Amsterdam City Guide

Amsterdam Sights

From windmills of yore to windows of porn.

Amsterdam has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore, from red light sleaze to bohemian chic to stately grandeur. The landscape is riddled with graceful bridges and eccentric churches, the air laden with carillon chimes. Most attractions are within the canal belt, so sightseeing is a breeze.

Amsterdam Nightlife

Party animals? Are you kidding? The Dutch INVENTED gin.

Even the most jaded culture vulture will be impressed by Amsterdam's selection of canalside pubs, hip-as-hell clubs, jazz venues and cutting-edge experimental theatre. Drop into a proeflokaal (brown cafe) for a couple of genevers (Dutch gins) or an ale or two.

Shopping Amsterdam

Delftware, vintage wear and where-are-we? herbs.

Set against a backdrop of scenic canals, gabled houses and cobblestone streets, clusters of hip boutiques, art galleries, and one-off speciality stores tout their trade. Renowned for its diamonds, flowers and Delftware, Amsterdam's real strengths are its directional fashion and homewares stores.

Frankendael

Significant house, Architectural highlight

As early as the 18th century, wealthy Amsterdammers would spend their summers in plush country retreats south of Plantage on a tract of drained land called Watergraafsmeer. The last survivor of this era is Frankendael, an elegant Louis XIV-style mansion; at the time of writing it was due to reopen in mid-2008 after a sweeping restoration.

Gassan Diamonds

Factory

A short walk from Waterlooplein, this vast workshop demonstrates how a rough, ungainly clump of rock is transformed into a girl's best friend. You'll get a quick primer in assessing the gems for quality, and ample opportunities to buy. The one-hour tour is the best of its kind in town.

Guan Yin Shrine

Religious/spiritual

Europe's first Chinese Imperial-style Buddhist temple is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Buddhist prophet. The ornate 'mountain gate' - an intriguing concept in the narrow confines of the Zeedijk, let alone in horizontal Holland - refers to the traditional setting of Buddhist monasteries. The middle section set back from the street was designed along principles of feng shui.