tour with Rederij de Jordaan

Rederij de Jordaan, Prinsengracht 279

💡 Request a classic saloon boat for a romantic touch.

experience
🍽
Lunch 13:30

Lunch at Restaurant Breda

Restaurant Breda, Singel 210

💡 Opt for the chef's surprise menu for a delightful culinary journey.

restaurant
Afternoon 15:30

Explore the Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum, Museumstraat 1

💡 Book a private guide to delve deeper into the masterpieces.

museum
🌙
Evening 19:00

Dinner at Ciel Bleu

Ciel Bleu, Ferdinand Bolstraat 333

💡 Reserve a window table for panoramic city views.

restaurant

A perfect introduction to Amsterdam's elegance, blending history, cuisine, and culture.

Day 2

Artistic Indulgence

Breakfast 08:30

Breakfast at Conservatorium Brasserie

Conservatorium Hotel, Van Baerlestraat 27

💡 The pastries are a must-try, freshly baked each morning.

restaurant
Morning 10:00

Private tour of the Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum, Museumplein 6

💡 Arrive early to enjoy the exhibits without the crowds.

museum
🍽
Lunch 12:30

Lunch at RIJKS

RIJKS, Museumstraat 2

💡 The seasonal tasting menu pairs beautifully with a selection of Dutch wines.

restaurant
Afternoon 14:30

Visit to Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House, Prinsengracht 263-267

💡 Book tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

museum
🌙
Evening 18:30

Dinner at Spectrum

Spectrum, Herengracht 542-556

💡 The wine pairing enhances the culinary experience to new heights.

restaurant

A day that immerses you in Amsterdam's rich artistic legacy.

Day 3

Gourmet Delights

Breakfast 09:00

Breakfast at The Dylan Amsterdam

The Dylan, Keizersgracht 384

💡 Their Dutch pancakes are legendary.

restaurant
Morning 10:30

Private cheese tasting tour

Henri Willig Cheese Farm, Katwoude

💡 Don't miss the truffle gouda for a unique flavor experience.

experience
🍽
Lunch 13:00

Lunch at De Kas

De Kas, Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3

💡 Enjoy the farm-to-table freshness inside a greenhouse setting.

restaurant
Afternoon 15:00

Stroll through Vondelpark

Vondelpark, Amsterdam

💡 Visit the rose garden for a fragrant retreat.

experience
🌙
Evening 19:00

Dinner at The White Room

The White Room, Dam 9

💡 The tasting menu is a symphony of flavors and textures.

restaurant

Indulge your palate with the finest culinary experiences Amsterdam has to offer.

Day 4

Cultural Immersion

Breakfast 08:30

Breakfast at Pulitzer Amsterdam

Pulitzer Amsterdam, Prinsengracht 323

💡 Enjoy breakfast in the charming inner courtyard.

restaurant
Morning 10:00

Exclusive tour of the Hermitage Amsterdam

Hermitage Amsterdam, Amstel 51

💡 Check out the rotating exhibitions for unique insights.

museum
🍽
Lunch 12:30

Lunch at Bridges

Bridges, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197

💡 Their seafood dishes are as fresh as they are innovative.

restaurant
Afternoon 14:30

Explore Jordaan district

Jordaan, Amsterdam

💡 Pop into the boutique shops for unique Dutch designs.

experience
🌙
Evening 18:30

Dinner at Restaurant Vinkeles

Restaurant Vinkeles, Keizersgracht 384

💡 The Michelin-starred experience is enhanced by the historic setting.

restaurant

A day dedicated to exploring Amsterdam's vibrant cultural scene.

Day 5

Timeless Elegance

Breakfast 09:00

Breakfast at Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Ferdinand Bolstraat 333

💡 Savor the Japanese breakfast for a unique start to your day.

restaurant
Morning 10:30

Visit to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Royal Palace, Dam Square

💡 Check the schedule for any special exhibitions or events.

museum
🍽
Lunch 12:30

Lunch at Librije's Zusje Amsterdam

Librije's Zusje Amsterdam, Herengracht 542-556

💡 The two-Michelin-starred menu is a culinary masterpiece.

restaurant
Afternoon 14:30

Afternoon Tea at Waldorf Astoria

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Herengracht 542-556

💡 The Peacock Alley is a beautiful setting for tea.

hotel
🌙
Evening 19:00

Dinner at Bord'Eau

Bord'Eau, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14

💡 The terrace offers a lovely view over the Amstel River.

restaurant

Experience the timeless elegance of Amsterdam's royal and culinary traditions.

Day 6

Nature and Nurture

Breakfast 08:30

Breakfast at Hotel Seven One Seven

Hotel Seven One Seven, Prinsengracht 717

💡 Enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the canal.

restaurant
Morning 10:00

Day trip to Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof, Lisse

💡 Visit in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds.

nature
🍽
Lunch 13:00

Lunch at Restaurant De Kas

Restaurant De Kas, Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3

💡 The produce is grown on-site, ensuring absolute freshness.

restaurant
Afternoon 15:30

Spa treatment at Akasha Holistic Wellbeing

Conservatorium Hotel, Van Baerlestraat 27

💡 The signature Akasha treatment is a rejuvenating experience.

wellness
🌙
Evening 19:00

Dinner at Yamazato

Yamazato, Ferdinand Bolstraat 333

💡 The kaiseki menu is an exquisite introduction to Japanese haute cuisine.

restaurant

A day to reconnect with nature and indulge in rejuvenating experiences.

Day 7

Farewell to the Dutch Masters

Breakfast 09:00

Breakfast at The Lobby Nesplein

The Lobby Nesplein, Nes 49

💡 Their eggs benedict is a perfect morning treat.

restaurant
Morning 10:30

Visit to Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt House Museum, Jodenbreestraat 4

💡 Catch the etching demonstration for a creative insight into Rembrandt's techniques.

museum
🍽
Lunch 12:30

Lunch at La Rive

La Rive, Professor Tulpplein 1

💡 The riverside setting is as delightful as the cuisine.

restaurant
Afternoon 14:30

Shopping in the Nine Streets

Nine Streets, Amsterdam

💡 Look for unique Dutch designer pieces and antiques.

market
🌙
Evening 18:30

Dinner at Vermeer

Vermeer, Prins Hendrikkade 59-72

💡 End your trip with the chef's special tasting menu.

restaurant

Bid adieu to Amsterdam with a day that captures the essence of its artistic and cultural heritage.

The Table

Restaurants that define the destination.

Ciel Bleu

✦✦

The two-Michelin-starred dining experience offers panoramic views over Amsterdam, elevating the already stunning cuisine.

dinner $$$$

Restaurant Vinkeles

The historic setting in a 17th-century bakery enhances the exquisite Michelin-starred dining experience.

dinner $$$$

Spectrum

✦✦

This two-starred Michelin restaurant offers a sensory culinary journey with innovative dishes and exceptional service.

dinner $$$$

De Kas

Located in a greenhouse, this farm-to-table restaurant offers the freshest produce in a unique setting.

lunch $$$

RIJKS

Located in the Rijksmuseum, the restaurant offers creative dishes inspired by Dutch cuisine.

lunch $$$

The White Room

With its rich history and Michelin-starred cuisine, it provides a refined dining experience in an elegant setting.

dinner $$$$

Yamazato

The first traditional kaiseki restaurant outside Japan to be awarded a Michelin star, offering authentic Japanese dining.

dinner $$$$

Bridges

A Michelin-starred seafood restaurant with an innovative menu and a beautiful setting in the heart of Amsterdam.

lunch $$$$

Make It Extraordinary

Experiences beyond the obvious.

private tour

Private Canal Tour with Rederij de Jordaan

Experience Amsterdam's iconic canals in style with a private tour aboard a classic saloon boat, complete with a personal guide.

culinary

Cheese Tasting at Henri Willig Cheese Farm

Savor the finest Dutch cheeses, including unique varieties like truffle gouda, in a private tasting session at a renowned cheese farm.

nature

Day Trip to Keukenhof Gardens

Wander through millions of blooming flowers in the world's largest flower garden, a short drive from Amsterdam.

wellness

Spa Treatment at Akasha Holistic Wellbeing

Indulge in a luxurious spa experience at the Conservatorium Hotel, featuring treatments that blend Eastern and Western practices.

cultural

Exclusive Tour of the Van Gogh Museum

Explore the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's works with a private guide, avoiding the usual crowds.

private tour

Shopping in the Nine Streets

Discover unique boutiques and designer shops in Amsterdam's charming Nine Streets, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind fashion and gifts.

Amsterdam's allure lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the historic with the contemporary, offering luxury travelers an experience that is both deeply rooted in culture and undeniably modern. Whether you're savoring a Michelin-starred meal or wandering the city's storied streets, Amsterdam is a city that rewards the curious and indulges the discerning. Until next time, may your travels continue to inspire and delight.

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