city guide.
amsterdam
NEIGHBOURHOODS
CITY CENTRE
Greenery and picturesque streets; affordable restaurants, terrace bars; interiors, speciality and vintage stores; tourists gather at Dam Square and Royal Palace; local chains, mid-market retail and department stores; well-known coffee shops and booming nightlife
DE PIJP
Latin Quarter; 19th-century buildings; transcultural, trendy restaurants; streets are dotted with interiors boutiques; picturesque suburban living with a thriving coffee and bar culture
DE 9 STRAATJES
Speciality home, fashion and art boutiques fill the 9 Streets; hand-laid brick lanes; mix of trendy and traditional bars and cafes
EASTERN DOCKLANDS
Home to press bureaus and fashion and design showrooms; architect and artist studios; off-the-beaten-path boutiques and housewares shops on KNSM Island
LEIDSEPLEIN/SOUTH JORDAAN/CANALS
Happening nightlife scene; chic, moderately priced apparel shops; converted warehouses inhabited by students and business creatives; Canal Belt of elegant mansions fronting long, tree-lined canals
NOORD
Renovated hangars and shipping containers make for chic waterside hangouts; experimental theatre and outdoor events spaces; media company HQs and developing industrial centre accessed via a short ferry across the IJ
NORTH JORDAAN/CANALS
Narrow streets and peaceful canals; hipster area full of secondhand stores, boutiques and speciality shops; growing gallery and art studio scene; upscale restaurants
OOST
Upcoming area home to a wide range of restaurants and bars; new concept and independent stores; hotels and clubs with a raw, urban feel; home to young families due to affordability and availability of housing
OUD-ZUID
Amsterdam’s most exclusive shopping area, home to designer flagships and premium boutiques; the popular Vondelpark; busy museum district; historic architecture
SPITALFIELDS/BRICK LANE
Bustling markets and cutting-edge boutiques; vintage stores; great restaurants, the curry capital of London; vibrant nightlife
48-HOUR RECOMMENDATION
AMSTERDAM GUIDE | 48 HOURS
Wake up at...
The QO Amsterdam in the east of the city. Start your day enjoying all the comforts this new green hotel provides, then make your way up to the 21st floor to see the sunrise. The best places for breakfast or brunch in this part of town are Benji’s, NewWerktheater or Zoku. After a coffee fix, you’re close to Zeedijk, AKA China Town. This place is packed with local brand boutiques, small delis and some of the best Asian restaurants in the city. The area is turning into a hotspot for the young, with shops such as Patta, Pop Trading Company and other streetwear hits. After some shopping, it’s a 10-minute walk to the new Fashion for Good experience, where you can learn about the latest innovations in fashion sustainability.
Spend the afternoon...
Exploring de Jordaan. From the centre, it’s a short walk to this area, where you’ll find Toki. This is a favourite among local creatives and offers great meals, drinks and even better coffee. Don’t forget to visit one of the best shopping streets, de Haarlemmerstraat, where you’ll find boutiques such as Restored and Tenue de Nîmes. Stroll over the canals and through the maze of picturesque backstreets of this area as you make your way over to the CdG Pocket store, Tommy Page, Margriet Nannings and Pleasurements. Afterwards, follow the canals towards the 9 Streets area, where you’ll find a selection of art and design books at Mendo, the best of Amsterdam’s denim at Denham, and a great selection of delicate perfumes and cosmetics at Skins. Round off your afternoon with drinks at Soho House's Cecconi's
Spend the evening...
In De Pijp, a short walk from the 9 Streets area. Here you’ll find the best sustainable cuisine at Yerba. Or, have a true vegan fast-food feast at Vegan Junk Food Bar. If you’re still up for a night out, head over to Stedelijk Museum on a Friday for some contemporary art, or take a taxi west for a party at one of the city’s best nightclubs, De School.
Wake up at...
The QO Amsterdam in the east of the city. Start your day enjoying all the comforts this new green hotel provides, then make your way up to the 21st floor to see the sunrise. The best places for breakfast or brunch in this part of town are Benji’s, NewWerktheater or Zoku. After a coffee fix, you’re close to Zeedijk, AKA China Town. This place is packed with local brand boutiques, small delis and some of the best Asian restaurants in the city. The area is turning into a hotspot for the young, with shops such as Patta, Pop Trading Company and other streetwear hits. After some shopping, it’s a 10-minute walk to the new Fashion for Good experience, where you can learn about the latest innovations in fashion sustainability.
Spend the afternoon...
Exploring de Jordaan. From the centre, it’s a short walk to this area, where you’ll find Toki. This is a favourite among local creatives and offers great meals, drinks and even better coffee. Don’t forget to visit one of the best shopping streets, de Haarlemmerstraat, where you’ll find boutiques such as Restored and Tenue de Nîmes. Stroll over the canals and through the maze of picturesque backstreets of this area as you make your way over to the CdG Pocket store, Tommy Page, Margriet Nannings and Pleasurements. Afterwards, follow the canals towards the 9 Streets area, where you’ll find a selection of art and design books at Mendo, the best of Amsterdam’s denim at Denham, and a great selection of delicate perfumes and cosmetics at Skins. Round off your afternoon with drinks at Soho House's Cecconi's
Spend the evening...
In De Pijp, a short walk from the 9 Streets area. Here you’ll find the best sustainable cuisine at Yerba. Or, have a true vegan fast-food feast at Vegan Junk Food Bar. If you’re still up for a night out, head over to Stedelijk Museum on a Friday for some contemporary art, or take a taxi west for a party at one of the city’s best nightclubs, De School.
Wake up at...
One of the 28 bridge houses that Sweets Hotel has converted into the cutest, cosiest places to stay at in the city. For breakfast, make your way over to G’s Brunch Boat or its other locations in De Pijp or Jordaan. Enjoy the canals from the boat as you’re having eggs, a Bloody Mary and a good coffee. All fuelled up, enter a complete zen world of Japanese interior design at Time & Style nearby, and don’t miss its beautiful bonsai terrace. For more design, head back to Centrum and find X Bank for some Dutch fashion and design shopping.
Spend the afternoon...
Indulging in some contemporary art at either the Foam photography museum or Ron Mandos gallery. While in the area, check out the new Oallery store for Japanese streetwear and art. Maha is a must-see for exclusive sneakers and womenswear. For high-end fashion, visit Cowboys 2 Catwalk, just the place if you’re looking for avantgarde styles. Afura can also be found in the area. This shop is relatively new and caters to both men and women looking for premium, minimalist styles. An Amsterdam must-visit is Droog Design, a great store for some personal and gift shopping, as it offers some of the best Dutch design SWEETS Hotel products on the market.
Spend the evening...
Spend the evening... Discovering the northern part of the city. Take one of the free-of-charge ferries across the IJ river. Here, some of Amsterdam’s best restaurants are hiding in plain sight in a former industrial area. If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, make your way over to Coba. This taqueria has the best tacos in town, as well as a great cocktail menu. If you’re more of a pizza person, make your way to Klaproos or head over to the NDSM wharf and check out newly opened Ijver. Finish the evening with a drink and some live music at Pllek.
Wake up at...
One of the 28 bridge houses that Sweets Hotel has converted into the cutest, cosiest places to stay at in the city. For breakfast, make your way over to G’s Brunch Boat or its other locations in De Pijp or Jordaan. Enjoy the canals from the boat as you’re having eggs, a Bloody Mary and a good coffee. All fuelled up, enter a complete zen world of Japanese interior design at Time & Style nearby, and don’t miss its beautiful bonsai terrace. For more design, head back to Centrum and find X Bank for some Dutch fashion and design shopping.
Spend the afternoon...
Indulging in some contemporary art at either the Foam photography museum or Ron Mandos gallery. While in the area, check out the new Oallery store for Japanese streetwear and art. Maha is a must-see for exclusive sneakers and womenswear. For high-end fashion, visit Cowboys 2 Catwalk, just the place if you’re looking for avantgarde styles. Afura can also be found in the area. This shop is relatively new and caters to both men and women looking for premium, minimalist styles. An Amsterdam must-visit is Droog Design, a great store for some personal and gift shopping, as it offers some of the best Dutch design SWEETS Hotel products on the market.
Spend the evening...
Spend the evening... Discovering the northern part of the city. Take one of the free-of-charge ferries across the IJ river. Here, some of Amsterdam’s best restaurants are hiding in plain sight in a former industrial area. If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, make your way over to Coba. This taqueria has the best tacos in town, as well as a great cocktail menu. If you’re more of a pizza person, make your way to Klaproos or head over to the NDSM wharf and check out newly opened Ijver. Finish the evening with a drink and some live music at Pllek.
AMSTERDAM CITY GUIDE | FAST FACTS
AIRPORTS
AMSTERDAM AIRPORT SCHIPHOL (AMS)
This is Amsterdam’s main airport, located 8 miles (13km) southwest of
the city centre. Taxis into the city take 20 minutes and cost 45-50.*
The Netherlands Railways (NS) has a shuttle to Centraal Station that
leaves about every 15 minutes during peak hours and hourly during offpeak
hours. The trip takes about 20 minutes and costs 5.20 one-way
with a 1 surcharge for disposable tickets.
The Connexxion Hotel Shuttle runs daily every 10-30 minutes from 6am-
9pm between the airport and some 100 Amsterdam hotels. Reservations
aren’t necessary, and buses depart from in front of Schiphol Plaza.
Tickets may be purchased from the Connexxion desk inside Schiphol
Plaza or onboard from the driver for 17 one-way and 27 round-trip.
*Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up your bill to the nearest euro or leaving
an extra 5-10% is appreciated
Walking is the best way to explore the city’s relaxed rhythm. With the city's layout and
relatively small size, it’s possible to see almost every important sight on a four-hour walk.
Another popular option is to follow the Dutch example and rent a bike. Some rental
options include Mac Bike, Bike City and Star Bikes.
GVB Amsterdam, the city’s public transportation system of trams and buses, is a fast
way to get from one side of the city to another. It runs from approximately 6am to
midnight. Tickets can be bought as either day passes, by topping up an OV chip card
available to buy at all metro stations, or as single fares valid for an hour on all metro,
tram and bus routes. The easy-to-use 9292.nl provides a quick journey-planning service.
Taxis are available at any time of the day, and while there are stands sprinkled
throughout the city, it is often easier to call for a pickup service: try Taxi Centrale,
+31020 677 7777.
tipping guide
The Dutch government requires all taxes and service
charges to be included in the price. To be sure of
included charges, look for the words 'inclusief BTW en
service'. Additional tipping is optional, but appreciated.
Waitstaff: 5-10%
Bartender/Cocktail waitress: A few coins, or round up
to nearest euro; 1 per drink for extended service
Porter/Doorman: 1 per bag
SHOP HOURS
Stores are open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from
9am or 10am to 6pm; Thursday 9am or 10am to 9pm;
Saturday 9am or 10am to 5pm; and Sunday 12-5pm.*
*This is a general guideline as hours are flexible and different for
each store. Please check store websites or call for more specific
information
other
Time Zone: Central European: UTC +1/+2
Electricity: 220-240V
Common Language: Dutch
