Amsterdam has got to be one of Europe's most beautiful city break capitals. And the beauty is small scale, admired more in the intimate gabled 17th century homes than in grand palaces and grandiose monuments.
Add a heady mix of highbrow culture and lowbrow fun (you know what we mean!) and Amsterdam is a truly great city break destination. The urge just to wander the charming canal streets is almost irresistible, and an experience that will linger long in the memory.
Stroll the Jordaan
The Jordaan area of Amsterdam was an old working class area that's now uber-fashionable with highly desirable and expensive homes. It's also a peaceful Amsterdam oasis, with attractive narrow streets, small canals, courtyards, gardens, arty shops and many traditional ‘brown’ pubs.
Famous ex-residents include Rembrandt, who lived on the Rozengracht. On the Noordermarkt there is the fine 17th century Noorderkerk (North church). A special route called ‘Jewels in the Jordaan’ takes you around attractive alleyways and canals.
Rembrandt House Museum
Rembrandt lived here for more than 20 years from 1639. A modern annex has a museum devoted to his life and work. Rembrandt’s rooms and his workshop have been reconstructed and there is an impressive collection of his etchings - his paintings are in the Rijksmuseum - and there's prints by other Dutch artists.
Stedelijk Museum
This is the permanent home of the Netherland's National Museum of Modern Art in Amsterdam and one of the greatest collections in the world. It's due to reopen in August 2008 after renovation. Along with big names of modern painting it has an exceptional collection from the de Stijl art movement and superb examples of Dutch photography and design. During renovation, works are exhibited on the Oosterdokskade, next to Centraal Station.
Visit the Stedelijk Museum
Diamond workshops
Amsterdam is one of the world's great diamond centres. There's around 20 working diamond factories, all with viewing facilities and, naturally, opportunities to buy. Gassen Diamonds is the best known in the Old Jewish Quarter. Another cluster of diamond centres are found near Museumplein and Vondelpark.
Heineken Experience
A brewery tour sounds a bit of a rip off but many speak highly of the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam. City break visitors learn about brewing history in the city, see Heineken commercials and get a ride on a bottling belt. It's all good fun and there is free beer at the end - 'sold' I hear you say! It closed as a working brewery 1988 and is now only used for tours. Expect big crowds in the summer and allow a good hour to get around.
The Heineken Experience Tour is closed for a major revamp and extension. It should reopen for the summer 2008
Rembrandt
Dutch diamonds
Jordaan trees
Heineken
Noorderkerk
