Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most singular cities, and complements its quirky spirit and handsome canals with a suitably eclectic range of hotels. Recently opened is the wonderful Canal House (Keizersgracht 148), offering 43 boutique-style rooms close to several of the key sights, while far longer-established but similarly appealing is Hotel Estheréa (Singel 303-309), set in a 17th-century building. On a more modern note, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam Centraal Station (Oosterdoksstraat 4) has a convenient location for rail passengers, while the three-star Hotel Amstelzicht (Amstel 104) is well suited for those looking to curtail costs.

Amsterdam’s shopping is as diverse as the city itself. De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) is a popular spot to hit for independent stores and vintage boutiques, as is P.C. Hooftstraat for luxury fashion outlets. Seek out Azzurro (P.C. Hooftstraat 138) for catwalk labels and designer shoes. Head to the pedestrianised Kalverstraat for mainstream shopping, while the floating flower market is well worth a visit.

Dutch cuisine centres around meat and potatoes, which can form the the basis of an excellent meal. Sample classic Dutch recipes with a modern twist at Haesje Claes (Spuistraat 275) and the largely organic Greetje (Peperstraat 23). Alternatively, explore the variety brought about by Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan nature at restaurants such as New King (Zeedijk 115-117) for Chinese food or Take Thai (Utrechtsestraat 87) for more Asian offerings. Take a trip to the home of the city’s beer at the Heineken Experience (Stadhouderskade 78), where you can sample at source.

King’s Day

27 April

Enjoy the expansive celebrations for King Willem-Alexander’s official birthday that include open-air concerts and innumerable street markets. Huge swathes of orange are accompanied by similar proportions of alcohol as Amsterdam swings into party mode.

Holland Festival

June

Amsterdam hosts the country’s oldest and largest performing arts festival, which throws up plenty of performances and shows ranging from operatic to theatrical and modern dance.

Open Garden Days

June

Every year over the third weekend of June some 30 canal-side gardens are made available for public access, meaning a side to the city that is usually a no-go can be seen and appreciated. Purchasing tickets is necessary, and each year there is a theme to the garden displays.

Grachtenfestival

August

Recognised musicians and newcomers alike have been given the platform to perform at Grachtenfestival since the 1990s, with events spread over 10 days and often held in incredibly attractive canal locations.

Amsterdam Dance Event

October

Some 350 dance and electronic music events are spread out over five nights, as Amsterdam plays host to what is billed as “the world’s biggest club festival”. Big name international DJs pull out all the stops while putting on a show for some 200,000 revellers.