The Netherlands Editor Picks

Few hotels capture the spirit of Amsterdam like the historic Ambassade, which manages to vaunt an "Old Europe" atmosphere without seeming stuffy. Its 59 rooms and suites span ten 17th- and 18th-century townhouses along the Herengracht, one of the city’s most picturesque canals. The location, within walking distance of medieval Dom Square and the Royal Palace, is an obvious draw, but the heart of the Ambassade's charm lies in its conspicuous appreciation for the arts. Antiques and original paintings from the mid-20th-century, avant-garde art movement CoBrA (an acronym for Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam) figure prominently throughout the property (Theo Wolvecamp and Karen Appel are both represented), and the hotel’s fantastic library includes tomes signed by famous guests like Umberto Eco, Marianne Pearl, and Salman Rushdie. The room you'll want to linger in, however, is the majestic, sun-lit breakfast room overlooking the canal. Order the traditional Dutch breakfast, a smorgasbord that includes tiny pancakes, Dutch and French cheeses, smoked halibut, fresh fruit, and champagne. 

With a list of contributing designers and architects that reads like a who’s who of contemporary Dutch design, the storied Lloyd, which was once an emigrant’s-only hotel, and later a prison, has become Amsterdam’s contemporary design hotel of choice. Quirky rooms – no two are alike – range in luxury from one to five stars, per size and amenities, and are priced accordingly. One-star rooms are small and have shared bathrooms, but the limited space has been well-utilized and all have water views. Five-star rooms, on the other hand, are massive and boast extremely unique amenities, like a grand piano and a bed wide enough to sleep eight! Common areas host cultural exhibitions that attract locals and endow the property with undeniable hipster street cred. All guests are invited to make use of the hotel’s Cultural Embassy, a concierge-type service dedicated to plugging visitors into Amsterdam’s thriving cultural scene.

Hotel 717 overflows with classic romance and the property’s eight large and elegant canal-side suites are sure to please. Gorgeous period antiques, in both common areas and guest rooms, evoke the city’s rich past while modern graces like Chopard bath products, Bang and Olufsen DVD players, and a library of musical CDs assure contemporary comfort. Extras elsewhere (ironing, shoe shines, house wines, afternoon tea and pastries, in-room refreshment cabinets, and sumptuous made to-order breakfasts) are included here, making it a premier choice for those in the know. And should you manage to pry yourself from this luxurious Amsterdam abode, posh shops, the city’s famous museums, and the hopping nightlife of the Leidseplein are only steps away.

Even if you’ve read the tale of this young teenager who went into hiding from the Nazis, visiting the canal house where it all happened can whack you right in the gut. Plan to go late in the day to avoid the long lines to tour the cramped rooms her family shared for two years.

The works of this deeply troubled genius (including Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and Self Portrait with Felt Hat) are on splendid exhibition in this building by noted Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld. Special cultural events take place Friday nights. The main exhibit is divided into five chronological periods, and the exhibition wing of his contemporaries is housed in Kisho Kurokawa's titanium-roofed creation.

Taking advantage of one of the world’s most dynamic architecture scenes, Architecture Center Amsterdam operates engaging tours of the city’s contemporary architectural highlights.

Sail up to this former historic distillery’s boat dock for a heady bier; then sit outside while the moonlight glows off the canal. On second thought, don’t go here – we don’t want our favorite “brown café” to be overrun!

The city’s grand former post office has been transformed into a fantastical shopping space with an atrium and Neo-Gothic arcades; expect a mixture of local designers and global brands.

Amsterdam is technically the capital of The Netherlands, but all the functions of the national government are in the Hague, a stately city studded with waterways, 13th-century monuments, fine museums, and the World Court.

This isn’t the only company that provides daily Amsterdam canal tours, but they’re the only one that eschews the touristy boats in favor of restored, classic salon boats.